Prevalence Of Major Risk Factors Research Articles

DeepForest-HTP: A Novel Deep Forest Approach for Predicting Antihypertensive Peptides

Hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affecting over 1.5 billion adults worldwide. Antihypertensive peptides (AHTPs) have gained attention as a natural therapeutic option with minimal side effects. This study proposes a Deep Forest-based machine learning framework for AHTP prediction, leveraging a multi-granularity cascade structure to enhance classification accuracy. We integrated data from BIOPEP-UWM and three previously used datasets, totaling 2000 peptide sequences, and introduced novel feature extraction methods to build a comprehensive dataset for model training.This study represents the first application of Deep Forest for AHTP identification, demonstrating substantial classification performance advantages over traditional methods (e.g., SVM, CNN, and XGBoost) as well as recent mainstream prediction models (Ensemble-AHTPpred, CNN-SVM Ensemble, and mAHTPred). Requiring no complex manual feature engineering, the model adapts flexibly to various data needs, offering a novel perspective for efficient AHTP prediction and promising utility in hypertension management.On the benchmark dataset, the model achieved high accuracy, sensitivity, and AUC, providing a robust tool for identifying safe and effective AHTPs. However, future efforts should incorporate larger and more diverse independent validation datasets to further improve the model and enhance its generalizability. Additionally, the model's predictive accuracy relies on known AHTP targets and sequence features, potentially limiting its ability to detect AHTPs with uncharacterized or atypical properties.

Prevalence of Major Risk Factors and Assessment of 10-Year Risk for Cardiovascular Diseases Among Adults in Yaoundé, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the 10-year cardiovascular risk in an adult population residing in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 10 purposively selected neighbourhoods of Yaoundé, involving one adult per household who consented to participate. We collected data on personal and family history, lifestyle and nutritional habits, anthropometric parameters, and blood pressure, and calculated prevalence rates with 95% CI. Results The study involved 411 participants (172 males) with a median age of 28 years (IQR 23-40 years). Prevalence of CVD risk factors in our study population werefamily history of heart attack (4.4%; 95% CI 2.8-6.8%), stroke (7.5%; 95% CI 5.3-10.5%), harmful alcohol consumption (40.4%; 95% CI 35.8-45.3%), current smoking (5.1%; 95% CI 3.3-7.7%), second-hand smoking (26.6%; 95% CI 22.6-31.1%), low physical activity (66.4; 95% CI 61.7- 70.8%), inadequate fruit/vegetable intake (36.6%; 95% CI 31.4-42.1%), self-reported anxiety (83.5%; 95% CI 79.6-86.8%) and depression (52.3%; 95% CI 47.4-57.1%), overweight (27.0%, 95% CI 22.9 to 31.5%), obesity (25.1%, 95% CI 21.1 to 29.5%), abdominal obesity (65.9%; 95% CI 61.1-70.2%), excess body fat (46.3%; 95% CI 41.4-51.1%), suspected prehypertension (58.3%; 95% CI 51.1-65%) and hypertension (41.8%; 95% CI 35-48.9%). Furthermore, 40% of overall participants had a moderate-to-high 10-year CVD risk. Independent factors such as a personal history of other chronic diseases and parental history of either diabetes or hypertension combined with behaviours like harmful alcohol consumption and mean blood pressure might significantly influence thecardiovascular risk of our study population Conclusion In Yaoundé, Cameroon, many adults have major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, with nearly one-third of young adults atmoderate to high risk of developing CVD within the next decade. Thus, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions to mitigate the risk of CVD.

