Sex Groups Research Articles

Influence of aging on facial attractiveness perception in individuals with normal occlusion.

To evaluate the perception of orthodontists and laypeople of facial attractiveness during aging in participants with acceptable, untreated occlusion. Frontal and profile facial photographs of 24 participants (13 male, 11 female) with acceptable, untreated occlusion, taken during adolescence (mean age = 13.3 years) and late adulthood (mean age = 61.2 years) were used. Groups of 30 orthodontists and 30 laypeople scored the facial attractiveness using a scale from 1 (unattractive face) to 10 (very attractive face). Raters indicated the apparent age at T2 and the most and least pleasing facial structures. Three-way analysis of variance was used to assess the influence of sex, age, and rater group on facial attractiveness. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare males and females regarding the apparent age perceived by raters at late adulthood (P < .05). Mature age was judged with lower scores on facial attractiveness (mean = 5.43) by both groups compared with adolescence (mean = 6.51). Facial attractiveness was not affected by sex. At late adulthood, females were considered younger by both groups of raters, while men were perceived more similar to their actual age. Laypeople were slightly more critical than orthodontists in the assessment of facial attractiveness. Thirty percent of the raters indicated the eyes as the most pleasant region and the chin and nose as the least pleasing structures. Facial attractiveness slightly decreased from adolescent to mature ages. Women appeared younger than their actual age at late adulthood.

Short-Term Mobility and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Guangdong, China.

This study investigated regional differences in short-term mobility patterns among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangdong Province, and explored the associations with risky sexual behaviors. An online survey was conducted from June to August 2023, collecting socio-demographic information, intra-provincial mobility details and sexual behaviors. Among 1,808 participants, 60% reported moving within the province over the past six months, primarily for tourism, business/work, or visiting family and friends. Participants were categorized into Pearl River Delta (PRD) and Non-Pearl River Delta (Non-PRD) regions. Significant differences in education level and income were observed between mobile and non-mobile MSM in both areas (p < 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that mobile MSM, relative to non-mobile MSM, were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for multiple partners, commercial sex, and sexualized drug use ranging from 1.44 to 2.96 in PRD and 2.67 to 4.44 in Non-PRD. Additionally, associations between mobility and behaviors such as having casual partners, group sex, and inconsistent condom use with casual partners were exclusively identified in Non-PRD. These findings indicate that mobility among MSM in Guangdong Province is substantial and follows similar patterns in both regions. Mobile MSM exhibit higher rates of risky sexual behaviors, with notable regional disparities. Addressing the impact of short-term mobility on risky sexual behaviors among MSM is crucial, considering regional variations.

Associations Between Diabetic Retinopathy and Frailty: Insights From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian Randomization.

To elucidate the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and frailty and investigate genetic correlations and causality. We analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included 1003 individuals with diabetes. DR was evaluated via nonmydriatic retinal imaging, and frailty was measured using a 49-item frailty index. The association between DR and frailty was assessed using survey-weighted logistics regression adjusted for multiple covariates, including age, sex, race, education level, family income-to-poverty ratio, marital status, and Healthy Eating Index. Genetic correlations and causal relationships were investigated through linkage disequilibrium score regression and bidirectional Mendelian randomization. DR was significantly associated with higher odds of frailty after full adjustment (odd ratio [OR] = 4.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-16.67; P = 0.040). The association was robust and did not significantly differ across age (P interaction = 0.080), sex (P interaction = 0.216), or race (P interaction = 0.749) groups. DR exhibited a moderate but significant genetic correlation with frailty (rg = 0.27, standard error = 0.04; P = 2.43 × 10-10). Genetically inferred DR was significantly associated with a greater frailty index (β = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.05; P < 0.001), whereas frailty was not associated with DR risk (OR = 1.20; 95% CI, 0.80-1.81; P = 0.376). Our findings suggest that DR is associated with an increased risk of frailty, indicating that DR not only impairs vision but also accelerates physical decline. This study highlights the critical need for integrated care approaches that incorporate frailty screening and proactive management in individuals with DR to prevent further health deterioration and improve both quality of life and long-term outcomes.

