Self-reported Comorbidities Research Articles

Safety, effectiveness and immunogenicity of heterologous mRNA-1273 boost after prime with Ad26.COV2.S among healthcare workers in South Africa: The single-arm, open-label, phase 3 SHERPA study.

Limited studies have been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of heterologous COVID-19 vaccine boosting in lower income settings, especially those with high-HIV prevalence., The Sisonke Heterologous mRNA-1273 boost after prime with Ad26.COV2.S (SHERPA) trial evaluated a mRNA-1273 boost after Ad26.COV2.S priming in South Africa. SHERPA was a single-arm, open-label, phase 3 study nested in the Sisonke implementation trial of 500000 healthcare workers (HCWs). Sisonke participants were offered mRNA-1273 boosters between May and November 2022, when Omicron sub-lineages were circulating. Adverse events (AE) were self-reported, and co-primary endpoints (SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths) were collected through national databases. We used Cox regression models with booster status as a time-varying covariate to determine the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of the mRNA-1273 booster among SHERPA versus unboosted Sisonke participants. Of 11248 SHERPA participants in the rVE analysis cohort (79.3% female, median age 41), 45.4% had received one and 54.6% two Ad26.COV2.S doses. Self-reported comorbidities included HIV (18.7%), hypertension (12.9%) and diabetes (4.6%). In multivariable analysis including 413161 unboosted Sisonke participants, rVE of the booster was 59% (95%CI 29-76%) against SARS-CoV-2 infection: 77% (95%CI 9-94%) in the one-Ad26.COV2.S dose group and 52% (95%CI 13-73%) in the two-dose group. Severe COVID-19 was identified in 148 unboosted Sisonke participants, and only one SHERPA participant with severe HIV-related immunosuppression. Of 11798 participants in the safety analysis, 228 (1.9%) participants reported 575 reactogenicity events within 7 days of the booster (most commonly injection site pain, malaise, myalgia, swelling, induration and fever). More reactogenicity events were reported among those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infections (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.03, 95%CI 1.59-2.59) and less among people living with HIV (PLWH) (aOR 0.49, 95%CI 0.34-0.69). There were 115 unsolicited adverse events (AEs) within 28 days of vaccination. No related serious AEs were reported. In an immunogenicity sub-study, mRNA-1273 increased binding and neutralizing antibody titres and spike-specific T-cell responses 4 weeks after boosting regardless of the number of prior Ad26.COV2.S doses, or HIV status, and generated Omicron spike-specific cross-reactive responses. mRNA-1273 boosters after one or two Ad26.COV2.S doses were well-tolerated, safe and effective against Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs and PLWH. Trial registration: The SHERPA study is registered in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR): PACTR202310615330649 and the South African National Clinical Trial Registry (SANCTR): DOH-27-052022-5778.

8473 Prediabetes As A Risk Factor For All-Cause And Cause-Specific Mortality In 117,227 Diabetes-Free Adults In Mexico City

Abstract Disclosure: C.A. Fermin-Martinez: None. O.Y. Bello-Chavolla: None. N.E. Antonio-Villa: None. D. Ramirez Garcia: None. J.A. Seiglie: None. Background: Prediabetes has been consistently linked to high risk of diabetes progression, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. However, no large-scale studies have been conducted in Mexico or Latin America examining these associations despite the growing prevalence of this condition in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We analyzed data from 117,227 adults without diabetes aged ≥35 years who participated in the Mexico City Prospective Study (1998-2004). Individuals with self-reported chronic comorbidities at baseline were excluded to mitigate reverse causation. Participants were followed-up until January 1st, 2021 for cause-specific mortality. We defined prediabetes according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA, HbA1c ≥5.7%) and the International Expert Committee (IEC, HbA1c ≥6.0%) definitions. Cox regressions were used to estimate prediabetes-related risk for all-cause and cause-specific mortality, stratified by sex and age-at-risk and adjusted for municipality of residence, education level, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and adiposity markers. Results: Compared to individuals with normoglycemia, participants with IEC-defined prediabetes had a higher risk of all-cause (HR 1.16, 95%CI 1.05-1.27), cardiac (HR 1.29, 95%CI 1.05-1.59), renal (HR 1.59, 95%CI 1.14-2.23), and acute diabetes-related (HR 2.60, 95%CI 1.52-4.43) mortality at ages 40-74 years compared to normoglycemic participants. HRs were attenuated at older ages. Results were broadly similar irrespective of the definition of prediabetes except for cardiac deaths, in which the risk was non-significant using the ADA cutoff (HR 1.14, 95%CI 0.99-1.31). Long-term effects of prediabetes (IEC-defined) accounted for ∼37% of renal deaths and ∼61% of acute diabetes-related deaths in Mexican adults without diabetes at baseline. Conclusion: Prediabetes is an important risk factor that accounts for a significant fraction of all-cause, cardiac, renal, and acute diabetes-related deaths among Mexican adults, particularly when using the higher threshold of IEC-defined prediabetes. Endpoint-driven definitions of prediabetes should be considered for widespread implementation of screening and preventive strategies that minimize overdiagnosis and improve cardiometabolic outcomes in this population. Presentation: 6/1/2024