E015 Importance of smoking cessation in rheumatological outcomes

Abstract Background/Aims Smoking is a major preventable risk factor for many rheumatological diseases and can influence the severity of symptoms in conditions such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis, giant cell arteritis (GCA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The increased risk due to smoking is dose dependent. The objective was to identify the proportion of patients with rheumatological conditions who smoke and to ensure that smoking cessation advice is given in line with NICE guidelines. Methods A retrospective qualitative study with data collected from electronic patient records (EPR) between September and November 2022 across multiple rheumatology clinics. Data included age, gender, smoking status, diagnosis, disease duration, comorbidities, treatment, and smoking advice status. Results 459 patients were analysed (68% female), of which 11% were smokers, 6% were ex-smokers, 83% were non-smokers, and 1 vapes regularly. Among the smokers, 72% were female. The median age was 61 years, with a range of 18-91 years. The commonest age range for all patients is 71-80 years, while the commonest age range among smokers was 41-50 years at 28%. The commonest disease duration among smokers is 1-5 years. The most common disease diagnosis among smokers were RA (30%), PsA (19%) and SLE (6%). Regarding disease activity among smokers, 36% had mild, 56% had moderate, and 8% had severe disease activity. Among the 12 patients with respiratory comorbidities; 6 had asthma, and 4 had COPD. Among the 21 patients with cardiovascular comorbidities; 13 had hypertension, and 6 had hypercholesterolaemia. For patients on cDMARDS, 26% were on methotrexate, 11% were on sulfasalazine, 9.4% were on hydroxychloroquine and 2% were on leflunomide. 13% were on prednisolone, while 7.5% had required methylprednisolone injections. 11% were on bDMARDs, most commonly adalimumab. Smoking cessation advice was documented in 4%, whereas 96% had no evidence of any smoking cessation advice. Conclusion This study illustrates the most common age range of smokers in this cohort was 41-50 years (28%), which was almost twice the equivalent national level (14.3% in 45-54 years). Nationally, the most common age range is 25-34 years (15.8%). Patients with rheumatological disease who smoked were of younger age compared to non-smokers, and smoking rates were higher in females compared to males. Smoking cessation advice was only documented in 4% of this cohort. This indicates much scope for improvement, and enhanced disease control in a population with multiple challenges, primarily socioeconomically. VBA (Very Brief Advice) has been shown to be the single most effective and clinically proven preventive action a clinical can give to patients in relation to smoking cessation. The NCSCT (National Centre for Smoking Cessation Training) encourages the 3A’s (ASK, ADVICE, ACT). Disclosure M. Osikoya-Yekini: None. W. Walshe: None. A. Bharadwaj: None. A. Nandagudi: None.

Examining the influence of global smoking prevalence on stroke mortality: insights from 27 countries across income strata

BackgroundThis study investigates the influence of Global Smoking Prevalence (GSP) on Stroke Death Rates (SDR) across 27 countries categorized into High-Income Countries (HIC), Upper Middle-Income Countries (UMIC), Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), and Low-Income Countries (LIC).MethodsAnalysing data from two distinct periods (1990–1999 and 2010–2019), countries exhibiting an increased SDR were selected. The study uses a polynomial regression model, treating income groups as cross-sectional and years as time series data.ResultsResults from the regression model reveal that 17 countries observed a significant impact of GSP on SDR, with only Turkey, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste resulting in negative values. However, the study emphasises that out of all 27 countries, the highest occurrence of the impact of GSP on SDR has been reported in the LMIC stratum for the period under review.ConclusionIt is evident that GSP affects the risk of incidence of stroke death, specifically in the LMIC stratum. Furthermore, it has been identified that GSP is a major preventable risk factor affecting global mortality. To mitigate the risk of stroke death attributable to smoking prevalence, necessary preventive steps should be adopted to encourage smoking cessation, and essential policies should be implemented to reduce the burden of SDR.

Impact of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and Aerobic Exercise on Patients Suffering With Hypertension: A Systematic Review.

Hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This reviewevaluates the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and aerobic exercise on blood pressure (BP) levels in hypertensive patients. This study incorporated research conducted between 2012 and 2020 that was found through a systematic literature search. The measures used to estimate the improvement in BP include the BP measurements, quality-of-life (QOL) scale, and plasma nitric oxide (NO) level. The examination of the review comprised eight studies. These encompassed studies involving individuals with a systolic BP (SBP) above 140 mmHg and a diastolic BP (DBP) above 90 mmHg; those falling within the age range of 40 to 60 years, including both genders; and patients on antihypertensive medications. The review of selected articles concluded that PEMFtherapy and aerobic exercise positively impact BP among individuals with hypertension. Aerobic exercises of moderate intensity including brisk walking, jogging, and cycling type of aerobic exercises help reduce BP and maintain patients' physical fitness. PEMF therapy is a complementary approach that affects the biological system and potential health, positively impacting BP. Results indicate that PEMF therapy can be a nonpharmacological method to manage BP in clinical populations. More thorough research is necessary to understand the best dosage, long-term effects, and comparison between PEMF therapy and aerobic exercise.

The Italian National Institute of Health helpline to quit tobacco and nicotine dependence: 20 years of activity.

Tobacco use is one of the world's leading preventable causes of death and is a major preventable risk factor of non-communicable diseases. Although smokers are aware of the health risks, their attempts to quit often fail, primarily due to the strong nicotine and/or tobacco dependence. Antismoking helplines have become an integral part of tobacco control efforts in many countries. In Italy, the ISS Antismoking Helpine is active since 2000. The professional staff of the ISS Antismoking Helpline have gathered socio-demographic and smoking-related data via an electronic form, related to the received calls. The collected data have been processed in a dedicated database and analyzed to monitor the use and the quality of the service. In this study, a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to inform about the activity of the helpline over the years. From May 2003 to June 2023 the helpline received 99,423 calls. Most smokers called to receive "support to quit" (82.6%). Counselling was provided in 11.4% of cases, and in the last two years has been strongly increased (40.0% of cases). The percentage of users requesting information on emerging tobacco and nicotine products is 1.2%, even if in 2023 this percentage has risen significantly (6.0%). Two legislative measures (in 2012 and in 2016) required to add the helpline number to all packets of tobacco cigarettes. Accordingly, the offer of counselling increased from 2.6% to 12.2%. The available resources in tobacco control, including the helpline, are still not sufficient to meet all the users needs. Adequate policies and stable funding to fight tobacco and nicotine dependence need increased commitment from government institutions to ensure equal access to treatments for all Italian citizens.

A comparison of electrocardiographic parameters in e-cigarette users, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers

BackgroundSmoking is a major preventable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Tobacco smoking induces atherosclerosis, ischemic heart diseases, and arrhythmias. The impact of electronic cigarettes on cardiovascular health is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the electrocardiographic parameters in chronic electronic cigarette users compared to chronic conventional cigarette smokers and a non-smoker control group of matched age and gender.ResultsThe study involved 105 volunteers with no history of chronic or cardiovascular diseases or cardioactive drug use. Participants were assigned into three study groups, chronic e-cigarette users, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers, each consisting of 35 participants. Demographic data, smoking history, vital signs, and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were evaluated. Demographic data were insignificantly different among all study groups. The mean heart rate was significantly higher in chronic electronic cigarette users and conventional cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001).QRS complex duration was significantly shorter in e-cigarette users and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). Prolonged QT and QTc intervals duration were recorded in e-cigarette users and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). All the ventricular repolarization indices (T wave—peak to T-end (Tpe) interval, TPe/QT ratio, and TPe/QTc ratio were significantly prolonged in chronic e-cigarette users, and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). Mean systolic, diastolic blood pressure, P wave amplitude and duration, and PR interval were insignificantly different between all groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsChronic e-cigarette use is associated with higher heart rates, shorter QRS complex, prolonged QT, QTc duration, and prolonged ventricular repolarization indices compared to non-smokers of matched age and gender. Conclusively, e-cigarette use is associated with negative cardiovascular effects like conventional cigarette smoking.