Translating measurement into practice with PHQ-9 calculator: an open tool to assess depression levels in the Brazilian population.

We aim to create a web-based calculator for assessing depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), utilizing IRT-based standardized scores, to improve measurement precision, standardization, and practical application in clinical practice. This study developed a web-based calculator using a graded response IRT model for assessing depressive symptoms with the PHQ-9, using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey 2019 (n = 90,846, aged 15 to 107 years old, 52.8% female). The tool calculates latent depressive symptoms and converts them into T-scores, with stratification by sex and age groups. The application respects patient confidentiality by deleting sensitive information postcalculation. Estimated models resulted in a mean sample size of 3244.5 participants in each group (SD: 1066). The calculator can be accessed at https://mheg.shinyapps.io/phq9-score. The development of an IRT-based web calculator for the PHQ-9 represents an advancement in depressive symptoms' assessment, offering precision and potential clinical utility. By standardizing scores into a common metric, this tool facilitates the interpretation of depressive symptoms and comparison across different instruments. The study's scope is limited to the Brazilian population and external validity for other contexts is warranted. Future studies should evaluate the clinical validity and the threshold of the tool for predicting real life problems.

Spatial Variations in Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Concentrations in Pooled Sera from Inland, Coastal, and Island Populations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of ubiquitously detected chemicals, some of which are highly persistent and bioaccumulative in humans. Within the general population, dietary ingestion is considered a primary pathway for PFAS exposure, and seafood consumption specifically has been associated with higher serum PFAS concentrations. Proximity of residence to the ocean may influence dietary habits, particularly seafood consumption, and exposure to geographically specific PFAS sources such as sea spray aerosols (SSA). The objective of this study was to evaluate potential spatial trends in serum PFAS concentrations between Australian coastal and island populations compared to those with inland residency. Human sera were obtained from deidentified surplus pathology samples and pooled with respect to geographical location, sex (male or female), and age group (males: ≥15-<45 years, ≥45 years; females: ≥15-<45 years, ≥45-<60 years, ≥60 years) stratification criteria. Serum samples were then analysed for PFAS using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HP LC-MS). A total of 13 of the 45 targeted PFAS were quantifiable in at least one pooled sample, including the detection of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) replacement compounds 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (5:3 FTCA) and potassium 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate (9Cl-F53B). Significant spatial trends were observed in males aged ≥45 years, with serum concentrations of PFOS, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) demonstrated to be 32-77% higher in pooled samples from island locations compared with inland. A similar trend was observed for PFHpS in coastal locations. Whilst deidentification of samples limited inferences about exposure pathways associated with the observed trends, this study indicated the feasibility of utilising pooled samples for assessing spatial variations in serum PFAS concentrations between geographically distinct subpopulations.

Deaths Among Adolescents From Road Traffic Injuries, by Sex and Age Group, 2021.

Deaths Among Adolescents From Road Traffic Injuries, by Sex and Age Group, 2021.

Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality associated with mental disorders: a population-based cohort study.

Mental disorders are associated with elevated mortality rates and reduced life expectancy. However, it is unclear whether these associations differ by socioeconomic position (SEP). The aim of this study was to explore comprehensively the role of individual-level SEP in the associations between specific types of mental disorders and mortality (due to all causes, and to natural or external causes), presenting both relative and absolute measures. This was a cohort study including all residents in Denmark on January 1, 2000, following them up until December 31, 2020. Information on mental disorders, SEP (income percentile, categorized into low, <20%; medium, 20-79%; and high, ≥80%), and mortality was obtained from nationwide registers. We computed the average reduction in life expectancy for those with mental disorders, relative and absolute differences in mortality rates, and proportional attributable fractions. Subgroup analyses by sex and age groups were performed. Overall, 5,316,626 individuals (2,689,749 females and 2,626,877 males) were followed up for 95.2 million person-years. People with mental disorders had a shorter average life expectancy than the general population regardless of SEP (70.9-77.0 vs. 77.2-85.1 years, depending on income percentile). Among individuals with a mental disorder, the subgroup in the top 3% of the income distribution had the longest average life expectancy (77.0 years), and this estimate was lower than the shortest life expectancy in the general Danish population (77.2 years for individuals in the bottom 6% income distribution). The mortality rate differences were larger in the low-income than the high-income group (19.6 vs. 13.3 per 1,000 person-years). For natural causes of death, a socioeconomic gradient for differences in life expectancy and mortality rates was observed across most diagnoses, both sexes, and all age groups. For external causes, no such gradient was observed. In the low-SEP group, 10.1% of all deaths and 23.7% of those related to external causes were attributable to mental disorders, compared with 3.5% and 8.7% in the high-SEP group. Thus, our data indicate that people with mental disorders have a shorter life expectancy even than people with the lowest SEP in the general population. The socioeconomic gradients in mortality rates due to natural causes highlight a greater need for coordinated care of physical diseases in people with mental disorders and low SEP.

