bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1168Are there non-linear alcohol–health relationships?: Review of observational studies employing enhanced causal methods
Authors: Visontay Rachel , Sunderland Matthew , Slade Tim , Wilson Jack , Mewton Louise
Published: September 2021

Focus of Presentation

Research has long found ‘J-shaped’ relationships between alcohol consumption and certain health outcomes, indicating a protective effect of moderate consumption. However, methodological limitations in most studies hinder causal inference. While enhanced methods for data analysis (e.g. G-methods) and alternative observational designs (e.g. Mendelian Randomisation) have been developed, they are not commonly applied to alcohol–health research. This presentation will report on a systematic review of observational studies that employ improved approaches to mitigate confounding in characterising alcohol–long-term health relationships (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020185861).

Findings

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and SCOPUS were searched in May 2020, yielding 16 published manuscripts reporting on cancer, diabetes, dementia, mental health, cardiovascular health, mortality, HIV seroconversion, and musculoskeletal health. Study findings were qualitatively synthesised. A variety of functional forms were found, including reverse J/J-shaped relationships for prostate cancer and related mortality, dementia risk, mental health, and certain lipids. However, most outcomes were only evaluated by a single study, and few studies provided information on the role of alcohol consumption pattern.

Conclusions/Implications

More research employing enhanced causal inference methods is urgently required to accurately characterise alcohol–long-term health relationships. Those studies that have been conducted find a variety of linear and non-linear functional forms, with results tending to be discrepant even within specific health outcomes.

Key messages

A systematic review found that those studies of alcohol–long-term health relationships employing enhanced causal methods are too few and inconsistent to establish whether non-linear alcohol–health relationships exist.
319Congenital cytomegalovirus education, translation and prevention
Authors: Waight Emma , Swinburn Katherine , Shand Antonia , Hui Lisa , Daly Kate , Rawlinson William , Jones Cheryl , Badawi Nadia , Smithers-Sheedy Hayley
Published: September 2021

Focus of Presentation

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a known cause of sensorineural hearing loss, cerebral palsy and other disabilities. International consensus guidelines (2017) and the Australasian Society of Infectious Diseases (2014) recommend all pregnant women be provided with information on CMV and strategies to reduce their risk of infection. Here we describe the multifaceted strategies implemented to date to promote uptake of these guidelines.

Findings

At policy level, we influenced national clinical practice standards through input into new CMV prevention recommendations by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Department of Health, which sparked state public health campaigns. At the intervention level, we presented hospital in-services, podcasts and webinars and developed an e-learning course for midwives. In collaboration with the Department of Health >11,000 pamphlets were disseminated to NSW GPs. At the community level, we developed patient information and media resources. During a recent month-long campaign, our cCMV video had >62,000 views, CMV content on social media had >1.4M total impressions, >77,000 total engagements and >200,000 viewed CMV awareness pieces via television/radio/print.

Conclusions/Implications

Implementation of congenital CMV practice guidelines provide an important opportunity to prevent neurodevelopmental disability. Collaborations between families, clinicians, researchers, professional bodies and health departments are essential to drive translation.

Key messages

A multifaceted approach in implementing congenital CMV practice guidelines gives the opportunity to reach numerous stakeholders including policymakers, health professionals and expectant mothers.
1102Assessing variability among health care facilities in delivering chronic disease management in Kenya
Authors: Wami Welcome Mkhululi , Asiki Gershim , Kyobutungi Catherine Kyobutungi , Otieno Peter
Published: September 2021

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for an estimated 71% of global deaths. In Kenya, 31% of mortality is attributed to chronic illnesses and half of these are premature deaths. The study aimed to assess variation in the capacity of health facilities in Kenya in delivering NCDs diagnosis or management: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and cervical cancer screening.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 258 facilities was conducted between June–December 2019. Service-specific indicators: basic equipment, diagnostics, trained staff and guidelines, and essential medicines were captured using a structured questionnaire and summarised as domain scores. All results were weighted to account for the national distribution of facilities.

Results

More than half of the facilities (60%; 95% CI: 51-70%) had all basic functioning equipment, and only 29% (95% CI: 25-33%) had trained staff and guidelines for diagnosis or management of mental illnesses. Despite this, 54% (95% CI: 46-53%) of all facilities had diagnostic capacity to detect these NCDs. Furthermore, 53% (95% CI: 49-56%) of the facilities across all levels of care had medicines for managing hypertension and diabetes. The overall readiness score for NCDs diagnosis or management was 47% (95% CI: 43–51%) and varied significantly across the levels of care.

Conclusions

A wide variation in basic resource capacity to diagnose or manage NCDs was noted between levels of care. A gap in the capacity of health facilities to manage chronic illnesses exists across all levels of care in Kenya.

Key messages

To meet the recommended chronic illnesses management targets, there is a need to strengthen the existing capacity of the health system and bridge the gap across levels of care.
1400Central but not general obesity is positively associated with risk of hyperhomocysteinemia in middle-aged women
Authors: Wang Yingying
Published: September 2021

Background

Obesity and homocysteine (Hcy) are two important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, there were conflicting results for the relationship between them. Our study is to explore the associations of general and central obesity with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in middle-aged women.

