Papillomavirus infection and male infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and Aims: Increasing attention is being paid to the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in men and specifically reproduction. Growing evidence suggests an association between HPV infection with many adverse effects including the impairment of semen parameters, the increase of blastocyst apoptosis, the reduction of endometrial implantation of trophoblastic cells, as well as the increase rate of miscarriages and spontaneous preterm birth. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, CINHAL, PsycINFO, and ERIC from inception to 2nd of July 2024, for studies that investigated the association between HPV infection with sperm parameters and fertility outcomes. The meta-analysis was conducted on mean data and standard deviations. Results: We included 25 studies with a total of 6942 patients. Sperm morphology was lower in HPV positive groups versus HPV negative control groups (SMD = -0.52 95% CI -0.84; -0.21; p = 0.001). Sperm motility was also significantly lower in HPV positive groups when compared to HPV negative controls (SMD = -0.82 95% CI -1.07; -0.57; p = <0.001). Sperm volume, concentration, and pH were not significantly different between the two groups. The other 15 studies included in the systematic review for which it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis showed strong associations between HPV infection and impairment of sperm parameters, reduced couple fertility and increased risk of pregnancy loss. Conclusions: The current evidence highlights the link between HPV infection and sperm parameters, male fertility and reproductive outcomes, which has the potential to lead to a decreased couple fertility, increased risk of pregnancy loss, re-infection and increased treatment costs.

Association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of suicidality: A comprehensive analysis of the global pharmacovigilance database.

AIM: To evaluate the potential association between suicidality and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), as well as other medications used for obesity and diabetes, using comprehensive global data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study utilized the World Health Organization's pharmacovigilance database, encompassing adverse drug reaction reports from 1967 to 2023, from 170 countries (total reports, N = 131 255 418). We present the reported odds ratios (RORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and information component (IC) with IC025 regarding the association between GLP-1RA use and suicidality. RESULTS: Although reports of GLP-1RA-associated suicidality increased gradually from 2005 to 2023 (n = 332), no evidence of an association was observed (ROR 0.15 [95% CI 0.13 to 0.16]; IC -2.77 [IC025 -2.95]). The lack of evidence of an association persisted regardless of whether GLP-1RAs were used for diabetes treatment (ROR 0.13 [95% CI 0.11 to 0.14]; IC -2.95 [IC025 -3.14]) or obesity treatment (ROR 0.44 [95% CI 0.34 to 0.58]; IC -1.16 [IC025 -1.62]). However, an association was found between suicidality and other diabetes medications excluding GLP-1RAs (ROR 1.13 [95% CI 1.10 to 1.15]; IC 0.17 [IC025 0.13]). Similarly, the potential association with suicidality was observed in medications used to treat obesity excluding GLP-1RAs (ROR 1.08 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.14]; IC 0.10 [IC025 0.01]). CONCLUSIONS: The suspected association between GLP-1RA use and suicidality, as raised by the European Medicines Agency, was not found in our global analysis. This indicates that the sporadic reports of GLP-1RA-associated suicidality are likely influenced by factors such as comorbidities present in the GLP-1RA user population.

