Development of a Structural Equation Model to Examine the Relationships between Genetic Polymorphisms and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been used to discover genetic polymorphisms that affect cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been identified as a robust multivariate analysis tool. However, there is a paucity of research that has conducted SEM in African populations. The purpose of this study was to create a model that may be used to examine the relationships between genetic polymorphisms and their respective cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors. The procedure involved three steps. Firstly, the creation of latent variables and the hypothesis model. Next, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the relationships between the latent variables, SNPs, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome, with their respective indicators. Then finally, model fitting using JASP statistical software v.0.16.4.0. The indicators for the SNPs and dyslipidemia all indicated significant factor loadings, -0.96 to 0.91 (p = <0.001) and 0.92 to 0.96 (p ≤ 0.001), respectively. The indicators for metabolic syndrome also had significant coefficients of 0.20 (p = 0.673), 0.36 (p = 0.645) and 0.15 (p = 0.576), but they were not statistically significant. There were no significant relationships observed between the SNPs, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. The SEM produced an acceptable model according to the fit indices.

The SARS-COV-2 Seroprevalence among Oncology Patients.

Patients with cancer are presumed to be vulnerable to an increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and severe clinical outcomes due to the immunocompromised state mediated by their underlying malignancies and therapy. The aim of this study was to estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, following second to fourth waves in solid tumour patients attending the Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We used the single-prick COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassettes to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies in 760 patients with solid tumours who were asymptomatic and who had never tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Out of the 760 patients, 277 were male (36.4%), 483 were female (63.6%), and the mean age was 55 years (range 18−92). The estimated total seroprevalence was 33.2%. The seroprevalence status of the COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibodies rose significantly from the second wave (11.3%) to the third (67.38%) and then the fourth (69.81%) waves with roughly similar counts. A significant number of the seropositive patients were asymptomatic to COVID-19 (96%). There was a higher rate of seropositivity in cancer patients with hypertension (p < 0.05). Patients with breast, gynaecologic, and prostate cancers exhibited increased SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Although oncology patients may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, our data indicate that these patients remained asymptomatic throughout various waves with an overall COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibody seropositivity of 33.16%, suggesting no risk of severe or fatal cases of COVID-19.

Association between hypertension, obesity and dietary intake in post-menopausal women from rural Zambian communities.

BACKGROUND: Amongst the cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors, hypertension (HT) and obesity appear to be prominent in post-menopausal women. The underlying mechanisms of HT development in menopause are not fully understood. AIM: To determine the association between HT, obesity and dietary intakes in post-menopausal women from rural Zambia. SETTING: This study was conducted in Twatasha Compound of Kitwe and Ndeke Community of Ndola. METHODS: Blood pressure (BP), weight, height and dietary intakes (24-h recall) were measured in 153 women (> 50 years) from households. The South African Hypertension Society (SAHS), the World Health Organization (WHO) and estimated average requirements (EARs) guidelines were followed for HT, obesity and dietary intake definitions, respectively. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. RESULTS: Prevalence of HT was 70%, whilst 37.25% and 28.10% of the participants were overweight and obese, respectively. The median interquartile range (IQR) dietary intakes showed inadequate intakes for most nutrients, except for carbohydrates (170 g [133; 225]). The total fat intake represented 14% of total energy intake. All median fatty acid intakes and sodium intakes (409 mg [169; 662]) were below the recommended levels. Only body mass index (BMI) correlated with HT (r = 0.268; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite low dietary intakes, an alarming prevalence of HT and obesity was found in our population. Hormonal changes, a high energy-dense diet and poor treatment adherence, may be possible underlying factors. We recommend measures to better manage HT as a CVR factor. CONTRIBUTION: This article supplements evidence on the prevalence of obesity-related hypertension in post-menopausal women and the link to dietary intake.