Women's Use of Intimate Partner Aggression: Associations With Sexist Experiences.

Identity-based discrimination experiences have been associated with intimate partner aggression (IPA) use, yet very little research has examined sexist discrimination. This study explored whether women's experiences of sexist discrimination are associated with their IPA use. Participants were 626 predominantly white, cisgender, heterosexual women who completed self-report measures online. Women's sexist experiences were significantly and positively correlated with their IPA use, even after controlling for recent stressful experiences and gender-based violence exposures. Psychological distress symptoms significantly mediated the relation between sexist experiences and IPA use. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering the role of sexism in women's IPA.

Genotoxicity and heating Performance of VxFe3-xO4 nanoparticles in Health applications.

The applications of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as biocatalysts in different biomedical areas have been evolved very recently. One of the main challenges in this field is to design affective MNPs surfaces with catalytically active atomic centres, while producing minimal toxicological side effects on the hosting cell or tissues. MNPs of vanadium spinel ferrite (VFe2O4) are a promising material for mimicking the action of natural enzymes in degrading harmful substrates due to the presence of active V5+ centres. However, the toxicity of this material has not been yet studied in detail enough to grant biomedical safety. In this work, we have extensively measured the structural, compositional, and magnetic properties of a series of VxFe3-xO4 spinel ferrite MNPs to assess the surface composition and oxidation state of V atoms, and also performed systematic and extensive in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity testing required to assess their safety in potential clinical applications. We could establish the presence of V5+ at the particle surface even in water-based colloidal samples at pH 7, as well as different amounts of V2+ and V3+ substitution at the A and B sites of the spinel structure. All samples showed large heating efficiency with Specific Loss Power values up to 400 W/g (H0 = 30 kA/m; f = 700 kHz). Samples analysed for safety in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line with up to 24h of exposure showed that these MNPs did not induce major genomic abnormalities such as micronuclei, nuclear buds, or nucleoplasmic bridges (MNIs, NBUDs, and NPBs), nor did they cause DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) or aneugenic effects-types of damage considered most harmful to cellular genetic material. The present study is an essential step towards the use of these type of nanomaterials in any biomedical or clinical application.

Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Effects of Spray-Dried Encapsulated Kale Sprouts after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion.

The health-related compounds present in kale are vulnerable to the digestive process or storage conditions. Encapsulation has become an alternative for their protection and takes advantage of their biological activity. In this study, 7-day-old Red Russian kale sprouts grown in the presence of selenium (Se) and sulfur (S) were spray-dried with maltodextrin to assess their capacity to protect kale sprout phytochemicals from degradation during the digestion process. Analyses were conducted on the encapsulation efficiency, particle morphology, and storage stability. Mouse macrophages (Raw 264.7) and human intestinal cells (Caco-2) were used to assess the effect of the intestinal-digested fraction of the encapsulated kale sprout extracts on the cellular antioxidant capacity, the production of nitric oxide (NOx), and the concentrations of different cytokines as indicators of the immunological response. The highest encapsulation efficiency was observed in capsules with a 50:50 proportion of the hydroalcoholic extract of kale and maltodextrin. Gastrointestinal digestion affected compounds' content in encapsulated and non-encapsulated kale sprouts. Spray-dried encapsulation reduced the phytochemicals' degradation during storage, and the kale sprouts germinated with S and Se showed less degradation of lutein (35.6%, 28.2%), glucosinolates (15.4%, 18.9%), and phenolic compounds (20.3%, 25.7%), compared to non-encapsulated ones, respectively. S-encapsulates exerted the highest cellular antioxidant activity (94.2%) and immunomodulatory activity by stimulating IL-10 production (88.9%) and COX-2 (84.1%) and NOx (92.2%) inhibition. Thus, encapsulation is an effective method to improve kale sprout phytochemicals' stability and bioactivity during storage and metabolism.

Plasma neurofilament light and brain volumetric outcomes among middle-aged urban adults.