Psychosocial alterations during the COVID-19 pandemic and the global burden of anxiety and major depressive disorders in adolescents, 1990-2021: challenges in mental health amid socioeconomic disparities.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a global health crisis, profoundly impacted all aspects of daily life. Adolescence, a pivotal stage of psychological and social development, is heavily influenced by the psychosocial and socio-cultural context. Hence, it is imperative to thoroughly understand the psychosocial changes adolescents experienced during the pandemic and implement effective management initiatives. DATA SOURCES: We examined the incidence rates of depressive and anxiety disorders among adolescents aged 10-19 years globally and regionally. We utilized data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 to compare pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) periods. Our investigation covered 204 countries and territories across the six World Health Organization regions. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, employing search terms such as "psychosocial", "adolescent", "youth", "risk factors", "COVID-19 pandemic", "prevention", and "intervention". RESULTS: During the pandemic, the mental health outcomes of adolescents deteriorated, particularly in terms of depressive and anxiety disorders. According to GBD 2021, the incidence rate of anxiety disorders increased from 720.26 [95% uncertainty intervals (UI) = 548.90-929.19] before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018-2019) to 880.87 per 100,000 people (95% UI = 670.43-1132.58) during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). Similarly, the incidence rate of major depressive disorder increased from 2333.91 (95% UI = 1626.92-3138.55) before the COVID-19 pandemic to 3030.49 per 100,000 people (95% UI = 2096.73-4077.73) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This worsening was notably pronounced in high-income countries (HICs). Rapid environmental changes, including heightened social anxiety, school closures, economic crises, and exacerbated racism, have been shown to adversely affect the mental well-being of adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The abrupt shift to remote learning and the absence of in-person social interactions heightened feelings of loneliness, anxiety, sadness, and stress among adolescents. This change magnified existing socioeconomic disparities, posing additional challenges. These complexities profoundly impact adolescents' well-being, especially vulnerable groups like those from HICs, females, and minorities. Acknowledging the underreporting bias in low- to middle-income countries highlights the importance of addressing these mental health alterations in assessments and interventions within these regions as well. Urgent interventions are crucial as the pandemic-induced mental stress may have lasting effects on adolescents' mental health.

Septic cardioembolic stroke secondary to infective endocarditis in a young patient with rheumatic heart disease: a case report.

The risk of stroke due to infective endocarditis is particularly high during the first week. Moreover, in low-resource settings where imaging access is limited, and diagnostic pathways are inaccurate the risk further increases. In addition to antibiotic therapy, treatment may include intravenous thrombolysis, with high risk of hemorrhagic complications in patients with infective endocarditis or mechanical thrombectomy. We report here a case of a 24-year-old male with rheumatic heart disease presenting a septic cardioembolic stroke secondary to infective endocarditis that was successfully treated in a low-resource setting.

Biomarkers and Related Factors for the Diagnosis, Risk of Coronary Artery Lesions, and Resistance to Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Kawasaki Disease: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self-limited febrile disease predominantly affecting infants and children under 5 years old. Coronary artery lesions (CAL) are a prevalent complication, highlighting the necessity for swift diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive review of biomarkers applicable for the diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease (KD) in clinical settings is imperative. To provide a comprehensive review and analysis of biomarkers for diagnosis of KD, incidence of CAL, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance. The data included in our study were sourced from searches conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, EBSCO, and Google Scholar until March 15, 2024. Studies investigating the association with KD or evaluating diagnostic value were included in our study. Eligibility was independently assessed by two authors, with conflicts resolved through discussion. Data extraction was performed by 2 independent authors, following Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. We assess biomarkers relevant to KD, categorizing them into three groups: diagnostic, associated with CAL incidence, and linked to IVIG resistance. For studies focusing solely on association, we present standardized mean differences (SMD). For those reporting sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic measures, we calculate the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) to compare their efficacy. We identified 14 meta-analyses on biomarkers related to KD. 11 biomarkers exhibited diagnostic value for KD, while 21 were associated with its progression. Four biomarkers, including non-coding RNAs (DOR, 19.35 [95% CI, 13.58-27.56]), Serum ferritin (DOR, 24.90 [11.67-53.12]), N terminal proBNP (DOR, 21.03 [9.03-49.00]), and micro RNAs (DOR, 45.28 [6.30-325.52]), have significant diagnostic value for the diagnosis of KD. Seven biomarkers showed significant association with the incidence of CAL. Twenty biomarkers were for the prediction of IVIG resistance, including prognostic nutritional index (DOR, 7.72 [95% CI, 2.37-25.09]), non-coding RNAs (DOR, 14.63 [3.24-66.14]), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (DOR, 6.62 [4.05-10.81]), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (DOR, 3.30 [2.10-5.19]), and C reactive protein (DOR, 6.58 [3.69-11.74]). Based on the evidence, we have proposed various biomarkers associated with KD. Our aim is for these biomarkers to have wide applicability in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings.

