Incidence Risk Research Articles

The Association between Gallstone Disease and Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Gallstone Disease (GSD) is a multifactorial risk factor for various complications. This study aimed to examine the relationship between GSD and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) incidence through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. A thorough search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Only studies published between 1980 and December 2023 were included. Chi-square, I2, and forest plots were used to assess heterogeneity. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate publication bias. Statistical significance was considered at p <0.05, and all analyses were performed using Stata 17. This meta-analysis involved 21 studies and comprised 2,138,282 participants; there has been a significant association found between GSD and an increased risk of CVD (with a relative risk of 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-1.63, p <0.001). The analysis found no evidence of publication bias based on Begg's test (p =0.085) and Egger's test (p =0.231). Subgroup analysis of the studies showed a higher risk of CVD in studies with a sample size of less than 10,000 participants, conducted in 2016 or later, utilizing a cross-sectional design, in Asian countries; the analysis had a moderate quality score, with a follow-up period of equal to or less than ten years. There has been a significant association found between GSD and an increased risk of incidence of CVD. Taking proactive steps to implement targeted interventions for individuals with gallstone disease could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease within this population.

Machine learning in the prevention of heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic with a growing prevalence and is a growing burden on the healthcare system. Machine learning (ML) has the potential to revolutionize medicine and can be applied in many different forms to aid in the prevention of symptomatic HF (stage C). HF prevention currently has several challenges, specifically in the detection of pre-HF (stage B). HF events are missed in contemporary models, limited therapeutic options are proven to prevent HF, and the prevention of HF with preserved ejection is particularly lacking. ML has the potential to overcome these challenges through existing and future models. ML has limitations, but the many benefits of ML outweigh these limitations and risks in most scenarios. ML can be applied in HF prevention through various strategies such as refinement of incident HF risk prediction models, capturing diagnostic signs from available tests such as electrocardiograms, chest x-rays, or echocardiograms to identify structural/functional cardiac abnormalities suggestive of pre-HF (stage B HF), and interpretation of biomarkers and epigenetic data. Altogether, ML is able to expand the screening of individuals at risk for HF (stage A HF), identify populations with pre-HF (stage B HF), predict the risk of incident stage C HF events, and offer the ability to intervene early to prevent progression to or decline in stage C HF. In this narrative review, we discuss the methods by which ML is utilized in HF prevention, the benefits and pitfalls of ML in HF risk prediction, and the future directions.

Exploring key factors for long-term vessel incident risk prediction

Factor analysis acts a pivotal role in enhancing maritime safety. Most previous studies conduct factor analysis within the framework of incident-related label prediction, where the developed models can be categorized into short-term and long-term prediction models. The long-term models offer a more strategic approach, enabling more proactive risk management, compared to the short-term ones. Nevertheless, few studies have devoted to rigorously identifying the key factors for the long-term prediction and undertaking comprehensive factor analysis. Hence, this study aims to delve into the key factors for predicting the incident risk levels in the subsequent year given a specific datestamp. The majority of candidate factors potentially contributing to the incident risk are collected from vessels’ historical safety performance data spanning up to five years. An improved embedded feature selection method, which integrates Random Forest classifier with a feature filtering process, is proposed to identify key risk-contributing factors from the candidate pool. A dataset with information of 131,652 vessels collected from 2015 to 2023 is utilized for case study. The results demonstrate superior performances of the proposed method in incident prediction and factor interpretability. Comprehensive analysis is conducted upon the key factors, which could help maritime stakeholders formulate management strategies for incident prevention.

8425 Cancer Risk in Transgender Veterans Undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in a Single Medical Center