Elevated plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) is associated with dementia though underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We examined cross-sectional relationships of time-dependent plasma NfL with selected brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) prognostic markers of dementia. The sample was drawn from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, selecting participants with complete v1 (2004-2009) and v2 (2009-2013) plasma NfL exposure and ancillary sMRI data at vscan (2011-2015, n = 179, mean v1 to vscan time: 5.4 years). Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were conducted, overall, by sex, and race, correcting for multiple testing with q-values. NfL(v1) was associated with larger WMLV (both Loge transformed), after 5-6 years' follow-up, overall (ß = +2.131 ± 0.660, b = +0.29, p = 0.001, and q = 0.0029) and among females. NfLv2 was linked to a 125 mm3 lower left hippocampal volume (p = 0.004 and q = 0.015) in reduced models, mainly among males, as was observed for annualized longitudinal change in NfL (δNfLbayes). Among African American adults, NfLv1 was inversely related to total, gray and white matter volumes. Plasma NfL may reflect future brain pathologies in middle-aged adults.

Race/ethnicity-specific associations between breastfeeding information source and breastfeeding rates among U.S. women.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence of the impact of breastfeeding information on breastfeeding rates, it is unknown if information sources and impact vary by race/ethnicity, thus this study assessed race/ethnicity-specific associations between breastfeeding information sources and breastfeeding. METHODS: We used data from the 2016-2019 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Race/ethnicity-stratified multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate associations between information source (e.g., family/friends) and breastfeeding rates (0 weeks/none, < 10 weeks, or ≥ 10 weeks; < 10 weeks and ≥ 10 weeks = any breastfeeding). All analyses were weighted to be nationally representative. RESULTS: Among 5,945,018 women (weighted), 88% reported initiating breastfeeding (≥ 10 weeks = 70%). Information from family/friends (< 10 weeks: aORs = 1.58-2.14; ≥ 10 weeks: aORs = 1.63-2.64) and breastfeeding support groups (< 10 weeks: aORs = 1.31-1.76; ≥ 10 weeks: aORs = 1.42-2.77) were consistently associated with breastfeeding and duration across most racial/ethnic groups; effects were consistently smaller among Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic women (vs White women). Over half of American Indian and one-quarter of Black women reported not breastfeeding/stopping breastfeeding due to return to school/work concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between breastfeeding information source and breastfeeding rates vary across race/ethnicity. Culturally tailored breastfeeding information and support from family/friends and support groups could help reduce breastfeeding disparities. Additional measures are needed to address disparities related to concerns about return to work/school.

Allostatic Load and Cognitive Function Among Urban Adults in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span Study.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional studies have linked cognition to allostatic load (AL) which reflects multisystem dysregulation from life course exposure to stressors. OBJECTIVE: To examine baseline and changes in AL and their relationships with 11 cognitive function test scores, while exploring health disparities according to sex and race. METHODS: Longitudinal [Visit 1 (2004-2009) and Visit 2 (2009-2013)] data were analyzed from 2,223 Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span participants. We calculated AL total score using cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory risk indicators, and applied group-based trajectory modeling to define AL change. RESULTS: Overall and stratum-specific relationships were evaluated using mixed-effects linear regression models that controlled for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics. Baseline AL was significantly associated with higher log-transformed Part A Trail Making Test score [Loge (TRAILS A)] (ß= 0.020, p = 0.004) and increasing AL was associated with higher Benton Visual Retention Test score [BVRT] (ß= 0.35, p = 0.002) at baseline, in models that controlled for age, sex, race, poverty status, education, literacy, smoking, drug use, the 2010 healthy eating index and body mass index. Baseline AL and AL change were not related to change in cognitive function between visits. There were no statistically significant interaction effects by sex or race in fully-adjusted models. CONCLUSION: At baseline, AL was associated with worse attention or executive functioning. Increasing AL was associated with worse non-verbal memory or visuo-constructional abilities at baseline. AL was not related to change in cognitive function over time, and relationships did not vary by sex or race.