Methods

The current analysis was based on data from 11007 women aged 40-60 years. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured and serum homocysteine was determined. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy, Hcy>15μmol/L) with BMI and WC.

Results

13.71% women had HHcy. The prevalences of BMI-based general obesity and WC-based central obesity were 11.17% and 22.88%, respectively. Compared with non-obese women, the mean serum Hcy concentration was significantly higher in WC-based central obese women (P = 0.002), but not in BMI-based general obese women (P > 0.05). In the multiple logistic regression models, central obesity was positively related to the risk of HHcy (OR = 1.30, 95%CI=1.10 to 1.52), while general obesity was inversely related to the risk of HHcy (OR = 0.82, 95%CI=0.72 to 0.93 and OR = 0.71,95% CI = 0.57 to 0.89).

Conclusions

Central obesity was positively, while general obesity was negatively related to the risk of HHcy. Menopause showed no effect modification on these associations.

Key messages

Homocysteine; Central obesity; Menopause; Cardiovascular Disease
778Risk of 27 cancer types in relation to tobacco smoking: cohort study involving 229,028 Australians
Authors: Weber Marianne , Sarich Peter , Vaneckova Pavla , Wade Stephen , Banks Emily , Egger Sam , Ngo Preston , Joshy Grace , Goldsbury David , Yap Sarsha , Vassallo Amy , Feletto Eleonora , Larksonen Maarit , Grogan Paul , O'Connell Dianne , Canfell Karen
Published: September 2021

Background

Tobacco smoke is a known carcinogen and the magnitude of smoking-related cancer risk varies according to time and population. Local, contemporary evidence can drive appropriate tobacco control. We provide comprehensive cancer risk estimates related to smoking in the population-based, New South Wales (NSW) 45 and Up Study.

Methods

We estimated smoking-related hazard ratios (HR) for cancer using Cox proportional hazards regression using linked questionnaire (2006-2009) and incident cancer data (n ≥ 50 cases per cancer type), from the NSW Cancer Registry (to December 2013) (via CHeReL).

Results

Of 18,475 cancers among 229,028 participants aged ≥45 years, current smokers had significantly increased risks of cancers of the lung, larynx, head and neck, oesophagus, liver, bladder, pancreas, stomach, colorectum, and cancers with unknown primary site, compared to never-smokers; lung cancer risk was markedly elevated, including for current-smokers of 1-5 cigarettes/day (HR = 9.25, 95%CI=5.2-16.6), increasing to 38.39 (26.2-56.2) for current-smokers of > 30 cigarettes/day. Quitting substantively decreased cancer risk compared to continued smoking, with lung cancer risk decreasing with decreasing age at quitting (p(trend)<0.05), however risks remained elevated for those quitting aged >25 compared to never-smokers (1.73, 1.1-2.6 for age 26-30 years). An estimated 20% of current-smokers in Australia will get lung cancer during their lifetime versus 1.6% of never-smokers.

Conclusions

Smoking-attributable cancer risks in Australia are significant, comparable to contemporary risks from other developed nations.

Key messages

Smokers – including “light” smokers – are at high cancer risk, with ∼one-fifth of Australian lifetime smokers developing lung cancer. Quitting is beneficial. Continued investment in tobacco control is essential.
1100National prevalence of oral HPV infection in vaccinated and unvaccinated young adults in Brazil
Authors: Kops Natália Luiza , Comerlato Juliana , Bandeira Isabel , Bessel Marina , Maranhão Ana Goretti Kalume , Villa Luisa Lina , Mota Giana , Alves de Souza Flavia Moreno , Pereira Gerson Fernando Mendes , Wendland Eliana
Published: September 2021

Background

Prophylactic HPV vaccination has been recommended for the prevention of cancers caused by HPV infection. Nevertheless, may be reduce the oral HPV prevalence, the putative precursor to oral squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed to report the prevalence of oral HPV among vaccinated and unvaccinated women and men aged 16 to 25 years who use the public health system.

Methods

POP-Brazil study is a cross-sectional, multicentric survey. Participants were recruited from 119 public primary care units distributed throughout all 27 capitals of Brazil. Trained health professionals applied a face-to-face interview. Oral sample was collected through mouthwash and gargle cycles. HPV genotyping was performed in a central lab using the Roche PCR-based Linear Array genotyping test. Sampling weights by sex and age were applied to the data.

Results

Oral HPV samples were collected from 5,684 participants; 613 (8.93%) vaccinated against HPV, in which 86.57% were women. Among women, the overall HPV prevalence was significantly lower in those vaccinated [0.43% (95% CI, 0.03-0.83)] than unvaccinated [1.65% (95% CI, 0.97– 2.33] (p < 0.01). Among men, no significant difference was found. All vaccinated individuals were negative to the HPV types present in the quadrivalent vaccine (6, 11, 16, and 18).