Abstract Disclosure: A. Vanasco: None. A. Chitnavis: None. K.L. Vinales: None. R.R. Correa: None. Background: The risk of cancer in the transgender patients while on Gender Affirming Therapy is still a source of safety concern among healthcare professionals. We aimed to assess the cancer incidence and potential risk factors in this population. Methods: An initial cohort of 428 charts within the Phoenix VA Healthcare System from January 1990 through October 2023 were identified using ICD codes consistent with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. From this initial cohort, we completed a chart review of 94 patients who received GAHT through the endocrinology department. The collected information included type of cancer diagnosis, self-reported GAHT start date if not at the Phoenix VA, and risk factors for cancer (HPV, HIV, smoking history) along with recommended cancer screening, like latest mammogram, pap smear, and colonoscopy. Results: We identified 67 transgender women and 27 transgender men, 53.8± 16.0 and 43.8 years ± 12.6 years-old, with an average of 10 years of GAHT (10.1±7.4 years for estradiol therapy and 10.2±4.4 years for testosterone therapy, range 0.5-44 years of use). Cancer was diagnosed in 18 (27.7%) transgender women, including 8 skin, 3 lung, 2 prostate, 2 tongue, 1 thyroid, 1 musculoskeletal, 1 sinus, 1 bladder cancer. Among our transgender women, 37% were current and 33% were prior smokers. Two (3.0%) were HPV positive and both had cancer diagnoses, while two (3.0%) were HIV positive and neither had a cancer diagnosis. 19 (28.4%) underwent colonoscopies with benign results and 48 (71.6%) were untested. 21 (31.3%) underwent mammograms with benign findings, 1 (1.5%) had a mastectomy and reconstruction, and 45 (67.2%) were untested. Cancer was diagnosed in 3 (10.3%) transgender men, and included 2 skin, 1 breast, 1 cervical cancer. 4 (14.8%) were HPV positive, none of which had cancer. Forty percent of the transgender men were active smokers and an additional 30% were prior smokers. None were HIV positive. 8 (29.6%) underwent colonoscopy, 7 of which were benign and 1 pending results, and 19 (70.1%) were untested. Three (11.1%) underwent mammograms with benign findings, 16 (59.3%) had bilateral mastectomies, and 8 (29.6%) were untested. Eleven (40.7%) had pap smears with 10 benign findings and 1 ASCUS, 11 (40.7%) had hysterectomies, and 5 (18.5%) were untested. Conclusion: Our study sheds light on cancer incidence in transgender veterans undergoing GAHT. Incidence of cancer was higher in transgender women than transgender men, and the leading type of cancer for both groups was of the skin, not considered a GAHT risk. Significant numbers of both transgender men and women did not receive recommended health screenings, highlighting the need for improved education of screening importance. Presentation: 6/2/2024

6683 The Interrelationship of Baseline Vitamin K and Vitamin D Status on Incident Fractures: Results from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL)

Abstract Disclosure: S.H. Chou: None. S.L. Booth: None. D. Ratnarajah: None. N. Cook: None. G. Kotler: None. X. Fu: None. J. Buring: None. J.E. Manson: None. M.S. LeBoff: None. Vitamin D and vitamin K have interdependent roles in bone metabolism. We recently reported that, in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL), daily supplemental vitamin D (2000 IU/d) vs. placebo did not reduce fracture risk in 25,871 U.S. men (aged ≥50) and women (aged ≥55).[1] While vitamin D stimulates transcription and translation of osteocalcin (OC) and matrix Gla protein (MGP), vitamin K is needed to carboxylate and activate these proteins. Older adults tend to have low vitamin K intakes, and low vitamin K status may attenuate effects of vitamin D on bone. In this VITAL ancillary study, we tested in a case-cohort sample of 1,162 participants with fractures and an age-sex-matched subcohort size of 2,652, whether baseline low vitamin K status, alone or in combination with lower 25(OH) vitamin D level, predicts incident total, non-vertebral, and hip fractures. The mean (±SD) age of participants was 68.3±7.2 years, 61.5% were female, and 81.7% was Non-Hispanic White. Fractures were reported on annual questionnaires and adjudicated through medical record review. To assess vitamin K function, percent undercarboxylated OC (%ucOC) and dephosphorylated undercarboxylated MGP ([dp]ucMGP) were measured in fasting baseline blood samples, with %ucOC calculated from measures of ucOC and total OC. Higher levels of %ucOC and (dp)ucMGP indicate lower vitamin K status. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by LC-MS/MS and vitamin K biomarkers by sandwich ELISAs (IDS-iSYS Multi-Discipline Automated System). Participants with incident fracture had higher baseline vitamin K status, as assessed by (dp)ucMGP levels, but this was not corroborated by %ucOC. Compared to participants with low baseline vitamin K status and baseline 25(OH) vitamin D levels below the median (30.0 ng/mL), participants with higher baseline vitamin K and D status had a similar incidence of total and non-vertebral fractures. For the 91 hip fracture cases, baseline status of vitamin K and D did not predict hip fracture incidence. In this ancillary study, low vitamin K status by (dp)ucMGP and %ucOC, alone or in combination with baseline 25(OH) vitamin D levels below the median, was not associated with increased fracture incidence. Ongoing analyses are assessing whether phylloquinone levels as another vitamin K biomarker predict incident fracture risk. Furthermore, we have also previously shown that the effects of supplemental vitamin D on total and hip fractures were not modified by baseline vitamin K status in VITAL, the largest randomized controlled trial of supplemental vitamin D vs. placebo on fractures. From our findings in VITAL, higher vitamin K status does not protect against fractures. 1. LeBoff MS, et al. NEJM. 2022. Presentation: 6/1/2024