Longitudinal association of allostatic load with depressive symptoms among urban adults: Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that lifetime exposure to stressful life events and chronic stressors may be linked to geriatric depression. Allostatic load (AL) is considered a mediator of the stress-health relationship and has been linked to psychosocial factors reflecting health disparities. The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal associations of AL with depressive symptoms scores among urban adults, before and after stratifying by sex and race. METHODS: Secondary analyses were performed using Visit 1 (2004-2009), Visit 2 (2009-2013) and Visit 3 (2013-2017) data collected on 2298 Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study participants (baseline age: 30-64 y). AL at Visit 1 (ALv1) and z-transformed probability of higher AL trajectory (ALtraj) between Visits 1 and 3 were calculated using cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory risk indicators. The 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale was used to calculate total and domain-specific depressive symptoms scores. Mixed-effects linear models controlled for socio-demographic, lifestyle and health characteristics. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, a positive cross-sectional relationship was observed between ALv1 and "somatic complaints" depressive symptoms (ß = 0.21, P = 0.006) score at Visit 1, whereas ALtraj was associated with increasing depressive symptoms score (ß = 0.086, P = 0.003) between Visits 1 and 3. An inverse relationship was observed between ALtraj and "positive affect" depressive symptoms score at Visit 1 among women (ß = -0.31, P < 0.0001) and White adults (ß = -0.32, P = 0.004). Among women, ALtraj was also positively related to change in "somatic complaints" depressive symptoms score between Visits 1 and 3 (ß = 0.043, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Among urban adults, AL may be associated with "somatic complaints" depressive symptoms at baseline. Higher AL trajectories may predict increasing depressive symptoms (overall) and increasing "somatic complaints" depressive symptoms (among women). A higher AL trajectory may be associated with lower "positive affect" depressive symptoms at baseline among women and White adults only.

Plasma neurofilament light as blood marker for poor brain white matter integrity among middle-aged urban adults.

Plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL)'s link to dementia may be mediated through white matter integrity (WMI). In this study, we examined plasma NfL's relationships with diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging markers: global and cortical white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) and trace (TR). Plasma NfL measurements at 2 times (v1: 2004-2009 and v2: 2009-2013) and ancillary dMRI (vscan: 2011-2015) were considered (n = 163, mean time v1 to vscan = 5.4 years and v2 to vscan: 1.1 years). Multivariable-adjusted regression models, correcting for multiple-testing revealed that, overall, higher NfLv1 was associated with greater global TR (ß ± SE: +0.0000560 ± 0.0000186, b = 0.27, p = 0.003, q = 0.012), left frontal WM TR (ß ± SE: + 0.0000706 ± 0.0000201, b ± 0.30, p = 0.001, q = 0.0093) and right frontal WM TR (ß ± SE: + 0.0000767 ± 0.000021, b ± 0.31, p < 0.001, q = 0.0093). These associations were mainly among males and White adults. Among African American adults only, NfLv2 was associated with greater left temporal lobe TR. "Tracking high" in NfL was associated with reduced left frontal FA (Model 2, body mass index-adjusted: ß ± SE:-0.01084 ± 0.00408, p = 0.009). Plasma NfL is a promising biomarker predicting future brain white matter integrity (WMI) in middle-aged adults.