Prevalence of Dentinal Hypersensitivity among Dental Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Center: An Observational Study

Introduction: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a widespread condition characterized by a brief, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to external stimuli, which cannot be linked to any other dental conditions. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dentinal hypersensitivity among patients attending a tertiary health care center.Methods: A observational cross-section study was conducted, involving 376 patients aged 10-70 years who visited a tertiary care center. Convenience sampling was employed to select participants, and the prevalence of dentinal hypersensitivity was assessed through a questionnaire. Data were collected from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology after obtaining ethical approval Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 385 (6-11) E2 079/80). The analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, and descriptive statistics were reported . Results: There were 376 patients in the study and the prevlence of dentin hypersensitivity wasa 236 (62.77%; CI 95%: 57.66%-67.67%). Among those diagnosed, 138 (73.02%) were male, and 98 (52.41%) were female. The age-specific prevalence was found to be 30 (50.85%) in patients aged 10-19 years, 73 (63.48%) in those aged 20-29 years, 42 (53.16%) in patients aged 30-39 years, 23 (51.11%) in those aged 40-49 years. Conclusions: This study identified a high prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity among the patient population, with variations observed across different age and sex groups.

Hippocampal coding of identity, sex, hierarchy, and affiliation in a social group of wild fruit bats.

Social animals live in groups and interact volitionally in complex ways. However, little is known about neural responses under such natural conditions. Here, we investigated hippocampal CA1 neurons in a mixed-sex group of five to 10 freely behaving wild Egyptian fruit bats that lived continuously in a laboratory-based cave and formed a stable social network. In-flight, most hippocampal place cells were socially modulated and represented the identity and sex of conspecifics. Upon social interactions, neurons represented specific interaction types. During active observation, neurons encoded the bat's own position and head direction, together with the position, direction, and identity of multiple conspecifics. Identity-coding neurons encoded the same bat across contexts. The strength of identity coding was modulated by sex, hierarchy, and social affiliation. Thus, hippocampal neurons form a multidimensional sociospatial representation of the natural world.

Description of HbA1c Levels in Patients with Fatty Liver Disease at a Private Hospital in West Jakarta (2018-2019)

Fatty liver disease is a chronic disease that is very often found in the community and is often called "silent" liver disease because there are no specific symptoms in patients. The incidence of fatty liver disease in Indonesia is quite high by 30 percent and this disease can develop into liver cirrhosis. The high incidence of fatty liver disease can be caused by various factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, unhealthy lifestyles and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can be characterized by an increase in HbA1c levels in the blood. This study aims to determine the description of HbA1c levels in patients with fatty liver disease. This research is an observational descriptive study using a cross-sectional approach by using medical record data of fatty liver disease patients who have been on radiologic examination and doing HbA1c examination. Fatty liver disease affects more male sex groups by 55.4 percent, with the most age range at 51-60 years by 34.9 percent. Diabetes HbA1c levels (59%) are more than prediabetes (25.3%) and normal HbA1c levels (15.7%). Abnormal HbA1c levels (prediabetes and diabetes) were found to be higher in men (47 % vs 47,3%). The most accompanying diseases in patients with fatty liver disease are diabetes mellitus (51.8%), hypertension (33.7%), dyslipidemia (26.5%), dyspepsia (28.9%), and hyperuricemia (15.7%). Fatty liver disease patients were also found to have metabolic syndrome by 54.2% which was dominated by female sex by 53.3% with 91.1% having 3 components of metabolic syndrome and 8.9% having 4 components of metabolic syndrome.