9275 The Interrelationship of Baseline Vitamin K and Vitamin D Status on Incident Fractures: Results from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL)

Abstract Disclosure: S.H. Chou: None. S.L. Booth: None. D. Ratnarajah: None. N. Cook: None. G. Kotler: None. X. Fu: None. J. Buring: None. J.E. Manson: None. M.S. LeBoff: None. Vitamin D and vitamin K have interdependent roles in bone metabolism. We recently reported that, in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL), daily supplemental vitamin D (2000 IU/d) vs. placebo did not reduce fracture risk in 25,871 U.S. men (aged ≥50) and women (aged ≥55).[1] While vitamin D stimulates transcription and translation of osteocalcin (OC) and matrix Gla protein (MGP), vitamin K is needed to carboxylate and activate these proteins. Older adults tend to have low vitamin K intakes, and low vitamin K status may attenuate effects of vitamin D on bone. In this VITAL ancillary study, we tested in a case-cohort sample of 1,162 participants with fractures and an age-sex-matched subcohort size of 2,652, whether baseline low vitamin K status, alone or in combination with lower 25(OH) vitamin D level, predicts incident total, non-vertebral, and hip fractures. The mean (±SD) age of participants was 68.3±7.2 years, 61.5% were female, and 81.7% was Non-Hispanic White. Fractures were reported on annual questionnaires and adjudicated through medical record review. To assess vitamin K function, percent undercarboxylated OC (%ucOC) and dephosphorylated undercarboxylated MGP ([dp]ucMGP) were measured in fasting baseline blood samples, with %ucOC calculated from measures of ucOC and total OC. Higher levels of %ucOC and (dp)ucMGP indicate lower vitamin K status. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by LC-MS/MS and vitamin K biomarkers by sandwich ELISAs (IDS-iSYS Multi-Discipline Automated System). Participants with incident fracture had higher baseline vitamin K status, as assessed by (dp)ucMGP levels, but this was not corroborated by %ucOC. Compared to participants with low baseline vitamin K status and baseline 25(OH) vitamin D levels below the median (30.0 ng/mL), participants with higher baseline vitamin K and D status had a similar incidence of total and non-vertebral fractures. For the 91 hip fracture cases, baseline status of vitamin K and D did not predict hip fracture incidence. In this ancillary study, low vitamin K status by (dp)ucMGP and %ucOC, alone or in combination with baseline 25(OH) vitamin D levels below the median, was not associated with increased fracture incidence. Ongoing analyses are assessing whether phylloquinone levels as another vitamin K biomarker predict incident fracture risk. Furthermore, we have also previously shown that the effects of supplemental vitamin D on total and hip fractures were not modified by baseline vitamin K status in VITAL, the largest randomized controlled trial of supplemental vitamin D vs. placebo on fractures. From our findings in VITAL, higher vitamin K status does not protect against fractures. 1. LeBoff MS, et al. NEJM. 2022. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Helicobacter pylori and Its Treatment Impact on Immune-Mediated Ocular Diseases

ABSTRACT Purpose Helicobacter pylori (HP), which colonizes exclusively in the gastrointestinal tract, has been reported to dysregulate the immune response and gives rise to several extra-gastrointestinal autoimmune disorders. However, the relationship between HP and immune-mediated ocular diseases remains ambiguous. This study aims to clarify the association between immune-mediated ocular diseases and HP infection, as well as the impact of HP treatment on the incidence of immune-mediated ocular diseases. Methods This is a retrospective population-based study using National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Patients with newly diagnosed peptic ulcer disease or HP infection between 2009 and 2015 were identified as HP group and compared to the non-HP group with one-to-one exact matching. Moreover, the incident risk of immune-mediated ocular diseases and its two subgroups (ocular surface and orbital inflammation group, intraocular inflammation group) were compared in HP patients with or without treatment. Results A total of 1,030,119 subjects in the non-HP group and 1,030,119 patients in the HP group were enrolled. The incidence rate of immune-mediated ocular diseases was significantly higher in the HP group (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.534–2.547). The incident rate ratio was significantly higher in HP with treatment than without treatment (HR: 1.654, 95% CI: 1.641–1.668). The Cox proportional hazards regression model demonstrated a significantly increased HR of immune-mediated ocular diseases in HP treated group (HR: 2.265, 95% CI: 2.024–2.534) and less increased HR in HP non-treated group (HR: 1.427, 95% CI: 1.273–1.598) when comparing to non-HP group. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significantly higher incidence rate of ocular surface and orbital inflammation as well as intraocular inflammation in the HP group. Conclusion This study illustrated a higher incidence of immune-mediated ocular diseases in HP infection, and a heightened risk following HP eradication.