Triglyceride level as a potential marker of residual cardiovascular risk and its relation to HeartScore.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) are still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Elevated LDL-cholesterol is established as a strong marker of cardiovascular risk. Some researchers believe that measuring triglyceride levels gives a good assessment of the residual risk for ASCVD besides the measurement of LDL-cholesterol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall prevalence of major risk factors for ASCVD, lipid profile and 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk using the HeartSCORE scoring system. Further, we want to evaluate the prevalence and relationship between elevated triglyceride levels and high 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk calculated as a HeartSCORE. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 832 volunteers aged between 40 and 65 years without a diagnosis of diabetes and without known preexisting cardiovascular disease, as a part of the preventive program conducted at the Family Medicine office. Data were collected for ASCVD risk factors and lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides). 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk was calculated using the HeartSCORE scoring system for countries with high CV risk. Among 832 participants included, 565 (67.9%) were female, and 267 (32.1%) were male. We found high prevalence of hypertension (27.7%), obesity (32.2%), and smoking (36.2%). All lipid parameters, except HDL-C, were not optimal. Only 17.4% of participants had normal estimated HeartSCORE risk, while more than one-third (33.9%) had high or very high estimated HeartSCORE risk. Although we found a higher percentage of participants with elevated triglycerides in groups with higher HeartSCORE, there was a very weak positive correlation between values of triglycerides and the 10-year risk of a fatal cardiovascular event (r= 0.249, p= 0.000). The high prevalence of major known risk factors and high estimated HeartSCORE risk indicate a high overall risk for ASCVD in the sample. The proportion of participants with elevated triglycerides was increased in patients with high HeartSCORE risk what implicates importance of triglyceride measurement.

Assessing the contribution of nine preventable risk factors attributed to the burden of early onset colorectal cancer in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

Alarming trends in the incidence and prevalence of early onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) have been noted, with the highest increases in regions with a high-middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI), including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. This study aims to assess the contribution of nine preventable risk factors attributed to the burden of early onset colorectal cancer in GCC countries. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 was the source of our data. This database offers comprehensive and accessible epidemiological information on 369 diseases and injuries, along with 87 risk factors, from 1990 to 2019. Nine EO-CRC risk factors were included in the study. In 2019, the highest attributable proportions of risk factors for male EO-CRC werehigh-body mass index ranging from (20.43% to 26.21%). The second highest attributable proportions of risk factors for EO-CRC in male was the diet low in milk, and the first highest attributable proportions of risk factors for EO-CRC for female was the diet low in milk. The attributable proportions of physical inactivity risk factor were consistently higher among female in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, while it was slightly lower among higher among male in United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain. This study highlights the significant role of high-body mass index and low milk consumption as major preventable risk factors for early onset colorectal cancer in GCC countries. Promoting healthier lifestyles and physical activity can help control BMI levels and reduce the incidence of EO-CRC.

Association of gamma-tocopherol serum concentrations and blood pressure among adults in the United States: a cross-sectional study.

hypertension is one of the major preventable risk factors for numerous diseases. The role of vitamin E in blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. We aimed to investigate the relationship between gamma-tocopherol serum concentration (GTSC) and BP. Data from 15,687 US adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. The correlations of GTSC with systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and prevalence of hypertension were investigated by multivariate logistic regression models, generalized summation models, and fitted smoothing curves. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate possible effect modifiers between them. With each natural log increase in GTSC, SBP, and DBP increased by 1.28 mmHg (β 1.28, 95% CI 0.71-1.84) and 1.15 mmHg (β 1.15, 95% CI 0.72-1.57), respectively, both P for trend < 0.001; the prevalence of hypertension increased by 12% (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.22), P for trend 0.008. In subgroup analysis, in drinkers, with each natural log increase in GTSC, SBP, and DBP increased by 1.77 mmHg (β 1.77,95% CI 1.13-2.41) and 1.37 mmHg (β 1.37,95% CI 0.9-1.85), respectively, whereas they were not correlated in non-drinkers. GTSC was linearly and positively associated with SBP, DBP, and the prevalence of hypertension, and alcohol consumption may modify the relationship of GTSC with SBP and DBP.