Perceived general, mental, and physical health of Latinos in the United States following adoption of immigrant-inclusive state-level driver's license policies: a time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the United States (U.S.), several states have laws that allow individuals to obtain driver's licenses regardless of their immigration status. Possession of a driver's license can improve an individual's access to social programs, healthcare services, and employment opportunities, which could lead to improvements in perceived mental and physical health among Latinos living in the U.S. METHODS: Using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (2011-2019) for Latinos living in the U.S. overall (immigration status was not available), we compared the average number of self-reported perceived poor mental and physical health days/month, and general health status (single-item measures) before (January 2011-June 2013) and after implementation (July 2015-December 2019) of immigrant-inclusive license policies using interrupted time-series analyses and segmented linear regression, and a control group of states in which such policies were not implemented. We also compared the average number of adults reporting any perceived poor mental or physical health days (≥ 1 day/month) using a similar approach. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three thousand eight hundred seven Latino adults were included; 66,805 lived in states that adopted immigrant-inclusive license policies. After implementation, average number of perceived poor physical health days significantly decreased from 4.30 to 3.80 days/month (immediate change = -0.64, 95% CI = -1.10 to -0.19). The proportion reporting ≥ 1 perceived poor physical and mental health day significantly decreased from 41 to 34% (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.80-1.00) and from 40 to 33% (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.74-0.94), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among all Latinos living in the U.S., immigrant-inclusive license policies were associated with fewer perceived poor physical health days per month and fewer adults experiencing poor physical and mental health. Because anti-immigrant policies can harm Latino communities regardless of immigration status and further widen health inequities, implementing state policies that do not restrict access to driver licenses based on immigrant status documentation could help address upstream drivers of such inequities.

Epigenetic clocks and their association with trajectories in perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms among US middle-aged and older adults.

BACKGROUND: Perceived discrimination may be associated with accelerated aging later in life, with depressive symptoms acting as potential mediator. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of older adults was used [Health and Retirement Study 2010-2016, Age: 50-100 y in 2016, N = 2,806, 55.6% female, 82.3% Non-Hispanic White (NHW)] to evaluate associations of perceived discrimination measures [Experience of discrimination or EOD; and Reasons for Perceived discrimination or RPD) and depressive symptoms (DEP)] with 13 DNAm-based measures of epigenetic aging. Group-based trajectory and four-way mediation analyses were used. RESULTS: Overall, and mostly among female and NHW participants, greater RPD in 2010-2012 had a significant adverse total effect on epigenetic aging [2016: DNAm GrimAge, DunedinPoAm38 (MPOA), Levine (PhenoAge) and Horvath 2], with 20-50% of this effect being explained by a pure indirect effect through DEP in 2014-2016. Among females, sustained elevated DEP (2010-2016) was associated with greater LIN DNAm age (ß ± SE: +1.506 ± 0.559, p = 0.009, reduced model), patterns observed for elevated DEP (high vs. low) for GrimAge and MPOA DNAm markers. Overall and in White adults, the relationship of the Levine clock with perceived discrimination in general (both EOD and RPD) was mediated through elevated DEP. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained elevations in DEP and RPD were associated with select biological aging measures, consistently among women and White adults, with DEP acting as mediator in several RPD-EPICLOCK associations.

Mechanical testing of particle streaming and intact extracellular mucilage nanofibers reveal a role of elastic force in diatom motility.

Diatoms are unicellular microalgae with a rigid cell wall, able to glide on surfaces by releasing nanopolymeric fibers through central slits known as raphes. Here we consider the modelNitszchia communisto perform quantitative studies on two complementary aspects involved in diatom gliding. Using video microscopy and automated image analysis, we measure the motion of test beads as they are pulled by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) fibers at the diatom raphe (particle streaming). A multimodal distribution of particle speed is found, evidencing the appearance of short-time events of high speed and acceleration (known as jerky motion) and suggesting that different mechanisms contribute to set diatom velocity during gliding. Furthermore, we use optical tweezers to obtain force-extension records for extracellular diatom nanofibers; records are well described by the worm-like chain model of polymer elasticity. In contrast to previous studies based on application of denaturing force (in the nN regime), application of low force (up to 6 pN) and using enable us to obtain the persistence length of intact fibers. From these measurements, mechanical parameters of EPS fibers such as radius and elastic constant are estimated. Furthermore, by modeling particle streaming as a spring in parallel with a dashpot, we show that the time involved in the release of mechanical energy after fiber detachment from beads (elastic snapping) agrees with our observations of jerky motion. We conclude that the smooth and jerky motions displayed by gliding diatoms correspond to molecular motors and elastic snapping, respectively, thus providing quantitative elements that incorporate to current models of the mechanics behind diatom locomotion.

