Interaction Test Research Articles

Healthy lifestyle and HPV infection risk: results from a cross-sectional study.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection constitutes a significant global public health challenge despite the widespread implementation of vaccination programs, with infection rates persistently high. Recent studies suggest that lifestyle factors including diet quality (DQ) and physical activity (PA) could play a pivotal role in the mitigation of HPV infections. This investigation explored the influence of DQ, PA, and a healthy lifestyle on the incidence of HPV infection in adult women. Data from 5,308 women aged 20-59 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2016. DQ and PA were measured using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), respectively, creating four lifestyle groups based on how well they matched dietary and activity guidelines. The associations between key factors and HPV infection were explored using multivariate logistic regression, trend tests, and interaction tests. Fully adjusted multivariable logistic regression models revealed an inverse association between the risk of HPV infection and higher levels of PA (OR = 0.914; 95% CI: 0.854-0.979) as well as DQ (OR = 0.993; 95% CI: 0.989-0.998). Individuals in the highest tertile of DQ displayed a reduced risk of HPV infection relative to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.846; 95% CI: 0.726-0.986). Belonging to the third quintile of PA was linked to a lower risk of HPV infection than the lowest quintile (OR = 0.823; 95% CI: 0.681-0.995). Subgroups adhering to a healthy DQ were linked to a lower risk of HPV infection irrespective of PA meeting guideline recommendations. Our findings underscore the importance of a healthy diet in conjunction with appropriate PA in preventing HPV infection, offering new insights for public health policies and interventions.

Association between dietary copper intake and bone mineral density in children and adolescents aged 8-19 years: A cross-sectional study.

Some studies showed the possible role of copper intake on bone mineral density (BMD) in adults or the elderly, but the association remained uncertain in children and adolescents. Our research explored the association between copper intake and BMD in individuals aged 8-19 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016. In the present study, 6,965 individuals aged 8-19 (mean age 13.18 ± 3.38 years) were enrolled from the NHANES 2011-2016. Copper intake was evaluated by averaging two 24-hour copper dietary intake recalls. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the association between copper intake and total BMD, subtotal BMD, and total spine BMD in children and adolescents. Stratified analyses and interaction tests were performed by age, gender, and race. Participants of the higher quartile of copper intake were more likely to be older, men, Non-Hispanic White, and Other Hispanic. They have higher values of poverty income ratio (PIR), serum phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen, serum vitamin D, and BMD and lower values of body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, total protein, and serum cotinine. In the fully adjusted model, we found positive associations between copper intake and total BMD (β = 0.013, 95CI: 0.006, 0.019)), subtotal BMD (β = 0.020, 95CI: 0.015, 0.024), and total spine BMD (β = 0.014, 95CI: 0.009, 0.019). Stratified analyses showed that the association was stronger in men, individuals aged 14-19, Non-Hispanic White, and Other Hispanic. Our study suggests that copper intake is positively associated with BMD in U.S. children and adolescents. The study emphasizes the role of copper intake on bone health in the early stages of life. However, more investigations are needed to verify our findings and their underlying mechanisms.

Pre- and post-therapy functional MRI connectivity in severe acute brain injury with suppression of consciousness: a comparative analysis to epilepsy features.

Severe acute brain injury (SABI) with suppressed consciousness is a major societal burden, with early prognosis being crucial for life-and-death treatment decisions. Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) is promising for prognosis and identifying epileptogenic activity in SABI. While established for SABI prognosis and seizure networks (SzNET) identification in epilepsy, the rs-fMRI use for SzNET detection in SABI is limited. This study compared evolution of SzNET and resting-state networks (RSN) pre-to-post treatment in SABI and epilepsy, hypothesizing that changes would align with clinical evolution. Therapies included epilepsy surgery for the epilepsy group and antiseizure medication for the SABI group. Independent component analysis (ICA) was used to identify SzNET and RSNs in all rs-fMRI. High-frequency BOLD (HF-BOLD), an ICA power spectrum-based index, quantified RSN and SzNET changes by the patient. Confidence intervals measured HF-BOLD changes pre-to-post-therapy. Baseline HF-BOLD and HF-BOLD changes were compared using linear-mixed models and interaction tests. Five SABI and ten epilepsy patients were included. SzNET were identified in all SABI's pre-therapy rs-fMRI. The clinical changes in SABI and epilepsy were consistent with rs-fMRI findings across groups. HF-BOLD reduced in the epilepsy group RSN post-therapy (-0.78, 95% CI -3.42 to -0.33), but the evidence was insufficient to determine an HF-BOLD reduction in SABI patients or SzNET. The HF-BOLD change trend in pre-to-post epilepsy surgery scans paralleled the clinical improvement, suggesting that the power spectrum may quantify the degree of abnormality on ICA-derived networks. Despite limitations such as small sample sizes, this exploratory study provides valuable insights into network dysfunction in SABI and epilepsy.