9253 Prediabetes As A Risk Factor For All-Cause And Cause-Specific Mortality In 117,227 Diabetes-Free Adults In Mexico City

Abstract Disclosure: C.A. Fermin-Martinez: None. O.Y. Bello-Chavolla: None. N.E. Antonio-Villa: None. D. Ramirez Garcia: None. J.A. Seiglie: None. Background: Prediabetes has been consistently linked to high risk of diabetes progression, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. However, no large-scale studies have been conducted in Mexico or Latin America examining these associations despite the growing prevalence of this condition in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We analyzed data from 117,227 adults without diabetes aged ≥35 years who participated in the Mexico City Prospective Study (1998-2004). Individuals with self-reported chronic comorbidities at baseline were excluded to mitigate reverse causation. Participants were followed-up until January 1st, 2021 for cause-specific mortality. We defined prediabetes according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA, HbA1c ≥5.7%) and the International Expert Committee (IEC, HbA1c ≥6.0%) definitions. Cox regressions were used to estimate prediabetes-related risk for all-cause and cause-specific mortality, stratified by sex and age-at-risk and adjusted for municipality of residence, education level, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and adiposity markers. Results: Compared to individuals with normoglycemia, participants with IEC-defined prediabetes had a higher risk of all-cause (HR 1.16, 95%CI 1.05-1.27), cardiac (HR 1.29, 95%CI 1.05-1.59), renal (HR 1.59, 95%CI 1.14-2.23), and acute diabetes-related (HR 2.60, 95%CI 1.52-4.43) mortality at ages 40-74 years compared to normoglycemic participants. HRs were attenuated at older ages. Results were broadly similar irrespective of the definition of prediabetes except for cardiac deaths, in which the risk was non-significant using the ADA cutoff (HR 1.14, 95%CI 0.99-1.31). Long-term effects of prediabetes (IEC-defined) accounted for ∼37% of renal deaths and ∼61% of acute diabetes-related deaths in Mexican adults without diabetes at baseline. Conclusion: Prediabetes is an important risk factor that accounts for a significant fraction of all-cause, cardiac, renal, and acute diabetes-related deaths among Mexican adults, particularly when using the higher threshold of IEC-defined prediabetes. Endpoint-driven definitions of prediabetes should be considered for widespread implementation of screening and preventive strategies that minimize overdiagnosis and improve cardiometabolic outcomes in this population. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Correlation between illness perceptions and self-reported degree-of-worry in somatic ill patients in emergency care: a Danish cross-sectional study.

