Significant Inverse Association Research Articles

Thyroid function and brain structure: insight from a Mendelian randomization study.

Thyroid hormones play a critical role in brain development. However, the precise causal associations between thyroid function and structural changes in specific brain regions remain uncertain. We applied the univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR) method to assess the causal effects of thyroid function on brain structure. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on thyroid-related traits from the ThyroidOmics consortium, including free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), FT3/FT4 ratio, as well as dichotomized high and low TSH levels were used as exposures. GWAS data on cortical thickness, surface area, and volume of subcortical structures served as outcomes. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was the main estimate method. Subsequently, multivariable MR (MVMR) was conducted to validate significant causal associations identified in UVMR. UVMR analysis identified 1 significant and 13 nominal significant causal relationships (P<0.05). Genetically predicted FT4 showed a statistically significant inverse association with putamen volume (β= -71.91, 95% confidence interval: -112.11 to -31.71). These findings were robust in sensitivity analysis. MVMR analysis further confirmed a persistent causal relationship between FT4 and putamen volume after adjusting for FT3, TSH, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Functional enrichment analyses indicated the pathways by which FT4 influences putamen volume may be related to thyroid hormone signaling pathway, sodium-independent organic anion transport, and Rap1 signaling pathway. MR analysis provides evidence for causal relationships between thyroid function and brain structural alterations, particularly highlighting the impact of FT4 on putamen volume. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which thyroid hormones modulate brain structure.

Association between iron intake and excessive daytime sleepiness in the community-dwelling Japanese: the Toon Health Study.

Brain iron deficiency is known to cause dopaminergic dysfunction in people with restless legs syndrome. Considering the role that dopamine plays in the wake-promoting system, we speculated that iron deficiency may contribute to the development of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Therefore, we conducted the present study to examine the association between iron intake and EDS in the general population. We collected data from the participants of the Toon Health Study from 2009 to 2017 (N = 2405) and conducted a cross-sectional analysis. EDS was defined as an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 11. Participants were divided into four groups according to quartiles of estimated iron intake from their responses to the Food Frequency Questionnaire. We used sex, age, body mass index, and sleep duration as adjustment variables. The mean age of the participants was 57.9 years, and 64.2% were women. Compared to the highest quartile of iron intake, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for EDS of the lowest quartile was 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.83, p for trend = 0.03). When the analysis was restricted to participants with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score < 6, the odds ratio was 1.57 (95% CI: 1.06-2.31, p for trend = 0.04). Significant inverse associations were observed between iron intake and EDS. This tendency was also observed in participants without substantial subjective sleep disturbance (i.e., PSQI score < 6), suggesting that iron deficiency may play a role in the wake-promoting system independently of sleep disturbances.

The Influence of Lower-Limb Strength and Power on the Speed and Heat Results of Professional Brazilian Surfers.

To correlate speed and heat scores with anthropometric variables and lower-limb strength and power in professional surfers. A total of 19 men participated in simulated competitions on different days. All surfed waves were scored, and each athlete's best 2 were used for their total heat score. Speed values were extracted by global positioning system and adjusted by Z score. Squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump were executed. Anthropometric variables and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in the half squat were measured. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to analyze the relationships. Height had a significant (P < .05) inverse association with speed indicators (r = -.36 to - .68), and body mass index had a moderate association with maximum wave speed of the highest score. Significant correlations with moderate to large magnitudes were found between maximum speed and vertical jumps (r = .46 to .56), average speed and vertical jumps (r = .48 to .59), and both maximum and average speed with 1RM (r = .52-.53). Athletes' best score and total heat score showed moderate to large associations with vertical jumps and 1RM (r = .48-.64), whereas second scores were correlated with the reactive strength index of the drop jump (r = .48) and 1RM (r = .51). Shorter surfers with lower center of gravity and those with superior lower-limb strength and power achieved greater speed and higher scores. Accordingly, surf coaches may consider prescribing dynamic strength and balance training based on an athlete's profile to improve performance.

The Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Waist Circumference Among Normal‐Weight Individuals in the Peruvian Population: A 3‐Year Pooled Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACTIntroductionLimited information is available on the association between depressive symptoms and waist circumference (WC) in individuals with normal weight. This study aimed to analyze the association between depressive symptoms and WC among individuals aged 18 years or older with normal weight in the Peruvian population between 2019 and 2021.MethodsAnalytical cross‐sectional study. Data from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey (2019–2021) were analyzed. The sample consisted of 26 933 participants. The outcome variable was WC. The exposure variables included the overall Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) score and severity of depressive symptoms. Generalized linear models of the Gaussian family estimated the effects with β coefficients for the associations between WC and depressive symptoms stratified by age and sex.ResultsA significant inverse association was observed between depressive symptoms and WC in young (&lt; 35 years) individuals of both sexes. In young males, a dose–response relationship emerged, with greater severity of depressive symptoms associated with progressively lower WC. Specifically, inverse associations were found for moderate (β = −1.74, 95% CI: −3.25 to −0.23), moderately severe (β = −2.81, 95% CI: −4.71 to −0.91), and severe (β = −2.75, 95% CI: −5.11 to −0.40) depressive symptoms.ConclusionsAmong young individuals of both sexes with a normal weight, depressive symptoms were inversely associated with WC. These findings underscore the need for nuanced considerations of age and sex when exploring the interplay of depression and abdominal adiposity in individuals with normal weight.

Platelet count and hypertension as indicators of height loss in the general population: A prospective study

Circulating CD34-positive cell count is inversely associated with height loss. It acts as an indicator of endothelial repair activity. In conjunction with CD34-positive cells, platelets contribute to endothelial repair. The presence of hypertension increases the demand for endothelial repair. Therefore, platelet count could be associated with height loss among individuals with hypertension. A retrospective study of 2,343 individuals aged 40 to 79 years was conducted. Height loss was defined as being in the highest quartile of annual height decrease (1.6 mm/year for men and 2.0 mm/year for women). A significant inverse association between platelet count and height loss was observed only among participants with hypertension. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for height loss per 1 standard deviation increment in platelet count (5.09×104/μL for men and 5.03×104/μL for women) was 0.83 (0.70, 0.98) for participants with hypertension and 1.02 (0.90, 1.16) for participants without hypertension. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, platelets could prevent accelerated height loss among individuals with hypertension. Unlike CD34-positive cell count, platelet count and blood pressure, which are easy to assess in daily clinical practice, influence height loss.

An Association between Bilirubin and Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Effect Modification by Nrf2 Polymorphisms

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a persistent microvascular complication associated with diabetes, and it constitutes a significant cause of visual impairment and blindness. Aims: This study aimed to assess the correlation between serum bilirubin levels and the prevalence of DR in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, we sought to establish whether the polymorphisms of Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) might modify this relationship. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Jiangxi, China, from May, 2012 to December, 2014. Serum bilirubin levels were assessed in 558 subjects, and the correlation between bilirubin and DR was analyzed using generalized linear models with a logit link. The study utilized odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate the relationship, both with and without the consideration of clinical risk factors. Results: There was a significant inverse association between serum total bilirubin (TBiL) and the risk of DR (per 1-μmol/L increment; OR, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84-0.94). Accordingly, when TBiL was categorized into tertiles, individuals in tertiles 2 and 3 exhibited significantly lower risks of DR compared to those in tertile 1. The OR for these tertiles was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.34-0.87) and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.19-0.52), respectively. Moreover, a stronger inverse relationship between TBiL and DR was observed in individuals carrying the CC and AC genotypes compared to those with the AA genotype. The OR for individuals with the CC/AC genotype was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82, 0.92), while that for the AA genotype was 1.17 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.45). This difference was statistically significant (p for interaction = 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant inverse association between bilirubin and DR in participants with CC or AC genotype. However, this inverse association was not seen in AA genotype participants.