Association between sedentary behavior and dynapenic abdominal obesity among older adults from low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior, or time spent sitting, may increase risk for dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO), but there are currently no studies on this topic. AIMS: Therefore, we investigated the association between sedentary behaviour and DAO in a nationally representative sample of older adults from six low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health were analysed. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength < 26 kg for men and < 16 kg for women. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference of > 88 cm (> 80 cm for Asian countries) for women and > 102 cm (> 90 cm) for men. DAO was defined as having both dynapenia and abdominal obesity. Self-reported sedentary behavior was categorized as ≥ 8 h/day (high sedentary behaviour) or < 8 h/day. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was conducted. RESULTS: Data on 20,198 adults aged ≥ 60 years were analyzed [mean (SD) age 69.3 (13.1) years; 54.1% females]. In the overall sample, ≥ 8 h of sedentary behavior per day (vs. <8 h) was significantly associated with 1.52 (95%CI = 1.11-2.07) times higher odds for DAO (vs. no dynapenia and no abdominal obesity), and this was particularly pronounced among males (OR = 2.27; 95%CI = 1.42-3.62). Highly sedentary behavior was not significantly associated with dynapenia alone or abdominal obesity alone. DISCUSSION: High sedentary behaviour may increase risk for DAO among older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour may also lead to reduction of DAO and its adverse health outcomes, especially among males, pending future longitudinal research.

Successful management of prolonged abdominal pregnancy in low-resource setting: a case report.

Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening complication of pregnancy and represents the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester. In developing countries early diagnosis, necessary for favorable outcomes, is often unavailable and women are often not aware of possible conditions and associated complications. Moreover, access to sexual and reproductive health services and antenatal care are limited in such settings. Finally, management options are restricted and often performed in emergency with higher risk of complications and mortality. We report here a 33-year-old woman presenting a 41 weeks abdominal pregnancy successfully managed in a low-resource setting.

Association of handgrip strength with suicidal ideation among adults aged ≥50 years from low- and middle-income countries.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the association between handgrip strength and suicidal ideation in representative samples of adults aged ≥50 years from six LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa). METHODS: Cross-sectional, community-based data from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Aging and Adult Health were analyzed. Handgrip strength quintiles by sex were created based on the average value of two handgrip measurements of the dominant hand. Self-reported information on past 12-month suicidal ideation was collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess associations. RESULTS: Data on 34,129 individuals were analyzed [mean (SD) age 62.4 (16.0) years; age range 50-114 years; 52.1% females]. After adjustment for potential confounders, in the overall sample, compared to the handgrip strength quintile with the highest values [Quintile 1 (Q1)], Q2, Q3, Q4, and Q5 were associated with significant 2.15 (95% CI = 1.05-4.39), 2.78 (95% CI = 1.06-7.32), 3.53 (95% CI = 1.68-7.42), and 6.79 (95% CI = 2.80-16.48) times higher odds for suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS: Lower handgrip strength was significantly and dose-dependently associated with higher odds for suicidal ideation in adults aged ≥50 years from LMICs. Future longitudinal studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, and whether increasing general muscular strength and physical function may lead to reduction in suicidal ideation.

