Cross-sectional study of household solid fuel use and renal function in older adults in China.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence links outdoor air pollution and declined renal function but the relationship between household air pollution and renal function is not well understood. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from the multi-provincial INTERMAP-China Prospective Study, we collected blood samples and questionnaire information on stove use and socio-demographic factors. We calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from serum creatinine to assess renal function. Participants with eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 were defined as having chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this analysis. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the association of household fuel with renal function and prevalent CKD in models adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Among the 646 enrolled adults (40-79y; 56% female), one-third exclusively used clean fuel (gas and electric) cookstoves and 11% of northern China participants (n = 49 of 434) used only clean fuel heaters, whereas the rest used solid fuel. In multivariable models, use of solid fuel cookstoves was associated with 0.17 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI: -0.30, 0.64) higher eGFR and 19% (0.86, 1.64) higher prevalence of CKD than exclusive clean fuel use. Greater intensity of solid fuel use was associated with 0.25 ml/min/1.73 m2 (-0.71, 0.21) lower eGFR per 5 stove-use years, though the confidence intervals included the null, while greater current intensity of indoor solid fuel use was associated with 1.02 (1.00, 1.04) higher prevalent CKD per 100 stove-use days per year. Larger associations between current solid fuel use and intensity of use with lower eGFR and prevalent CKD were observed among participants in southern China, those with hypertension or diabetes (eGFR only), and females (CKD only), through these groups had small sample sizes and some confidence intervals included the null. CONCLUSION: We found inconsistent evidence associating household solid fuel use and renal function in this cross-sectional study of peri-urban Chinese adults.

Depressive symptom severity mediates the association between sleep disturbance and obesity in US adults: Results from the NHANES.

BACKGROUND: The clustering of sleep alterations, cardiometabolic risk, and depressive symptoms suggests a convergence in their pathophysiology. We quantify the role of depressive symptoms in mediating the association between empirically derived sleep indices and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Data were derived from 8,844 adult participants of the 2005 to 2008 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Factor analysis of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire was conducted. Ordinary least squares path analysis quantified the effects of sleep indices on BMI directly and indirectly via depressive symptom severity (ie, Patient Health Questionnaire). RESULTS: Three sleep indices were extracted: poor sleep-related functional impairment, sleep disturbance, and daytime sleepiness. The associations between functional impairment, sleep disturbance, and daytime sleepiness and BMI were mediated by the effects of sleep on depressive symptoms (κ2 = 0.02) after adjustment for covariates. Daytime sleepiness was associated with BMI independent of depressive symptoms, whereas poor sleep-related functional impairment and sleep disturbance were not. CONCLUSIONS: Higher subjective ratings of sleep-related functional impairment, sleep disturbance, or daytime sleepiness indirectly increased BMI by worsening overall depressive symptom severity. A testable hypothesis is whether preemptive targeting of depressive symptoms in populations with sleep disturbances may decrease risk for obesity and other concurrent metabolic comorbidities.

Differences in physical activity domains, guideline adherence, and weight history between metabolically healthy and metabolically abnormal obese adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the accepted health consequences of obesity, emerging research suggests that a significant segment of adults with obesity are metabolically healthy (MHO). To date, MHO individuals have been shown to have higher levels of physical activity (PA), but little is known about the importance of PA domains or the influence of weight history compared to their metabolically abnormal (MAO) counterpart. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between PA domains, PA guideline adherence, and weight history on MHO. METHODS: Pooled cycles of the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2006 (≥20 y; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2); N = 2,753) and harmonized criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) were used. Participants were categorized as "inactive" (no reported PA), "somewhat active" (>0 to < 500 metabolic equivalent (MET) min/week), and "active" (PA guideline adherence, ≥ 500 MET min/week) according to each domain of PA (total, recreational, transportation and household). Logistic and multinomial regressions were modelled for MHO and analyses were adjusted for age, sex, education, ethnicity, income, smoking and alcohol intake. RESULTS: Compared to MAO, MHO participants were younger, had lower BMI, and were more likely to be classified as active according to their total and recreational PA level. Based on total PA levels, individuals who were active had a 70% greater likelihood of having the MHO phenotype (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.19-2.43); however, once stratified by age (20-44 y; 45-59 y; and; ≥60 y), the association remained significant only amongst those aged 45-59 y. Although moderate and vigorous PA were inconsistently related to MHO following adjustment for covariates, losing ≥30 kg in the last 10 y and not gaining ≥10 kg since age 25 y were significant predictors of MHO phenotype for all PA domains, even if adherence to the PA guidelines were not met. CONCLUSION: Although PA is associated with MHO, the beneficial effects of PA may be moderated by longer-term changes in weight. Longitudinal analysis of physical activity and weight change trajectories are necessary to isolate the contribution of duration of obesity, PA behaviours, and longer-term outcomes amongst MHO individuals.

Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants Contribute to Selected Sleep Quality and Cardiometabolic Health Relationships: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Sleep is vital for cardiometabolic health, but a societal shift toward poor sleep is a prominent feature of many modern cultures. Concurrently, factors such as diet and lifestyle have also changed and may mediate the relationship between sleep quality and cardiometabolic health. Objectives were to explore (1) the interrelationship and (2) mediating effect of inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidants on sleep quality and cardiometabolic health. Cross-sectional data from the US National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2005-06 (≥20 y; N = 2,072) was used. Cardiometabolic health was defined as per the Joint Interim Statement; overall sleep quality was determined from six sleep habits and categorized as good, fair, poor, and very poor. Fair quality sleepers had optimal inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant levels. Inflammation was above the current clinical reference range across all sleep quality categories, while oxidative stress was only within the clinical reference range for fair sleep quality. Selected sleep quality-cardiometabolic health relationships were mediated by inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidants and were moderated by sex. Our results provide initial evidence of a potential role for inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidants in the pathway between poor sleep quality-cardiometabolic decline. Further prospective research is needed to confirm our results.

Access to healthcare and depression severity in vulnerable groups the US: NHANES 2013-2018.

BACKGROUND: Access to healthcare is essential for managing chronic diseases, yet it often poses a barrier, contributing to a significant burden of conditions like depression. This study aimed to investigate the association between healthcare access and depression severity in contemporary free-living adults in the US, with a focus on identifying vulnerable populations. METHOD: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2013-2018 were utilized, involving 13,689 participants aged 20 years or older. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were conducted, adjusting for various confounding variables. RESULTS: Approximately 17 % of US adults lacked access to healthcare, while 24 % experienced varying levels of depression severity, with 8 % having moderate-to-severe depression. More males faced challenges accessing healthcare, while more females reported diverse levels of depression. Both healthcare access and depression severity were associated with low educational attainment, low familial income, lacking spousal support, lacking health insurance coverage, and worse self-reported overall health. We found a higher vulnerability to moderate-to-severe depression among females (OR (95 % CI): 1.20 (0.91, 1.59)), individuals identifying as the Other ethnic group (1.69 (1.02, 2.79)), and those living without a spouse (1.57 (1.10, 2.26)). LIMITATIONS: Our cross-sectional study cannot establish causality, and potential biases related to self-reported data exist. CONCLUSIONS: Access to healthcare emerged as a crucial predictor of moderate-to-severe depression among females, individuals of the Other ethnic group, and those without a spouse. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm and enhance our understanding of factors that shape the relationship between healthcare access and depression in free-living US adults.

Differential pathological and immune responses in newly weaned ferrets are associated with a mild clinical outcome of pandemic 2009 H1N1 infection.

Young children are typically considered a high-risk group for disease associated with influenza virus infection. Interestingly, recent clinical reports suggested that young children were the smallest group of cases with severe pandemic 2009 H1N1 (H1N1pdm) influenza virus infection. Here we established a newly weaned ferret model for the investigation of H1N1pdm infection in young age groups compared to adults. We found that young ferrets had a significantly milder fever and less weight loss than adult ferrets, which paralleled the mild clinical symptoms in the younger humans. Although there was no significant difference in viral clearance, disease severity was associated with pulmonary pathology, where newly weaned ferrets had an earlier pathology improvement. We examined the immune responses associated with protection of the young age group during H1N1pdm infection. We found that interferon and regulatory interleukin-10 responses were more robust in the lungs of young ferrets. In contrast, myeloperoxidase and major histocompatibility complex responses were persistently higher in the adult lungs; as well, the numbers of inflammation-prone granulocytes were highly elevated in the adult peripheral blood. Importantly, we observed that H1N1pdm infection triggered formation of lung structures that resembled inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissues (iBALTs) in young ferrets which were associated with high levels of homeostatic chemokines CCL19 and CXCL13, but these were not seen in the adult ferrets with severe disease. These results may be extrapolated to a model of the mild disease seen in human children. Furthermore, these mechanistic analyses provide significant new insight into the developing immune system and effective strategies for intervention and vaccination against respiratory viruses.

Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Micronutrients as Mediators of the Relationship Between Sleep, Insulin Sensitivity, and Glycosylated Hemoglobin.

Background: Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality contribute to increases in oxidative stress, antioxidant imbalance, and a pro-inflammatory state which may predispose to a higher risk of diabetes. Our objective was to estimate the contributions of C-reactive protein (CRP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and micronutrient antioxidants (bilirubin, carotenoids, uric acid, vitamins A, C-E?) to the relationships between sleep-fasting insulin concentration and -glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Methods: Data from the 2005/06 US National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were used (N = 1,946; 20 y+). Sleep quality and quantity was assessed by the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire, and fasting blood was collected to quantify CRP, GGT, antioxidant micronutrients, insulin concentration, and HbA1c. The bootstrap method was used to estimate the amount of mediation or contribution of these mediators to the sleep-insulin concentration and -HbA1c relationships, which were quantified as large (≥0.25) or moderate (≥0.09). Results: The sleep duration-fasting insulin relationship was mediated by GGT, carotenoids, uric acid, and vitamins C and D, whereas CRP and bilirubin were non-significant mediators of a moderate effect size. Similarly, the sleep quality-fasting insulin relationship was mediated by CRP, bilirubin and vitamin C, whereas GGT, carotenoids, uric acid, and vitamin D were non-significant large-to-moderate mediators. To a lesser degree, these micronutrients mediated for the relationship between sleep-HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Several factors related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status were found to lie on the pathway of the sleep-insulin and -glycemic control relationships. Sleep hygiene, reduced systemic inflammation/oxidative stress, and optimal antioxidants intake are potentially beneficial targets for managing diabetes risk.

Household Air Pollution and Blood Pressure, Vascular Damage, and Subclinical Indicators of Cardiovascular Disease in Older Chinese Adults.

BACKGROUND: Limited data suggest that household air pollution from cooking and heating with solid fuel (i.e., coal and biomass) stoves may contribute to the development of hypertension and vascular damage. METHODS: Using mixed-effects regression models, we investigated the associations of household air pollution with blood pressure (BP) and vascular function in 753 adults (ages 40-79 years) from 3 diverse provinces in China. We conducted repeated measures of participants' household fuel use, personal exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), BP, brachial-femoral pulse wave velocity (bfPWV), and augmentation index. Ultrasound images of the carotid arteries were obtained to assess intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaques. Covariate information on sociodemographics, health behaviors, 24-h urinary sodium, and blood lipids was also obtained. RESULTS: Average estimated yearly personal exposure to PM2.5 was 97.5 µg/m3 (SD: 79.2; range: 3.5-1241), and 65% of participants cooked with solid fuel. In multivariable models, current solid fuel use was associated with higher systolic (2.4 mm Hg, 95% CI: -0.4, 4.9) and diastolic BP (1.4 mm Hg, 95% CI: -0.1, 3.0) and greater total area of plaques (1.7 mm2, 95% CI: -6.5, 9.8) compared with exclusive use of electricity or gas stoves. A 1 - ln(µg/m3) increase in PM2.5 exposure was associated with higher systolic (1.5 mm Hg, 95% CI: 0.2, 2.7) and diastolic BP (1.0 mm Hg, 95% CI: 0.4, 1.7) and with greater CIMT (0.02 mm, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.04) and total area of plaques (4.7 mm2, 95% CI: -2.0, 11.5). We did not find associations with arterial stiffness, except for a lower bfPWV (-1.5 m/s, 95% CI: -3.0, -0.0) among users of solid fuel heaters. CONCLUSIONS: These findings add to limited evidence that household air pollution is associated with higher BP and with greater CIMT and total plaque area.