Association of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer atrophy with cognitive impairment in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

We aimed to explore the association between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFL), macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL), and cognitive impairment (CI) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). In this cross-sectional study, 38 (28 aquaporin-4 (AQP4) IgG-seropositive) NMOSD patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) underwent cognitive assessment using Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) battery. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed for both eyes of all NMOSD patients. First, we examined the association of pRNFL and mGCIPL with cognitive function in all patients, regardless of the history of previous optic neuritis (ON). We then included only eyes without a prior history of ON, incorporating non-ON eyes in patients with unilateral ON and the average of OCT measures for both non-ON eyes in patients without a history of ON. Sixteen (42.1%) NMOSD patients exhibited global CI. There was a significant decrease in pRNFL (Δ: 24.33μm, p = 0.002) and mGCIPL (Δ: 9.20μm, p = 0.009) in NMOSD patients with CI compared to those without. The atrophy of pRNFL showed an inverse association with CI before (OR = 1.059, 95% CI: 1.015, 1.105) and after adjustment for age, sex, and disease duration (OR = 1.072, 95%CI: 1.009, 1.139). An inverse significant association was observed between mGCIPL atrophy and CI before adjustment (OR = 1.102, 95% CI: 1.017, 1.194), but not after adjustment (OR = 1.106, 95%CI: 0.999, 1.224). After narrowing our analysis to non-ON eyes, the same results for pRNFL and CI were observed (unadjusted: OR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.004, 1.106; adjusted: OR = 1.081, 95%CI: 1.000, 1.168). There was no significant association found between mGCIPL thickness and CI in both unadjusted and adjusted models. In sensitivity analyses, we observed no significant association between pRNFL and mGCIPL with CI in AQP-IgG-seropositive NMOSD patients. This study, for the first time, provide a preliminary evidence for a possible relation between pRNFL atrophy and occurrence of cognitive impairment in NMOSD patients. Further studies are required to explore the possible association of OCT parameters with cognition function in NMOSD patients.

Relationship between oxidative balance score and post-stroke depression: insights from the NHANES 2005-2018 cross-sectional study.

The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) represents an integrated measure of oxidative-reductive homeostasis. Despite the established role of oxidative stress in the development of post-stroke depression (PSD), the association between OBS and PSD in the general population remains unclear. This study aims to explore this relationship using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005-2018. The OBS was calculated using validated methods that incorporate dietary and lifestyle factors, whereas PSD status was determined using self-reported data and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the associations of total OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS with PSD prevalence, adjusting for potential confounders. Dose-response relationships were further assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCS). Among the 26,668 participants included in the analysis, 201 were diagnosed with PSD. After adjusting for confounding variables, higher total OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS were each significantly associated with reduced odds of PSD. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the highest versus lowest quartiles were 0.31 (95% CI: 0.15-0.67) for total OBS, 0.45 (0.27-0.73) for dietary OBS, and 0.28 (0.13-0.60) for lifestyle OBS. RCS analyses indicated a linear dose-response relationship for all three OBS categories with PSD risk. In sex-stratified analyses, significant inverse associations were observed between all OBS categories and PSD in females, whereas only lifestyle OBS was significantly associated with PSD in males. Higher OBS was associated with reduced odds of PSD, with a particularly pronounced effect in females. These findings suggest that adherence to an antioxidant-rich diet and lifestyle may mitigate PSD risk.

Physical Activity Reduces Metabolic Risk via Iron Metabolism: Cross-National Evidence Using the Triglyceride–Glucose Index

Purpose: Studies suggest that the triglyceride–glucose index (TyG) is a novel and comprehensive marker of metabolic health. While most research indicates that increased physical activity (PA) is linked to improved metabolic health, some studies argue that the previous markers may not fully capture this relationship. This study uses TyG as a marker of metabolic health to examine the association between PA and TyG. Methods: Data are from cross-sectional surveys in three large population studies in China and the United States: CHARLS, CHNS, and NHANES. Regression models were applied to analyze the relationship between PA and TyG, with covariates adjusted in a stepwise manner. Stratified analysis was used to explore this relationship among different population groups, and, since it has been suggested that iron metabolism plays an important role in metabolic health, it was used as a mediating variable to construct a mediation model for analysis and discussion. Results: Higher PA was significantly associated with lower TyG levels across all three databases (p &lt; 0.001), and this relationship remained robust after full adjustment for covariates. This negative association was more pronounced in older males (over 45 years). Iron metabolism also mediated this relationship, with mediation proportions ranging from 10% to 12.5%. Conclusion: There is a significant inverse association between PA and TyG, suggesting a link between increased PA and metabolic health, with iron metabolism moderating this relationship, especially among older males.