Efeito da reabilitação cardíaca sobre o limiar nociceptivo aumentado de indivíduos hipertensos / Effect of cardiac rehabilitation on the nociceptive threshold increased of hypertensive subjects

Objetivos: Indivíduos hipertensos apresentam um limiar nociceptivo aumentado, o que pode contribuir para uma redução da percepção da dor. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um programa de reabilitação cardíaca (PRC) sobre limiar nociceptivo aumentados de indivíduos hipertensos. Métodos: Quarenta e um participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo normotenso e grupo hipertenso. Nos dois grupos, foram avaliados a massa corporal, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, frequência cardíaca, limiar nociceptivo e a capacidade funcional pelo teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). O PRC foi composto de exercícios aeróbicos em esteira com duração de 30 minutos, 3 vezes por semana, durante 7 semanas. Resultados: Após o PRC, houve uma significativa redução (p < 0,001) no limiar mecânico nociceptivo e um aumento na distância percorrida durante o TC6 (p < 0,001) no grupo composto por indivíduos hipertensos. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo sugeriram que o exercício aeróbico é uma modalidade importante para normalizar o limiar nociceptivo e melhorar a capacidade funcional de indivíduos hipertensos.

A Bayesian Network model to identify suitable areas for offshore wave energy farms, in the framework of ecosystem approach to marine spatial planning.

The production of energy from waves is gaining attention. In its expansion strategy, technical, environmental and socioeconomic aspects should be taken into account to identify suitable areas for development of wave energy projects. In this research we provide a novel approach for suitable site identification for wave energy farms. To achieve this objective, we (i) developed a conceptual framework, considering technical, environmental and conflicts for space aspects that play a role on the development of those projects, and (ii) it was operationalized in a Bayesian Network, by building a spatially explicit model adopting the Spanish and Portuguese Economic Exclusive Zones as case study. The model results indicate that 1723 km2 and 17,409 km2 are highly suitable or suitable for the development of wave energy projects (i.e. low potential conflicts with other activities and low ecological risk). Suitable areas account for a total of 2.5 TWh∙m-1 energy resource. These areas are placed between 82 and 111 m water depth, 18-30 km to the nearest port, 21-29 km to the nearest electrical substation onshore, with 143-170 MWh m-1 mean annual energy resource and having 124-150 of good weather windows per year for construction and maintenance work. The approach proposed supports scientists, managers and industry, reducing uncertainties during the consenting process, by identifying the most relevant technical, environmental and socioeconomic factors when authorising wave energy projects. The model and the suitability maps produced can be used during site identification processes, informing Strategic Environmental Assessment and ecosystem approach to marine spatial planning.

Racial discrimination, mental health symptoms, and intimate partner violence perpetration in Black adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study had three goals: (a) to examine the association between racial discrimination and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration; (b) to determine whether this relationship is explained by mental health (MH) symptoms; and (c) to determine whether these associations vary by poverty status or gender. METHODS: During the Wave 4 (2013-2017) visit of the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Longitudinal Study (HANDLS), Black adults who were in a relationship (N = 433; mean age = 55.26, SD = 9.30; 51% men) provided self-report data on IPV perpetration; frequency of racial discrimination; and levels of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Multigroup mediation models used these cross-sectional data to test whether racial discrimination was associated with MH symptoms, which in turn were associated with IPV perpetration, determining the significance of direct and indirect pathways and whether any pathways varied by poverty status or gender. RESULTS: Racial discrimination was associated with more MH symptoms, which in turn was associated with IPV perpetration. The negative effect of discrimination on MH was stronger for Black women than Black men and for Black adults with household incomes below 125% of the Federal poverty line than those with incomes above this cutoff. DISCUSSION: Efforts to prevent and treat IPV in the Black community should address the negative effects of racial discrimination experiences on MH and partner aggression, especially among those with multiple marginalized identities. IPV prevention efforts may be enhanced through an overarching commitment to dismantle structural racism and intersectional forms of oppression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

COVID-19-Related Discrimination Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities and Other Marginalized Communities in the United States.