The study aimed to investigate the correlation between illness perceptions and self-reported degree-of-worry (DOW) in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute somatic illness. A cross-sectional survey study collected data from a survey on DOW, the Brief-illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) and demographics. An emergency department at a university hospital in the Capital Region of Denmark. 944 patients (≥18 years) presenting to the emergency department with acute somatic illness. Data collection was conducted during day and evening shifts on weekdays from 13 January to 19 December 2020. Correlations between B-IPQ scores and DOW, including (1) the total B-IPQ score, (2) emotional representations (emotion and illness concern combined) and (3) the single items, respectively. Secondary analysis: linear relationships between the single B-IPQ items and DOW. Analyses included the variables sex, age, reason for contact, self-reported comorbidity, employment, highest educational attainment, cohabitation status and region of origin. The study found moderate correlations between the total illness perceptions score and DOW of 0.47 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.52) and emotional representations and DOW of 0.57 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.61). Linear regression showed the largest and most significant changes in DOW with an increasing score of the B-IPQ items for consequence, illness concern and emotion. Illness perceptions overall and perceptions of consequences of symptoms, illness concern and emotional representations are correlated with patients' DOW, with increasing DOW related to more negative illness perceptions. This finding contributes to insight into how illness perceptions are related to illness worry when presenting to the emergency department. Incorporating the novel DOW scale may aid triage and clinical encounters in the emergency department. ClinicalTrails.gov reference: NCT04226040.

Financial hardship and healthcare utilization among older cancer survivors with comorbidities.

349 Background: Financial burden among older cancer survivors (65y+) is understudied, particularly with regard to how comorbidities may affect financial burden and healthcare utilization despite Medicare eligibility. We assessed the relationship between financial hardship (FH), healthcare utilization, and comorbidities among cancer survivors. Methods: The University of Alabama at Birmingham tumor registry was used to identify patients diagnosed at ≥65y with lymphoma, breast, colorectal, prostate, or lung cancer types and received curative-intent treatment from 2000 to 2019. Patients were surveyed on FH, healthcare utilization, and comorbid conditions. FH was defined as having answered ‘Yes’ to experiencing material, psychological, or behavioral hardship in the past year. Visits to a primary care physician (PCP), oncologist, non-oncology specialist, or emergency department (ED) in the past 2 years were self-reported. A modified Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading system captured 45 self-reported comorbidities. A CTCAE of 3 or 4 was considered severe. Multivariable models were used to determine the differences in risk of any FH between severe vs. non-severe CTCAE and to determine differences in healthcare utilization. All models were adjusted for age at survey completion, years from diagnosis to survey, sex, race, income, stage, distance travelled to medical center. Results: Among the 759 survivors included, median age was 77 (IQR=73-82), a majority identified as White (82%), half were female (53%) and a third reported annual income of less than 20,000 (32%). Breast (33%) was the most common cancer type followed by prostate (26%), lung (17%), colorectal (15%), and lymph (9%). Moderate or Severe comorbidities were reported by 46% of participants. FH was most commonly associated with coronary heart disease (18-47%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20-57%), and myocardial infarction (25-60%) across all cancer types. Overall, patients with severe comorbidities had a higher risk of any FH (RR, 1.50; 95%CI, 1.15, 1.97), ED visits (IRR, 2.20; 95%CI, 1.22, 3.95), specialists (IRR, 1.52; 95%CI, 1.25, 1.87), and PCP (IRR 1.15; 95%CI, 1.01, 1.30). Those with severe comorbidities and financial hardship had higher utilization of PCP (p < 0.003), but not other types of utilization. Conclusions: Older patients with severe comorbidities were at increased risk of financial hardship while also utilizing healthcare facilities at a higher rate than those with fewer comorbidities. While those with severe comorbidities and financial hardship utilized their PCP more often, they did not utilize all healthcare facilities more than those with fewer comorbidities. Financial burden and high healthcare utilization remain after entering into cancer survivorship but is exacerbated by additional comorbid conditions.

Food consumption in healthcare workers: the influence of shift work on nutritional status

Introduction: Healthcare workers are exposed to long working hours. Circadian disorders can lead to poor eating control. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of food consumption and show self-reported comorbidities, nutritional status and work shifts of health professionals. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study, carried out with 561 employees. Data collection occurred after approval by the Research Ethics Committee. To evaluate food consumption, the daily average consumption of the 3 food groups was obtained: 1- processed and/or predictors of cardiovascular risk; 2- ultra-processed and/or major predictors of cardiovascular risk and 3- fresh or minimally processed and/or protective. Results: 64.14% were overweight. Group 3 had a higher average consumption. The presence of comorbidities was not associated with food consumption. Group 1 was associated with the work shift. Conclusion: Excess weight may be related to a sedentary lifestyle. Possible omission of answers may justify greater consumption of healthy foods; those processed by night shift workers can cause harm to health. Reinforcing guidelines on healthy practices are important.