Conclusion

Vaccinated individuals had a lower prevalence of overall oral HPV besides the null infection by 6, 11, 16, and 18 HPV types showing another benefit of this cancer prevention measure. Due to the low prevalence of oral HPV, type specific analysis demand higher number of positive participants.
1252Agreement between self-reported chlamydia infection and chlamydia infection ascertained using testing and medication administrative data
Authors: Wilson Louise , Dobson Annette , Doust Jenny , Mishra Gita
Published: September 2021

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most frequently notified sexually transmitted infection (STI) in several countries, including Australia. We compared self-report of infection by women with the use of linked testing and medication administrative data to identify chlamydia infection.

Methods

We used data from 8474 women aged 22-27 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health in 2017. We compared self-report of a chlamydia infection in the previous 12 months with chlamydia infection estimated by having a prescription filled for azithromycin (the most commonly recommended treatment for chlamydia) within 28 days of having a chlamydia test through data linkage with the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits database over the same 12-month period.

Results

Chlamydia infection was identified by self-report by 238 women. In contrast, 151 women had a prescription filled for azithromycin within 28 days of having a chlamydia test. Of the 151 women identified with chlamydia infection through data linkage, 101 also self-reported chlamydia infection (positive percent agreement = 67%). Of the 8323 women who did not have a chlamydia infection identified through data linkage, 8186 women also did not self-report a chlamydia infection (negative percent agreement = 98%).

Conclusions

Our study is consistent with previous studies indicating only moderate agreement between self-report of chlamydia infection and infection identified through data linkage. Further triangulation with medical records is needed to ascertain which of the two methods is more accurate.

Key messages

It remains unclear whether linked administrative data is preferable to self-report in estimating chlamydia infection in population studies.
601Is in-situ melanoma a precursor of invasive melanoma; a New Zealand study
Authors: Myint Thu Thu Win , Selak Vanessa , Elwood James Mark
Published: September 2021

Background

Melanoma is diagnosed as either in-situ or invasive disease. The relationship between the two diseases is unclear. If every in-situ is an early stage of invasive melanoma, diagnosis and removal of in-situ lesions should reduce the incidence of invasive melanoma. If the association is more complex, the excision of in-situ lesions might not effectively prevent invasive disease and may represent overdiagnosis.

Methods

A population-based cohort study involved all patients diagnosed with either in-situ or invasive melanoma from the New Zealand Cancer Registry between 2001 and 2017. The pattern of in-situ and invasive melanoma was compared by incidence, trends, and key patient characteristics (age at diagnosis, sex, body site, and ethnicity).

Results

The incidence of in-situ melanoma increased annually by 3.77% whereas that of invasive melanoma was relatively stable (annual increase 0.04%) over the study period. The pattern of in-situ and invasive melanoma was similar by sex and ethnicity but differed by body site. Since the distribution of melanoma for age at diagnosis was highly influenced by body site and sex, it was difficult to compare between the two diseases. The observed risk of invasive melanoma among in-situ cohort was four times higher than that expected among general population.

Conclusions

Not every in-situ was a precursor of invasive melanoma, but some did progress to an invasive lesion.

Key-messages

Plans should be considered to compare the potential harms and benefits of the screening and excision of in-situ melanoma.
1005Dietary pattern assessment methods and implications for dietary guideline development
Authors: Wingrove Kate , Lawrence Mark A , McNaughton Sarah A , Wingrove K , Lawrence MA , McNaughton SA
Published: September 2021

Background

Dietary guidelines should be informed by evidence from dietary patterns research. However, variation in the methods used to assess and report dietary patterns can make this type of evidence difficult to synthesise. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the methods used to assess and report dietary patterns.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in 2019 using three electronic databases. Cohort and nested case control studies published in English between 1980 and 2019 were eligible for inclusion. A data extraction tool was designed to capture details of the dietary pattern assessment methods that were used.

Results

A total of 410 studies were included: 63% used index based dietary pattern assessment methods, 31% used factor analysis or principal component analysis; 6% used cluster analysis; and 6% used reduced rank regression. Some studies used multiple methods. Within studies that used similar methods, variation in the methodology existed. The level of detail used to describe each dietary pattern assessment method also varied, and in some cases, important methodological details were omitted.

Conclusions

There was considerable variation in the methods used to assess and report dietary patterns. To ensure evidence from dietary patterns research can be synthesised, standardised approaches for the reporting of dietary pattern assessment methods are needed.

Key messages

To ensure evidence from dietary patterns research can be synthesised and used to inform dietary guidelines, there is a need to standardise the methods used to report dietary pattern assessment methods.
465Simplifying the Differences between Causal and Prediction Analyses
Authors: Wollny Krista , Metcalfe Amy , McNeil Deborah , Benzies Karen , Sajobi Tolulope , Parsons Simon
Published: September 2021

Focus of Presentation

Multivariable regression models can be used to answer a variety of clinical questions. The two main objectives of regression models are to either 1) understand an association between one or more exposures and an outcome; or 2) predict future outcomes based on certain exposures or variables. To simplify this, we will consider the former causal analysis, and the latter prediction analysis. This presentation will explain the steps in model development and assessment using a clinical case study, highlighting the similarities and differences. This presentation is aimed at trainees.