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of COVID-19-related discrimination among major US racial/ethnic groups and estimate associations between discrimination, race/ethnicity, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. We conducted a nationally representative online survey of 5500 American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Latino (English and Spanish speaking), White, and multiracial adults from December 2020 to February 2021. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19-related discrimination were estimated via multinomial logistic regression. Results. A total of 22.1% of the participants reported experiencing discriminatory behaviors, and 42.7% reported that people acted afraid of them. All racial/ethnic minorities were more likely than White adults to experience COVID-19-related discrimination, with Asian and American Indian/Alaska Native adults being most likely to experience such discrimination (discriminatory behaviors: adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.73, 3.89; and AOR = 2.67; 95% CI = 1.76, 4.04; people acting afraid: AOR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.15, 2.07; and AOR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.34, 2.51). Limited English proficiency, lower education, lower income, and residing in a big city or the East South Central census division also increased the prevalence of discrimination. Conclusions. COVID-19-related discrimination is common, and it appears that the pandemic has exacerbated preexisting resentment against racial/ethnic minorities and marginalized communities. Efforts are needed to minimize and discredit racially driven language and discrimination around COVID-19 and future epidemics. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(3):453-466. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306594).

Psychometric Properties and Factor Analysis of a Short Form of the Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse.

The 28-item Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse (MMEA) assesses four common forms of emotional abuse in intimate relationships and has been used extensively to study the development of intimate partner violence (IPV), the consequences of emotional abuse, and the outcomes of IPV interventions. The current study provides psychometric analyses of a shortened version of the MMEA using self-report data from a sample of men receiving treatment at a community-based relationship violence intervention program (RVIP; N = 467) and reports from their relationship partners (N = 252), and data from a sample of undergraduate students (N = 194) who reported on their own and their partners' abusive behavior. Theoretical and statistical considerations, including internal consistency after item deletion, were used to select items for the shortened version. In the clinic sample (for self- and partner reports) and in the undergraduate sample (for self-report only), the 16-item MMEA-Short Form (MMEA-SF) retains the 4-factor structure of the 28-item MMEA. In both samples and across reporting methods (self and partner), the 16-item MMEA-SF has good internal consistency, good concurrent validity with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) psychological aggression subscale, and similar correlations with CTS2 physical assault subscale as the original 28-item MMEA version. The MMEA-SF can reduce assessment burden while maintaining good domain coverage and strong psychometric properties and will be an asset to researchers and practitioners who need a brief, multifaceted measure of emotional relationship abuse in both clinic and undergraduate samples.

BMI and Allostatic Load Are Directly Associated with Longitudinal Increase in Plasma Neurofilament Light among Urban Middle-Aged Adults.