Methodological rigour in preclinical urology: a systematic review reporting research quality over a 14-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and trends of essential study design elements in preclinical urological studies, as well as key factors that may improve methodological rigour, as the demand for methodological rigour in preclinical studies is increasing since research reproducibility and transparency in the medico-scientific field are being questioned. METHODS AND RESULTS: PubMed was searched to include preclinical urological studies published between July 2007 to June 2021. A total of 3768 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data on study design elements and animal models used were collected. Citation density was also examined as a surrogate marker of study influence. We performed an analysis of the prevalence of seven critical study design elements and temporal patterns over 14 years. Randomisation was reported in 50.0%, blinding in 15.0%, sample size estimation in 1.0%, inclusion of both sexes in 6.3%, statistical analysis in 97.1%, housing and husbandry in 47.7%, and inclusion/exclusion criteria in 5.0%. Temporal analysis showed that the implementation of these study design elements has increased, except for inclusion of both sexes and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Reporting study design elements were associated with increased citation density in randomisation and statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of bias is prevalent in 14-year publications describing preclinical urological research, and the quality of methodological rigour is barely related to the citation density of the article. Yet five study design elements (randomisation, blinding, sample size estimation, statistical analysis, and housing and husbandry) proposed by both the National Institutes of Health and Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guidelines have been either well reported or are being well reported over time. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022233125.

Global Trends in the Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption Among School-Going Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years.

PURPOSE: Adolescent alcohol consumption is detrimental to multiple facets of health. However, there is a scarcity of data available on time trends in adolescents' alcohol consumption particularly from non-Western countries and low- and middle-income countries. Thus, we examined the temporal trend of alcohol use in a large representative sample of school-going adolescents aged 12-15 years from 22 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. METHODS: Data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey were analyzed. Alcohol consumption referred to consuming alcohol on at least one day in the past 30 days. Crude linear trends of past 30-day alcohol consumption by country were assessed by linear regression models. RESULTS: Data on 135,426 adolescents aged 12-15 years were analyzed [mean (standard deviation) age 13.8 (1.0) years; 52.0% females]. The overall mean prevalence of past 30-day alcohol consumption was 14.1%. Of the 22 countries included in the study, increasing, decreasing, and stable trends were observed in 3, 8, and 11 countries, respectively. Specifically, significant increases were observed in Benin between 2009 (16.1%) and 2016 (38.6%), Myanmar between 2007 (0.9%) and 2016 (3.6%), and Vanuatu between 2011 (7.6%) and 2016 (12.2%). The most drastic decrease was observed in Samoa between 2011 (34.5%) and 2017 (9.8%), but the rate of decrease was modest in most countries. DISCUSSION: Among school-going adolescents, decreasing trends in alcohol consumption were more common than increasing trends, but the rate of decrease was limited in most countries, suggesting that more global action is required to curb adolescent alcohol consumption.

Global time trends of perceived loneliness among adolescents from 28 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

BACKGROUND: Perceived loneliness in adolescence is associated with a plethora of adverse outcomes. However, data on its temporal trends are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to examine the temporal trend of perceived loneliness among school-going adolescents aged 12-15 years from 28 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, where temporal trends of loneliness are largely unknown. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey 2003-2017 were analyzed. Perceived loneliness referred to feeling lonely most of the time or always in the past 12 months. Crude linear trends of perceived loneliness by country were assessed by linear regression models. RESULTS: Data on 180,087 adolescents aged 12-15 years were analyzed [Mean (SD) age 13.7 (1.0) years; 51.4 % females]. The overall prevalence of perceived loneliness was 10.7 %. Among the 28 countries included in the study, significant increasing and decreasing trends were observed in six counties each, with stable trends found in 16 countries. The most drastic increase and decrease were observed in Egypt between 2006 (7.9 %) and 2011 (14.3 %), and in Samoa between 2011 (23.3 %) and 2017 (8.0 %), respectively. Stable trends with high prevalence across time were also common. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that perceived loneliness among adolescents is a global phenomenon, which has seen little improvement if any in recent years. It would be prudent to implement nationwide policies to combat loneliness globally.

Relationship between severe mental illness and physical multimorbidity: a meta-analysis and call for action.

