Dietary pattern, a modifiable risk factor that can be easily assessed for atherosclerosis vascular disease prevention in clinical practice

AbstractObjectivesNutrition is one of the modifiable risk factors of atherosclerosis vascular diseases (VD). We aimed to (i) evaluate the dietary patterns associated with VD in clinical practice using a validated FFQ; and (ii) determine potential independent sociodemographic and behavioural factors that are involved in such dietary patterns. The FFQ determined the vascular dietary score (VDS; ranges from −17 to 19) for each subject.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA general practitioner's (GP) office in 2009.SubjectsA total of 250 French subjects (18–84 years old).ResultsA total of 21 % had a favourable vascular diet (VDS ≥ 8), 79 % needed to improve their diet (VDS < 8) and 21 % had a risky vascular diet (VDS ≤ −1). A step-by-step multivariate linear regression analysis with stepwise selection was performed using the VDS as a dependent variable. Significant variables were: age (β = 0·495, P < 0·0001), men (β = −0·282, P < 0·0001), ‘sport ≥1 h/week’ (β = 0·253, P = 0·001), ‘walking 20 min/d’ (β = 0·161, P = 0·012), ‘former smoker’ (β = 0·118, P = 0·029), previous nutritional advice (β = 0·105, P = 0·049), ‘alcohol ≥20 g/d’ (β = −0·216, P < 0·0001) and ‘primary school’ (β = −0·156, P = 0·010). The R2 coefficient of this model was 0·347 (P < 0·0001). In all, 88·7 % of the subjects found the evaluation very interesting and 89·6 % believed that the GP should perform it.ConclusionsSimple dietary assessment for VD prevention can be easily performed in clinical practice to allow physicians to give objective and rapid advice for each patient. Age, educational status, alcohol consumption, gender and physical activity are associated with the VDS. Compliance with such evaluation was found to be very high, which should encourage larger dietary screening in the population in order to reduce the impact of VD.

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The relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma and arterial stiffness in essential hypertensive patients from China: a cross-sectional study

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-021-02049-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Juan Yin ◽

Minghui Li ◽

Lingling Yu ◽

Feng Hu ◽

Yu Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Essential Hypertension ◽

Arterial Stiffness ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Atherogenic Index ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Atherogenic Index Of Plasma

Abstract Background The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) always remains in a potential association with arterial stiffness, however, this association has not been fully discovered and needs to be studied in depth in large hypertensive patient populations. The present analysis thus sought to further explore the association that exists between AIP and arterial stiffness in Chinese patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed 4744 Chinese individuals with essential hypertension. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of plasma of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels indicated in molar concentrations. Measurement of arterial stiffness was carried out via brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Results Data were adjusted for potential confounding variables, and multivariate linear regression analysis revealed AIP to be positively correlated with baPWV (β = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.72, P < 0.001). When AIP was instead treated as a categorical variable divided into quartiles, the same relationship was observed (P for trend < 0.001). We additionally found AIP and baPWV had a stronger positive association in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 24 kg/m2 (P for interaction < 0.05). Conclusion AIP and arterial stiffness were positively correlated in essential hypertension patients in China, especially in those with a BMI < 24 kg/m2. Clinical trial registration ChiCTR1800017274.

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Sex Dependent Association of Vitamin D with Insulin Resistance

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgab213 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xin Chen ◽

Chang Chu ◽

Cornelia Doebis ◽

Volker von Baehr ◽

Berthold Hocher

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Double Blind ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Entire Study

Abstract Background Animal studies suggested that vitamin D might decrease insulin resistance. Estrogen increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in rodents. However, sex-specific association of vitamin D with insulin resistance in humans remains unclear. Objectives To investigate the sex-dependency of the association of insulin resistance and 25(OH)D in a large Caucasian population. Methods Cross-sectional study from out-patients’ blood samples with measurements of 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR drawn at exactly the same day (N=1887). This cohort was divided into three groups: i) group with vitamin D deficiency (n=1190), ii) group with vitamin D sufficiency (N=686)), iii) vitamin D excess groups (n=11), the vitamin D excess group was excluded from further analysis due to the small size. Results Analysis of the entire study population showed that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was inversely associated with HOMA-IR (rs=-0.19, P<0.0001). When considering the vitamin D status, this association was only seen in the vitamin D deficiency group, but not in the vitamin D sufficient group. The correlation was sex-dependent: HOMA-IR was inversely correlated with vitamin D in women with vitamin D deficiency (rs=-0.26, P<0.0001) but not in men with vitamin D deficiency (rs=0.01, P=0.714). After multivariate linear regression analysis considering confounding factors, this relationship was again only seen in women. Conclusion Vitamin D was inversely and independently associated with insulin resistance only in women with vitamin D deficiency. Based on our data, we suggest that in particular vitamin D deficient women might benefit from vitamin D substitution by improving insulin resistance. This, however, needs to be proven in adequately designed double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies.