Decomposition Analysis of Depressive Symptom Differences Among Older Adults With Hypertension Between Urban and Rural Areas: Cross-Sectional Study.

Hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease among China's older population, which comprises a growing proportion of the overall demographic. Older individuals with chronic diseases have a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms than their healthy counterparts, as evidenced in China's older population, where patients with hypertension exhibit varying rates of depression depending on residing in urban or rural areas. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing and contributing to the disparities in depressive symptoms among older urban and rural patients with hypertension in China. We used a cross-sectional study design and derived data from the 8th Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey of 2018. The Fairlie model was applied to analyze the factors contributing to disparities in depressive symptoms between urban and rural older populations with hypertension. The sample size for this study was 5210, and 12.8% (n=669) of participants exhibited depressive symptoms. The proportions of depressive symptoms in rural and urban areas were 14.1% (n=468) and 10.7% (n=201), respectively. In rural areas, years of education (1-6 years: odds ratio [OR] 0.68, 95% CI 1.10-1.21; ≥7 years: OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.94), alcohol consumption (yes: OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29-0.93), exercise (yes: OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.56-1.08), and sleep duration (6.0-7.9 hours: OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.17-0.52; 8.0-9.9 hours: OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13-0.43; ≥10.0 hours: OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.11-0.41) were protective factors against depressive symptoms in older adults with hypertension, while gender (female: OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.33-2.81), self-reported income status (poor: OR 3.07, 95% CI 2.16-4.37), and activities of daily living (ADL) dysfunction (mild: OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.11-2.58; severe: OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.46-6.32) were risk factors. In urban areas, age (90-99 years: OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.81; ≥100 years: OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.66), exercise (yes: OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22-0.51), and sleep duration (6.0-7.9 hours: OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.10-0.71; 8.0-9.9 hours: OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.06-0.44; ≥10.0 hours: OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06-0.57) were protective factors, while years of education (1-6 years: OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.05-3.49), self-reported income status (poor: OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.43-6.08), and ADL dysfunction (mild: OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.39-4.06; severe: OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.21-8.76) were risk factors. The Fairlie model revealed that 91.61% of differences in depressive symptoms could be explained by covariates, including years of education (contribution 63.1%), self-reported income status (contribution 13.2%), exercise (contribution 45.7%), sleep duration (contribution 20.8%), ADL dysfunction (contribution -9.6%), and comorbidities (contribution -22.9%). Older patients with hypertension in rural areas had more depressive symptoms than their counterparts residing in urban areas, which could be explained by years of education, self-reported income status, exercise, sleep duration, ADL dysfunction, and comorbidities. Factors influencing depressive symptoms had similarities regarding exercise, sleep duration, self-reported income status, and ADL dysfunction as well as differences regarding age, gender, years of education, and alcohol consumption.

Prevalence of interarm blood pressure difference is notably higher in women; the Viborg population-based screening program (VISP)

BackgroundBilateral blood pressure (BP) measurement is important in cardiovascular prevention for identifying systolic interarm BP difference (IAD) and hypertension. We investigated sex-stratified IAD prevalence and its associations and coexistence with screen-detected peripheral atherosclerosis and hypertension. Furthermore, we determined the proportion misclassified as non-hypertensive when using the lower versus the higher reading arm.MethodsThis sub-study formed part of the Viborg Screening Program (VISP), a cross-sectorial population-based cardiovascular screening programme targeting 67-year-old Danes. VISP includes screening for peripheral atherosclerosis (lower extremity arterial disease and carotid plaque), abdominal aortic aneurysm, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiac disease. Self-reported comorbidities, risk factors, and medication use were also collected. Among 4,602 attendees, 4,517 (82.1%) had eligible bilateral and repeated BP measurements. IAD was defined as a systolic BP difference ≥ 10 mmHg. IAD-associated factors (screening results and risk factors) were estimated by logistic regression; proportional coexistence was displayed by Venn diagrams (screening results).ResultsWe included 2,220 women (49.2%) and 2,297 men (50.8%). IAD was more predominant in women (26.8%) than men (21.0%) (p < 0.001). This disparity persisted after adjustment [odds ratio (OR) 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–1.77]. No other association was recorded with the conditions screened for, barring potential hypertension: BP 140–159/90–99 mmHg (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.44–1.97) and BP ≥ 160/100 mmHg (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.49–2.23). Overall, IAD and BP ≥ 160/100 mmHg coexistence was 4% in women and 5% in men; for BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg, 13% and 14%, respectively. Among those recording a mean BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg in the higher reading arm, 14.5% of women and 15.3% of men would be misclassified as non-hypertensive compared with the lowest reading arm.ConclusionFemale sex was an independent factor of IAD prevalence but not associated with other arterial lesions. Approximately 15% needed reclassification according to BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg when the lower rather than the higher reading arm was used; verifying bilateral BP measurements improved detection of potential hypertension. In future, the predictive value of sex-stratified IAD should be assessed for cardiovascular events and death to verify its potential as a screening tool in population-based cardiovascular screening.Trial registration for VISPNCT03395509:10/12/2018.

