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Purpose of Review: International guidelines emphasize advice to incorporate dietary measures for the prevention and in the management of hypertension. Current data show that modest reductions in weight can have an impact on blood pressure. Reducing salt and marine oils have also shown consistent benefit in reducing blood pressure. Whether other dietary constituents, in particular the amount and type of fat that play important roles in cardiovascular prevention, influence blood pressure sufficiently to be included in the management of hypertension is less certain. In this review, we provide a summary of the most recent findings, with a focus on dietary patterns, fats and other nutrients and their impact on blood pressure and hypertension. Recent Findings: Since reducing salt consumption is an established recommendation only corollary dietary advice is subject to the current review. Population studies that have included reliable evaluation of fat intake have indicated almost consistently blood pressure lowering with consumption of marine oils and fats. Results with vegetable oils are inconclusive. However dietary patterns that included total fat reduction and changes in the nature of vegetable fats/oils have suggested beneficial effects on blood pressure. Plant-based foods, dairy foods and yoghurt particularly, may also lower blood pressure irrespective of fat content. Summary: Total fat consumption is not directly associated with blood pressure except when it is part of a weight loss diet. Consumption of marine oils has mostly shown moderate blood pressure lowering and possibly greatest effect with docosahexaenoic acid-rich oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic, which swept the world in 2020–2021, had a significant impact on the epidemiological picture of hematological malignancies. Aim. To study the dynamics of epidemiological indicators of five chronic hemoblastoses in Moscow over a 12-year period, and also to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these indicators. Materials and methods. A population-based study was conducted for five types of oncohematological diseases: multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia. The annual rates of morbidity, mortality, prevalence of these nosologies, overall survival, and expected overall survival were calculated. Gender and age characteristics for each disease were determined. Results and discussion. The present study showed a uniform increase in the incidence and prevalence of five hematological malignancies between 2012 and 2019. Convincing evidence of an increase in mortality and a decrease in the number of diagnosed cases in comparison with the expected figures for these hematological malignancies in 2020–2021 was presented. A greater reduction was shown for cases diagnosed at early stages compared to later ones. During the pandemic, a significant increase in mortality was recorded among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma, while in cohorts of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and Hodgkin lymphoma it increased slightly. The return of morbidity, mortality and prevalence rates to the original dynamics in 2022–2023 has been demonstrated. Conclusion. This study demonstrated the features of the regional pattern of incidence, mortality, prevalence and gender-age characteristics of five hematological malignancies and provided the changes in the indicators dynamics of different hematological malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Since the development of the Death Literacy Index (DLI) in 2019 in Australia, subsequent internationally validated versions have prompted rewording and refinement of the original survey questions. Use of the DLI in the community has also resulted in requests for a short format. Objectives: To examine and report on the psychometric properties of a revised version of the DLI-R and develop a short format DLI-9. Design: A cross-sectional national survey was conducted for the validation of the revised DLI. Methods: The DLI items were revised by the research team using the international literature. DLI data were collected from a representative online non-probability panel of 1202 Australian adults, based on age, gender, and geographical location. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to ensure the revised version (DLI-R) was consistent with the original. To develop a short format version of the DLI (DLI-9), items were first removed based on face validity, followed by an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and CFA. The internal reliability of the DLI-R and the DLI-9 was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the inter-rater reliability between the DLI-R and DLI-9. Results: Twenty-four questions in the DLI were reworded for clarity. A CFA on the 29 items of this modified version of the DLI indicated a good model fit (Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI): 0.93; Comparative Fit Index (CFI): 0.93; root mean square of approximation (RMSEA): 0.06; standardized root mean residual (SRMR): 0.06), with six latent variables and an underlying latent variable "death literacy." For the DLI-9, an EFA identified a nine-item, two-factor structure model (DLI-9). A subsequent CFA in a separate sample demonstrated a good model fit for the DLI-9 (TLI: 0.92; CFI: 0.94; RMSEA: 0.089; SRMR: 0.07). Excellent inter-rater reliability (0.98) was observed between DLI-9 and DLI-R. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for DLI-R scales and subscales and the DLI-9 all exceeded 0.8, indicating high internal consistency. Conclusion: The DLI-R and the DLI-9 were found to have acceptable psychometric properties. The development of a shorter version of the DLI provides a valid measure of overall death literacy. Plain language summary: Progressing the Death Literacy Index: the development of a revised version (DLI-R) and a short format (DLI-9) The Death Literacy Index (DLI) is used to measure the knowledge and skills people about death and dying. Multiple countries have made their own versions, which helped improve the original questions. Community members also asked for a shorter version of the DLI. The research team updated the DLI questions using information from other studies around the world. Data was collected from 1202 Australian adults. A method called Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to check if the new version (DLI-R) was similar to the original. To make a shorter version, some questions were removed first, then Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and CFA were used. Reliability of both versions was tested using a test called Cronbach's alpha, and the short version was compared to the DLI-R to see if results were similar. Twenty-four questions were reworded to make them clearer. The revised 29-question version (DLI-R) worked well and showed a good fit with six main ideas under the main topic of "death literacy." Nine questions were chosen for the shorter version (DLI-9) and were found to be closely related to the longer version. Both versions showed high reliability, meaning the questions consistently measured what they were supposed to. Both the DLI-R and the DLI-9 worked well and were found to be reliable survey tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern and Western Finns show a striking difference in coronary heart disease-related mortality; genetics is a known contributor for this discrepancy. Here, we discuss the potential role of DNA methylation in mediating the discrepancy in cardiometabolic disease-risk phenotypes between the sub-populations. We used data from the Young Finns Study (n = 969) to compare the genome-wide DNA methylation levels of East- and West-originating Finns. We identified 21 differentially methylated loci (FDR < 0.05; Δβ >2.5%) and 7 regions (smoothed FDR

Background: Incomplete data due to nonparticipation and noncompliance with the study protocol can bias the results of studies. We investigated how a nationwide accelerometer sample of adolescents and young adults is affected by such incomplete data. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 6465 participants (11–31 y old) who participated in a national health survey in Germany (KiGGS Wave 2; 2014–2017). The data included information about the participation in the measurement of physical activity using accelerometers, compliance with the wear-time protocol, and sociodemographic and health-related variables. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to detect factors associated with incomplete data. Results: Of the total sample, 78.0% participated in the accelerometer part of the study, and 83.5% of the participants with data available complied with the wear-time protocol. In 11- to 17-year-olds, the likelihood of having incomplete accelerometer data was higher in boys, older adolescents, adolescents with a lower sociodemographic status, adolescents with overweight, adolescents not participating in organized sport, adolescents not speaking only German at home, current smokers, and adolescents having a higher soft drink consumption. In 18- to 31-year-olds, the likelihood of having incomplete accelerometer data was higher in men, adults with a lower educational level, adults not speaking only German at home, and adults who smoke. Conclusions: Our results suggest that accelerometer samples are biased such that participants with more beneficial health behaviors provide complete accelerometer data more often. This knowledge should be used to design effective recruitment strategies and should be considered when interpreting results of accelerometer studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands are one of the most diverse and species-rich ecosystems in the agricultural landscape of Central Europe. However, they are gradually being overgrown or transformed into arable fields due to their abandonment and the intensification of economic activities. This leads to a drastic decline in biodiversity and the disappearance of many rare species, e.g., Silaum silaus. Research on Silaum silaus populations