Tests of moderation of the big-fish-little-pond effect across students with and without special educational needs in regular versus special education schools

BackgroundInclusive education has become increasingly popular based on the assumption that it has multiple benefits for students with special educational needs (SEN). However, contradictions remain regarding the widespread nature of these benefits, particularly when it comes to academic motivation. AimsIn this large-scale cross-sectional study, we relied on the Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect (BFLPE) to assess the links between inclusive education and students’ academic self-concepts and learning interests in the mathematics and verbal domains. SampleThe sample consisted of 21,219 German elementary school children in Grade 4 who were enrolled in three groups: students without SEN attending regular schools (n1 = 19,069), students with SEN attending regular schools (n2 = 933), and students with SEN attending special education schools (n3 = 1214). MethodsDoubly latent multi-group multilevel structural equation models and tests of latent interaction were performed to test the BFLPE. ResultsResults supported the BFLPE for both outcomes and domains. However, no BFLPE was identified for learning interest in the verbal domain among students with SEN attending special education schools, although the size of this effect did not differ significantly from that observed among students without SEN. In regular schools, the BFLPE was almost two times stronger among students with SEN than among their peers without SEN. ConclusionsResults support the generalizability of the BFLPE to students with SEN, while casting doubts on the motivational benefits of inclusive education for these students. Interventions targeted at attenuating the BFLPE should thus be tailored for both regular and special education schools.

Nutritional support after hospital discharge reduces long-term mortality in patients after gastric cancer surgery: secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial

Background & aimsNutritional support after hospital discharge was found to enhance the nutritional condition of patients after cancer surgery. However, the effect of nutritional support after hospital discharge in patients after cancer surgery on long-term clinical outcomes is controversial. We aimed to investigate the effect of nutritional support after hospital discharge on long-term clinical outcomes in patients after gastric cancer surgery. MethodsThis study conducted a secondary analysis on individuals at nutritional risk who underwent gastric cancer surgery included in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received oral nutritional supplements combined with dietary advice, and the control group received dietary advice alone. The long-term mortality (primary outcome) and other clinical outcomes were compared between groups. ResultsIn total, 321 patients were included in this analysis, with a median follow-up duration of 60.5 months. According to the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002), the presence of nutritional risk was found to be a significant predictor of death. This association remained independent even after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity, and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (AJCC). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for mortality increased by 1.30 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.60, P= 0.016] for each additional point rise in NRS. During the follow-up, a total of 64 individuals (39.5%) in the intervention group and 81 patients (50.9%) in the control group died. Consequently, the adjusted HR for mortality between two groups was 0.69 (95% CI 0.50-0.96, P=0.026). The results of interaction tests did not yield statistically significant variations in fatality rates through the age, sex, comorbidity, NRS, and AJCC stage subgroups. Nutritional support after hospital discharge significantly improved handgrip strength (adjusted coefficient 5.05, 95% CI 3.01-7.08, P=0.000) among other functional outcomes. ConclusionsNutritional support after hospital discharge reduced long-term mortality and improved handgrip strength among patients at nutritional risk after gastric cancer surgery. The current investigation provides the guarantee of nutritional support after hospital discharge for patients after surgery in cancer management guidelines.