A modern day perspective on smoking in peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, poor functional status, and lower quality of life. Cigarette smoking is a major preventable risk factor for PAD and is strongly associated with a higher risk of disease progression, worse post-procedural outcomes, and increased healthcare utilization. The arterial narrowing due to atherosclerotic lesions in PAD leads to decreased perfusion to the limbs and can ultimately cause arterial obstruction and limb ischemia. Endothelial cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and arterial stiffness are among the key events during the development of atherogenesis. In this review, we discuss the benefits of smoking cessation among patients with PAD and the use of smoking cessation methods including pharmacological treatment. Given that smoking cessation interventions remain underutilized, we highlight the importance of incorporating smoking cessation treatments as part of the medical management of patients with PAD. Regulatory approaches to reduce the uptake of tobacco product use and support smoking cessation have the potential to reduce the burden of PAD.

E-Cigarette Aerosol Condensate Leads to Impaired Coronary Endothelial Cell Health and Restricted Angiogenesis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with cigarette smoking being a major preventable risk factor. Smoking cessation can be difficult due to the addictive nature of nicotine and the withdrawal symptoms following cessation. Electronic cigarettes (e-Cigs) have emerged as an alternative smoking cessation device, which has been increasingly used by non-smokers; however, the cardiovascular effects surrounding the use of e-Cigs remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of e-Cig aerosol condensate (EAC) (0 mg and 18 mg nicotine) in vitro on human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and in vivo on the cardiovascular system using a mouse model of 'e-vaping'. In vitro results show a decrease in cell viability of HCAEC when exposed to EAC either directly or after exposure to conditioned lung cell media (p < 0.05 vs. control). Reactive oxygen species were increased in HCAEC when exposed to EAC directly or after exposure to conditioned lung cell media (p < 0.0001 vs. control). ICAM-1 protein expression levels were increased after exposure to conditioned lung cell media (18 mg vs. control, p < 0.01). Ex vivo results show an increase in the mRNA levels of anti-angiogenic marker, FKBPL (p < 0.05 vs. sham), and endothelial cell adhesion molecule involved in barrier function, ICAM-1 (p < 0.05 vs. sham) in murine hearts following exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol treatment containing a higher amount of nicotine. Immunohistochemistry also revealed an upregulation of FKBPL and ICAM-1 protein expression levels. This study showed that despite e-Cigs being widely used for tobacco smoking cessation, these can negatively impact endothelial cell health with a potential to lead to the development of cardiovascular disease.

Fat-to-heart crosstalk in health and disease.

According to the latest World Health Organization statistics, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death globally. Due to the rise in the prevalence of major risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity, the burden of CVD is expected to worsen in the decades to come. Whilst obesity is a major and consistent risk factor for CVD, the underlying pathological molecular communication between peripheral fat depots and the heart remains poorly understood. Adipose tissue (AT) is a major endocrine organ in the human body, with composite cells producing and secreting hormones, cytokines, and non-coding RNAs into the circulation to alter the phenotype of multiple organs, including the heart. Epicardial AT (EAT) is an AT deposit that is in direct contact with the myocardium and can therefore influence cardiac function through both mechanical and molecular means. Moreover, resident and recruited immune cells comprise an important adipose cell type, which can create a pro-inflammatory environment in the context of obesity, potentially contributing to systemic inflammation and cardiomyopathies. New mechanisms of fat-to-heart crosstalk, including those governed by non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles, are being investigated to deepen the understanding of this highly common risk factor. In this review, molecular crosstalk between AT and the heart will be discussed, with a focus on endocrine and paracrine signaling, immune cells, inflammatory cytokines, and inter-organ communication through non-coding RNAs.

Age, Period, and Cohort Analysis of Smoking Intensity Among Current Smokers in Malaysia, 1996-2015.