Association of circulating fatty acids with cardiovascular disease risk: Analysis of individual-level data in three large prospective cohorts and updated meta-analysis.

Associations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain controversial. We therefore aimed to investigate the prospective associations of objectively measured FAs with CVD, including incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, as well as CVD mortality. Circulating FA concentrations expressed as the percentage of total FAs were assayed in 172,891 participants without prior vascular disease at baseline from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-CVD (EPIC-CVD) (7,343 CHD; 6,499 stroke), UK Biobank (1,825; 1,474), and INTERVAL (285; 209) cohort studies. Hazard ratio (HR) per 1-standard deviation (SD) higher FA concentrations was estimated using Cox regression models and pooled by random-effects meta-analysis. Systematic reviews with meta-analysis published by 6 May 2023 on associations between FAs and CVDs were systematically searched and updated meta-analyses using random-effects model were conducted. Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was also summarized. Higher concentrations of total saturated FAs (SFAs) were associated with higher cardiovascular risks in the combined analysis, with differential findings noted for SFA subtypes in further analysis restricted to EPIC-CVD: positive associations for even-chain SFA [HR for CHD 1.24 (95% CI: 1.18-1.32); stroke 1.23 (1.10-1.38)] and negative associations for odd-chain [0.82 (0.76-0.87); 0.73 (0.67-0.78)] and longer-chain [0.95 (0.80-1.12); 0.84 (0.72-0.99)] SFA. In the combined analysis, total n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) [0.91 (0.85-0.97)], including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [0.91 (0.84-0.98)], was negatively associated with incident CHD risk. Similarly, total n-6 PUFA [0.94 (0.91-0.98)], including linoleic acid (LA) [0.89 (0.83-0.95)], was negatively associated with incident stroke risk. By contrast, more detailed analyses in EPIC-CVD revealed that several downstream n-6 PUFAs of LA were positively associated with CHD risk. Updated meta-analyses of 37 FAs including 49 non-overlapping studies, involving between 7,787 to 22,802 CHD and 6,499 to 14,221 stroke cases, showed broadly similar results as our combined empirical analysis and further suggested significant inverse associations of individual long-chain n-3 PUFAs and LA on both CHD and stroke. The findings of long-chain n-3 PUFAs were consistent with those from published RCTs on CHD despite insufficient evidence in monotherapy, while RCT evidence remained unclear for the rest of the explored FAs. Our study provides an overview of the most recent evidence on the associations between objectively measured FAs and CVD outcomes. Collectively, the data reveals notable differences in associations by SFA subtypes and calls for further studies, especially RCTs, to explore these links.

Impact of age on antimicrobial prescriptions in hospitalized children at three academic centres in South Africa: a point prevalence survey.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat in children, and the emergence of multi-drug-resistant organisms is of concern. This secondary analysis of an antimicrobial point prevalence survey (PPS) in children evaluates the impact of age on antimicrobial use. The mean antimicrobial prescriptions were assessed in neonates, infants, young children (1-5 years), school-going children (6-12 years), and adolescents (13-15 years) from a cross-sectional PPS at three academic hospitals between September 2021 and January 2022. Primary and secondary diagnoses, antibiotic type (World Health Organization AWaRe and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classifications), and the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) were evaluated per age category. Multiple regression models were used to analyse age-related risk factors for HAI. The number of antimicrobials per child (1.7-1.9 per patient) was higher in neonates and infants compared to children 6-12 years old (1.4 per patient). Watch antibiotics, especially carbapenems, were commonly prescribed in neonates (32.5%) and infants (42.2%). Reserve antimicrobial use was notable in neonates (4.7%) and infants (4.1%). The incidence risk ratio (IRR) of HAI was higher in neonates and infants (IRR 2.13; 95% CI 1.23-3.70, IRR 2.20; 95% CI 1.40-3.45, respectively) compared to 6- to 12-year-olds. On multivariate analysis of participants according to age, being HIV infected, length of stay >6 days, high McCabe severity score, having surgery and receipt of blood transfusion were associated with an increased risk of HAI (P < .001 for all) while on univariate analysis only, being premature and/or underweight was associated with an increased risk of HAI in infants (P < .001 for both). Infants with risk factors for HAI significantly influenced antimicrobial prescribing, underscoring the necessity for tailored antimicrobial stewardship and enhanced surveillance. The increased use of Watch antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, in infants warrants closer scrutiny. Further research is required to identify inappropriate antimicrobial use in high-risk hospitalized young children.