Medical Comorbidities, Nutritional Markers, and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Youth With ARFID.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is common among populations with nutrition-related medical conditions. Less is known about the medical comorbidity/complication frequencies in youth with ARFID. We evaluated the medical comorbidities and metabolic/nutritional markers among female and male youth with full/subthreshold ARFID across the weight spectrum compared with healthy controls (HC). In youth with full/subthreshold ARFID (n = 100; 49% female) and HC (n = 58; 78% female), we assessed self-reported medical comorbidities via clinician interview and explored abnormalities in metabolic (lipid panel and high-sensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) and nutritional (25[OH] vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate) markers. Youth with ARFID, compared with HC, were over 10 times as likely to have self-reported gastrointestinal conditions (37% vs. 3%; OR = 21.2; 95% CI = 6.2-112.1) and over two times as likely to have self-reported immune-mediated conditions (42% vs. 24%; OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.1-4.9). ARFID, compared with HC, had a four to five times higher frequency of elevated triglycerides (28% vs. 12%; OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.7-10.5) and hs-CRP (17% vs. 4%; OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 1.4-27.0) levels. Self-reported gastrointestinal and certain immune comorbidities were common in ARFID, suggestive of possible bidirectional risk/maintenance factors. Elevated cardiovascular risk markers in ARFID may be a consequence of limited dietary variety marked by high carbohydrate and sugar intake.

IJCM_194A: Diabetes distress and associated factors among adult patients residing in an urban resettlement colony in Delhi

Background: Diabetes distress “refers to the negative emotional or affective experiences resulting from the challenge of living with the demands of diabetes.” The American Diabetes Association recommends routinely screening for distress. Presently, this does not take place and distress remains undiagnosed. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes distress, its associated factors and the relationship between glycemic control and distress. Methodology: This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a resettlement colony in Delhi. The participants were selected using simple random sampling and included adults diagnosed with DM. The sample size calculated was 433 (prevalence: 42%, absolute precision: 5%, non-response rate: 10%). The questionnaire included Diabetes Distress Scale 17 and Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was tested for all the participants. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with distress as well as the association between glycemic control status and the presence of distress. Results: 412 adults were included in the study, of which 35.4% had clinically significant distress. The factors found to be associated with diabetes distress on multivariable logistic regression were: female sex, belonging to the lower socio-economic status, having self-reported comorbidities, being diagnosed with diabetes 10 or more years ago, being on treatment from a private or government hospital as compared to not being on treatment and having an unmet need for social support. There was a positive association between physician contact and distress. Those with poor glycemic control had higher odds of distress, regimen related distress and emotional burden, as compared to those who had adequate glycemic control. Conclusion: In this study, distress was prevalent among 35.4% of adults with diabetes. The factors determined to be associated with distress may provide a targeted approach to address distress, which ought to be screened for in routine clinical settings and be addressed, to help improve disease control.