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Sources of psychological distress among primary care physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave in Spain: a cross-sectional study

Primary Health Care Research & Development ◽

10.1017/s1463423621000566 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Cebrián-Cuenca ◽

José Joaquín Mira ◽

Elena Caride-Miana ◽

Antonio Fernández-Jiménez ◽

Domingo Orozco-Beltrán

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people worldwide. In Spain, the first wave was especially severe. Objectives: This study aimed to identify sources and levels of distress among Spanish primary care physicians (PCPs) during the first wave of the pandemic (April 2020). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey that included sociodemographic data, a description of working conditions related to distress [such as gaps in training in protective measures, cleaning, and hygiene procedures in work setting, unavailability of personal protective equipments (PPEs) and COVID-19 RT-PCR test, and lack of staff due to be infected] and a validated scale, the ‘Self-applied Acute Stress Scale’ (EASE). The survey was answered by a non-probability sampling of PCPs working in family healthcare centres from different regions of Spain. Analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed. Results: In all, out of 518 PCP participants, 123 (23.7%) obtained high psychological distress scores. Only half of them had received information about the appropriate use of PPE. PCP characteristics associated with higher levels of distress include female gender [1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54, 2.84]; lack of training in protective measures (1.96; 95% CI 0.94, 2.99); unavailable COVID-19 RT-PCR for health care workers after quarantine or COVID-19 treatment (−0.77 (−1.52, −0.02). Reinforcing disinfection of the work environment (P < 0.05), availability of PPEs (P < 0.05), and no healthcare professional was infected (P < 0.05) were related to the lowest distress score. Conclusions: A better understanding of the sources of distress among PCPs could prevent its effect on future outbreaks.

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The Relationship Between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Arterial Stiffness in Essential Hypertensive Patients from China: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-215251/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Juan Yin ◽

Minghui Li ◽

Lingling Yu ◽

Feng Hu ◽

Yu Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Essential Hypertension ◽

Arterial Stiffness ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Atherogenic Index ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Atherogenic Index Of Plasma

Abstract Background: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) always remains in a potential association with the arterial stiffness, however, in large hypertensive patient populations, this relation is not fully discovered and needs to be studied in depth. The present analysis thus sought to further explore the association that exists between AIP and arterial stiffness in patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension in China.Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 4744 Chinese individuals with essential hypertension. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of plasma of triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels indicates as in molar concentrations. Measurement of arterial stiffness was carried out via brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).Results: Data were adjusted for potential confounding variables, after which a multivariate linear regression analysis revealed AIP to be positively correlated with baPWV (β = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.72, P < 0.001). When AIP was instead treated as a categorical variable divided into quartiles, this same relationship was observed (P for trend < 0.001). We additionally found AIP and baPWV had a stronger positive association in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 24 kg/m2 (P for interaction < 0.05).Conclusion: AIP and arterial stiffness were positively correlated in essential hypertension patients in China, especially in those with a BMI < 24 kg/m2.

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Longer shared parental leave is associated with longer duration of breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study among Swedish mothers and their partners

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-020-02065-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Grandahl ◽

Jenny Stern ◽

Eva-Lotta Funkquist

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Parental Leave ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaginal Birth ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Breastfeeding is associated with health benefits for both the mother and infant and is therefore important to support; moreover, parental leave is a beneficial factor for breastfeeding. The Swedish parental leave is generous, allowing each parent to take 90 days; additionally, a further 300 days can be taken by either parent. Generally, mothers take 70% of the parental leave days, mainly during the first year. However, breastfeeding duration has declined in the last decade, and it is not known how shared parental leave is associated with the duration of breastfeeding. Aim To investigate how parental leave is associated with the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding of the infant during the first 12 months after birth. An additional aim was to describe infants’ and parents’ characteristics and mode of birth in association with the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding. Methods This cross-sectional study was part of the Swedish Pregnancy Planning Study, conducted in Sweden in 2012–2015. The parents were recruited at 153 antenatal clinics in nine counties. In total, 813 couples completed a follow-up questionnaire 1 year after birth. Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between parental leave and the duration of breastfeeding. Results Infants were exclusively breastfed for, on average, 2.5 months (range 0–12 months) and partially breastfed, on average, 7 months (range 0–12 months). Most of the parental leave was taken by the mother (mean = 10.9 months) during the infant’s first 12 months, while the partner took 3 months, on average. The parental leave (used and planned) during the infant’s first 24 months were, on average, 21 months. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, mothers’ and partners’ high level of education (p < 0.001, p = 0.044, respectively), mothers’ higher age (p = 0.049), non-instrumental vaginal birth (p = 0.004) and longer parental leave for the first 24 months (p < 0.001) were associated with longer duration of partial breastfeeding. Conclusion The duration of partial breastfeeding was associated with higher parental educational level, higher age, non-instrumental vaginal birth and longer parental leave.