Association between dietary carotenoids intake and fecal incontinence in American adults: evidence from NAHNES 2005-2010.

Carotenoids represent a class of bioactive compounds with potential implications for gut health. However, the relationship between dietary carotenoid intake (DCI) and fecal incontinence (FI) remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the association between DCI and the risk of FI. Participants aged 20 and above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005-2010) were included in the study. Data on FI were derived from the bowel health questionnaire, while DCI information was obtained from dietary interviews. Survey-weighted logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to evaluate the relationship between DCI, its subtypes, and FI. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was utilized to assess the overall effect of DCI and its predominant subtypes. Finally, subgroup analyses were conducted. The study included a total of 11,915 participants, of whom 1,023 (7.0%) experienced FI. Logistic regression analysis revealed that, after adjusting for all covariates, there was a significant inverse association between DCI and the risk of FI (Model 2: Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52-0.86, p = 0.003). However, among the DCI subtypes, only β-carotene was found to have a significant inverse relationship with FI (Model 2: Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.88, p = 0.005). The RCS curves indicated no non-linear relationship between DCI, its subtypes, and FI (all p-non-linear >0.05). WQS analysis identified β-carotene (weight 38.2%) and lutein/zeaxanthin (weight 27.8%) as the primary contributors. High levels of carotenoid intake, particularly β-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin, are associated with a reduced risk of fecal incontinence. This discovery provides dietary recommendations for patients suffering from FI.

The association between dietary obesity-prevention score (DOS) and polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent obesity-related diseases in women of reproductive age. Linkage between diet and PCOS are still controversial. Dietary obesity prevention score (DOS) is one of the new indicators of diet evaluation which have been previously linked to obesity. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to investigate the relationship between DOS and PCOS. In this case-control study, 100 newly diagnosed women with PCOS and 100 age-matched women without PCOS were assayed from clinics affiliated to Kashan university of medical sciences, Kashan, Iran. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate food intakes. DOS was calculated based on previous published guideline. Anthropometric measurements were carefully measured by a trained nutritionist. A 10-houres fasting plasma blood sample was collected for all participants. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), High density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and C - reactive protein (CRP) were measured based on laboratory methods. The mean age and BMI of study participants was 23.6 year and 24.9kg/m2 respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, adherence to DOS score was inversely associated with CRP levels. People in the top tertile of DOS had lower CRP level compared to people in the bottom tertile (3.71 compared to 4.48mg/dl) (P = 0.04). In addition, participant in the top tertile of DOS had marginally significant higher level of FBS compared to participants in the bottom tertile (92.3 vs. 88.9mg/dl, P = 0.051). After adjustment for all confounding factors people in the highest tertile of DOS had a 46% non-significant lower odds for PCOS compared to people in the lowest tertile (95% CI: 0.23-1.25; P-trend = 0.15). In the present study, an inverse significant association was seen between adherence to DOS and inflammation. However, no significant relationship was observed between DOS and odds of having PCOS. Further longitudinal studies are suggested to investigate the association between DOS and PCOS.

NDR2 is critical for the osteoclastogenesis by regulating ULK1-mediated mitophagy.