BACKGROUND: People with severe mental illness (SMI) have a higher prevalence of several chronic physical health conditions, and the prevalence of physical multimorbidity is expected to rise. The aim of this study was to assess the strength of the association between SMI and physical multimorbidity. STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS: We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and the behavioural sciences collection databases, from inception to 31 January 2023, for studies that investigated the association between SMI and physical multimorbidity. Humans of any age either clinically diagnosed and/or currently receiving treatment for SMI, specified as schizophrenia (and related psychotic disorders), bipolar disorder and psychotic depression, were eligible. Data from studies selected for inclusion were converted into ORs, with a subsequent meta-analysis conducted. FINDINGS: We included 19 studies with a total of 194 123 patients with SMI with different diagnoses and drawn from the general population. The pooled OR for physical multimorbidity in people with versus without SMI was 1.84 (95% CI 1.33 to 2.54), with the analysis indicating a high level of heterogeneity (98.38%). The other 15 studies included in the systematic review for which it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis showed strong associations between SMI and physical multimorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence highlights the link between SMI and physical multimorbidity. A multidisciplinary approach is now urgent to develop the best models of services tailored to patients with SMI with physical multimorbidities to improve physical, mental and social outcomes. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023395165.

Successful Management, in a Low-Resource Setting, of Disseminated Tuberculosis in a 3-Year Old Boy: A Case Report.

Disseminated or military tuberculosis (TB) is defined as the presence of at least two non-contiguous sites of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, occurring as a result of progressive primary infection, reactivation and spread of a latent focus or due to iatrogenic origin. Disseminated TB represents a life-threatening condition, especially in at-risk children and when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. We report on a case of a 3-year old boy who presented with long-lasting unrecognised disseminated TB that was successfully managed in a low-resource setting.

Sex differences in the association between dynapenic abdominal obesity and onset of disability in activities of daily living among adults aged ≥50 years: A prospective analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

BACKGROUND: Sex differences in the longitudinal relationship between dynapenic abdominal obesity, i.e., impairment in muscle strength and high waist circumference, and disability in activities of daily living have not been investigated to date. Therefore, we aimed to examine sex differences in the longitudinal association between dynapenic abdominal obesity at baseline and the onset of disability in activities of daily living during a four-year follow-up period among Irish adults aged ≥50 years. METHODS: Data from Wave 1 (2009-2011) and Wave 3 (2014-2015) of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing survey were analyzed. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength of <26 kg for men and <16 kg for women. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference of >88 cm for women and >102 cm for men. Dynapenic abdominal obesity was defined as having both dynapenia and abdominal obesity. Disability was defined as having difficulty with at least one of six activities of daily living (dressing, walking, bathing, eating, getting in or out of bed, using the toilet). Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess associations. RESULTS: Data on 4471 individuals aged ≥50 years and free of disability at baseline were analyzed [mean (SD) age 62.3 (8.6) years; 48.3 % males]. In the overall sample, compared to no dynapenia and no abdominal obesity, dynapenic abdominal obesity was associated with 2.15 (95%CI = 1.17-3.93) times higher odds for incident disability at 4-year follow-up. This association was significant among men (OR = 3.78; 95%CI = 1.70-8.38) but not among women (OR = 1.34; 95%CI = 0.60-2.98). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to prevent or address dynapenic abdominal obesity may aid in the prevention of disability, especially among men.

The association of pain with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts with depressive symptoms among adults aged ≥50 years from low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the relationship of pain with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts with depressive symptoms among adults aged ≥50 years from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa). METHODS: Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health were analyzed. Self-reported information on past 12-month suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among people with depressive symptoms was collected. Pain was assessed with the question "Overall in the last 30 days, how much of bodily aches or pain did you have?" With answer options: "none", "mild", "moderate", "severe/extreme". Multivariable logistic regression was done to assess associations. RESULTS: Data on 34,129 adults aged ≥50 years (mean [SD] age 62.4 [16.0] years; males 47.9%) were analyzed. Compared to no pain, mild, moderate, and severe/extreme pain were associated with 2.83 (95% CI = 1.51-5.28), 4.01 (95% CI = 2.38-6.76), and 12.26 (95% CI = 6.44-23.36) times higher odds for suicidal ideation. For suicide attempt, only severe/extreme pain was associated with significantly increased odds (OR = 4.68; 95% CI = 1.67-13.08). CONCLUSIONS: In this large sample of older adults from multiple LMICs, pain was strongly associated with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts with depressive symptoms. Future studies should assess whether addressing pain among older people in LMICs may lead to reduction in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Temporal Trends in Bullying Victimization Among Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years From 29 Countries: A Global Perspective.