was conducted in the years 2020 and 2022. Data were obtained from two Natura 2000 sites. The Jaćmierz site is located in a dispersed range of Silaum silaus in south-eastern Poland. The site at Zagórzyce is located in a dense range of the species in the south-western part of the country. Research on the habitat conditions was conducted on two permanent study surfaces with the dimensions of 10 × 10 m. This research included a soil study and measurements of herbaceous vegetation. To determine the habitat conditions, use was also made of Ellenberg ecological indicator values. At each site, 10 phytosociological relevés were conducted with the Braun-Blanquet method. In each study year, the manner of land use was determined. For detailed population study, one permanent surface of the dimensions 10 × 10 m was marked out, on which each year the generative and vegetative specimens were counted and biometric studies were conducted on 30 randomly chosen generative specimens. The species occurred in two different meadow communities (Arrhenatheretum elatioris, Molinietum caeruleae), which were characterised by different habitat conditions, and the greatest differences were evident in the chemical properties of the soil and in the method of management. The meadows at Jaćmierz were mowed twice a year, while at Zagórzyce mowing was performed once every two years. The communities were also varied in terms of flora, characterised by a high species richness and a high Shannon–Wiener index. Silaum silaus had significantly greater numbers and an over four times higher cover coefficient at Jaćmierz. The largest differences in the analysed traits of the species occurred in the case of generative traits. It was observed that management practices at Jaćmierz had a strong influence on the condition of specimens and the population size of Silaum silaus, which was much better preserved at this site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the conceptual and theoretical framework propounded by Ankhi Mukherjee. Her framework is developed through rigorous analyses of literary texts from diverse genres. It is philosophically underpinned in psychoanalysis and postcolonial studies. The interdisciplinary framework is eclectic in nature and it can be used in trauma studies, ageing population, mental health, health communication, and urban studies. This paper delineates the development of the framework and its application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Family Upbringing / Wychowanie w Rodzinie is the property of Family Upbringing Editorial Board / Redakcja czasopisma Wychowanie w Rodzinie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: A comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological features of aortic dissections in Azerbaijan Province, Iran, and their influence on patient survival remains unexplored. This study aimed to determine the incidence of aortic dissection and identify the associated factors of mortality in these patients. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using hospital records of patients diagnosed with aortic dissection in Tabriz, Iran, between 2017 and 2021. The 3-month mortality was followed up via telephone calls using the contact numbers provided in the patients’ records. Then, independently associated factors of mortality were identified using a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 150 cases of aortic dissection identified, 74% (n = 111) were classified as type A, and 26% (n = 39) were classified as type B. The overall incidence proportion of aortic dissections was 2.35 per 100000 population. In type A dissections, 64% (71 out of 111) of patients received surgical treatment, while 21.6% (24 out of 111) received medical treatment. Among type B dissections, only 23.1% (9 out of 39) underwent surgery. The all-cause mortality rate at 3 months was 52.5% (73 out of 139 patients with complete follow-up), 47 male (54%) and 26 female (50%). Multivariate analysis showed that higher age was independently associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.06, p = 0.027). In contrast, patients with DeBakey Type III classification (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.01-0.87, p = 0.027), hypothyroidism (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01-0.99, p = 0.049), and those who received either surgical treatment (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05-0.76, p = 0.019) or medical treatment (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04-0.80, p = 0.024) had a lower chance of mortality. Gender was not found to be associated with the outcome. Conclusion: The study revealed an annual incidence rate of aortic dissection as 2.35 per 100000 population. Aortic dissection, regardless of type, remains a highly fatal condition, with over half of patients dying within 3 months of the initial event. To reduce the high mortality rates associated with aortic dissections, it is crucial to implement specific measures for the early identification of patients and ensure prompt and appropriate care.