Influence of Ti3AlC2 additions on CMAS corrosion resistance of porous LaMgAl11O19 abradables

The corrosion of calcium-magnesium-aluminosilicate (CMAS) is a critical degradation mechanism for the hot sections of aircraft engines, particularly affecting abradable components where inherent defects complicate the prevention of rapid CMAS melt penetration. To address this challenge, Ti3AlC2 was incorporated into the porous LaMgAl11O19 abradables at concentrations of 5–20 wt% as both a self-healing agent and sintering aid. Annealing at 1200 °C markedly improved crack closure and pore isolation within the coating, with these effects intensifying with higher Ti3AlC2 concentrations, and resulted in the retention of excess TiO2. CMAS interaction tests conducted at 1300 °C demonstrated that only the abradables with 20 wt% Ti3AlC2 addition significantly reduced the penetration of CMAS melt. This effect is attributed to the densification of the abradables caused by self-healing, which blocks the propagation of CMAS along defect channels, and the role of TiO2 as a nucleating agent that facilitates the crystallization of CMAS and the precipitation of CaAl2Si2O8. The La/Ca ratio in the solid solutions related to LaMgAl11O19 and LaTi2Al9O19 can be used to reflect the corrosion level of platelet-like grains, where a value below 1 is likely to trigger their dissolution.

Friend or foe: effects of social experience and genetic line on responses of young gilts in a social challenge paired interaction test

The increased focus on group housing of sows in commercial pig production emphasises the importance of saving appropriate gilts which later become sows that are well-adapted to group housing systems. This study aimed to assess the short-term effects of social mixing experience and genetic line on social and exploration responses of young gilts in standardised 3-min social challenge paired interaction tests. The study included 96 gilts, from 26 litters, of two different genetic lines (Swedish Yorkshire and Dutch Yorkshire). These lines were chosen because the dam lines have been selected in group-housed and individual stall systems, respectively, a background which was hypothesised to have modified their social behaviour over time. The gilts were subjected to different early (opportunity to co-mingle with piglets in the neighbouring farrowing pen vs. no opportunity to co-mingle) and late (mixed with unfamiliar piglets at weaning vs. kept with familiar littermates after weaning) social mixing treatments, to test whether the enhanced social experience was beneficial in a socially challenging situation. Paired interaction tests were conducted at 5 and 20 weeks of age, and social and exploration behaviour of the gilts was recorded and analysed. The results showed that Swedish Yorkshire gilts explored the pen fittings more than Dutch Yorkshire gilts during the 5-week test, whereas Dutch Yorkshire gilts explored the pen fittings more than Swedish Yorkshire gilts during the 20-week test. No differences in play behaviour were found during the 5-week test, but in the 20-week test, gilts with early social mixing experience in their farrowing pen showed more locomotor play behaviour than gilts without this experience. Overall, these results suggest that genetic line and early social mixing experience can influence the social and exploration behaviours of young gilts in paired interaction tests. There was no support for the hypothesis that genetic selection in different housing systems has altered social behaviour, but it may have affected the level of exploration behaviour. There was little support for our prediction that early social experience has beneficial effects in a socially challenging situation.

Analysis of spatial and temporal evolution and driving factors of carbon emission in Shandong Province: based on the perspective of land use

Land use/cover change is the second major contributor to carbon emissions, following energy emissions. Studying provincial land-use carbon emissions is crucial for achieving the “double carbon” goal. This study selects 16 prefecture-level cities in Shandong Province as the research object. It analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of carbon emissions in Shandong Province based on land-use data and energy consumption. In terms of net carbon emissions, this study utilizes the standard deviation ellipse and kernel density estimation to analyze net carbon emissions change from the municipal and regional perspectives. In terms of carbon ecological carrying capacity, not only the carbon ecological carrying capacity of forest and grassland was considered, but also the carbon ecological carrying capacity of crops in Shandong Province, which is a large grain province. Using the geographic detector to explore the drivers. Research findings indicate that carbon sources and sinks show a clear spatial and temporal distribution pattern, with the center of gravity of net carbon emissions extending to the northeast. Areas with high carbon ecological carrying capacity have high forest coverage, grassland coverage, and crop yields. Regarding driving factors, the urbanization rate, economic aggregate, and technological progress demonstrate significant explanatory power through single and interaction tests, suggesting that these factors are critical drivers of land-use carbon emissions within Shandong Province. Based on the spatiotemporal pattern analysis of land-use carbon emissions in Shandong Province, each city's growth rate and spatial distribution characteristics can be clarified, providing a scientific basis for the local government to formulate regional and differentiated emission-reduction policies. In addition, by exploring the driving factors of land-use carbon emissions in Shandong Province, the influence level of factors on carbon emissions can be revealed to provide references for formulating regional sustainable development strategies.

Association of the modified creatinine index with quality of life in haemodialysis patients.