Effect of vaccination on COVID-19 mortality during omicron wave among highly marginalized mexican population

Social determinants have played a role in COVID-19 outcomes and vaccination has improved these and impacted on inflammatory response, we therefore sought to investigate the association between vaccination and inflammatory response with COVID-19 mortality in a Mexican population with high marginalization during the Omicron wave. Prospective, longitudinal, single-center study in a setting of high marginalization conducted during the Omicron wave, from January to November 2022. Clinical and laboratory data were collected during admission and patients were followed until discharge or death. Patients were grouped according to outcome (survival and non-survival), and by complete (2 or more doses) and incomplete vaccination status for comparison. 118 patients were included, 54% (64/118) male, with a median age 63 years and 86% (102/118) with self-reported comorbidities. Mortality was 42%. 58% (68/118) had complete vaccination. There was a 64% risk reduction for all-cause in-hospital mortality of having complete vaccination, hazard ratio 0.36, (95% CI 0.18-0.71, p=0.004) in the proportional hazards Cox regression test. Survivor group arrived earlier to medical care and had higher SpO2 on admission, and for inflammatory response, had lower levels of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer at admission. In the longitudinal measurement, only D-dimer showed significant differences between groups according to survival. In a highly marginalized Mexican population, complete vaccination has a protective effect against COVID-19 all-cause in-hospital mortality compared with incomplete or no vaccination. However, mortality in this population during the Omicron wave is high. Socio-economic inequalities may play an important role in COVID-19 outcomes.

Machine learning-based prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysms for individualized patient care

ObjectiveThe United States Preventative Services Task Force guidelines for screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are broad and exclude many at risk groups. We analyzed a large AAA screening database to examine the utility of a novel machine learning (ML) model for predicting individual risk of AAA. MethodsWe created a ML model to predict the presence of AAAs (>3 cm) from the database of a national nonprofit screening organization (AAAneurysm Outreach). Participants self-reported demographics and comorbidities. The model is a two-layered feed-forward shallow network. The ML model then generated AAA probability based on patient characteristics. We evaluated graphs to determine significant factors, and then compared those graphs with a traditional logistic regression model. ResultsWe analyzed a cohort of 10,033 patients with an AAA prevalence of 2.74%. Consistent with logistic regression analysis, the ML model identified the following predictors of AAA: Caucasian race, male gender, advancing age, and recent or past smoker with recent smoker having a more profound affect (P < .05). Interestingly, the ML model showed body mass index (BMI) was associated with likelihood of AAAs, especially for younger females. The ML model also identified a higher than predicted risk of AAA in several groups, including female nonsmokers with cardiac disease, female diabetics, those with a family history of AAA, and those with hypertension or hyperlipidemia at older ages. An elevated BMI conveyed a higher than expected risk in male smokers and all females. The ML model also identified a complex relationship of both diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia with gender. Family history of AAA was a more important risk factor in the ML model for both men and women too. ConclusionsWe successfully developed an ML model based on an AAA screening database that unveils a complex relationship between AAA prevalence and many risk factors, including BMI. The model also highlights the need to expand AAA screening efforts in women. Using ML models in the clinical setting has the potential to deliver precise, individualized screening recommendations.

Prevalence of current smoking and associated factors in older adults in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of current smoking and its associated factors in adults aged 50 years and older in Brazil. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the ELSI-Brazil study, encompassing 9,412 adults aged 50 years or over. A multivariate model using Poisson regression with a robust estimator was employed, estimating prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. The prevalence of current smoking was 17.04%. It was positively and independently associated with male gender, age up to 62 years, living without a partner, illiteracy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, poor or very poor sleep quality, and alcohol intake more than once a month. Conversely, systemic arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and repetitive strain injuries showed an inverse and independent association with current smoking. The prevalence of current smoking among adults over 50 years old in Brazil was approximately 17%, with associations found with certain sociodemographic conditions and self-reported comorbidities.