Tobacco use is one of the major preventable risk factors for premature death and disability worldwide. Understanding the trend of tobacco use over time is important for informed policy making. The present study aimed to examine the changes in mean daily cigarette consumption among random samples of the Malaysian current smoker population over 20 years using an age-period-cohort (APC) approach. We conducted APC analysis using a multilevel hierarchical age-period-cohort model and data from four nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional surveys (National Health and Morbidity Survey) conducted in 1996, 2006, 2011, and 2015 among individuals aged 18 to 80 years. Analyses were also stratified by gender and ethnicity. Overall, mean daily cigarette consumption (smoking intensity) among current smokers increased with age until 60, after which a drop was observed. There were increases in daily cigarette consumption across birth cohorts. Age and cohort trends did not vary by gender but by ethnicity. The decreasing cigarette consumption after age 60 among the current smoker population was consistent with those observed among the Chinese and Indians, a trend that was not observed in Malays and other aborigines. In contrast, the increasing cohort trend was consistent with those observed among the Malays and other bumiputras. The present study highlighted important ethnic-specific trends for mean daily cigarette consumption among the current smoker population in Malaysia. These findings are essential in guiding the formulation of interventional strategies or implementation of national tobacco control policies and help achieve the Ministry of Health Malaysia's 2025 and 2045 targets for smoking prevalence. This is the first APC study on smoking intensity among current smokers in a multiracial, middle-income nation. Very few studies had performed gender- and ethnic-stratified APC analyses. The ethnic-stratified APC analyses provide useful insights into the overall age and cohort trends observed among the current smoker population in Malaysia. Therefore, the present study could add evidence to the existing literature on the APC trends of smoking intensity. The APC trends are also important in guiding the government to develop, implement, and evaluate antismoking strategies.

MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AT A YOUNG AGE: ANALYSIS OF CLINICAL CASES FROM THE DUPLEX REGISTRY DATABASE

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze clinical cases of myocardial infarction occurring at a young age within a sample of patients from the Duplex registry database (n=2548), to assess the prevalence of major risk factors and comorbid conditions. Specifically, patients under the age of 45 were selected (n=351). Patients who experienced post-myocardial infarction were identified using data from clinical and anamnestic records, in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision - their proportion was 0.85% (n=3) (all male patients; mean age 35 ± 1.4 years). Two out of three were smokers and had other traditional risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and overweight. In addition, patients had important comorbid diseases: morbid obesity, lymphogranulomatosis, hepatitis with transformation to liver cirrhosis. All of them had confirmed atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities. Probably one of the main precipitating factors for myocardial infarction development in them was a hereditary predisposition due to a burdened family history, although none of them met the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria for familial hyperlipidemia and none of them underwent genetic testing. A better understanding of risk factors and pathophysiological pathways in young adults may improve strategies for both preventing and treating myocardial infarction in this patient group. Raising awareness can help identify young individuals at higher risk and determine primary prevention strategies. However, the identification of patients with premature coronary artery disease by screening for traditional risk factors does not effectively identify patients at risk prior to the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Additional studies are needed to evaluate new risk factors and apply additional imaging techniques so that these patients can be identified before myocardial infarction occurs.

Prognostic mathematical models of the development of chronic non-viral liver diseases