On-farm diversity and production challenges in Ethiopian tef [Eragrostis tef ((Zuccagni) Trotter)] landraces from Arsi zone, Ethiopia: Implications for breeding and conservation.

Tef [Eragrostis tef ((Zucc.) Trotter)] is a remarkable indigenous crop, highly adaptive and resilient to erratic and extreme climatic and soil conditions. It is a major staple food in Ethiopia and is usually cultivated for household consumption and the generation of income. However, nowadays, the crop particularly, the landraces are exposed to genetic erosion owing to biotic and abiotic factors. Thus, detecting the current status and production bottlenecks of the crop is key to enhance its production and conservation. The main objectives of this study were to assess the extent of on-farm diversity, genetic erosion and current production challenges of Tef landraces in Arsi Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. The study was conducted in the Arsi zone, Southeast Ethiopia using 400 selected farmers. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Minitab version 19. The respondent farmers included the different sex groups, age groups, educational status, marital status, and religious outlooks. S: A total of 26 Tef landraces have been identified to be cultivated over the last 2 to 3 decades and/or still in production in the study areas. The respondents indicated differences in the landraces with regard to morphological features which along with the naming's could suggest their genetic distinctiveness. Patterns of on-farm diversity in the landraces showed a varied abundance in the area where eleven landraces showed a relatively higher estimate (D=0.75 in Sergegna to D=0.58 in Bulga). With the exception of Aruso Tef (D=0.47), all the remaining landraces showed minimal or no (D=0.00) genetic abundance. The extent of the Sorenson similarity index revealed a higher similarity (0.69 in Enkelo Wabe vs Arsi Robe to 0.77 in Shirka vs Arsi Robe) and the areas revealed a higher landrace richness (R) and evenness index (E). However, patterns of temporal genetic diversity and extent of genetic erosion revealed that only 10 are grown currently (combined genetic erosion of 61.54%). In general, biotic and abiotic factors are challenging the current production of the crop in the area. Hence, researchers and all stakeholders should pay attention to conserving and breeding this important food crop. Understanding the extents of on-farm diversity and possible production challenges of the crop could facilitate and enhance its breeding, conservation and utilizations and hence, contribute to the food security of the country.

Sexually Explicit Media Exposure, Sexual Violence Victimization, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men with New Drug Abuse in Jinan, China.

Abuse of new drugs, such as Rush poppers, methamphetamine, Magu, Ketamine, and Ecstasy, is common among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, leading to increased risks of sexually explicit media consumption, sexual violence, and sexual risk behaviors. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and relationships of these behaviors among MSM with new drug abuse. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2021, involving 453 MSM in Jinan, China. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing behaviors over the past six months. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to investigate the correlations among the three behaviors. Results showed that 88.7% consumed sexually explicit media, and 48.3% experienced sexual violence. Regarding sexual risk behaviors, the prevalence rates for group sex, condomless anal intercourse, and commercial sex were 29.1%, 76.4%, and 11.0%, respectively. New drug abuse was positively correlated with sexual violence victimization (b=0.38 for methamphetamine; b=0.50 for Magu), media consumption (b=1.58 for methamphetamine), and sexual risk behaviors (b=0.94 for methamphetamine; b=0.72 for Magu). The age at first exposure to sexually explicit media was negatively correlated with sexual violence victimization (b=-0.09) and sexual risk behaviors (b=-0.30). Preferences for violence in media were linked to higher sexual violence risk (b=0.76), and preferences for condomless anal intercourse and group sex to higher sexual risk behaviors (b=1.04; b=0.83). Significant positive correlations were found among sexual violence victimization, media consumption, and sexual risk behaviors (r=0.22-0.82, p < 0.05). These findings provide insights for future interventions to prevent HIV transmission among MSM with new drug.