Prevalence of low-body cell mass evaluated by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis related to aging.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low-body cell mass by sex and age in a community-dwelling population. In this retrospective study, 981 community-dwelling adults aged ≥35 years (648 women and 333 men) from Mexico City were recruited in a subway station between February and April 2012. Demographic data, anthropometry, and body composition were assessed, and self-reported comorbidities were recorded in the consulting room. Impedance values were obtained using mono-frequency equipment at 50 kHz. For the diagnosis of low-body cell mass by bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis: resistance (R, Ohm) and reactance (Xc, Ohm) values were adjusted for height to obtain impedance vector (R/H and Xc/H) and then plotted in the R/Xc to perform the bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis RXc Z-score analysis. The total prevalence of low body cell mass by bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis was 29.4% (n=288) with a 95%CI 26.5-32.3%; was higher in men (39%) compared with women (24.4%) (p<0.0001). The group aged>75 years had the highest prevalence (men: 85.3%, p<0.001; women: 63.3%, p<0.001). The bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis RXc Z-score analysis showed lower cell mass in men aged>75 years (R Z-score -0.30, Xc Z-score -2.13), and women aged 65-74 years also presented with overhydration (Z-score -2.6, Z-score -1.27). The prevalence of low body cell mass, evaluated by bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis, increased with age. RXc Z-score analysis could be a useful tool to evaluate nutritional status and changes in hydration in community-dwelling populations.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Graduates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The pandemic-induced physical closure of educational institutions led to challenges for senior dental students that might affect their psychological status. This study aimed to assess stress, anxiety, and subjective worries among dental interns post-COVID-19. Methodology A self-structured questionnaire was sent to Alexandria University and Taibah University dental interns. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, self-reported comorbidities, behavioral risk factors, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) scale, and future subjective worries regarding the dental profession post-COVID-19. Results A total of 129 interns participated, with the majority (79.1%) being females. Overall, 90.7% were unmarried, 80.6% lived with a family, 93.8% were free from systemic comorbidities, 82.17% were satisfied with their current life, and 63.6% felt positive quite often. K-10 distress levels were reported as very high (38%) and high (33.3%), and perceived satisfaction with current social life was significantly associated with moderate-to-high distress levels. Feeling positive about life quite often was significantly associated with very high distress levels. Mild GAD-7 anxiety levels were reported in 40.3% and were significantly associated with females, who perceived positive satisfaction with their current social life and felt positive about life. Most agreed that their profession would be risky, their ability to perform their job to the best would be jeopardized, and they would need extra precautions in clinical training post-COVID-19; however, they disagree with postponing their training until COVID-19 cases declined entirely. Conclusions Dental interns were affected by the lockdown, especially female interns. Psychological therapy is advised for stressed dental students.

Plantar calcaneal spurs and their connection with lumbar herniating discs

Introduction: Calcaneal spurs are bony triangular projections of varying sizes that are found on the calcaneum. By analyzing the incidence of plantar spurs and lumbar herniated disks, the current research aims to provide a reliable baseline for determining the pathological significance of spurs with herniated disks. Methods: Consecutive patients who had visited a local physiotherapy clinic for plantar calcaneal spurs between October 2022 and February 2023 with no self-reported comorbidities such as diabetes or vascular diseases were qualified for the study. Of the eligible subjects, a total of 84 patients were randomly selected from the clinic’s database. All 84 patients were subjected to weight-bearing lateral foot radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging scans. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure heel pain. Associations between the presence of spurs, herniated disks, sex, body mass index (BMI), and heel pain were then explored. Results: Of the 84 patients, 40 were males (48%) and 44 females (52%), with a mean age of 64.2 ± 5.6 years. The mean BMI was 28.5 ± 5.2 kg/m2. From the analysis of the imaging examination results, of the 84 patients with calcaneal spurs, 40 (48%) had lumbar disk herniation at L5-S1, 38 (45%) at L4-L5, 1 (1%) high lumbar herniations, and 5 (6%) no hernia. Women accounted for 45% of L5-S1 herniations and 41% of L4-L5 herniations. Pearson correlation between the variables speaks for a positive weak (r = 0.33) and significant relationship between VAS and weight and between VAS and BMI (r = 0.436, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Given the high percentage of patients suffering concomitantly from plantar calcaneal spurs and discal hernias (94%), we assume that there might be a probable link between the two disorders.

Cataract surgery utilization in Parkinson's disease: the english longitudinal survey on ageing.