Chronic non-viral liver diseases are one of the most pressing problems of modern internal medicine. Over the past two decades, there has been a steady increase in diseases of this group due to the widespread prevalence of major risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, irrational use of medications, etc. Since most of the patients represent the most able-bodied and active part of the population, this circumstance inevitably leads to significant financial, economic and humanitarian losses, which gives the problem acute social significance. The purpose of the study. To develop mathematical prognostic models of the development of the most common chronic non-viral liver pathology using the most important predictors of these diseases. Material and methods. The contingent included in the study consisted of 412 young and middle-aged men, 138 of them with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 50 with alcoholic liver disease, 157 with alcoholic-metabolic fatty liver disease and 67 people without pathology. The subjects were measured anthropometric indicators (height, body weight, calculation of body mass index, waist circumference), determination of the type of alcohol consumption according to the AUDIT questionnaire, the level of physical activity according to the IPAQ questionnaire. In the biochemical study of blood serum, the parameters of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, total and direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, glucose, insulin, and lipid spectrum were determined. The study of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the intestinal microbiome was carried out by sowing feces on nutrient media, followed by the determination of the species of microorganisms and the assessment of their quantitative content using microscopy. Ultrasound examination of the hepatobiliary zone included measuring the main sizes of the right and left lobes of the liver, as well as identifying the main signs of diffuse liver damage. To assess steatosis and liver fibrosis, a FibroScan 530 device was used with the functions of evaluating the parameter of controlled attenuation of ultrasound and transient elastography by controlled vibration. Statistical processing and analysis of the results obtained were performed using the StatTech 2.8.8 program. Results. Mathematical prognostic models have been developed to determine the probability of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic-metabolic fatty liver disease. All the regression models obtained were statistically significant with sensitivity and specificity of more than 90%. AUROC diagnostic accuracy values exceeded 0.9 units, which characterizes the quality of diagnostic models as excellent. Conclusions. The use of mathematical prognostic models using publicly available data from objective and laboratory research methods allows optimizing the diagnosis of chronic non-viral liver diseases.

Prevalence, General and Periodontal Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in China.

There is insufficient information about the prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the Chinese adult population. We aimed to assess the prevalence and identify the risk factors of GERD in China. We collected data from a nationally representative sample (50,991 subjects) of Chinese adults from a large nation-wide cross-sectional survey. GERD was diagnosed by a standardized Chinese-language GERD questionnaire with a score of ≥ 8. The demographic characteristics, comorbidities and periodontal factors of all participants were collected. Fifty-thousands-one-hundred-eighty-three participants were finally included in this study. The overall prevalence of GERD was 5.6% (95% CI, 5.4-5.8%) among the general Chinese population aged 20 years or older. Women, smokers, and people with older age, BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, urban residence, lower education level or comorbidities were more prevalent with GERD (p < 0.001). Symptoms of severe periodontitis (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.28-1.52, p < 0.001) and lower frequency of tooth brushing (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.76-2.29, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with risk of GERD. Symptom-based GERD is highly prevalent in the Chinese population. Overweight and smoking are major preventable risk factors for GERD. Periodontal factors are novel potential risk factors for GERD and should be given more attention in GERD prevention.

We are preventing some dementias now-But how? The Potamkin lecture.

Most dementias are untreatable and their prevalence is increasing around the world. However, the incidence of dementia is declining in some countries. We need to find out urgently why and how and apply the lessons promptly and widely. Given the multiplicity and variability of environmental, socioeconomic, and individual risk and protective factors, the approach needs to be comprehensive, customized to work in a particular setting, and cost effective, to justify the needed funding. Stroke, heart disease, and dementia share the same major preventable risk and protective factors and pose risks for each other. Preventing them together might result in efficiencies and economies of scale. Prevention can best occur in existing actionable population health units through established leaders in government, non-governmental organizations, and the community, around a positive message of promoting brain health as the key to health, productivity, and well-being.

Effects of telemedicine interventions on essential hypertension: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionEssential hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for early cardiovascular disease, premature death and disability. It has been reported that telemedicine interventions can provide an innovative solution to essential...

Primary Aldosteronism and Ischemic Heart Disease.

Cardiovascular disease, in particular ischemic heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Primary aldosteronism is the leading cause of secondary hypertension, yet commonly under diagnosed, and represents a major preventable risk factor. In contrast to historical teaching, recent studies have shown that excess aldosterone production is associated with increased burden of ischemic heart disease disproportionate to the effects caused by hypertension alone. Aldosterone through its genomic and non-genomic actions exerts various detrimental cardiovascular changes contributing to this elevated risk. Recognition of primary hyperaldosteronism and understanding the distinctive pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease in primary aldosteronism is crucial to develop strategies to improve outcomes.