Findings

The key differences between causal and prediction models include: the purpose and research questions, power calculations, variable selection, model specification, testing model fit, and the desired outcome of each model. The case study demonstrates these differences, while working through a causal and prediction model with similar clinical questions.

Conclusions/Implications

It is important for researchers to consider the purpose of their research question and to tailor the model accordingly. This will guide the model development and interpretation, which are different for causal and prediction analyses.

Key messages

A thorough understanding of the types of models available, their assumptions, and the process of model development and assessment is essential to conducting research that is valid and applicable to the clinical environment, enabling knowledge translation.
883Discharge Prescribing in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Hospitalised for Diabetes-related Complications
Authors: Wood Stephen , Ilomaki Jenni , Bell J Simon , Magliano Dianna , Fanning Laura
Published: September 2021

Background

Intensive therapy is often required to reach glycated haemoglobin targets in people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), however, aggressive treatment in people >80 years, frail individuals and people with dementia may be harmful. We aimed to determine whether these factors predict the intensity of anti-hyperglycaemic therapies prescribed for older hospitalised patients with T2D.

Methods

A cohort study was completed using discharge prescribing data from Melbourne’s Eastern Health hospital network. We identified 3,067 patients, aged 65-99 years, with T2D, at least one diabetes related complication and an index discharge between 2012 and 2016. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to estimate adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for being prescribed insulin-only (IO), non-insulin anti-hyperglycaemics only (NIO) or a combination of those two (CT) compared to no anti-hyperglycaemics (NA).

Results

At discharge, 23% of patients were prescribed NA, 19% IO, 39% NIO and 20% CT. People aged >80 were less likely than those aged 65-80 to be discharged with IO (OR = 0.53; 95%CI [0.42-0.68]) or CT (OR = 0.37; 95%CI [0.30-0.47]), compared to NA. Frailty was negatively associated with being prescribed IO (OR 0.64; 95%CI [0.43-0.94]) or NIO (OR 0.64; 95%CI [0.46-0.89], compared to NA. People with dementia were less likely to be discharged with CT (OR 0.56; 95%CI [0.34-0.92]) compared to NA.

Conclusions

Prescribers recognise advancing age, frailty and dementia as factors which necessitate less intensive T2D treatment in hospitalised older adults.

Key messages

Frailty, independent of chronological age, is associated with receiving less intensive T2D therapy in older hospitalised patients.
1195Brain-predicted age difference is associated with cognitive processing and delayed recall in later life
Authors: Wrigglesworth Jo , Yaacob Nurathifah , Ward Phillip , Woods Robyn , McNeil John , Storey Elsdon , Egan Gary , Murray Anne , Shah Raj , Jamadar Sharna , Trevaks Ruth , Ward Stephanie , Harding Ian , Ryan Joanne
Published: September 2021

Background

Brain age is a novel neuroimaging-based marker of ageing that uses machine learning to predict a person’s biological brain age. A higher brain age relative to chronological age (i.e., brain-predicted age difference [brain-PAD]) is considered a sign of accelerated ageing. We examined whether brain-PAD is associated with cognition and the change in cognitive function over time.

Methods

This study involved 531 cognitively healthy community-dwelling older adults (70+ years). Using a previously trained algorithm, brain age was estimated using T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images acquired at baseline. Psychomotor speed, delayed recall, verbal fluency and global cognition were assessed at baseline, years 1 and 3.

Results

At baseline, a significant negative association was observed between brain-PAD and psychomotor speed (r=-0.14, p = 0.001), delayed recall (r=-0.09, p = 0.04), and the three-year change in delayed recall (r=-0.15, p = 0.02), which persisted after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that accelerated brain ageing in cognitively unimpaired older people is associated with worse psychomotor speed, and delayed recall. This study also provides new evidence that accelerated brain ageing is a risk factor for progressive memory decline. Future research would benefit from further prospective analyses of associations between brain-PAD and cognitive function in community dwelling older adults.

Key messages

Brain age is a neuroimaging-based marker of biological ageing. A higher estimate of brain age relative to chronological age (i.e., accelerated ageing) is associated with worse psychomotor speed and memory, and memory decline.
972The epidemiology and cancer-related hospital use of sarcoma in Western Australia: a linked data analysis
Authors: Wright Cameron , Halkett Georgia , Smith Richard Carey , Moorin Rachael
Published: September 2021

Background

Epidemiological studies on sarcoma from Australia are lacking, as previous studies have focused on a sarcoma type (e.g. soft tissue) or anatomical sites. Planning for centralised referral and management of sarcoma, which improves outcomes, is aided by accurate understanding of the disease burden.

Methods

Routinely linked cancer registry, hospital morbidity and death registration data from 1982 to 2016 for Western Australia (WA) were used. All new sarcoma cases among WA residents were included, using the European Information Network on Rare Cancers definitions. Measures of interest were incidence, prevalence, relative survival and cancer-related hospitalisations.