The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Serum Concentrations of Micronutrients, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Outside of the Clinical Reference Ranges: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical reference ranges are often used to assess nutritional status, but whether having lower or higher than the current clinical reference range for micronutrients, inflammation, and oxidative stress is related to metabolic syndrome (MetS) is not known. Our objectives are to estimate the odds of having MetS outside of established clinical references, and to identify any effect modifications by sex have for these relationships. METHODS: Data from the 2005 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used (≥20 years; N = 2049) with MetS defined utilizing the harmonized criteria from the Joint Interim Statement. The odds of having MetS in individuals with lower or higher than the clinical reference range for the serum concentrations of micronutrient antioxidants, inflammation, and oxidative stress were estimated following adjustments for age, sex, ethnicity, education, income, smoking, alcohol intake, recreational physical activity, and BMI. RESULTS: Having lower than the clinical reference range for carotenoids and vitamin C [odds ratios (95% confidence interval): 1.37 (1.05-1.78) and 1.39 (1.01-1.90), respectively] was associated with significantly greater odds of MetS. By contrast, having higher than the clinical reference range for vitamins A and E, uric acid, and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) [2.10 (1.50-2.92), 2.36 (1.78-3.13), 2.65 (1.54-4.57), and 2.08 (1.61-2.69), respectively] was associated with higher odds of MetS, whereas higher levels of vitamins B12 were protective [0.64 (0.42-0.98]. Sex moderated these relationships for carotenoids, vitamin A, C, E, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and GGT. CONCLUSIONS: Lower carotenoids and vitamin C and higher vitamins A and E, uric acid, and oxidative stress were associated with a greater likelihood of MetS, whereas higher vitamin B12 was protective. Further research is necessary to replicate these findings in a prospective setting to confirm the importance of the overall and sex-specific findings.

Obesity moderates the complex relationships between inflammation, oxidative stress, sleep quality and depressive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between obesity and depression is complex. This study assessed the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the link between BMI, inflammation, oxidative stress, sleep quality and self-reported depressive symptoms. METHODS: We used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2005-2008 cycles (n = 9133; ≥20y). Depressive symptoms and sleep quality were determined from questionnaires. C-reactive Protein (CRP) was used as a biomarker of inflammation and γ-glutamyltransferase was used to assess oxidative stress. The relationship between depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and biomarkers were assessed with regression models. The moderating effects of BMI and sex were tested. RESULTS: BMI was a significant moderator of the relationship between γ-glutamyltransferase and depressive symptoms (p = 0.02), but not CRP or sleep quality. Higher BMI increased odds of depressive symptoms in women (OR (95% CI): 3.92 (1.85-8.30) for BMI ≥25 to < 30 kg/m2; 3.17 (1.53-6.58) for BMI ≥30 to < 35 kg/m2; and 7.38 (2.11-25.76) for BMI ≥35 kg/m2). BMI was also a significant moderator of γ-glutamyltransferase levels in those with vs without depressive symptoms. Those with depressive symptoms had 24% poorer sleep quality compared to those without depressive symptoms after adjusting for inflammation, oxidative stress and other confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The link between oxidative stress and depressive symptoms may be particularly relevant for females and people living with obesity. People with depressive symptoms also have a substantial reduction in sleep quality. Thus, research should examine these relationships prospectively to inform and improve the mental health of the adult population in developed countries.

Associations Between Sleep Habits and Dysglycemia in Adults in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the independent and joint associations between sleep duration and quality with glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels and dysglycemia in non-institutionalized adults living in the United States. METHODS: Data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2008) were used (N=9478; ≥20 years). Information on sleep quantity and quality were derived from the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire and used to classify sleep quality as good, fair, poor, or very poor. RESULTS: Overall, sleep quantity and quality were related to A1C levels in our unadjusted models. In general, a U-shaped relationship between sleep quantity and A1C levels was observed. Compared to those who slept for 7 to 8 hours per night, sleeping for 4 hours or fewer was associated with higher A1C levels (mean, 95% CI; 5.49%, 5.45 to 5.53 vs. 5.69%, 5.60 to 5.77; p<0.05), whereas only those reporting good and very poor sleep quality had higher A1C levels than poor sleepers (mean, 95% CI: 5.63%, 5.57 to 5.69; 5.56%, 5.52 to 5.60 vs. 5.46%, 5.42 to 5.50; p<0.05). The relationships among sleep duration and quality and the joint effects of sleep quality and quantity and dysglycemia were not significant after multivariable adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Between 7 and 8 hours of sleep and fair/poor sleep quality were associated with optimal A1C levels, while sleeping for fewer or more hours appeared to increase dysglycemia, without adjustment for covariates. These relationships were attenuated following multivariable adjustment. Future research is necessary to refine our understanding of the sleep/glycemic-control relationship to provide a context for the clinical significance of these findings for longer-term A1C control in adults with diabetes.