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Structural and Biomechanical Corneal Differences between Type 2 Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2019/3764878 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

João N. Beato ◽

João Esteves-Leandro ◽

David Reis ◽

Manuel Falcão ◽

Vítor Rosas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

Biomechanical Properties ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Applanation Tonometry ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional

Purpose. To analyze and compare corneal structural and biomechanical properties, characterized by corneal hysteresis (CH) and resistance factor (CRF), between patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and determine the main ocular variables that influence them. Methods. Sixty diabetic and 48 age- and sex-matched non-DM patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The DM group was analyzed according to DM duration (<or ≥ 10 years), HbA1c levels (<or ≥ 7%), and presence of retinopathy. CH and CRF were evaluated using the Ocular Response Analyzer® (ORA). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was determined by Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam® HR). Intraocular pressure was obtained with ORA (IOPcc) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP-GAT). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between demographical, clinical, and ocular variables with the biomechanical properties. Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the CH and the CRF between DM and non-DM groups (p=0.637 and p=0.439, respectively). Also, there was no statistical difference between groups for the CCT, IOPcc, or IOP-GAT. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that CH was positively associated with CCT (p<0.001) and negatively associated with IOPcc (p<0.001), while CRF was positively associated with CCT (p<0.001) and IOPcc (p=0.014). Conclusion. The CCT and IOPcc were found to be the main parameters that affect corneal biomechanical properties both in diabetics and controls. In this study, there was no significant effect of DM type 2 on corneal biomechanics.

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Factors Associated with Social Avoidance of Recovered COVID-19 Patients in Iran: A National Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-895714/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Teamur Aghamolaei ◽

Shokrollah Mohseni ◽

Azin alavi ◽

mohammed hossein chalak ◽

Hesamaddin Kamalzadeh Takhti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Education Level ◽

National Study ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Age Group ◽

Social Avoidance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Study Results ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Misconceptions about the infection and health consequences of recovered Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients often lead to a fear, social avoidance and discriminatory attitude. The present study explored the Factors associated with social avoidance and job-related discriminatory attitude against recovered COVID-19 patients. Methods: The present cross-sectional online study was conducted on 3,836 Iranian participants above 15 years old. The participant selected conveniently between February 19, 2021 and May 21, 2021. The data collected using a reliable and valid questionnaire that developed by research team. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify the impact of factors related to social discrimination and discriminatory attitudes towards improved COVID-19 patients. Results: The results shows 56.72 and 49.06% of the population had social avoidance and job-related discriminatory attitude respectively. Furthermore, age, gender, education level, marital status, employment, presence of a recovered COVID-19 patient in family and place of residence were significant factors influencing social avoidance and job-related discriminatory attitude. As an instance, those in the 45-64 age group showed 1.1 times more social avoidance than the 20-29 age group. Also, men showed 37% less social avoidance than women. Social avoidance was significantly higher and the discriminatory attitude was higher in participants of lower education level. Besides, the job-related discriminatory attitude was 1.2 times higher in the 45-64 than the 20-29 age group. The discriminatory attitude was 16% less in men, 39%, 25% and 49% less, respectively in participants with a secondary school, diploma or university degree.Conclusions: To reduce social avoidance and job-related discriminatory attitude we suggest that the medical sector and relevant organizations provide clear and comprehensive information about improved COVID-19 patients to their families and general public through direct communication and the mass media. Base on the study results they need more focus on urban residents, women and families with a recovered member

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Alcohol Use and Its Associated Factors among Adolescents Aged 15–19 Years at Governmental High Schools of Aksum Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Addiction ◽

10.1155/2021/5518946 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Enguday Tirfeneh Gebeyehu ◽

Mengesha Srahbzu Biresaw

Keyword(s):

High Schools ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Educational Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Social ◽