Introduction Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) rapidly evolved from large modifiable (MOD) devices, to small and affordable ‘POD’ devices. Detailed information on user demographics and preferences according to device type, which can inform potential chemical exposure and policy recommendations, is currently limited. The goal of this study is to describe user demographics, use behaviors and preferences, as well as self-reported health outcomes according to the e-cigarette device type used. Methods From April 2019 to March 2020, 91 participants from Maryland (18 MOD users, 26 POD users, 16 dual users (use of both combustible and e-cigarettes), and 31 non-users (never e-cigarette users and never smokers or >6 months former use) were recruited. A comprehensive questionnaire collected sociodemographic characteristics, e-cigarette/tobacco use behaviors, self-reported health outcomes, device characteristics and preferences. Chi-squared tests for categorical variables, ANOVA for continuous variables, qualitative thematic analysis, linear and logistic regressions were used to assess relationships between variables and groups. Results POD users were younger (average 22.5 years) than MOD users (30.8 years) or dual users (34.3 years) (p

Background: Few Americans accumulate enough physical activity (PA) to realize its benefits. Understanding how and why individuals use their discretionary time for different forms of PA could help identify and rectify issues that drive individuals away from certain physical activities, and leverage successful strategies to increase participation in others. Methods: The authors analyzed approximately 30 years of changes in PA behavior by intensity, type, and mode, using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Results: Since 1988, the proportions of adults most frequently engaging in exercise, sport, or lifestyle physical activity have changed noticeably. The most apparent changes from 1988 to 2017 were the proportions most frequently engaging in Exercise and Sport. In addition, the proportion of time reportedly spent in vigorous-intensity PA decreased over time, particularly among male respondents. Moreover, the proportion of Americans reporting an "Other" PA mode increased substantially, suggesting a growing need for a greater variety of easily accessible options for adult PA. Conclusions: Over time, a smaller proportion of American adults reported participating in sport and exercise modalities and reported engaging more frequently in low-intensity physical activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyses infant death, infanticide, and child abandonment in pre-transitional societies assuming that, even in various times, cultures, and geographical places, some elements are shared and commonly present on the way to decide on newborns’ right to life or death in a demographic system typified by high infant mortality rates. The attention focuses on this subject with multidisciplinary sources linking newborns’ mortality with population control behaviour, investigating, and clustering common elements. The aim is to revisit these topics considering them as archetypal dimensions that possess elements deeply rooted and emotionally linked in human nature to make them universally shared in time and space. This creates a network of semantic and iconic connections so strong as to persist over the centuries.

Abstract Background Migraine is a very common headache disorder on the population level, characterized by symptomatic attacks (activity). For many people with migraine, the migraine symptoms intermittently or permanently cease during their lifetime (inactive migraine). The current diagnostic classification of migraine considers two states: active migraine (having migraine symptoms within the last year) and not having active migraine (including both individuals with inactive migraine and those who never had migraine). Defining a state of inactive migraine that has gone into remission may better capture the trajectories of migraine across the lifespan and contribute to a better understanding of its biological processes. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of never, active, and inactive migraine separately, using modern prevalence and incidence estimation methodology to better describe the complexity of migraine trajectories at the population level. Methods Using a multistate modeling approach, data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, and results from a population-based study, we estimated the transition rates by which individuals moved between migraine disease states and estimated prevalences of never, active and inactive migraine. We used data from the GBD project and a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 people with a starting age of 30 and 30 years of follow-up, both in Germany and globally, stratified by sex. Results In Germany, the estimated rate of transition from active to inactive migraine (remission rate) increased after the age of 22.5 in women and 27.5 in men. The pattern for men in Germany was similar to the one observed on the global level. The prevalence of inactive migraine among women reaches 25.7% in Germany and 16.5% globally at age 60. For men, the inactive migraine prevalence estimates at the same age were 10.4% in Germany and 7.1% globally. Conclusions Considering an inactive migraine state explicitly reflects a different epidemiological picture of migraine across the lifecourse. We have demonstrated that many women of older ages may be in an inactive migraine state. Many pressing research questions can only be answered if population-based cohort studies collect information not only on active migraine but also on inactive migraine states.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with reported need of weight loss support among adults with overweight or obesity in the general population. Design: A cross-sectional population study based on a survey questionnaire sent to a random population sample. Multivariate odds ratios for reported need of weight loss support were calculated for socio-economic, lifestyle and health indicators, in total and by gender and age group. Setting: Five counties in Sweden in 2022. Participants: The study includes 10 069 persons with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) aged 30–69 years. BMI was based on self-reported weight and height. Results: In total, about 20 % reported needing weight loss support. The factors most strongly associated with reported need of weight loss support were obesity and female gender. Lack of social support, economic difficulties, physical inactivity, poor self-rated health, musculoskeletal pain and depression were also associated with reported need of weight loss support, whereas diabetes and hypertension were not. Some differences in these associations were observed between age groups. Conclusion: Reported need of weight loss support is more common among women than among men and associated with obesity, lack of social support, economic difficulties, physical inactivity, poor self-rated health, musculoskeletal pain and depression in both genders. These factors are important for planning preventive and weight-control measures among adults with overweight or obesity.

INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) rapidly evolved from large modifiable (MOD) devices, to small and affordable 'POD' devices. Detailed information on user demographics and preferences according to device type, which can inform potential chemical exposure and policy recommendations, is currently limited. The goal of this study is to describe user demographics, use behaviors and preferences, as well as self-reported health outcomes according to the e-cigarette device type used. METHODS From April 2019 to March 2020, 91 participants from Maryland (18 MOD users, 26 POD users, 16 dual users (use of both combustible and e-cigarettes), and 31 non-users (never e-cigarette users and never smokers or >6 months former use) were recruited. A comprehensive questionnaire collected sociodemographic characteristics, e-cigarette/tobacco use behaviors, self-reported health outcomes, device characteristics and preferences. Chi-squared tests for categorical variables, ANOVA for continuous variables, qualitative thematic analysis, linear and logistic regressions were used to assess relationships between variables and groups. RESULTS POD users were younger (average 22.5 years) than MOD users (30.8 years) or dual users (34.3 years) (p<0.001). MOD users reported more puffs per day (mean ± SD: 373 ± 125 puffs) compared to POD users (123.0 ± 172.5). E-cigarette users who were former smokers used 1.16 mg/mL lower nicotine concentrations compared to lifetime exclusive e-cigarette users (p=0.03) in linear models. Exclusive POD users self-reported more coughing than exclusive MOD or dual users (p=0.02). E-cigarette users reported more shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue from their e-cigarette use compared to non-users. CONCLUSIONS We found significant differences between user demographics, e-cigarette preferences, device characteristics, and use behaviors by user group. This information can help explain exposure to chemicals from e-cigarettes, including compounds with known toxic effects (e.g. metals, formaldehyde), and help inform the design of prevention and intervention strategies and policy decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine changes in the proportion of smokers who were advised to quit smoking by health professionals as part of routine consultations or interactions with their patients between 2008 and 2019. Serial cross-sectional study. Data from two nationally representative cross-sectional surveys were used to examine changes over time in the proportions of smokers who were seen by a doctor or other healthcare provider for any health concern and were advised to quit smoking ('Advice_HP'). An additional dichotomous variable ('AdviceAccess_HP') was created and included smokers who were not seen by a doctor or other healthcare provider in the past 12 months in the 'no advice' received category. Crude and adjusted absolute differences in prevalence rates of smokers who were advised to quit smoking by health professionals as part of routine consultations or interactions with their patients between 2008 and 2019 were evaluated using a generalised linear model. The proportion of smokers who were seen by a health professional for any health concern increased from 58.8% in 2008 to 88.7% in 2019. The proportion of 'AdviceAccess_HP' increased from 33.6% in 2008 to 45.2% in 2019; however, the proportion of 'Advice_HP' decreased from 57.1% in 2008 to 51.0% in 2019. After adjustment for sociodemographic and smoking behaviour characteristics, differences remained virtually unchanged. In 2019, health professionals missed the opportunity to provide around 10 million smokers with brief advice to stop smoking. Monitoring the actions needed to encourage smoking cessation is critical for achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals. Primary healthcare workers should serve as role models for patients and provide brief advice that increases the likelihood of successfully quitting tobacco use, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the first confirmed case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Spain in January 2020, the susceptibility of patients with rheumatic disease has remained unclear. In this report, we will describe the main features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that occurred in rheumatic patients with inflammatory disorders and try to identify features associated with severe disease. Methods: We included all rheumatic patients with immune-mediated diseases followed at 6 centers belonging to the public healthcare system in the Basque Country (Spain) and diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020. Results: In total, 131 patients were included in this study. The most frequent rheumatic disease was rheumatoid arthritis (46.6%), and the main comorbidities were arterial hypertension (45%). Forty-seven percent were taking glucocorticoids (GC) (62 patients), 61.8% were under treatment with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD), and 25 patients (19.1%) were receiving targeted therapies (TT). Thirty-eight percent of patients required hospital admission, 2.3% required transfer to intensive care uni, and the rate of mortality was 9.2%. Associated factors in univariate analysis for a bad outcome were older age, use of GC, obesity, previous cardiovascular disease, and lymphopenia. Use of GC and lymphopenia remained within the multivariate model. Conclusion: The frequency of COVID-19 seems to be similar in rheumatic patients as in the general population. Advanced age, obesity, heart disease, glucocorticoids, and low levels of lymphocytes were more common among the patients with a bad outcome. Neither exposure to csDMARD nor TT was associated with severe cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persistent breathlessness is debilitating and increases in prevalence with advanced age and at end of life. This study aimed to evaluate any relationship between self-reported global impressions of change (GIC) in perceived health and breathlessness in older men. Design: Cross-sectional study of 73-year-old Swedish men in the VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease study. A postal survey included items on perceived changes in health and breathlessness (GIC scales) and breathlessness (assessed using the modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] breathlessness scale, Dyspnea-12 and Multidimensional Dyspnea Scale) since age 65. Results: Of 801 respondents, breathlessness (mMRC ?2) was reported by 17.9%, worsening breathlessness by 29.1%, and worsening perceived health by 51.3%. Worsening breathlessness was strongly correlated with worsening perceived health (Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.68 [p?0.001] and Kendall's ? of 0.56 [p?