Bone homeostasis primarily stems from the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, wherein an augmented number or heightened activity of osteoclasts is a prevalent etiological factor in the development of bone loss. Nuclear Dbf2-related kinase (NDR2), also known as STK38L, is a member of the Hippo family with serine/threonine kinase activity. We unveiled an upregulation of NDR2 expression during osteoclast differentiation. Manipulation of NDR2 levels through knockdown or overexpression facilitated or hindered osteoclast differentiation respectively, indicating a negative feedback role for NDR2 in the osteoclastogenesis. Myeloid NDR2-dificient mice (Lysm+NDR2f/f) showed lower bone mass and further exacerbated ovariectomy-induced or aging-related bone loss. Mechanically, NDR2 enhanced autophagy and mitophagy through mediating ULK1 instability. In addition, ULK1 inhibitor (ULK1-IN2) ameliorated NDR2 cKO-induced bone loss. Finally, we clarified a significant inverse association between NDR2 expression and the occurrence of osteoporosis in patients. In a word, NDR2-ULK1-mitophagy axis was a potential innovative therapeutic target for the prevention and management of bone loss.

Aflatoxin Exposure in Children Aged 4 Months to 5 Years from sub-Saharan Africa and its Effect on Stunted Child Growth – a Topical Review

The mould species fungi encompass among others the family of Aspergillus which produce and secrete a number of compounds toxic to human health, namely the aflatoxins. These mycotoxins are converted to secondary metabolites that exert the often detrimental biological effect, and they are commonly found in various foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains. Members of the Aspergillus family thrive in wet and humid conditions, so they are particularly prevalent in regions with a tropical climate, for example in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxins considered to be among the most known potent mutagenic and carcinogenic substances. For example, it can cause liver cancer. Importantly, aflatoxins often contaminate weaning foods consumed by small children. This topical review outlines the evidence on the associations between aflatoxin exposure and impaired linear growth (stunting, that is low height/length for age) in small children (aged 4 months to 5 years) from sub-Saharan Africa. Ten studies were retrieved from the database PubMed after considering predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Six out of the ten studies found a significant inverse association between increased aflatoxin exposure and stunted child growth. Although aflatoxin exposure and stunting prevalence were high and widespread in most of the included studies, in general, studies conducted in Western Africa had the highest aflatoxin exposure and stunting prevalence. The only included randomized controlled trial found that a diet aimed at reducing aflatoxin exposure significantly improved linear growth in children at 13, but not at 22, months of age. The evidence suggests that aflatoxins have an impact on linear growth among children aged 4 months to five years. Possibly there is a threshold value for aflatoxin exposure before a significant impact on growth can be identified. Raised awareness and management strategies for the high aflatoxin exposure rates in sub-Saharan Africa and its negative health effects, in particular stunted child growth, are warranted. Key words: Aflatoxin, children, diet, linear growth, stunting, sub-Saharan Africa, topical review

Trauma, Resilience, and Treatment Outcomes in a Pediatric MOUD Clinic

Background: In this study, we explored the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and childhood protective factors (i.e., resilience) with outpatient treatment outcomes among youths receiving buprenorphine-based medication for opioid use disorder over a six-month period. Methods: An observational study was conducted among 42 participants utilizing the modified Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire and the Southern Kennebec Healthy Start Resilience survey. Treatment outcomes included the end of treatment, buprenorphine-based medication treatment nonadherence, and opioid relapse. Cox proportional hazard models were fit for all treatment outcomes. Results: Reported adverse childhood experiences were high compared with the national average and demonstrated a significant inverse association with time to buprenorphine treatment nonadherence. Total resilience score was not significantly associated with any treatment outcome. Analysis of potential confounders and other covariates likewise demonstrated no relationship. Conclusions: Higher reported adverse childhood experience scores were associated with greater hazard of buprenorphine-based medication nonadherence. This finding underscores the need for ACE screening and trauma-informed care in this population.