The Impact

Introduction. The impact of alcohol use among adolescents is multidisciplinary and affects the adolescent’s academic performance, precipitates with sexually transmitted infections or psychiatric disorders, and disturbs the social domain of adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of alcohol use among adolescents aged 15–19 years at the governmental high schools of Aksum Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2019. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 January 2019 at Aksum town high school. Alcohol use was assessed by asking the question “have you used at least one of the alcoholic beverages in the last three months for nonmedical purposes?” Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected with face-to-face interview and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to see the association between alcohol use and associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio at a p value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was taken to declare the statistical significance of variables. Result. About 633 adolescents aged 15–19 years were addressed with a response rate of 99.7%. Prevalence of alcohol use was found to be 39.7% [95% CI (35.7, 43.6)]. Being male [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI (1.24, 2.60)], fathers’ educational status 1–8 grades [AOR = 2.98; 95% CI (1.60, 5.53)], fathers’ occupation farming [AOR = 4.24; 95% CI (2.038.85)], experienced parental neglect [AOR = 1.75; 95% CI (1.20, 2.55)], strong social support [AOR = 1.79; 95% CI (1.11, 2.87)], and family size of greater than five [AOR = 2.03; 95%CI (1.39, 2.97)] were factors identified to be significantly associated with alcohol use among adolescents aged 15–19 years. Conclusion. In the current study, the prevalence of alcohol use is found to be high when compared to other populations. A strong association has been found between alcohol use and lower paternal educational status and farming as an occupation of parents. There should be a regular awareness creation program for parents with lower education about the devastating effects of alcohol on adolescents.

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The impact of patient safety culture and the leader coaching behaviour of nurses on the intention to report errors: A cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.2.21535/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zahra Chegini ◽

Edris Kakemam ◽

Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi ◽

Ali Janati

Keyword(s):

Patient Safety ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Safety Culture ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Educational Status ◽

Patient Safety Culture ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Coaching Behavior ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: There is growing interest in examining the factors affecting the reporting of errors by nurses. However, little research has been conducted into the effects of perceived patient safety culture and leader coaching of nurses on the intention to report errors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 256 nurses in the emergency departments of 18 public and private hospitals in Tabriz, northwest Iran. Participants completed the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC), Coaching Behavior Scale and Intention to Report Errors questionnaires and the data was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Overall, 43% of nurses had an intention to report errors; 50% of respondents reported that their nursing managers demonstrated high levels of coaching. With regard to patient safety culture, areas of strength and weakness were “teamwork within units” (PRR = 66.80%) and “non-punitive response errors” (PRR = 19.66%). Regression analysis findings highlighted a significant association between an intention to report errors and patient safety culture (B=0.123, CI 95%: 0.005 to 0.328, P = 0.026), leader coaching behavior (B=0.172, CI 95%: 0.066 to 0.347, P = 0.004) and nurses’ educational status (B=0. 787, 95% CI: -.064 to 1.638, P = 0.048). Conclusions: Further research is needed to assess how interventions addressing patient safety culture and leader coaching behaviours might increase the intention to report errors.

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Parameters Associated with Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure Levels in Greek Military Pilots

The Open Hypertension Journal ◽

10.2174/1876526201406010027 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 27-31

Author(s):

G. Platsas ◽

G. Kourianidis ◽

P. Toutouzas ◽

C. Stefanadis ◽

G. Vyssoulis

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Medical Monitoring ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Life Style Changes ◽

Military Pilots

Background: Elevated blood pressure levels (BP) continue to comprise one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Hypertension is among the most serious risk factors that relates to myocardial infarction, stroke and kidney failure. The purpose of the study was to examine factors that may contribute to presentation of hypertension in military jet pilots. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 300 jet pilots of Greek Air-Force. Several data were retrieved from medical files. Participants filled in a questionnaire about demographics, dietary habits and lifestyle factors. Arterial BP was also measured. Spearman’s r was used for correlations. Also, multivariate linear regression analysis was performed. Results: All pilots presented systolic and diastolic BP within normal range (mean: 117.5 mmHg and 77.0 mmHg, respectively). 200 pilots presented optimal BP, 80 normal BP and 20 had marginally normal BP. Most pilots were exercising up to two times weekly (66.9%), however, some reported they didn’t exercise at all (12%) and mentioned exercising for a mean period of 12.0 (±7.6) years, mainly (62.1%) outdoors with aerobic (52.4%), anaerobic exercises (5.6%) or both (42%). Factors that influenced systolic BP levels were body mass index, flight hours, HDL values and exercise intensity. Conclusion: Pilots’ medical monitoring seems adequate since there weren’t any abnormal BP values. Emphasis should be placed on the continuation of programs already in place with further refinement according to specific needs. Smoking cessation interventions are needed as well as promotion of measures that can effectively lead to long standing life-style changes and dietary modifications.

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