Genetic parentage tests have great relevance in breed registration processes in equine specimens. In addition, these tests are used to verify progeny genetic accuracy, using microsatellite molecular markers (STR) as a method for individual identification and kinship between individuals. Specifically, we evaluated a Colombian Creole breed equine population, using blood, saliva, and hair samples as sources of DNA. The samples were extracted using Chelex chelating resins. DNA quantification was performed by NanoDrop and amplified by PCR using the 17 STRs included in the Equine Genotypes panel 1.1 kit. Subsequently, electrophoresis was performed and stained with SYBR safe, and genotypes were determined using capillary electrophoresis. Additionally, the allelic and genotypic frequencies were calculated using the GENEPOP software and the previously obtained genetic profiles. Also, the HWE, heterozygosity per locus, inbreeding, and gametic imbalance were estimated. As a result, some genetic markers such as ASB23, ASB17, and LEX3 were not suitable for executing the tests since they biased the population parameters. However, we recommend expanding the equine population and using more STRs to obtain better results in these genetic tests in future population studies.

The dopaminergic pathways control neural signals that modulate mood and behaviour along and have a vital role in the aetiology of major depression (MDD), schizophrenia (SHZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported several dopaminergic and cognitive pathway genes association with these disorders however, no such comprehensive data was available regarding the Pakistani population. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyse the 11 genetic variants of dopaminergic and cognitive system genes in MDD, SHZ, and BD in the Pakistani population. A total of 1237 subjects [MDD n = 479; BD n = 222; SHZ n = 146; and controls n = 390], were screened for 11 genetic variants through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Univariant followed by multivariant logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the genetic association. Significant risk associations were observed for rs4532 and rs1799732 with MDD; and rs1006737 and rs2238056 with BD. However, after applying multiple test corrections rs4532 and rs1799732 association did not remain significant for MDD. Moreover, a protective association was found for three variants; DRD4-120bp, rs10033951 and rs2388334 in the current cohort. In conclusion, the current study revealed the risk association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1006737 and rs2238056 with BD and the protective effect of the DRD4-120bp variant in MDD and BD, of rs2388334 in BD and of rs10033951 in MDD, BD, and SHZ in the current Pakistani cohort. Thus, the study is valuable in understanding the genetic basis of MDD, BD and SHZ in the Pakistani population, which may pave the way for future functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraine is a very common headache disorder on the population level, characterized by symptomatic attacks (activity). For many people with migraine, the migraine symptoms intermittently or permanently cease during their lifetime (inactive migraine). The current diagnostic classification of migraine considers two states: active migraine (having migraine symptoms within the last year) and not having active migraine (including both individuals with inactive migraine and those who never had migraine). Defining a state of inactive migraine that has gone into remission may better capture the trajectories of migraine across the lifespan and contribute to a better understanding of its biological processes. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of never, active, and inactive migraine separately, using modern prevalence and incidence estimation methodology to better describe the complexity of migraine trajectories at the population level. Methods: Using a multistate modeling approach, data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, and results from a population-based study, we estimated the transition rates by which individuals moved between migraine disease states and estimated prevalences of never, active and inactive migraine. We used data from the GBD project and a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 people with a starting age of 30 and 30 years of follow-up, both in Germany and globally, stratified by sex. Results: In Germany, the estimated rate of transition from active to inactive migraine (remission rate) increased after the age of 22.5 in women and 27.5 in men. The pattern for men in Germany was similar to the one observed