A Retrospective Study of Pediatric AllergicContact Dermatitis from 2017-2022.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs frequently in children. The proportion of children of color in the US is increasing, and racial and ethnic minority representation is important in pediatric allergic contact dermatitis research. The objectives of our study were to identify differences in age, sex, race and ethnicity among pediatric patch tests obtainedfrom 2017 to 2022. A total of 792 pediatric patients were evaluated, and patch test differences were analyzed among age, sex, race and ethnicity groups. Children in the age group 0-5years had the highest number of positive reactions, and propolis was the most frequent allergen among females and in children in the age groups 6-11 years and 12-18 years. Carmine was the most frequent allergen among males and among children in the age group 1-5 years. Risk of sensitivity to multiple allergens varied with race and ethnicity. The risk of patch test positivity to multiple allergens varied within the demographic groups evaluated. The etiology of these differences is likely multi-factorial and includes differences in exposure patterns and disparities in access.

Interleukin-23 versus Interleukin-17 Inhibitors in Preventing Incidental Psoriatic Arthritis in Patients with Psoriasis: A Real-World Comparison From the TriNetX US Collaborative Network.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common comorbidity in patients with psoriasis (PsO) that leads to significant disease burden. Biologic therapies targeting the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis have been widely used for PsO, but their comparative effectiveness in preventing PsA remains unclear. The study objective was to compare the occurrence of developing incidental PsA among PsO patients treated with interleukin-23 inhibitors (IL23is) or interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL17is). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using real-world data from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network, including 53 healthcare organizations. Adult PsO patients treated with IL23is or IL17is between January 2019 and June 2022 were identified. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the risk of PsA incidence, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, sex, and ethnicity. Sensitivity analyses included comparisons with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (TNFis) to ensure robustness. A total of 4,580 PsO patients were included in the study, with 2,273 receiving IL23is and 2,307 receiving IL17is. Treatment with IL23is was associated with a significantly lower incidence of PsA compared to IL17is (HR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.82, P = 0.001). This reduction in risk was particularly notable in the 41- to 65-year age group (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.64, P < 0.001) and among females (HR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.38-0.86, P = 0.007). Subgroup analyses based on ethnicity revealed varying outcomes, with White patients showing a significant risk reduction (HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38-0.79, P = 0.001) but no significant risk reduction was observed in Black or African American patients (HR = 1.37, 95% CI 0.37-5.13, P = 0.637). Sensitivity analyses comparing IL23is and TNFis confirmed the robustness of the findings. IL23is are associated with a lower risk of PsA incidence compared to IL17is in PsO patients, particularly in specific age, sex, and ethnic groups. These findings suggest that IL23is may be more suitable for PsO patients at high risk of PsA and could inform potential updates to treatment guidelines. Further research should focus on refining therapeutic strategies by incorporating patient-specific factors such as comorbidities, ethnicity, and genetic predispositions, which could optimize biologic selection and enhance PsA prevention efforts in clinical practice.

P-715. Chronic Conditions as Risk Factors for Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalization among Community-Dwelling Adults Aged ≥50 Years, 2017 to 2018