Aims/Background The evaluation of health-related quality of life in patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis has garnered increasing attention. The modified creatinine index, a surrogate marker for muscle mass, has been linked to various clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life in maintenance haemodialysis patients remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the association between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life in individuals receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Methods This cross-sectional study included 217 maintenance haemodialysis patients. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument. Collected data included general patient information, laboratory results, and haemodialysis-related parameters. The modified creatinine index was calculated based on gender, age, single-pool Kt/V (spKt/V), and pre-dialysis serum creatinine levels. Multiple linear regression models and smooth curve fitting were used to investigate the relationship between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to identify potential effect modifiers. Results The 217 maintenance haemodialysis patients had a mean age of 53.66±13.15 years and a median dialysis vintage of 39 (25-84) months; 120 (55.30%) were male. The mean health-related quality of life score was 55.76±10.33, and the mean modified creatinine index was 22.72±2.95 mg/kg/day. After adjusting for confounding factors, an increase in modified creatinine index was associated with an improvement in health-related quality of life (β=0.55, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.06, p = 0.033). No nonlinear relationship was identified between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life by smooth curve fitting. Subgroup and interaction analyses indicated that the relationship between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life was stable and not significantly influenced by age, gender, dialysis vintage, diabetes status, or body mass index (p > 0.05). Conclusion Modified creatinine index is positively correlated with health-related quality of life in maintenance haemodialysis patients, suggesting its potential utility in evaluating patient quality of life. Modified creatinine index could be clinically useful to improve the predictability of health-related quality of life in maintenance haemodialysis patients.

Telomere length exhibits inverse association with migraine among Americans aged 20–50 years, without implications beyond age 50: a cross-sectional study

Migraine, common in individuals under 50 years, is linked to oxidative stress. The association between telomere length shortening and migraine, along with potential age-related influences, has not been comprehensively studied. This cross-sectional study included data from 6169 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2002, encompassing information on peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length, severe headache or migraine, and potential confounders. Stratifying by age (20–50 years, > 50 years), we employed multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic splines and interaction test to investigate age-influenced telomere length in relation to migraine. In participants aged 20–50 years, the odds ratio (OR) for migraine in the shortest telomere length group T1 (0.39–0.89) was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01, 1.79) compared to the longest group T3 (1.10–9.42), whereas in those aged > 50 years, the OR of T1 was 0.93 (95% CI 0.60, 1.43). Additionally, telomere length and age interacted in the development of migraine (p for interaction: 0.010). In individuals aged 20–50, an L-shaped relationship was found between telomere length and migraine, with an inflection point at 1.02T/S ratio. The OR was 9.34 (95% CI 1.56, 55.99) for telomere lengths < 1.02T/S ratio. These findings suggest age influences the association between telomere length and migraine in U.S. adults.

Assessing sociability using the Three-Chamber Social Interaction Test and the Reciprocal Interaction Test in a genetic mouse model of ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with heterogeneous symptomatology. Arguably, the most pervasive shortfall of ASD are the deficits in sociability and the animal models of the disorder are expected to exhibit such impairments. The most widely utilized behavioral task for assessing sociability in rodents is the Three-Chamber Social Interaction Test (SIT). However, SIT has been yielding inconsistent results in social interaction behavior across different rodent models of ASD, which could be pointing to the suboptimal methodology of the task. Here, we compared social behavior assessed in SIT and in another prominent sociability behavioral assay, Reciprocal Interaction Test (RCI), in a SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeated domains 3 (SHANK3) mouse model of ASD. Head-to-head comparison showed no association (p = 0.15, 0.25, 0.43) and a fixed bias (p = 0.01, < 0.001, < 0.001) in sociability assessment between the behavioral assays in both wild-type (WT) controls and Shank3B(-/-) mice. Adult Shank3B(-/-) mice of both sexes displayed normative sociability in SIT when compared to the WT controls (p = 0.74) but exhibited less than half of social interaction (p < 0.001) and almost three times more social disinterest (p < 0.001) when compared to WT mice in RCI. At least in the Shank3B(-/-) mouse model of ASD, we presume RCI could be a preferable way of assessing social interaction compared to SIT. Considering the variability of animal models of ASD and the wide palette of tools available for the assessment of their behavior, a consensus approach would be needed for observational and interventional analyses.

