Glucose tolerance and insulin resistance/sensitivity associate with retinal layer characteristics: the LIFE-Adult-Study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: As the prevalence of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance is increasing throughout the world, diabetes-induced eye diseases are a global health burden. We aim to identify distinct optical bands which are closely related to insulin and glucose metabolism, using non-invasive, high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in a large, population-based dataset. METHODS: The LIFE-Adult-Study randomly selected 10,000 participants from the population registry of Leipzig, Germany. Cross-sectional, standardised phenotyping included the assessment of various metabolic risk markers and ocular imaging, such as SD-OCT-derived thicknesses of ten optical bands of the retina. Global and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfield-specific optical retinal layer thicknesses were investigated in 7384 healthy eyes of 7384 participants from the LIFE-Adult-Study stratified by normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance and/or HbA1c 5.7-6.4% [39-47 mmol/mol]) and diabetes. The association of optical retinal band characteristics with different indices of glucose tolerance (e.g. fasting glucose, area under the glucose curve), insulin resistance (e.g. HOMA2-IR, triglyceride glucose index), or insulin sensitivity (e.g. estimated glucose disposal rate [eGDR], Stumvoll metabolic clearance rate) was determined using multivariable linear regression analyses for the individual markers adjusted for age, sex and refraction. Various sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the observed findings. RESULTS: In the study cohort, nine out of ten optical bands of the retina showed significant sex- and glucose tolerance-dependent differences in band thicknesses. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed a significant, independent, and inverse association between markers of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (e.g. HOMA2-IR) with the thickness of the optical bands representing the anatomical retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL, standardised ß=-0.096; p<0.001 for HOMA2-IR) and myoid zone (MZ; ß=-0.096; p<0.001 for HOMA2-IR) of the photoreceptors. Conversely, markers of insulin sensitivity (e.g. eGDR) positively and independently associated with ONL (ß=0.090; p<0.001 for eGDR) and MZ (ß=0.133; p<0.001 for eGDR) band thicknesses. These global associations were confirmed in ETDRS subfield-specific analyses. Sensitivity analyses further validated our findings when physical activity, neuroanatomical cell/tissue types and ETDRS subfield categories were investigated after stratifying the cohort by glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: An impaired glucose homeostasis associates with a thinning of the optical bands of retinal ONL and photoreceptor MZ. Changes in ONL and MZ thicknesses might predict early metabolic retinal alterations in diabetes.

Differences in Anthropometric Measures Based on Sex, Age, and Health Status: Findings From the German National Cohort (NAKO).

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a worldwide health problem. We conducted detailed analyses of anthropometric measures in a comprehensive, population-based, current cohort in Germany. METHODS: In the German National Cohort (NAKO), we analyzed cross-sectional data on body-mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as measured by ultrasound, and body fat percentage. The data were stratified by sex, age, and self-reported physicians' diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), metabolic diseases (MetD), cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), and cancer. RESULTS: Data were available from 204 751 participants (age, 49.9 ± 12.8 years; 50.5% women). Body size measures generally increased with age. Men had a higher BMI, larger waist circumference, and more VAT than women, while women had a larger hip circumference, more SAT, and a higher body fat percentage than men. For example, the mean BMI of participants over age 60 was 28.3 kg/m2 in men and 27.6 kg/m2 in women. CVD, MetD, and CMD were associated with higher anthropometric values, while cancer was not. For example, the mean BMI was 25.3 kg/m2 in healthy women, 29.4 kg/m2 in women with CMD, and 25.4 kg/m2 in women with cancer. CONCLUSION: Obesity is widespread in Germany, with notable differences between the sexes in anthropometric values. Obesity was more common in older participants and those with chronic diseases other than cancer. Elevated values were especially common in multimorbid individuals.

Relevance of GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT-2 inhibitors on the recruitment for clinical studies in patients with NAFLD.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines increasingly recommend the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) or sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) to prevent cardiovascular and cardiorenal endpoints. Both drugs also show beneficial effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Preexisting GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i therapies are frequently defined as exclusion criterion in clinical studies to avoid confounding effects. We therefore investigated how this might limit recruitment and design of NAFLD studies. METHODS: GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i prescriptions were analyzed in NAFLD patients with diabetes mellitus recruited at a tertiary referral center and from the population-based LIFE-Adult-Study. Individuals were stratified according to noninvasive parameters of liver fibrosis based on vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). RESULTS: 97 individuals were recruited at tertiary care and 473 from the LIFE-Adult-Study. VCTE was available in 97/97 and 147/473 cases.GLP-1 RA or SGLT2i were used in 11.9% of the population-based cohort (LSM < 8 kPa), but in 32.0% with LSM ≥ 8 kPa. In the tertiary clinic, it was 30.9% overall, independent of LSM, and 36.8% in patients with medium and high risk for fibrotic NASH (FAST score > 0.35). At baseline, 3.1% of the patients in tertiary care were taking GLP-1 RA and 4.1% SGLT2i. Four years later, the numbers had increased to 15.5% and 21.6%. CONCLUSION: GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i are frequently and increasingly prescribed. In candidates for liver biopsy for NASH studies (VCTE ≥ 8 kPa) the use of them exceeds 30%, which needs careful consideration when designing NASH trials.