Seasonal variation in dietary intake and its association with obesity-related chronic diseases in northeast China

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to assess seasonal changes in dietary and nutrient intake of residents (18-75 years old) in Northeast China during summer and winter, and to explore the associations between fatty acids, phytosterols, and the prevalence of obesity-related chronic diseases, particularly obesity, hyperlipidemia, and NAFLD. Methods A total of 4773 participants from the Internet-based Dietary Questionnaire for Chinese (IDQC) were included in this study. Dietary intake information was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyze continuous variables, while Chi-squared tests were used to compare categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the relationship between fatty acids, phytosterols, and obesity-related chronic diseases. Results The mean consumption of legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, dairy products, fish, condiments, energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate differed significantly between summer and winter (P &lt; 0.05). Significant inverse associations were found between both fatty acids and phytosterols and obesity-related chronic diseases in multivariate adjusted models. Summer polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake was negatively associated with the prevalence of hyperlipidemia (Q4, OR, 0.515; 95%CI, 0.283-0.921; P &lt; 0.05) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Q4, OR, 0.331; 95%CI, 0.176-0.599; P &lt; 0.001). Phytosterols intake was negatively associated with the prevalence of obesity (Q4, OR, 0.603; 95%CI, 0.414-0.873; P &lt; 0.05), hyperlipidemia (Q4, OR, 0.420; 95%CI, 0.233-0.731; P &lt; 0.001), and NAFLD (Q4, OR, 0.206; 95%CI, 0.111-0.360; P &lt; 0.001) during the summer. Conclusions Higher PUFA intake was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity, hyperlipidemia, and NAFLD. Phytosterol intake was inversely associated with the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and NAFLD. These findings suggest that the associations between PUFA and phytosterols and the prevalence of obesity-related chronic diseases may be influenced by seasonal differences in food intake.

Effects of Fermented Kimchi Consumption on Anthropometric and Blood Cardiometabolic Indicators: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies and Prospective Cohort Studies.

Increasing global kimchi consumption has prompted interest in its health impact. However, comprehensive reviews of the influence of kimchi on cardiometabolic risk factors, especially meta-analyses, remain limited. This review assessed the impact of fermented kimchi consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors by systematically reviewing human intervention and prospective cohort studies, and conducting a meta-analysis of intervention studies. A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, RISS, KISS, and ScienceON databases was conducted through April 30, 2024. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies that examined the effects of fermented kimchi, without any added ingredients or lactic acid bacteria, on health outcomes, including anthropometric measures, blood pressure, cardiometabolic and glycemic indicators, inflammatory cytokines, and the incidence of related chronic diseases. Data extraction and quality evaluation were conducted independently by 3 researchers. Pooled effect sizes were calculated as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% CIs employing random-effects models. Five intervention studies (205 participants) and 4 prospective cohort studies (42 455 participants) were selected. A meta-analysis of the intervention studies revealed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (WMD: -1.93 mg/dL; 95% CI: -3.82, -0.03; I2 = 17.4%) following the consumption of fermented kimchi. After excluding studies that contributed to increased heterogeneity, significant inverse associations were observed between fermented kimchi consumption and triglycerides (WMD: -28.9 mg/dL; 95% CI: -53.2, -4.5; I2 = 0.0%), systolic blood pressure (WMD: -3.48 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.95, -1.01, I2 = 0.0%), and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -2.68 mmHg; 95% CI: -4.75, -0.62; I2 = 0.0%). Prospective cohort studies linked higher kimchi intake with a lower incidence of cancer and metabolic syndrome and an increased likelihood of achieving normal body weight. This review supports beneficial effects of fermented kimchi on cardiometabolic health. However, due to the limited number of studies, these findings should be interpreted cautiously, highlighting the need for further research in diverse populations. PROSPERO registration No. CRD42024532020.

The Association Between Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Polypharmacy in Older Adults: The Loma Linda Longevity Study.