Results

The age-standardised incidence and prevalence for bone sarcoma was stable, relative to soft tissue sarcoma (STS), which increased over time. For 2012-16, the combined sarcoma crude annual incidence was 7.3 per 100,000, with the majority being STS (incidence of 5.9 per 100,000). Five-year relative survival for the period 2012-16 was higher for bone sarcoma (71%) than for STS (65%). The cumulative cost for cancer-related hospitalisations was an estimated $(Australian, 2019) 29 million.

Conclusions

STS incidence increased over time in WA, with an increasing proportion of people diagnosed aged ≥65 years. This study provides insights into the burden of sarcoma in WA. Use of a European sarcoma definition facilitated comparison of incidence and survival with values reported in Europe.

Key messages

This study describes the epidemiology of sarcoma, a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal tumours, in WA. The linked data approach facilitated assessment of health service utilisation; this approach may be useful for application in other settings.
131Spatio-temporal analysis to assess health effects of landscape fire smoke: an empirical model
Authors: Shirangi Adeleh , Xiao Alex , Ongee Emmanuel , Ivánová Ivana , Dewan Ashraf , Franklin Peter , Santos Brad , Yun Grace , Jian Le , Ting Lin , Eaton Nathan , Ball Stephen , Clappinson Laura , Burch Rowena , Fievez Paula
Published: September 2021

Background

Understanding the health effects of smoke from landscape fires (LFs), including wildfires and prescribed burns, is limited due to lack of adequate smoke exposure measures.

Methods

We used the reported LFs to determine smoke plume shapes from satellite images. Daily remotely sensed fire radiative power, aerosol optical depth, smoke plumes, fire danger rating, venting index and previous day PM 2.5 were then used to estimate smoke-related particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5). A population based time series design was used to assess associations between smoke-related PM2.5 and selected adverse health outcomes such as hospital admissions, emergency department visits and ambulance callouts.

Results

We found a significant dose-response relationship between increased smoke-related PM2.5 concentration and 1% to 5% increase for total emergency department attendances and total hospital admissions on the same day and the lag effects of 3 days where the PM2.5 was at medium level (95-98th percentile) and high level ( > =99th percentile) compared to the low level (<95th percentile). There was also 1% to 25% increased risk for individuals who were exposed to high level LF smoke with selected respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in selected health care utilisations.

Conclusions

Exposure to LF smoke at a high level was spatio-temporally associated with a wide range of adverse respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in selected health care utilisations.

Key messages
63Identification of insulin signaling pathway-related circulating circRNAs as biomarkers of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yan Yu-xiang , Li Jia-Jiang-Hui , Xiao Huan-Bo , Dong Jing , Chu Xi
Published: September 2021

Background

The underlying molecular mechanism of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is that abnormalities occur in the insulin signaling pathway. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the development of diseases by regulating gene expression and become promising novel biomarkers for diseases. This study systematically screened and validated the insulin signaling pathway-related circulating circRNAs in T2D.

Methods

circRNA expression profiles were screened by microarray between five T2D patients and five healthy controls. The candidate circRNAs were then selected from those differently expressed circRNAs whose potential target miRNAs are involved in regulating key genes in the isulin signaling pathway. The expression of candidate circRNAs were validated in a second sample with 20 T2D cases and 20 controls by real-time quantitative PCR. Eventually, the association between circRNAs and T2D and their clinical significance were further confirmed in a large independent sample, including 103 T2D cases, 93 controls and 80 individuals with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) as prediabetes cases.

Results

Four circRNAs including hsa_circ_0063425, hsa_circ_0056891, hsa_circ_0078166 and hsa_circ_0071336 were validated by RT-qPCR. Low expressed circ_0063425, hsa_circ_0056891 and hsa_circ_0071336 were independent predictor of T2D, IFG and insulin resistance. The three-circRNA panel had a high accuracy for diagnosing T2D and IFG, especially when BMI was integrated. Bioinformatics Gene Ontology and pathway analysis confirmed that these circRNAs involve in the regulation of insulin signaling pathway.

Conclusion

circ_0063425, hsa_circ_0056891 and hsa_circ_0071336 are valuable circulating biomarkers for T2D, and may involve in regulating insulin signaling pathway.

Key messages

Insulin signaling pathway-related circulating circRNAs were identification as biomarkers of T2D.
828Dietary Variety and Incident Disabling Dementia in Elderly Japanese Adults
Authors: Yokoyama Yuri , Kitamura Akihiko , Nofuji Yu , Seino Satoshi , Amano Hidenori , Nishi Mariko , Taniguchi Yu , Abe Takumi , Narita Miki , Shinkai Shoji
Published: September 2021

Background

Although consuming a variety of foods is an internationally accepted recommendation for a healthy diet, little is known about the association between dietary variety and incident dementia. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary variety and incident disabling dementia in community-dwelling elderly Japanese adults.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 721 participants (age range: 65–97 years) of the 2012–2013 Kusatsu Longitudinal Study. Dietary variety was assessed based on a food frequency questionnaire that encompassed the 10 main food components of Japanese meals: meat, fish/shellfish, eggs, milk, soybean products, green/yellow vegetables, potatoes, fruit, seaweed, and fats/oils). Participants were then categorized into low (0–2 points), middle (3–5 points), and high (6–10 points) groups based on the scores. Data regarding incident disabling dementia were retrieved from the public Long-term Care Insurance database. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During the median follow-up of 6.5 years, the incidence of disabling dementia was 9.3%. After adjusting for confounders, the multivariate HR for incident disabling dementia was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.27–1.00) for participants in the highest category of the dietary variety score compared to that for those in the lowest category.