Association between family history with lung cancer incidence and mortality risk in the Asia Cohort Consortium.

Family history of lung cancer (FHLC) has been widely studied but most prospective cohort studies have primarily been conducted in non-Asian countries. We assessed the association between FHLC with risk of lung cancer (LC) incidence and mortality in a population of East Asian individuals. A total of 478,354 participants from 11 population-based cohorts in the Asia Cohort Consortium were included. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 7,785 LC incident cases were identified. FHLC (any LC subtype) was associated with an increased risk of LC incidence (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.30-1.63). The positive association was observed in men and women (HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.26-1.66 in men; HR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.22-1.79 in women), and in both never-smokers and ever-smokers (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18-1.73 in never-smokers; HR = 1.46, 95% CI =1.27-1.67 in ever-smokers). FHLC was associated with an increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.36-1. 94),squamous cell carcinoma (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.46-2.44), and other non-small cell LC (HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.02-3.68). However, we found no evidence of significant effect modification by sex, smoking status, and ethnic groups. In conclusion, FHLC was associated with increased risk of LC incidence and mortality, and the associations remained consistent regardless of sex, smoking status and ethnic groups among the East Asian population.

Systolic blood pressure variability in late-life predicts cognitive trajectory and risk of Alzheimer's disease.

The relationship of systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains controversial. We aimed to explore the roles of SBPV in predicting AD incidence and to test the pathways that mediated the relationship of SBPV with cognitive functions. Longitudinal data across 96 months (T0 to T4) were derived from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort. SBPV for each participant was calculated based on the four measurements of SBP across 24 months (T0 to T3). At T3, logistic regression models were used to test the SBPV difference between 86 new-onset AD and 743 controls. Linear regression models were used to test the associations of SBPV with cognition and AD imaging endophenotypes for 743 non-demented participants (median age = 77.0, female = 42%). Causal mediation analyses were conducted to explore the effects of imaging endophenotypes in mediating the relationships of SBPV with cognitive function. Finally, Cox proportional hazard model was utilized to explore the association of SBPV with incident risk of AD (T3 to T4, mean follow-up = 3.5 years). Participants with new-onset AD at T3 had significantly higher SBPV compared to their controls (p = 0.018). Higher SBPV was associated with lower scores of cognitive function (p = 0.005 for general cognition, p = 0.029 for memory, and p = 0.016 for executive function), higher cerebral burden of amyloid deposition by AV45 PET (p = 0.044), lower brain metabolism by FDG PET (p = 0.052), and higher burden of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) (p = 0.012). Amyloid pathology, brain metabolism, and WMH partially (ranging from 17.44% to 36.10%) mediated the associations of SBPV with cognition. Higher SBPV was significantly associated with elevated risk of developing AD (hazard ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval = 1.07 to 1.57, p = 0.008). These findings supported that maintaining stable SBP in late life helped lower the risk of AD, partially by modulating amyloid pathology, cerebral metabolism, and cerebrovascular health.

Perioperative Risk Factors for Postoperative Delirium in Non-Dementia Older Patients after Non-Cardiac Surgery and Anesthesia: A Prospective Study.