Polypharmacy-defined as taking numerous medications that may not be clinically necessary-is becoming a significant concern among the older adult population. This study examined the associations between lifestyle behaviors and the number of prescribed medications in older adults (75 years and older) living in the counties of San Bernardino and Riverside. This study employed a cross-sectional survey to assess lifestyle behaviors and medication use in 611 older adults aged 75 or over. Bivariate correlation and linear regression analyses were used to assess potential relationships between lifestyle behaviors and the number of prescribed medications. Fruit consumption (P = 0.005), mild physical activity per week (P < .001), and lifestyle index (P = 0.003) had a highly significant inverse association with the number of prescribed medications. Fat consumption had a direct positive relationship with the number of prescribed medications (P = 0.02). Higher fat intake was directly linked to an increased need for medications, while regular physical activity, a higher fruit intake, and a healthy overall lifestyle were all associated with a lower likelihood of polypharmacy. Future research can explore the mechanisms linking these behaviors with medication usage.

A systematic review of observational studies on the association between diet quality patterns and visceral adipose tissue.

Beyond obesity, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has emerged as an important predictor of chronic disease, but the role of diet quality patterns (DQP) in VAT development is not well defined. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of how various DQP are associated with VAT via literature searches in PubMed and EMBASE. We included observational investigations in disease-free adults/adolescents that related DQP to VAT assessed by imaging methods. The studies were evaluated separately for a priori and a posteriori DQP and according to design differences. Study quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool. Of the 1807 screened articles, thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of a priori indices, for example, the Healthy Eating Index, showed significant inverse associations with VAT, while only a small proportion of a posteriori patterns were related to VAT. Results did not differ substantially by the method of exposure and outcome assessment or between studies with (n 20) or without (n 15) body-size adjustment, but significant findings were more common in younger v. older individuals, USA v. other populations and investigations with moderate v. serious risk of bias. The heterogeneity of the existing literature limited the ability to quantify the magnitude of the associations across studies. These findings suggest that a high-quality diet, as assessed by a priori DQP, is generally inversely associated with VAT, but results for a posteriori DQP are less consistent. As associations persisted after adjusting for body size, diet quality may beneficially influence VAT beyond its association with obesity.

Association Between Asian Flush and Satisfaction of Sleep via Alcohol Consumption Status in a Sample of Japanese Participants.

The reddening of the face and neck following alcohol consumption is known as Asian flush. Although genetic factors related to Asian flush have been reported to be inversely associated with duration of sleep, no study has reported an association between Asian flush and sleep satisfaction. A cross-sectional study of 3823 Japanese people, aged 20 to 64 years was conducted. The target population comprised general public resident monitors of Osaka Prefecture who were registered with an internet research company. A significant inverse association was observed between Asian flush and satisfaction of sleep. The potential confounder-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of satisfied sleep was 0.81 (0.69-0.96). The alcohol consumption status-specific analysis revealed essentially the same associations between consumers and non-consumers of alcohol. The adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 0.81 (0.65-0.997) for non-consumers and 0.80 (0.61-1.05) for consumers of alcohol. The genetic characteristics of physical reactions to alcohol exposure may influence sleep quality. One's alcohol consumption status may not influence the effects of having a lower tolerance to alcohol on sleep quality.

Hyperparathyroidism in patients with low bone mineral density treated with zoledronic acid or denosumab

ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence of hyperparathyroidism in patients treated with zoledronic acid (ZA) or denosumab, its relationship with other parameters and how it affects on bone mineral density (BMD) evolution. MethodsRetrospective observational study in patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia and high risk of fracture, who have received denosumab or ZA for at least two years. Patients diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism or glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min at baseline visit were excluded from the study. ResultsA total of 90 patients were included.Ninety patients (ZA: 54.44%) were included.18.36% of ZA-treated patients had elevated PTH levels at some time compared to 36.58% denosumab-treated patients (p > 0.05). Patients with persistently elevated PTH were 6.13% in the AZ group and 19.51% in the denosumab group (p < 0.04).We found a statistically significant inverse association between elevated PTH levels, glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.007) and albumin-corrected calcium (p < 0.001). We did not find an association between hyperparathyroidism and BMD evolution. ConclusionsA high incidence of hyperparathyroidism was observed in patients treated with AZ and especially denosumab. Hyperparathyroidism correlated inversely with glomerular filtration rate and albumin-corrected calcium. Elevated PTH does not appear to affect short-term bone mineral density evolution.