Abstract Background In 2023, CDC recommended respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination for adults aged ≥ 60 years using shared clinical decision-making. Clinical trials of RSV vaccines in younger age groups are ongoing. Identifying chronic conditions associated with increased RSV hospitalization risk can inform vaccination policy.Figure 1.Prevalence of chronic medical conditions among community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),1 in RSV-NET states,2 and in 50 US states and the District of Columbia2Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index (kg/m2), COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1 Prevalence of chronic conditions indicated in the medical record among community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection identified by the RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET) from October 2017 to April 2018. 2 Weighted prevalence of community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years in RSV-NET states (CA, GA, MD, MN, NM, NY, OR, TN) or 50 states and the District of Columbia who self-reported history of chronic medical conditions on the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Methods We compared RSV hospitalization rates among community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 50 years with and without 9 chronic medical conditions in a 38-county catchment area across 8 states. Rate numerators included hospitalizations in adults with and without medical record documentation of each chronic condition, with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection from October 2017 to April 2018 identified by the RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET). Rate denominators were catchment area population counts of adults with and without each chronic condition estimated from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which relies on self-report, and the US Census. Poisson regression using Monte Carlo simulation generated adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and 95% Monte Carlo confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for age, sex, and race and ethnicity group.Table 1.Adjusted models comparing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization rates among community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years by number of chronic medical conditions— RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET), October 2017–April 2018Abbreviations: aRR: adjusted rate ratio; CI: Monte Carlo confidence interval1 aRR and 95% Monte Carlo CI were estimated using Poisson regression and Monte Carlo simulation after adjusting for age group (50-59 years, 60-74 years, ≥75 years), sex, and race and ethnicity group (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and other).2 Includes asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, history of stroke, obesity (body mass index 30-39 kg/m2), severe obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2), and current smoking. Results Among 1,692 adults aged ≥ 50 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection, 86.9% had ≥1 chronic condition (Figure 1). RSV hospitalization rates were higher among adults with 1 (aRR=2.7, CI: 1.8, 3.9) or ≥2 chronic conditions (aRR=9.0, CI: 6.3-12.6) vs. none and among adults aged 60-74 years (aRR=1.8, CI: 1.3, 2.6) or ≥ 75 years (aRR=5.4, CI: 3.8-7.8) vs. 50-59 years (Table 1). Adults aged ≥ 50 years with the following individual chronic conditions had higher RSV hospitalization rates compared to those without the conditions: chronic kidney disease (aRR=6.1), COPD (aRR=4.9), severe obesity (aRR=4.0), asthma (aRR=3.2), diabetes (aRR=2.5), current smoking (aRR=2.1), and non-severe obesity (aRR=1.6; Figure 2). RSV hospitalization rates among adults aged ≥ 50 years with each chronic condition were highest in the oldest age groups (Figure 3).Figure 2.Adjusted rate ratios1 comparing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization rates among community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years with and without chronic medical conditions—RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET), October 2017–April 2018Abbreviations: aRR: adjusted rate ratio; BMI: body mass index (kg/m2), COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; SI: simulation interval 1 aRR and 95% Monte Carlo CIs were estimated using Poisson regression and Monte Carlo simulation, after adjusting for age group (50-59 years, 60-74 years, ≥75 years), sex, and race and ethnicity group (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and other). Conclusion In community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years, RSV hospitalization rates were higher among older adults and those with a history of select chronic conditions. These populations might benefit most from RSV vaccination when recommended for use.Figure 3.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization rates1 among community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years with chronic medical condition by age group—RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET), October 2017–April 2018Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index, COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1 Rates of laboratory-confirmed RSV hospitalization account for under-detection of RSV infection among hospitalized adults and sensitivity of diagnostic tests. Rates are of community-dwelling adults and exclude residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Rates are not adjusted for sex or race and ethnicity group. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

215. Trends in Syphilis and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Florida: A multiscale joinpoint regression analysis