Conclusions

Greater dietary variety is associated with a reduced risk of incident disabling dementia in elderly Japanese adults.

Key messages

Consuming a variety of foods may be necessary for dementia prevention.
1531Monitoring of substances use among a sample of Tunisian high school pupils
Authors: Zammit Nawel , Ghammem Rim , Fredj Sihem Ben , Nasrallah Cyrine Ben , Misbah Rania , Maatoug Jihene , Ghannem Hassen
Published: September 2021

Background

Epidemiologic surveillance of substances use is necessary for its prevention policy.

Objective

To monitor the extent of substances use among the high school pupils of Sousse, Tunisia between 2018 and 2019.

Methods

Two successive cross sectional studies were led in 2018 and 2019 among 1399 et 1342 high school students respectively. In 2018 and 2019, the same probability sampling procedure served to recruit participants and the same pretested survey was self administered to pupils anonymously in the classrooms in the presence of pre-trained medical doctors.

Results

The mean age of participants was 17.5 ± 1.5 years in 2018 and 17.6 ± 1.5 in 2019 (p = 0.302). Females represented 60.5% and 63.2% of participants in 2018 and 2019 respectively (p = 0.143). Prevalence of lifetime tobacco use was of 29.4% in 2018 and 26.7% in 2019 (p = 0.161). Concerning alcohol consumption, it was reported by 9.4% of participants in 2018 versus 6.1% in 2019 (p = 0.002). Cannabis was the most frequently used illicit substance reported by 4.6% and 3.9% participants in 2018 and 2019 (p = 0.358).

Conclusions

Compared to 2014, prevalence of lifetime tobacco use and lifetime cannabis use have doubled. In order to limit this trend, a national comprehensive substances use prevention program should be implemented early among Tunisian adolescents.

Key messages

Tobacco experimentation is frequent in Sousse, Tunisia Prevention of tobacco use should be combined with other substances use prevention actions
1319Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Viral Hepatitis C in Oran
Authors: Zemour Lakhdar , Amani Nassima , mallem Lynda , Belghitri AMINA , Midoun Nori
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The clinical epidemiological profile of patients with viral hepatitis C appears to differ from population. It is well established that in the West, the two main modes of hepatitis C virus contamination are blood transfusion and addiction. However, in our region, risk factors for transmission remain poorly identified and poorly quantified

Thus, the objective of this study is to chart the epidemiological profile and to show the share of the different risk factors reported among the modes of transmission of HCV in this category of Oranese patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients with chronic viral hepatitis C, admitted to the gastroenterology services of the Oran University Hospital and prospectively collected from 2009 until 2015 for therapeutic management.

The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and processed on SPSS 20.0.

Results

There are 289 cases of viral hepatitis C; female predominance (sex ratio of 0.56). Their average age is 48.9±12.9 years. The G1 genotype is slightly with a frequency of 48.4% followed by the G2 with 37.7%.

Among the probable modes of contamination reported, dental care ranked first with 54.7% followed by surgical procedures in 26.3%. Traditional practices such as hijama and scarification were found in 51.9% of cases.

Conclusion

Apart from the known contamination factors in the literature, we must not overlook the very important part of traditional practices that are closely linked to the traditions and beliefs of our region. Awareness campaigns should be adopted on hygiene practices to ensure good care safety.

Keywords

HCV, Contamination Patterns, Genotype, Risk
1271Green tea consumption is associated with annual changes in hippocampal volumes: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang Shu , Otsuka Rei , Nishita Yukiko , Nakamura Akinori , Kato Takashi , Iwata Kaori , Tange Chikako , Tomida Makiko , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi , Arai Hidenori
Published: September 2021

Background

To investigate the association between green tea consumption and the annual rate of change of gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and hippocampal volumes in middle-aged and older Japanese community-dwellers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study with two years of follow-up was conducted with 1693 participants (aged 40–89 years). Green tea consumption (mL/day) data were collected with a 3-day dietary record. Volumes of GM, WM, and the hippocampus were estimated by T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging and FreeSurfer software. The GM ratio, WM ratio, and hippocampal ratio (HR) were calculated as the percentages of total intracranial volume, respectively.