PURPOSE: Bullying victimization among adolescents is a major public health concern. However, multicountry studies investigating temporal trends of bullying victimization among adolescents are scarce, especially from a global perspective. Thus, we aimed to examine the temporal trends of bullying victimization among school-going adolescents between 2003 and 2017 in 29 countries from Africa (n = 5), Asia (n = 18), and the Americas (n = 6). METHODS: Data on 191,228 students aged 12-15 years [mean (standard deviation) age 13.7 (1.0) years; 48.9% boys] who participated in the Global School-based Student Health Survey were analyzed. Bullying victimization was based on self-report and referred to being bullied at least once in the past 30 days. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of bullying victimization was calculated for each survey. Crude linear trends in bullying victimization were examined by linear regression models. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of bullying victimization across all surveys was 39.4%. There was a large variation in the trends of bullying victimization across countries with a significant increasing and decreasing trend being observed in 6 and 13 countries, respectively. Myanmar, Egypt, and the Philippines showed the sharpest increase. The decrease was modest in most countries which showed a decreasing trend. The remaining countries showed stable trends (n = 10) but some countries such as Seychelles showed consistently high prevalence over time (i.e., ≥ 50%). DISCUSSION: Decreasing trends of bullying victimization were more common than increasing or stable trends in our study including adolescents from 29 countries. However, a high prevalence of bullying was observed in most countries, and thus, further global efforts to combat bullying victimization are necessary.

Pain and mild cognitive impairment among adults aged 50 years and above residing in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the association between pain and cognitive decline or impairment have yielded mixed results, while studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) or specifically on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are scarce. Thus, we investigated the association between pain and MCI in LMICs and quantified the extent to which perceived stress, sleep/energy problems, and mobility limitations explain the pain/MCI relationship. METHODS: Data analysis of cross-sectional data from six LMICs from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) were performed. MCI was based on the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association criteria. "Overall in the last 30 days, how much of bodily aches or pain did you have?" was the question utilized to assess pain. Associations were examined by multivariable logistic regression analysis and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Data on 32,715 individuals aged 50 years and over were analysed [mean (SD) age 62.1 (15.6) years; 51.7% females]. In the overall sample, compared to no pain, mild, moderate, and severe/extreme pain were dose-dependently associated with 1.36 (95% CI = 1.18-1.55), 2.15 (95% CI = 1.77-2.62), and 3.01 (95% CI = 2.36-3.85) times higher odds for MCI, respectively. Mediation analysis showed that perceived stress, sleep/energy problems, and mobility limitations explained 10.4%, 30.6%, and 51.5% of the association between severe/extreme pain and MCI. CONCLUSIONS: Among middle-aged to older adults from six LMICs, pain was associated with MCI dose-dependently, and sleep problems and mobility limitations were identified as potential mediators. These findings raise the possibility of pain as a modifiable risk factor for developing MCI.

Unclean Cooking Fuel Use and Slow Gait Speed Among Older Adults From 6 Countries.