Abstract Background Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, has been increasing in incidence both locally and globally. Visualizing and analyzing time series trends of syphilis across different demographics and geographic locations, and how they varied during the COVID-19 pandemic, would help to develop strategies to address the rising syphilis rates.Figure 1.Trends of age-standardized syphilis rates in Florida, 2013 - 2022, stratified by sex, racial and age groups.(A) ASSR by sex; (B) ASSR by racial groups; (C) ASSR by age groups. Ages 10 - 24, 25 - 49, and 50 - 69 years are depicted on the left axis, while ages 0 - 9 and 70+ years are shown on the right y-axis. ASSR, age-standardized syphilis rates. Methods Ten years of surveillance data (2013–2022) were extracted from the Florida Department of Health. Average annual percentage changes (AAPC) in age-standardized syphilis rates (ASSR) were analyzed according to age, sex, race, geographic locations, and the COVID-19 pandemic period using joinpoint regression models.Figure 2.Geographic distribution of syphilis cases in Florida, 2013 - 2022.(A) The ASSR at county levels in each year was averaged from 2013 to 2022 and the averaged ASSR in each county is mapped. (B) The AAPC across the entire 10-year period in each county is mapped. ASSR, age-standardized syphilis rates; AAPC, average annual percentage change. Results The ASSR significantly increased from 2013 to 2022 across different demographic groups, with an overall AAPC of 11.46 (95% CI 9.85–13.43) (Figure 1). The increase was greater in females, with an AAPC of 20.97 (95% CI, 18.61–24.49), compared to males with an AAPC of 10.34 (95% CI 8.19–12.98). The increasing trend was observed across all age groups, with greater increase among individuals aged 25–49 years (AAPC=12.32, 95% CI 10.09–15.18), aged 50–69 years (AAPC=13.42, 95% CI 9.41–18.89), and aged over 70 years (AAPC=13.63, 95% CI 9.23–21.95), compared to those aged ≤ 24 years (AAPC=7.86, 95% CI 7.06–8.81). The increasing trends were comparable across race groups, with an AAPC of 8.08 (95% CI 5.47–11.15) for Hispanic, 11.84 (95% CI 10.02–14.09) for non-Hispanic White, 10.49 (95% CI 8.75–12.66) for non-Hispanic Black, and 11.29 (95% CI 5.28–19.57) for non-Hispanic other races, respectively. There was an upward trend in ASSR during the COVID-19 pandemic (AAPC=12.99, 95% CI 8.48–16.21) compared to the pre-pandemic period (AAPC=11.58, 95% CI 10.17–12.76), but the difference in AAPC between the two periods did not reach statistical significance. The ASSR and the AAPC varied greatly among counties (Figure 2). Conclusion The incidence trend of syphilis increases substantially from 2013 to 2022, with differences observed among age, gender, and geographies in Florida. The COVID-19 pandemic produced an increasing incidence of syphilis. Efforts are needed to implement strategies to address the rising syphilis rates within high-incidence groups and communities across the state. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Duration of exposure to night work and cardiovascular risk factors: results from 52,234 workers of the CONSTANCES study

BackgroundThe cardiovascular consequences of night work are increasingly well-known. Implementing effective preventive strategies, however, requires further investigation of the effects of exposure duration. This study sought to assess the cumulative dose–effect of night work exposure on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among current and former night workers in France.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from the CONSTANCES cohort to design analyses on 52,234 workers exposed or not exposed to night work during their working life. The cumulative duration of night work exposure was assessed among permanent, rotating and former night workers. BMI, blood pressure, lipids, glycaemia and SCORE2 were measured in health screening centres.ResultsExcess risks of moderate-high SCORE2 were observed for permanent (+ 43%), rotating (+ 72%) and former night workers (+ 101%). Among male permanent night workers, excess risks for obesity (+ 76%) and central obesity (64%) were recorded at five years of exposure and for T2DM (+ 119%) at 10 years of exposure. Male rotating night workers showed excess risks at five years of exposure for obesity/central obesity (about + 45%) and high triglyceridaemia (+ 52%). Female former night workers were at excess risk at five years of exposure for obesity/central obesity (about + 45%), HBP (+ 34%) and low-HDL-C (+ 35%).ConclusionsThe effects on cardiovascular risk factors varied according to the types of night work and within sex groups. Some effects were observed after five years of exposure. These results support the need for early and appropriate monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors among current and former night workers.Graphical

ВІДМІННІ РИСИ СОМАТОМЕТРИЧНИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВХЛОПЦІВ ТА ДІВЧАТ 5-6 РОКІВ ІЗ ЗАТРИМКОЮ ПСИХІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ З РІЗНИМИ ТИПАМИ ПОСТАВИ