Results

The mean (SD) annual rate of change of hippocampal volume [(HR at baseline - HR at follow-up)/HR at baseline/follow-up years×100%] was 0.499 (1.128) (%). In the multivariable-adjusted general linear model, green tea consumption at baseline was negatively associated only with the annual rate of change of hippocampal volume (%) [β (95% CI) for each 1 mL/day increase in green tea consumption = -20.2E-5 (-35.0E-5 to -5.3E-5); P-value = 0.008]. No associations were observed for the annual rate of change of GM or WM volumes. The results remained significant when the analysis was limited to those with stable green tea consumption and were especially evident among individuals aged 65 years and older and among women.

Conclusions

In this study, each additional 100 mL/day of green tea intake was related to a reduction of approximately 5% in annual hippocampal atrophy. This association was especially evident among older individuals and among women.

Key messages

A negative association between green tea consumption and brain atrophy has been suggested; however, this relationship has not yet been investigated in humans. In this study, for the first time, a negative association between green tea consumption and annual hippocampal atrophy was observed in community-dwelling middle-aged and older individuals.
1448Intensive care utilisation in New Zealand 2010 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Zhi-ling (jim) , Balram Astuti
Published: September 2021

Background

Many countries are assessing their capacity of intensive care (IC) after COVID-19 outbreak due to massively increase in the utilisation. This work analysed the utilisation of IC in New Zealand (NZ) between 2010 and 2020, as a base to predict and plan the health service in the future.

Methods

Inpatient events from NZ national data collection and datasets from the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society were matched to generate a relatively comprehensive IC dataset for patients cared in NZ.

Results

Over the period, around 182,000 IC inpatient events with associated 12.1 million IC hours were identified. For NZ patients, age-standardised rate was 328 events or 905 IC bed days per 100,000 population. The age-standardised rates were significantly higher in Maori and Pacific, and significantly lower in Asian population. The absolute IC events and IC hours significantly increased over the period, with a slope of 390 IC events or 29,000 IC hours per year. Significant increase in IC hours over the period were found in the diagnostic categories of injuries, cardiovascular diseases, neurological conditions and lower respiratory infections; or patients cared by health specialties of cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, orthopaedic surgery and respiratory medicine.

Conclusions

The IC utilisation are different in population subgroups. Trends and volumes of IC utilisation in different clinical diagnoses and health specialties were quantified.

Key messages

With population projection, these results provide evidence to predict IC capacity demand and to design IC services (e.g. health specialties, IC beds and investment needed) in the future.
281Physical activity and subsequent frailty incidence among the community-dwelling older adults: results from JAGES ATTACH
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Pan Bei , Sasaki Sachiko , Ukawa Shigekazu , Okada Emiko , Kishi Tomoko , Kondo Kastunori , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: September 2021

Background

Previous studies reported that physical activity (PA) could prevent frailty, but the longitudinal evidence between PA volume and frailty is scarce. Additionally, the impact of daily walking time on the risk of frailty is unclear. This study aimed to examination the association of incident frailty with PA volume and daily walking time among Japanese community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

About 485 participants aged 70–74 years from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study were included in this study. Frailty was assessed at baseline and 3 years later by using the Kaigo-Yobo Checklist. PA was assessed using the short-term International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed to calculate relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

After 3 years of follow-up, 46 new frailty cases were recorded. The association of frailty incidence with both PA volume and daily walking time presented a U-shaped curve, albeit not statistically significant. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, walking for 0.5–1 h per day displayed a greater association with decreased frailty risk (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.12–0.98) than higher levels of daily walking time. We did not observe an association between PA volume and subsequent frailty.

Conclusions

Walking for 0.5–1 hour/day significantly decreases frailty risk. Incorporating a moderate level of regular walking into the daily lives of older adults may postpone the onset of frailty and improve the ageing process. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of higher PA levels on frailty risk.
1280Natural history, developmental trajectories, and determinants of eczema from infancy to 26 years of age
Authors: Ziyab Ali , Mukherjee Nandini , Arshad Hasan , Karmaus Wilfried
Published: September 2021

Background

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disease with varying developmental trajectories/patterns. This study sought to investigate eczema development from infancy to early adulthood by identifying distinct developmental trajectories that describe disease patterns over time and evaluate the role of early life risk factors.

Methods

The Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (n = 1456) was prospectively assessed at birth, 1, 2, 4, 10, 18, and 26 years. At each assessment, eczema was ascertained based on established clinical criteria. Developmental trajectories of eczema between 1-or-2 and 26 years were identified separately for males and females by applying semiparametric mixture models. Associations were assessed by applying a modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In both males and females, the following eczema trajectories were identified: unaffected/transient (77.7% vs. 73.0%), mid-onset late-resolving (7.8% vs. 4.4%), late-onset (5.2% vs. 9.5%), and early-onset persistent (9.3% vs. 5.4%). In females, an additional trajectory was identified: early-onset early-resolving (7.7%). Among males, filaggrin gene (FLG) variants (aRR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.34-4.46) and paternal eczema (2.66, 1.39-5.08) were associated with the early-onset persistent trajectory. Among females, maternal eczema (2.84, 1.42-5.70) and high birthweight (2.25, 1.08-4.69) were associated with the early-onset persistent trajectory.