Evidence-based strategies to improve immunization compliance of postgraduate medical trainees at large academic-medical facilities.

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the effectiveness of the modifications made by the University of Toronto Postgraduate Medical Education to improve medical trainee compliance with the immunization standards set forth in national guidelines, provincial regulations and protocols and university policy. Trainee compliance with immunization requirements were evaluated as of January 2003, 2004 and 2005. Statistically significant increases in compliance rates for all required immunizations--hepatitis B virus, measles, rubella and chicken pox--and tuberculosis skin tests were observed. University of Toronto postgraduate medical trainees are now highly compliant with the Hospital Management Regulation 965 of the Ontario Public Hospitals Act, Canadian Immunization Guide, Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines for prevention and control of occupational infections in healthcare and the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine immunization policy.

Sleep duration and the associated cardiometabolic risk scores in adults.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the sleep duration associated with the lowest cardiometabolic risk score in adults and to determine if the association varies by subgroups (eg, sex, age groups, ethnicity, and smoking status). DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from the 2005-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. SETTING: Non-institutionalized civil sample from the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Age ≥20 y (N=8827) with sleep and cardiometabolic health data. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS: Sleep duration from the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire was categorized as ≤3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and ≥10 h per night. HDL cholesterol (HDL) and waist circumference (WC) were stratified by sex first, while fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose (Glu), triglycerides (TG), body max index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were standardized without stratifications. The standardized scores were summed for each participant using the following formula: -zHDL + zInsulin + zGlu + zTG + (zBMI + zWC)/2+(zSBP + zDBP)/2. RESULTS: Seven hours of sleep was associated with the lowest cardiometabolic risk score (-0.30 (95% CI: -0.43, -0.18)), which remained similar after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, education, family income, alcohol intake and smoking status. However, 8 hours of sleep was associated with the lowest score in non-Hispanic Blacks. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports recent sleep duration recommendations in adults, and provides evidence that in general 7 hours of sleep per night is associated with optimal cardiometabolic health of adults. Longitudinal studies using objective measures of sleep would help further clarify this association.

Physical Activity Contributes to Several Sleep-Cardiometabolic Health Relationships.

PURPOSE: To estimate the contribution of accelerometer-derived physical activity to the relationship between sleep and cardiometabolic health. METHODS: Data from the 2005 to 2006 US National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were used (N = 1226; 20 years+). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined by the Joint Interim Statement, and sleep quality and quantity by the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire. Physical activity intensities were defined by activity thresholds (counts per minute) as sedentary activity (0-99), light intensity (100-759), lifestyle activity (760-2019), moderate intensity (2020-5996), and vigorous intensity (≥5999). Outcomes were MetS, number of MetS components, waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, and fasting insulin concentration. The bootstrap method was used to estimate the amount of mediation or contribution of activity intensities (ab) to the sleep-cardiometabolic health relationships, which were quantified as large (≥0.25) or moderate (≥0.09). RESULTS: Lifestyle activity level contributes to several sleep duration and cardiometabolic health relationships, most notably for WC (ab: 0.28), systolic BP (0.39), and fasting insulin concentration (0.85). While moderate intensity and lifestyle activity intensities were large contributors to the sleep quality-fasting insulin concentration relationship (0.47 and 0.48, respectively), light intensity activity only moderately contributed to the relationship between sleep duration and quality with abdominal obesity (0.15). CONCLUSION: Lifestyle and moderate intensity physical activity have a large effect on the relationship between sleep and cardiometabolic health, including WC, BP, and fasting insulin concentration. Appropriate sleep hygiene, in combination with regular physical activity should be considered mutually beneficial targets for cardiometabolic health.