To investigate the incidence and perioperative risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in non-dementia older patients who underwent anesthesia for non-cardiac surgery. This prospective cohort study was conducted on 195 non-dementia older patients, aged 60 years or older, who were hospitalized after non-cardiac surgery and anesthesia. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) was used to evaluate the occurrence of POD. Incidence of POD was reported. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify the risk factors associated with POD. 195 patients were enrolled; 172 completed the study. POD occurred in seven patients within three days after anesthesia, which is a 4.1% incidence of POD. Multivariate logistic analysis showed arrhythmia, coagulopathy, urinary comorbidity, minimum intraoperative heart rate, and minimum post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) pain score as independent risk factors for POD. A minimum PACU pain score > 1 is the optimum cutoff pain score for developing POD, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 69.1%. The postoperative complication rate and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher for patients with POD compared to those without POD. The incidence of POD in the study population is 4.1%. Arrhythmia, coagulopathy, urinary comorbidity, minimum intraoperative heart rate, and minimum PACU pain score were independent risk factors for POD. The minimum PACU pain score is the strongest independent risk factor of POD. POD is associated with increased postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality rates in non-dementia older patients.

Image quality and radiation dose from pediatric abdomen-pelvis CT scans

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the organ doses, effective dose, image quality, and the potential risk of developing radiation-related cancer in children undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen-pelvis. Methods: The research involved 219 pediatric patients (129 males and 90 females) who underwent an abdomen-pelvic CT examination. The patients were categorized into four age groups: &lt;1, 1-4, 5-9, and 10-14 years old. The NCICT software version 3.0 was utilized to estimate the organ doses and effective dose. Estimation of cancer incidence risks were conducted according to the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VII report. The image quality was evaluated by measuring the level of noise, as well as the signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio. Results: The colon received the highest organ dose in all age groups. The risk of all cancers was 75.38 per 100,000 for the &lt;1 age group, and it decreased to 56.10 for the 10-14 age group. The cancer risks were statistically higher for females (p &lt; 0.05). The mean noise values for the liver, aorta, and paraspinal muscle were found to be 9.08, 11.04, and 8.21, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of present study indicate that pediatric abdomen-pelvis CT examinations carry a potential risk of cancer that should not be disregarded. Consequently, it is crucial to prioritize radiation protection measures in children compared to adults.

Higher levels of neighborhood deprivation and risk for incident colorectal cancer and mortality outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

131 Background: Significant geographic and racial disparities exist for colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in the United States (US), which may be caused by neighborhood-level deprivation and limited access to preventative cancer screening. We completed the first systematic review and meta-analysis of neighborhood-level deprivation in relation to CRC incidence, mortality, and screening among individuals from the US. Methods: A systematic literature review was completed to identify original research articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies reported associations between deprivation at the census block or tract level using a validated deprivation index (e.g. the Area Deprivation Index or Yost Index) and CRC incidence, mortality, or screening outcomes in a US-based sample. A fixed-effects meta-analysis was completed using inverse-variance weighting to estimated hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CRC incidence, mortality, and screening outcomes, comparing the highest vs. lowest quantiles of neighborhood-level deprivation. All analyses were completed using the meta package in R. Results: In total, 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Living in a neighborhood in the highest quantile of deprivation was associated with significantly higher risk for incident CRC (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.34-1.41, seven studies). In stratified analysis, positive associations with incident CRC were observed for White (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.39-1.47, three studies), Black (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.96-1.44, three studies), and Asian/Pacific Islander individuals (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08-1.28, two studies). For individuals diagnosed with CRC, higher deprivation was associated with elevated risk for overall mortality (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.10-1.13, four studies) and CRC-specific mortality (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.15-1.19, seven studies). Higher deprivation was associated with lower completion of recommended screening for CRC, including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or fecal occult blood testing (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.74-0.79, four studies). Conclusions: Individuals who reside in neighborhoods with high levels of deprivation have significantly elevated risk for CRC incidence and mortality compared to individuals from low deprivation neighborhoods. Targeting healthcare resources to highly deprived neighborhoods to increase uptake of preventative screening may help to address racial and geographic disparities for CRC.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Incident Diabetes by Viral Variant: Findings From the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C).