Relationship between EZH2 expression and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using a pathomics predictive model

BackgroundEnhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, promoting tumorigenesis and correlating with poor prognosis. Traditional histopathological examinations are insufficient to accurately predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) survival; however, pathomics models can predict EZH2 expression and HCC prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pathomics features and EZH2 expression for predicting overall survival of patients with HCC. MethodsWe analyzed 267 patients with HCC from the Cancer Genome Atlas database, with available pathological images and gene expression data. RNA sequencing data were divided into high and low EZH2 expression groups for prognosis and survival analysis. Pathological image features were screened using mRMR_RFE. A pathological model was constructed using a gradient boosting machine (GBM) algorithm, and efficiency evaluation and survival analysis of the model were performed. The R package “survminer” took the pathomics score (PS) cutoff value of 0.4628 to divide the patients into two groups: high and low PS expression. Survival analyses included Kaplan–Meier curve analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and interaction tests. Potential pathomechanisms were explored through enrichment, differential, immune cell infiltration abundance, and gene mutation analyses. ResultEZH2 was highly expressed in tumor samples but poorly expressed in normal tissue samples. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that EZH2 was an independent risk factor for HCC (hazard ratio [HR], 2.792 and 3.042, respectively). Seven imaging features were selected to construct a pathomics model to predict EZH2. Decision curve analysis showed that the model had high clinical utility. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high PS expression was an independent risk factor for HCC prognosis (HR, 2.446). The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that high PS expression was a risk factor for overall survival. ConclusionEZH2 expression can affect the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Our pathological model could predict EZH2 expression and prognosis of patients with HCC with high accuracy and robustness, making it a new and potentially valuable tool.

Association between high-density lipoprotein-related inflammation index and periodontitis: insights from NHANES 2009-2014.

Periodontitis, a persistent inflammatory condition, significantly impairs individuals' overall quality of life. Lymphocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (LHR), monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR), and platelet-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR) are new convenient and economical biomarkers. However, whether the above high-density lipoprotein-related inflammatory biomarkers are associated with periodontitis has rarely been investigated. Therefore, the research endeavor focused on uncovering potential relationships. The research encompassed a diverse and extensive sample, comprising 9,470 participants, selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning the years 2009 to 2014. The association between high-density lipoprotein-related inflammatory biomarkers and periodontitis was explored utilizing a multivariable logistic regression model with weighted analysis. Additionally, the study employed smoothed curve fitting to explore potential nonlinear relationships. Further stratified analyses and interaction tests were performed. This study indicated no apparent association between MHR and PHR with periodontitis, whereas LHR and NHR demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship with the prevalence of periodontitis. In the fully adjusted model, participants belonging to the highest tertile of both LHR and NHR showed a notably higher likelihood of having periodontitis compared to those in the lowest tertile (LHR: OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.39; NHR: OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.49). Furthermore, smooth curve fitting was employed to investigate the potential nonlinear relationship between LHR, NHR, and periodontitis. The results indicated that there was a significant increase in the occurrence of periodontitis when Log2 (LHR) exceeded 1.01 and Log2(NHR) surpassed 2.16 (Log2(LHR): OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.69; Log2(NHR): OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.71). The subgroup analysis revealed that the associations between periodontitis and either LHR or NHR, separately, were more pronounced among individuals under the age of 50 and those without hypertension. This cross-sectional study revealed a positive relationship between LHR、NHR and periodontitis, particularly when these indicators exceeded their thresholds. LHR and NHR may serve as potential inflammatory markers for identifying periodontitis, thereby facilitating early warning for both patients and dentists, and enabling early intervention in the oral environment. Besides, extensive prospective cohort investigations are essential to confirm and solidify this observation.