BACKGROUND: Outdoor air pollution has been reported to be associated with frailty (including slow gait speed) in older adults. However, to date, no literature exists on the association between indoor air pollution (eg, unclean cooking fuel use) and gait speed. Therefore, we aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between unclean cooking fuel use and gait speed in a sample of older adults from 6 low- and middle-income countries (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa). METHODS: Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health were analyzed. Unclean cooking fuel use referred to the use of kerosene/paraffin, coal/charcoal, wood, agriculture/crop, animal dung, and shrubs/grass based on self-report. Slow gait speed referred to the slowest quintile based on height, age, and sex-stratified values. Multivariable logistic regression and meta-analysis were done to assess associations. RESULTS: Data on 14 585 individuals aged ≥65 years were analyzed (mean [standard deviation] age 72.6 [11.4] years; 45.0% males). Unclean cooking fuel use (vs clean cooking fuel use) was significantly associated with higher odds for slow gait speed (odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.85) based on a meta-analysis using country-wise estimates. The level of between-country heterogeneity was very low (I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Unclean cooking fuel use was associated with slower gait speed among older adults. Future studies of longitudinal design are warranted to provide insight into the underlying mechanisms and possible causality.

The impact of urinary incontinence on multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We aimed to capture the breadth of health outcomes that have been associated with the presence of Urinary Incontinence (UI) and systematically assess the quality, strength, and credibility of these associations through an umbrella review and integrated meta-analyses. METHODS: We assessed meta-analyses of observational studies based on random-effect summary effect sizes and their p-values, 95% prediction intervals, heterogeneity, small-study effects, and excess significance. We graded the evidence from convincing (Class I) to weak (Class IV). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: From 3172 articles returned in search of the literature, 9 systematic reviews were included with a total of 41 outcomes. Overall, 37 out of the 41 outcomes reported nominally significant summary results (p < 0.05), with 22 associations surviving the application of a more stringent p-value (p < 10-6). UI was associated with worse scores than controls in female sexual function (Class II), while it was also associated with a higher prevalence of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.815; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.551-2.124), and anxiety (OR = 1.498; 95% CI: 1.273-1.762) (Class IV). UI was associated with poorer quality of life (QoL), higher rate of mortality (hazard ratio = 2.392; 95% CI: 2.053-2.787) an increase in falls, frailty, pressure ulcers, diabetes, arthritis, and fecal incontinence (Class IV). CONCLUSIONS: UI is associated with female sexual dysfunction, with highly suggestive evidence. However, the evidence of other adverse outcomes including depression, anxiety, poorer QoL, higher mortality, falls, pressure ulcers, diabetes, arthritis, fecal incontinence, and frailty is only weak. A multidimensional approach should be taken in managing UI in the clinical setting.

Body mass index categories and anxiety symptoms among adults aged ≥ 50 years from low and middle income countries.

BACKGROUND: Body weight may be a risk factor for anxiety; however, there is a scarcity of studies on this association in older adults especially from low and middle income countries (LMICs). Therefore, we investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and anxiety symptoms among adults aged ≥ 50 years from 6 LMICs. METHODS: Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. The BMI was based on measured weight and height and was categorized as: < 18.5 kg/m2 (underweight), 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 (normal weight), 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 (overweight), 30.0-34.9 kg/m2 (obesity class I), 35.0-39.9 kg/m2 (obesity class II), and ≥ 40 kg/m2 (obesity class III). Anxiety symptoms referred to severe/extreme problems with worry or anxiety in the past 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Data on 34,129 individuals aged ≥ 50 years (mean age 62.4 years, SD 16.0 years; 52.1% female) were analyzed. Overall, compared to normal weight, only underweight was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (odds ratio, OR = 1.56; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.26-1.95). Obesity class III (vs. normal weight) was associated with significantly increased odds for anxiety symptoms (OR = 4.15; 95%CI = 1.49-11.59) only among males. CONCLUSION: In this large representative sample of older adults from LMICs, underweight was associated with anxiety symptoms in males and females. Class III obesity was associated with anxiety symptoms only in males. Future studies to shed light on the reason why severe obesity was associated with anxiety symptoms only among males in LMICs are needed.