BACKGROUND: Plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a novel biomarker for age-related neurodegenerative disease. We tested whether NfL may be linked to cardiometabolic risk factors, including BMI, the allostatic load (AL) total score (ALtotal), and related AL continuous components (ALcomp). We also tested whether these relations may differ by sex or by race. METHODS: We used data from the HANDLS (Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span) study [n = 608, age at visit 1 (v1: 2004-2009): 30-66 y, 42% male, 58% African American] to investigate associations of initial cardiometabolic risk factors and time-dependent plasma NfL concentrations over 3 visits (2004-2017; mean ± SD follow-up time: 7.72 ± 1.28 y), with outcomes being NfLv1 and annualized change in NfL (δNfL). We used mixed-effects linear regression and structural equations modeling (SM). RESULTS: BMI was associated with lower initial (γ01 = -0.014 ± 0.002, P < 0.001) but faster increase in plasma NfL over time (γ11 = +0.0012 ± 0.0003, P < 0.001), a pattern replicated for ALtotal. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), serum total cholesterol, and resting heart rate at v1 were linked with faster plasma NfL increase over time, overall, while being uncorrelated with NfLv1 (e.g., hsCRP × Time, full model: γ11 = +0.004 ± 0.002, P = 0.015). In SM analyses, BMI's association with δNfL was significantly mediated through ALtotal among women [total effect (TE) = +0.0014 ± 0.00038, P < 0.001; indirect effect = +0.00042 ± 0.00019, P = 0.025; mediation proportion = 30%], with only a direct effect (DE) detected among African American adults (TE = +0.0011 ± 0.0004, P = 0.015; DE = +0.0010 ± 0.00048, P = 0.034). The positive associations between ALtotal/BMI and δNfL were mediated through increased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations, overall. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly elevated HbA1c, should be screened and targeted for neurodegenerative disease, pending comparable longitudinal studies. Other studies examining the clinical utility of plasma NfL as a neurodegeneration marker should account for confounding effects of BMI and AL.

Racial/ethnic disparities in intent to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine: A nationally representative United States survey.

Black, Latino, Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native adults are more likely than White adults to experience SARS-CoV-2-related infections, hospitalizations, and mortality. We assessed intent to be vaccinated and concerns among 7 U.S. racial/ethnic groups (1,000 Black/African American, 500 American Indian/Alaska Native, 1,000 Asian, 1,000 Latino (500 English- and 500 Spanish-speaking), 500 Pacific Islander, 500 multiracial, and 1,000 White adults) in a cross-sectional online survey conducted December 2020-February 2021, weighted to be nationally representative within groups. Intent to be vaccinated was ascertained with: "If a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, how likely are you to get vaccinated?" (not at all/slightly/moderately/very/extremely likely). Respondents identified which concerns would keep them from being vaccinated: cost, not knowing where, safety, effectiveness, side-effects, and other. Multinomial logistic regression models assessed associations of race/ethnicity with odds of being extremely/very/moderately, slightly likely to be vaccinated (ref = not at all), controlling for demographics and health. Overall, 30% were extremely likely, 22% not at all likely, and 48% unsure. Compared to White respondents, American Indian/Alaska Native (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.66, 95% CI, 0.47-0.92) and Black/African American (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.41-0.72) respondents were less likely, and Asian (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI, 1.61-3.02) and Spanish-speaking Latino respondents (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI, 2.51-5.55) were more likely to report being extremely likely to be vaccinated. Side-effects (52%) and safety (45%) were overriding concerns. Intent and vaccination rates are changing rapidly; these results constitute a comprehensive baseline for ongoing vaccination efforts among U.S. racial and ethnic groups.

An Assessment of Balance through Posturography in Healthy about Women: An Observational Study.

The incidence of falls in adults constitutes a public health problem, and the alteration in balance is the most important factor. It is necessary to evaluate this through objective tools in order to quantify alterations and prevent falls. This study aims to determine the existence of alteration of balance and the influence of age in a population of healthy women. Static posturography was performed on 49 healthy adult women with no history of falls in four different situations using the Romberg test with the NedSVE/IBV® platform. The variables studied were the body sway area and the anteroposterior and mediolateral displacements. The situation of maximum instability occurred in RGC (p = 0.001), with a significant increase in anteroposterior oscillations regarding the ML (p < 0.001), with no correlation to age. Age alone does not influence the balance in the sample studied, other factors must come together to alter it. The joint cancellation of visual and somatosensory afferents could facilitate the appearance of falls, given that it is a situation of maximum instability. Proprioceptive training is interesting as a preventive strategy for falls.