Relevance of the research topic. Psychological and pedagogical work with children with special educational needs is becoming extremely important. Physical education is considered to be one of the most important forms of improving the psychophysical state of children aged 5-6 with mental retardation (MR). The purpose of the article is to determine the distinctive somatometric features of 5-6-year-old children with MR with different types of posture. Participants of the study. The experiment involved 15 children aged 5-6 with MR. The following research methods were used to accomplish the tasks: analysis of special scientific and methodological literature, anthropometry, videometry - the data on posture disorders obtained as a result of the analysis were offered for consideration to an orthopedist, who formulated final conclusions about the type of posture of the children aged 5-6 years involved in the experiment, and a pedagogical experiment. Results. It was found that the differences between the average values in groups with different types of posture are small. For example, in terms of body weight, the maximum difference in the groups of boys was 100 grams, and in the groups of girls was 200 grams. Similarly, in terms of body length, the maximum difference in both cases was only 1 cm. In terms of body mass index, the groups of boys differ by a maximum of 0.2 kg/m², and the groups of girls - by 0.38 kg/m². Similarly, according to the Rohrer index, the difference between boys with different types of posture does not exceed 0.28 kg/m², andbetween girls - 0.46 kg/m². Conclusions. It has been established that children aged 5-6 years with ASD differ significantly by sex in absolute and derived weight and height indices (differences between boys and girls in these indices were confirmed as statistically significant, namely: for body length, BMI and IR is at the level of p&lt;0.01, and for body weight is at the level of p&lt;0.05), but with regard to the type of posture, there are no significant differences. It is worth noting that the differences between children with different types of posture within each sex group are not large. In view of the above, we conclude that children aged 5-6 years with ASD differ significantly in body circumference depending on gender. However, when the type of posture is taken into account, no significant differences are observed. Prospects for further research is to theoretically substantiate, develop and experimentally test the technology of correction of biomechanical disorders of spatial organisation of the body of children aged 5-6 years with MR in the process of physical education and sports rehabilitation.

Soluble PD-L1 and Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B May Independently Predict Prognosis in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Pembrolizumab

Background: Previous preclinical data have shown that the dynamic cross-talk between abnormal tumor vasculature and immune cell factors in the tumor microenvironment may exert a critical role in the progression and treatment resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the clinical setting, a variety of blood-based angiogenesis- and immune-related factors are being increasingly investigated as potential biomarkers of prognosis or treatment response in immunotherapy-treated NSCLC. We herein aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of the peripheral blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A and -B (VEGF-A and VEGF-B, respectively), soluble programmed cell death-1 (sPD-1), and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: Consecutive patients with advanced-stage, non-oncogene-addicted NSCLC, eligible to receive ICIs at the Oncology Unit of Sotiria Athens General Hospital, were prospectively recruited. A group of sex- and age-matched healthy controls was also enrolled for the evaluation of the potential diagnostic significance of the examined biomarkers. Serum levels of all biomarkers were measured using ELISA, both before and after treatment, and were correlated with standard clinicopathological features of patients, treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 55 patients and 16 healthy controls were included in the final analysis. The mean age of patients and controls was 66.5 years (SD = 8.0 years) and 65.4 years (SD = 9.1 years), respectively. The majority of patients (65.5%) received pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy, while the remaining patients received pembrolizumab monotherapy. ROC curve analysis showed that VEGFB and sPD-1 were the only markers with a significant diagnostic value. Higher pre-treatment values of sPD-L1 (HR = 1.68; p = 0.040) and sPD-1 (HR = 10.96; p = 0.037) as well as higher post-treatment values of VEGF-B (HR = 2.99; p = 0.049) were all significantly associated with a reduced OS in univariate Cox regression analysis. The adverse prognostic significance of higher pre-treatment values of sPD-L1 (HR = 2.10; p = 0.014) and higher post-treatment values of VEGFB (HR = 3.37; p = 0.032) was further confirmed in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Our study results suggest that serum levels of sPD-L1 and VEGF-B may independently predict prognosis in ICI-treated advanced-stage NSCLC.

Psychometric properties of the flourishing scale in Italian adolescents

ABSTRACT Flourishing in adolescence is a crucial aspect of psychological development, encompassing well-being and effective functioning. Flourishing refers to the good life, feeling good, and effectively performing human actions. The Flourishing Scale (FS) is a brief measure of self-perceived success concerning relationships, self-esteem, purpose, and optimism. This was the first study to assess the psychometric properties of the FS in a sample of 291 Italian adolescents (M = 16.47 years, SD = 1.65; 39.86% male). The results confirmed the one-dimensional structure of the FS. Reliability was good, and measurement invariance between sex and age groups was established. There were no sex or age differences in flourishing. The latter correlated positively with life satisfaction and negatively with rumination and depression. These results suggest that the FS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing flourishing among Italian adolescents.