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has evolved over time by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, disease severity, treatment, and prevention. There is evidence of an elevated risk of incident diabetes after COVID-19; our objective was to evaluate whether this association is consistent across time and with contemporary viral variants. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) data to evaluate incident diabetes risk among COVID-positive adults compared with COVID-negative patients or control patients with acute respiratory illness (ARI). Cohorts were weighted on demographics, data site, and Charlson comorbidity index score. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence ratio (CIR) of incident diabetes for each viral variant era. Risk of incident diabetes 1 year after COVID-19 was increased for patients with any viral variant compared with COVID-negative control patients (ancestral CIR 1.16 [95% CI 1.12-1.21]; Alpha CIR 1.14 [95% CI 1.11-1.17]; Delta CIR 1.17 [95% CI 1.13-1.21]; Omicron CIR 1.13 [95% CI 1.10-1.17]) and control patients with ARI (ancestral CIR 1.17 [95% CI 1.11-1.22]; Alpha CIR 1.14 [95% CI 1.09-1.19]; Delta CIR 1.18 [95% CI 1.11-1.26]; Omicron CIR 1.20 [95% CI 1.13-1.27]). There was latency in the timing of incident diabetes risk with the Omicron variant; in contrast with other variants, the risk presented after 180 days. Incident diabetes risk after COVID-19 was similar across different SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, there was greater latency in diabetes onset in the Omicron variant era.

Associations of ambient particulate matter and household fuel use with chronic liver disease in China: A nationwide analysis

BackgroundLong-term effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution on chronic liver disease (CLD) remain unclear. Thus, the study was conducted to investigate the relationship between prolonged exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10) and household fuel usage with CLD. MethodsData from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) covering the years 2011 to 2020 were employed. In the cross-sectional analysis, 16,680 participants were included, while 12,969 participants were enrolled in the longitudinal study. The associations between various sizes of particulate matter and CLD were elucidated using logistic regression model and generalized linear-mixed models. Additionally, the additive effects of ambient particulate matter (PM) levels and the utilization of solid fuels for cooking were investigated, with a comparison of effect sizes between converted and non-converted fuel types. ResultsOver a 10-year follow-up period, 746 (5.75 %) individuals developed CLD. For a 1-year average concentrations, PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 were each linked to a 1.549 (95 %CI:1.522–1.576), 1.296 (95 %CI:1.276–1.317) and 1.134 (95 %CI:1.118–1.150) fold risk of incident CLD per 10 μg/m3 increase, respectively. A similar effect of PM concentrations over a 2-year period on CLD was observed. Moreover, simultaneous exposure to ambient PM and solid fuels is associated with an increased risk of CLD. Those who continue using solid fuels may face a higher risk of CLD compared to individuals who switch to cleaner cooking fuels. Female participants, smokers, and individuals with shorter sleep duration and multiple chronic diseases exhibited slightly stronger effects. ConclusionLong-term exposure to varying sizes of PM (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) has been linked to an elevated risk of CLD incidence. Co-exposure to ambient PM and solid fuels is associated with higher health risks.

Analysis of Incidence Rate, Risk Factors and Prognosis of Pulmonary Hypertension in Ph-MPNs Patients

To explore and analyze the incidence rate, influencing factors and impact on prognosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph- MPNs). The clinical data of 271 patients with Ph- MPNs were retrospectively analyzed, and different disease subtypes were classified. Patients with different disease types were further divided into PH+ and PH- groups according to whether HP occurred. Statistical methods were used to analyze the incidence rate, risk factors, and impact on prognosis of PH in Ph- MPNs patients. The overall incidence rate of PH among 271 patients was 26.9%, and according to the classification of disease subtypes, it was found that the incidence rate of PH in patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) was significantly higher than those of patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia (both P <0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that advanced age, long disease course, JAK2 positive and increased hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase, monocyte count, and uric acid level were independent risk factors for PH in Ph- MPNs patients (OR >1, P <0.05), and there were some differences in the independent risk factors between different disease subtypes. Survival analysis results showed that the overall survival (OS) rate of PH+ patients was significantly lower than that of PH- patients in other types except for PMF (all P <0.05). The incidence rate of PH in Ph- MPNs patients is high, and its risk factors are diverse. The OS rate of Ph- MPNs patients with PH is low. Therefore, we should be highly alert to the occurrence of PH in Ph- MPNs patients clinically.

Eggs, Dietary Choline, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Framingham Heart Study