Association between Sleep Habits and Metabolically Healthy Obesity in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Higher body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, but nearly a third of the people living with obesity (BMI: ≥30 kg/m2) are metabolically healthy (MHO). Extreme sleep durations and poor sleep quality are associated with higher bodyweight and cardiometabolic dysfunction, but the full extent to which sleep habits may help differentiate those with MHO versus metabolically abnormal obesity (MAO) is not yet known. Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2005-08 was used (BMI: ≥30 kg/m2; ≥20 y; N = 1,777). The absence of metabolic syndrome was used to define MHO. Those with MHO tended to be younger, female, Non-Hispanic Black, never smokers, more physically active, and with less physician diagnosed sleep disorders than MAO. Neither sleep duration nor overall sleep quality was related to MHO in crude or multivariable adjusted analyses; however, reporting "almost always" to having trouble falling asleep (OR (95% CI): 0.40 (0.20-0.78)), waking up during the night (0.38 (0.17-0.85)), feeling unrested during the day (0.35 (0.18-0.70)), and feeling overly sleepy during the day (0.35 (0.17-0.75)) was related to lower odds of MHO. Selected sleep quality factors, but not sleep quantity or overall sleep quality, are associated with the MHO phenotype.

Contribution of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants to the Relationship between Sleep Duration and Cardiometabolic Health.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the interrelationship and mediating effect of factors that are beneficial (i.e., antioxidants) and harmful (i.e., inflammation and oxidative stress) to the relationship between sleep and cardiometabolic health. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. SETTING: Nationally representative population sample from the US. PARTICIPANTS: Age ≥ 20 y with sleep data; final analytical sample of n = 2,079. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was classified according to the Joint Interim Statement, and sleep duration was categorized as very short, short, adequate, and long sleepers (≤ 4, 5-6, 7-8, and ≥ 9 h per night, respectively). The indirect mediation effect was quantified as large (≥ 0.25), moderate (≥ 0.09), modest (≥ 0.01), and weak (< 0.01). In general, inflammation was above the current clinical reference range across all sleep duration categories, whereas oxidative stress was elevated among short and very short sleepers. Select sleep duration- cardiometabolic health relationships were mediated by C-reactive protein (CRP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), carotenoids, uric acid, and vitamins C and D, and were moderated by sex. Specifically, moderate-to-large indirect mediation by GGT, carotenoids, uric acid, and vitamin D were found for sleep duration-waist circumference and -systolic blood pressure relationships, whereas vitamin C was a moderate mediator of the sleep duration-diastolic blood pressure relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status were found to lie on the casual pathway of the sleep duration-cardiometabolic health relationship. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our results.

Comparative analyses of pandemic H1N1 and seasonal H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B infections depict distinct clinical pictures in ferrets.

Influenza A and B infections are a worldwide health concern to both humans and animals. High genetic evolution rates of the influenza virus allow the constant emergence of new strains and cause illness variation. Since human influenza infections are often complicated by secondary factors such as age and underlying medical conditions, strain or subtype specific clinical features are difficult to assess. Here we infected ferrets with 13 currently circulating influenza strains (including strains of pandemic 2009 H1N1 [H1N1pdm] and seasonal A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B viruses). The clinical parameters were measured daily for 14 days in stable environmental conditions to compare clinical characteristics. We found that H1N1pdm strains had a more severe physiological impact than all season strains where pandemic A/California/07/2009 was the most clinically pathogenic pandemic strain. The most serious illness among seasonal A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 groups was caused by A/Solomon Islands/03/2006 and A/Perth/16/2009, respectively. Among the 13 studied strains, B/Hubei-Wujiagang/158/2009 presented the mildest clinical symptoms. We have also discovered that disease severity (by clinical illness and histopathology) correlated with influenza specific antibody response but not viral replication in the upper respiratory tract. H1N1pdm induced the highest and most rapid antibody response followed by seasonal A/H3N2, seasonal A/H1N1 and seasonal influenza B (with B/Hubei-Wujiagang/158/2009 inducing the weakest response). Our study is the first to compare the clinical features of multiple circulating influenza strains in ferrets. These findings will help to characterize the clinical pictures of specific influenza strains as well as give insights into the development and administration of appropriate influenza therapeutics.