The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) is associated with thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone sensitivity indices: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLipids and thyroid hormones (TH) are closely interrelated. However, previous studies have not mentioned the linkage encompassing the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) alongside TH level, as well as sensitivity indices.MethodsThis cross-sectional study leverages expansive datasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2012. Weighted multivariate linear regression, smoothed curve fitting and sensitivity analyses were used to investigate the associations of the NHHR with the thyroid. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to determine the robustness of the findings across diverse segments of the population, ensuring the consistency and generalizability of the observed associations.ResultsThe NHHR was significantly positively correlated with free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, the FT3 to FT4 ratio (FT3/FT4), and the quantile-based thyroid feedback index for FT3 (TFQIFT3) and negatively correlated with free thyroxin (FT4) levels [0.17(0.07–0.27), P = 0.001; 0.60 (0.03–1.17), P = 0.040; 0.06 (0.04–0.08), P < 0.0001; 0.23 (0.16–0.30), P < 0.0001; and -0.65 (-1.05–-0.24), P = 0.002]. Smoothed curve fitting revealed nonlinear correlations of the NHHR with thyroid function and thyroid hormone sensitivity indices. In subgroup analyses, interaction tests, and smoothed curve fitting analyses, different populations presented largely consistent statistical differences.ConclusionAmong American adults, the NHHR was significantly positively correlated with FT3 levels, TSH levels, the FT3/FT4 and the TFQIFT3. Conversely, a negative association was noted between the NHHR and FT4 levels.

Testing for coherence and nonstandard neutrino interactions in COHERENT data

We analyze data from the CsI, liquid Ar and Ge detectors of the COHERENT experiment and confirm within 1.5σ that the measured elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering cross section is proportional to the square of the number of neutrons in the nucleus, as expected for coherent scattering in the standard model. We also show how various degeneracies involving nonstandard neutrino interaction parameters are broken in a combined analysis of the three datasets. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Association between severe headache or migraine and lipid accumulation product and visceral adiposity index in adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES

BackgroundExisting literature on the impact of lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) on severe headache or migraine is limited. This study aims to elucidate the association between LAP and VAI and the prevalence of migraine.MethodsData for this study were sourced from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A database-self-administered questionnaire was used to assess severe headache or migraine. A weighted logistic regression model was employed to assess the relationship between LAP and VAI with migraine prevalence. Complementary analytical approaches included subgroup analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and threshold effect analysis to validate the findings.ResultsIn the end, 4572 people were recruited for the research, including 880 with migraine and 3692 without migraine. Following adjustment for the relevant covariables, weighted logistic regression analysis (OR = 1.409, 95% CI: 1.054, 1.883, P = 0.022; OR = 1.288, 95% CI: 1.010, 1.642, P = 0.042) revealed significantly elevated odds of migraine prevalence in participants within the highest tertile (T3) of LAP and VAI than those in the lowest tertile (T1). The nonlinear association between migraine prevalence and both VAI and LAP was further elucidated through a restricted cubic spline. The threshold analysis pinpointed 2.142 (log-likelihood ratio = 0.016) as the critical inflection point for VAI. Subgroup analysis and interaction testing revealed the significant association was independent in different subgroup factors.ConclusionsThe data indicate a robust association between higher levels of LAP and VAI and an increased prevalence of migraine.

Dose-response relationship between leisure-time physical activity patterns and phenotypic age acceleration in American adults: A cross-sectional analysis

ObjectivesWith the accelerating global population aging, delaying aging and promoting healthy aging have become focal points in public health and clinical medicine. Phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) is an important indicator of biological aging speed. This study aims to explore the relationship between different leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) patterns and PhenoAgeAccel, analyzing the association and dose-response relationship. MethodsThis study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018, including 14,868 adults. Multivariable linear regression models and restricted cubic spline methods were used to assess the relationship between LTPA and PhenoAgeAccel, with segmented likelihood ratio tests to detect non-linear thresholds. Stratified regression and interaction tests explored potential modifications by sex, age, race, and socioeconomic status. ResultsCompared to individuals with no LTPA, those with inactive and regular LTPA patterns had significantly lower PhenoAgeAccel scores (P < 0.05), while the weekend warrior pattern showed no significant effect (P > 0.05). A non-linear threshold effect was found; below 560 min of weekly LTPA, a significant negative correlation existed (β = −0.001, 95 % CI: 0.001 to −0.0003, P < 0.001). Above this threshold, LTPA was positively correlated with PhenoAgeAccel, indicating a risk for accelerated aging (β = 0.0003, 95 % CI: 0.00002 to 0.001, P = 0.03). Similar non-linear threshold effects were found for both males and females. ConclusionRegular LTPA significantly reduces phenotypic age acceleration, with a non-linear threshold effect indicating moderate physical activity is most beneficial. The weekend warrior pattern was less effective. These findings highlight the necessity of personalized physical activity recommendations and provide evidence for public health strategies to promote healthy aging.