on the global level. The prevalence of inactive migraine among women reaches 25.7% in Germany and 16.5% globally at age 60. For men, the inactive migraine prevalence estimates at the same age were 10.4% in Germany and 7.1% globally. Conclusions: Considering an inactive migraine state explicitly reflects a different epidemiological picture of migraine across the lifecourse. We have demonstrated that many women of older ages may be in an inactive migraine state. Many pressing research questions can only be answered if population-based cohort studies collect information not only on active migraine but also on inactive migraine states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth or Tenth Revision, (ICD-9/10) coding to identify the incidence of disease is frequently performed in medical research. This study attempts to assess the validity of using ICD-9/10 codes to identify patients with shoulder dystocia (SD) with concurrent neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). This retrospective cohort study examined patients evaluated at the University of Michigan Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Program (UM-BP/PN) from 2004 to 2018. We reported the percentage of patients with reported NBPP ICD-9/10 and SD ICD-9/10 discharged at birth who were later diagnosed with NBPP by a specialty clinic by interdisciplinary faculty and staff utilizing physical evaluations and ancillary testing such as such as electrodiagnostics and imaging. The relationship of reported NBPP ICD-9/10, SD ICD-9/10, extent of NBPP nerve involvement, and NBPP persistence at age two years were examined via chi-square or Fischer exact test. Of the 51 mother-infant dyads with complete birth discharge records evaluated at the UM-BP/PN, 26 (51%) were discharged without an ICD-9/10 code documenting NBPP; of these 26 patients, only four had ICD-9/10 documentation of SD at discharge, which left 22 patients with no ICD-9/10 code documentation of either SD or NBPP (43%). Patients with pan-plexopathy were more likely to be discharged with an NBBP ICD-9/10 code than those infants with upper nerve involvement (77% vs 39%, P < 0.02). Use of ICD-9/10 codes for the identification of NBPP appears to undercount the true incidence. This underestimation is more pronounced for milder forms of NBPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) exhibit extensive diversity, giving rise to different KIR profiles in populations worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of KIR genes and HLA ligands in a population from Campinas, southeastern Brazil (n = 292), and to compare their results with other populations. A comprehensive analysis of population-specific genes, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of KIR may facilitate a better understanding of their evolution and role in immunity. The genotyping of 16 KIR genes and HLA class I alleles was performed by the reverse sequence-specific oligonucleotide methodology using the Luminex platform (One Lambda, Inc., Canoga Park, CA). The framework genes were present in all individuals, with the most common non-framework KIR genes detected being KIR2DP1(96.6%), KIR2DL1(95.5%), KIR3DL1(94.5%), KIR2DS4(93.8%) and KIR2DL3(87.3%). KIR2DS1, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS5, and KIR3DS1 presented frequencies below 40%. KIR2DL2, KIR2DL5, and KIR2DS2 showed intermediate frequencies (between53% and 58%). The activating gene KIR2DS5 was the least common in this population (30.8%). Forty-five KIR profiles were found with the commonest being the homozygous A haplotype (27.4%). The distribution of KIR genes in the Brazilian population is similar to Caucasian European and Euro-descendant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Novedades en Población is the property of Universidad de La Habana, Centro de Estudios Demograficos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The authors report here the development of a high-throughput, automated, inexpensive and clinically validated saliva metatranscriptome test that requires less than 100 μl of saliva. RNA is preserved at the time of sample collection, allowing for ambient-temperature transportation and storage for up to 28 days. Critically, the RNA preservative is also able to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms, rendering the samples noninfectious and allowing for safe and easy shipping. Given the unique set of convenience, low cost, safety and technical performance, this saliva metatranscriptomic test can be integrated into longitudinal, global-scale systems biology studies that will lead to an accelerated development of precision medicine, diagnostic and therapeutic tools.