BackgroundEggs are rich in bioactive compounds, including choline and carotenoids that may benefit cardiometabolic outcomes. However, little is known about their relationship with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). ObjectivesWe investigated the association between intakes of eggs and selected egg-rich nutrients (choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and NAFLD risk and changes in liver fat over ∼6 y of follow-up in the Framingham Offspring and Third Generation cohorts. MethodsOn 2 separate occasions (2002–2005 and 2008–2011), liver fat was assessed using a computed tomography scan to estimate the average liver fat attenuation relative to a control phantom to create the liver phantom ratio (LPR). In 2008–2011, cases of incident NAFLD were identified as an LPR ≤0.33 in the absence of heavy alcohol use, after excluding prevalent NAFLD (LPR ≤0.33) in 2002–2005. Food frequency questionnaires were used to estimate egg intakes (classified as <1, 1, and ≥2 per week), dietary choline (adjusted for body weight using the residual method), and the combined intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin. Multivariable modified Poisson regression and general linear models were used to compute incident risk ratios (RR) of NAFLD and adjusted mean annualized liver fat change. ResultsNAFLD cumulative incidence was 19% among a total of 1414 participants. We observed no associations between egg intake or the combined intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin with an incident NAFLD risk or liver fat change. Other diet and cardiometabolic risk factors did not modify this association. However, dietary choline intakes were inversely associated with NAFLD risk (RR for tertile 3 compared with 1:0.69, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.94). ConclusionsAlthough egg intake was not directly associated with NAFLD risk, eggs are a major source of dietary choline, which was strongly inversely associated with NAFLD risk in this community-based cohort.

The potential adverse effects of hypodermic glucagon-like peptide -1 receptor agoniston patients with type 2 diabetes: A population-based study.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), a class of injectable antidiabetic drugs, have shown significant efficacies in improving glycemic and weight control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the long-term safety of GLP-1 RAs remains insufficiently studied. This study aimed to provide real-world evidence on potential adverse outcomes associated with GLP-1 RAs use in T2D patients without major chronic diseases including impaired cardiac or renal function. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 7746 T2D patients on GLP-1 RAs in Shenzhen, China. They were compared with 124 371 metformin-only users and 36 146 insulin-only users, forming two therapy control groups. GLP-1 RAs users were also further 1:2 paired with the control groups. Competing risk survival analyses were conducted to assess the incidence risks, presenting subdistributional hazard ratios (sHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for various adverse outcomes associated with GLP-1 RAs use. Compared with metformin-only users, GLP-1 RAs use was associated with increased risks of various adverse outcomes (sHRs with 95% CIs), including pancreatitis (2.01, 1.24-3.24), acute nephritis (3.20, 2.17-4.70), kidney failure (3.73, 2.74-5.08), thyroid cancer (2.25, 1.23-4.10), and thyroid dysfunction (1.27, 1.00-1.63), respectively; Similar results were also found when compared with insulin-only users. Importantly, long-term (≥12 months) GLP-1 RAs use may further elevate the incidence risks of pancreatitis, acute nephritis, thyroid cancer, and thyroid dysfunction. Compared with traditional T2D treatments, GLP-1 RAs use may be associated with increased risks of various adverse outcomes in a Chinese population. Cautions were strongly warranted in the use of GLP-1 RAs. Further validation is crucial across diverse populations.

Prospective external validation of radiomics-based predictive model of distant metastasis after dynamic tumor tracking stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: A multi-institutional analysis.

This study aims to externally validate a predictive model for distant metastasis (DM) with computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics features in prospectively enrolled non-small-cell lung cancer patients undergoing dynamic tumor-tracking stereotactic body radiation therapy (DTT-SBRT). The study collected retrospective data from 567 patients across 11 institutions as the training dataset and prospectively enrolled 42 patients from four institutions asthe external test dataset. Four clinical features were collected, and 944 CT-based radiomic features were extracted from gross tumor volumes. After standardization and feature selection, DM predictive models were developed using fine and gray regression (FG) and random survival forest (RSF), incorporating clinical and radiomic features, and their combinations within the training dataset. Then, the model was applied to the test dataset, dividing patients into high- and low-risk groups based on medians of risk scores. Model performance was assessed using the concordance index (C-index), and the statistical significance between groups was evaluated using Gray's test. In the training dataset, 122 of 567 patients (21.5%) developed DM, compared to 9 of 42 patients (21.4%) in the test dataset. In the test dataset, the C-indices of the clinical, radiomics, and hybrid models with FG were 0.559, 0.544, and 0.560, respectively, whereas those with RSF were 0.576, 0.604, and 0.627, respectively. The hybrid model with RSF, which exhibited the best predictive performance of all models, identified 7 of 23 patients (30.4%) as high risk and 2 of 19 patients (10.5%) as low risk for DM incidence in the test dataset (p=0.116). Although predictive models for DM lack significance when applied to prospectively enrolled cases undergoing DTT-lung SBRT, the model with RSF exhibits a consistent capacity to effectively classify patients at a high risk of developing DM.