Randomized Phase II Cancer Clinical Trials to Validate Predictive Biomarkers.

The design of cancer clinical trials incorporating biomarkers depends on various factors, including the trial phase, the type of biomarker and whether its role has been validated. This article aims to present a method for designing and analyzing phase II cancer clinical trials that validate predictive biomarkers. We propose a randomized trial design where patients are allocated between a targeted therapy and a non-targeted therapy stratified by biomarker status. Tumor response is used as the primary endpoint to validate the biomarker through interaction testing between treatment and biomarker positivity. Additionally we propose a sample size calculation method for this design, considering two types of interaction: one based on logit-transformed response rates and the other on raw response rates. The proposed sample size method is applied to the design of a real randomized phase II trial. Extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the test statistic and the sample size method under different scenarios. Our method provides a practical approach to validating predictive biomarkers in phase II cancer trials. The simulations demonstrate robust performance for both interaction models, offering guidance for the sample size selection and analysis strategy in biomarker-stratified trials.

Diversity and Activity of Bacteria Cultured from a Cup-The Sponge Calyx nicaeensis.

Marine sponges are well-known for hosting rich microbial communities. Sponges are the most prolific source of marine bioactive compounds, which are frequently synthesized by their associated microbiota. Calyx nicaeensis is an endemic Mediterranean sponge with scarce information regarding its (bioactive) secondary metabolites. East Mediterranean specimens of mesophotic C. nicaeensis have never been studied. Moreover, no research has inspected its associated bacteria. Thus, we studied the sponge's bacterial diversity and examined bacterial interspecific interactions in search of a promising antibacterial candidate. Such novel antimicrobial agents are needed since extensive antibiotic use leads to bacterial drug resistance. Bacteria cultivation yielded 90 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). A competition assay enabled the testing of interspecific interactions between the cultured OTUs. The highest-ranked antagonistic bacterium, identified as Paenisporosarcina indica (previously never found in marine or cold habitats), was mass cultured, extracted, and separated using size exclusion and reversed-phase chromatographic methods, guided by antibacterial activity. A pure compound was isolated and identified as 3-oxy-anteiso-C15-fatty acid-lichenysin. Five additional active compounds await final cleaning; however, they are lichenysins and surfactins. These are the first antibacterial compounds identified from either the C. nicaeensis sponge or P. indica bacterium. It also revealed that the genus Bacillus is not an exclusive producer of lichenysin and surfactin.

Association between serum iron levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases among American older adults: a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2018.

There is controversy regarding the relationship between serum iron levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). To investigate the relationship between serum iron levels and ASCVD among older adults using data from the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We performed a cross-sectional analysis involving 8,682 participants aged 60 years and older, with complete data on serum iron levels and confirmed ASCVD status, sourced from the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between serum iron levels and ASCVD. To assess the consistency of this association across different demographic groups, subgroup analyses, and interaction tests were performed. The group with the highest serum iron levels (fourth quartile, 100-369 μg/dL) exhibited several distinct characteristics: they were the youngest on average (69.57 ± 6.91 years), had the highest proportion of males (61.42%), and the highest hemoglobin levels (14.43 ± 1.33 g/dL). This group also showed the lowest iron supplement usage (19.71 ± 12.85 mg/30 days), white blood cell counts (6.73 ± 2.41 1,000 cells/μL), and serum creatinine levels (0.98 ± 0.45 mg/dL). Moreover, they had higher levels of education and income, a higher likelihood of being married, and a lower body mass index (BMI). Additionally, they had significantly lower rates of diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders, a linear relationship between serum iron levels and ASCVD was initially observed (OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99, p < 0.05). However, further analysis using a two-part logistic regression model with an inflection point at 131 μg/dL revealed more nuanced results. For serum iron levels below 131 μg/dL, each 10 μg/dL increase was associated with a 4% decrease in the odds of ASCVD (OR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98, p < 0.001). Conversely, for serum iron levels above 131 μg/dL, each 10 μg/dL increase corresponded to a 1% increase in the odds of ASCVD, though this finding was not statistically significant (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.08, p > 0.05). In the US elderly population, serum iron levels are negatively associated with ASCVD, particularly when serum iron levels are below 131 μg/dL.