Older adults with Alzheimer's disease are less likely to be offered cataract surgery than the general population, but these disparities have not been examined in the context of other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Using data from the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing (ELSA), an ongoing, longitudinal population-based survey of older adults in England, we examined the relationship between PD and cataract surgery among adults 50 and older. We used logistic regression to measure the association between PD and history of cataract surgery at baseline. In longitudinal analyses of subjects with no history of cataract surgery at time of enrollment, we used semiparametric, discrete-time proportional hazards models to model the incidence of cataract surgery as a function of PD and other time-dependent covariates. Models were adjusted for demographic variables, self-reported comorbidities, and measures of daily activity limitation. We included data from 19,241 eligible ELSA respondents, of whom 231 (1.2%) reported a diagnosis of PD. PD was positively associated with a history of self-reported cataract surgery at baseline (OR 3.66, 95% CI: 2.55-5.26), but this did not remain significant after adjusting for confounders (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 0.75-1.98). Among subjects with no history of cataract surgery at baseline, PD was also not associated with incident cataract surgery (adjusted HR 1.32, 95% CI: 0.86-2.02). Unlike Alzheimer's disease, people with PD were no less likely to receive cataract surgery compared to those without PD.

Developing a predictive model for mortality in patients with cognitive impairment.

We developed a predictive model for all-cause mortality and examined the risk factors for cause-specific mortality among people with cognitive impairment in a Japanese memory clinic-based cohort (2010-2018). This retrospective cohort study included people aged ≥65years with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The survival status was assessed based on the response of participants or their close relatives via a postal survey. Potential predictors including demographic and lifestyle-related factors, functional status, and behavioral and psychological status were assessed at the first visit at the memory clinic. A backward stepwise Cox regression model was used to select predictors, and a predictive model was developed using a regression coefficient-based scoring approach. The discrimination and calibration were assessed via Harrell's C-statistic and a calibration plot, respectively. A total of 2610 patients aged ≥65years (men, 38.3%) were analyzed. Over a mean follow-up of 4.1years, 544 patients (20.8%) died. Nine predictors were selected from the sociodemographic and clinical variables: age, sex, body mass index, gait performance, physical activity, and ability for instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive function, and self-reported comorbidities (pulmonary disease and diabetes). The model showed good discrimination and calibration for 1-5-year mortality (Harrell's C-statistic, 0.739-0.779). Some predictors were specifically associated with cause-specific mortality. This predictive model has good discriminative ability for 1- to 5-year mortality and can be easily implemented for people with mild cognitive impairment and all stages of dementia referred to a memory clinic.

Improving the understanding and management of back pain in older adults: the BOOST research programme including RCT and OPAL cohort

Improving the understanding and management of back pain in older adults: the BOOST research programme including RCT and OPAL cohort

Serum MMP3 and IL1-RA levels may be useful biomarkers for detecting asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap in patients with asthma

BackgroundAsthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) is characterized by concurrent features of asthma and COPD. Since disease pathogenesis, severities, and treatments differ between asthma and ACO, it is important to differentiate them. ObjectiveTo clarify and compare the characteristics of ACO and asthma and identify the serum biomarkers for differentiating them, especially in older patients. MethodsThis study used the data of 639 participants from the nationwide cohort study, the NHOM-Asthma study, an asthma registry in Japan, with complete information on smoking history, respiratory function, and serum biomarkers. ACO was defined as the self-reported comorbidity of COPD or emphysema, or with obstructive pulmonary function and smoking history (pack-years≥10). The clinical characteristics of patients with ACO and asthma without COPD were compared. The serum biomarkers for differentiation were examined using receiver operating characteristic curves and multivariable analysis. The associations between the biomarkers and age were also analyzed. ResultsOf the 639 asthma patients, 125 (19.6%) were diagnosed with ACO; these patients were older and male-dominant and had a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and stroke. Among the serum biomarkers that were significantly different between ACO and asthma without COPD, the YKL-40/CHI3L1, MMP3, and IL-1RA levels showed a high area under the curve for discriminating ACO. Only the MMP3 and IL-1RA levels were significantly higher among ACO patients, regardless of age and sex; the YKL-40/CHI3L1 levels were not different due to the effect of age. ConclusionMMP3 and IL-1RA may be useful serum biomarkers for distinguishing ACO from asthma.