Conclusions

Four and five trajectories represented eczema development among males and females, respectively, with different predisposing risk factors.

Key messages

Males and females may experience a different course of eczema and also sex-specific risk factors.
Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized COVID-19 in Children: Report From the COVID-19 Registry in Japan
Authors: Shoji Kensuke , Akiyama Takayuki , Tsuzuki Shinya , Matsunaga Nobuaki , Asai Yusuke , Suzuki Setsuko , Iwamoto Noriko , Funaki Takanori , Ohmagari Norio
Published: September 2021

A total of 1038 pediatric patients with COVID-19 were identified. Among these, 308 (30%) had asymptomatic COVID-19. The overall outcome was good, and no patients died. A significant rate of patients aged <24 months and ≥13 years were found in the symptomatic group.
Resolved fine and hyperfine state-to-state rate coefficients for the rotational transitions of C3N induced by collision with He
Authors: Lara-Moreno Miguel , Stoecklin Thierry , Halvick Philippe
Published: September 2021

The fine and hyperfine resolved state-to-state rate coefficients for the rotational (de)excitation of C3N by collision with helium are computed. To this aim a 2D potential energy surface is calculated for this system. The recoupling method is used to obtain the fine and hyperfine structure resolved rate coefficients from spin-free close-coupling calculations. These results are compared with those given by the infinite-order sudden approximation and the M-randomizing limit. General propensity rules for the transitions are also found and analysed.
On the shear-current effect: toward understanding why theories and simulations have mutually and separately conflicted
Authors: Zhou Hongzhe , Blackman Eric G
Published: September 2021

The shear-current effect (SCE) of mean-field dynamo theory refers to the combination of a shear flow and a turbulent coefficient β21 with a favourable negative sign for exponential mean-field growth, rather than positive for diffusion. There have been long-standing disagreements among theoretical calculations and comparisons of theory with numerical experiments as to the sign of kinetic ($\beta ^u_{21}$) and magnetic ($\beta ^b_{21}$) contributions. To resolve these discrepancies, we combine an analytical approach with simulations, and show that unlike $\beta ^b_{21}$, the kinetic SCE $\beta ^u_{21}$ has a strong dependence on the kinetic energy spectral index and can transit from positive to negative values at $\mathcal {O}(10)$ Reynolds numbers if the spectrum is not too steep. Conversely, $\beta ^b_{21}$ is always negative regardless of the spectral index and Reynolds numbers. For very steep energy spectra, the positive $\beta ^u_{21}$ can dominate even at energy equipartition urms ≃ brms, resulting in a positive total β21 even though $\beta ^b_{21}\lt 0$. Our findings bridge the gap between the seemingly contradictory results from the second-order-correlation approximation versus the spectral-τ closure, for which opposite signs for $\beta ^u_{21}$ have been reported, with the same sign for $\beta ^b_{21}\lt 0$. The results also offer an explanation for the simulations that find $\beta ^u_{21}\gt 0$ and an inconclusive overall sign of β21 for $\mathcal {O}(10)$ Reynolds numbers. The transient behaviour of $\beta ^u_{21}$ is demonstrated using the kinematic test-field method. We compute dynamo growth rates for cases with or without rotation, and discuss opportunities for further work.
Evolving beyond z=0: insights about the future of stars and the intergalactic medium
Authors: Oh Boon Kiat , Peacock John A , Khochfar Sadegh , Smith Britton D
Published: September 2021

We present results from seven cosmological simulations that have been extended beyond the present era as far as redshift z ≈ −0.99 or $t\approx 96.0\, {\rm Gyr}$, using the Enzo simulation code. We adopt the calibrated star formation and feedback prescriptions from our previous work on reproducing the Milky Way with Enzo, with modifications to the simulation code, chemistry, and cooling library. We then consider the future behaviour of the halo mass function (HMF), the equation of state (EOS) of the IGM, and the cosmic star formation history (SFH). Consistent with previous work, we find a freeze out in the HMF at z ≈ −0.6 or $t\approx 28.1\, {\rm Gyr}$. The evolution of the EOS of the IGM presents an interesting case study of the cosmological coincidence problem, where there is a sharp decline in the IGM temperature immediately after z = 0. For the SFH, the simulations produce a peak and a subsequent decline into the future. However, we do find a turnaround in the SFH after z ≈ −0.98 or $t\approx 82.4\, {\rm Gyr}$ in some simulations, which we attribute to limitations of the criteria used for star formation. By integrating the SFH in time up to z ≈ −0.92 or $t\approx 55.1\, {\rm Gyr}$, the simulation with the best spatial resolution predicts an asymptotic total stellar mass that is very close to that obtained from extrapolating the fit of the observed SFR. Lastly, we investigate the future evolution of the partition of baryons within a Milky Way-sized galaxy, using both a zoom and a box simulation. Despite vastly different resolutions, these simulations predict individual haloes containing an equal fraction of baryons in stars and gas at the time of freeze out.