Explorative analyses on spatial differences in the desire for social distance toward people with mental illness in a diverging city.

Introduction: Stigma is an individual and societal process based on attitudes and power and relates to both spatial disparities and social distinction. In this study, we examined differences in desire for social distance toward people with mental illness within a city using social and spatial information. Methods: ANOVAs and Scheffé post-hoc tests analyzed varying desires for social distance toward people with mental illness within Leipzig (East Germany). Joint Correspondence Analyses (JCA) explored correspondences between desire for social distance, socio-economic status, age, life orientation, social support, duration of living in Leipzig, and shame toward having a mental illness in five city districts of Leipzig in LIFE study participants (by Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Disease, data collected 2011-2014 and 2018-2021, n = 521). Results: Stigma varied among Leipzig's districts (F(df = 4) = 4.52, p = 0.001). JCAs showed that a higher desired social distance toward people with mental illness corresponded with spatial differences, high levels of pessimism, high shame of being mentally ill, low social support, low socio-economic status, and older age (75.74 and 81.22% explained variances). Conclusion: In terms of stigma, where people with mental illness live matters. The results identified target groups that should be addressed by appropriate intervention and prevention strategies for mental health care.

Leptin, but not ghrelin, is associated with food addiction scores in a population-based subject sample.

Background: Ghrelin and leptin are both peptide hormones and act as opposing players in the regulation of hunger, satiety and energy expenditure. Leptin reduces appetite and feelings of hunger and is secreted mainly by adipocytes, while ghrelin increases appetite and food intake and reduces metabolic rate. Both hormones have been implicated in addictive disorders. Ghrelin was shown to have pro-addictive effects while leptin's role in addiction yields more conflicting results. Their involvement in the regulation of both food intake and addictive behaviors make them interesting candidates when investigating the regulation of food addiction. However, only few human studies have been performed and large-scale studies are lacking to date. We aimed to investigate the association between total ghrelin and leptin serum levels with scores in the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). Methods: Subjects were recruited in the LIFE Adult cohort. 909 subjects were included in the analysis and we performed univariate multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex (in total group analyses only), alcohol consumption, smoking status, BMI scores, cortisol concentrations, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) sum scores. The dependent variable was the YFAS score. Results: In men, leptin serum levels showed a significant positive association (standardized ß = 0.146; p = 0.012) with the YFAS score. This finding was confirmed in an extreme-group comparison: men in the highest quartile of leptin levels had significantly higher YFAS sum scores than men in the lowest quartile (1.55 vs. 1.18; p = 0.00014). There was no association with YFAS sum score in the total group (standardized ß = -0.002; p = 0.974) or in women (standardized ß = -0.034; p = 0.674). Total serum ghrelin showed no association with YFAS sum score neither in the total group (standardized ß = -0.043; p = 0.196) nor in men (n = 530; standardized ß = -0.063; p = 0.135) or women (n = 379; standardized ß = -0.035; p = 0.494). Conclusion: Our findings are in line with previous literature and suggest that total ghrelin serum levels are not associated with food addiction scores. Leptin had been previously shown to be associated with food addiction and we confirmed this finding for men in a large, population-based approach.

Fasting indices of glucose-insulin-metabolism across life span and prediction of glycemic deterioration in children with obesity from new diagnostic cut-offs.

Background: Fasting indices of glucose-insulin-metabolism are an easy and affordable tool to assess insulin resistance. We aimed to establish reference ranges for fasting insulin indices that reflect age-dependent variation over the entire life span and subsequently test their clinical application regarding the prediction of glycemic deterioration in children. Methods: We calculated age- and puberty-dependent reference values for HOMA-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA-ß, McAuley index, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose from 6994 observations of 5512 non-obese healthy subjects aged 5-80 years. Applying those references, we determined the prevalence of insulin resistance among 2538 subjects with obesity. Furthermore, we investigated the intraindividual stability and the predictive values for future dysglycemia of these fasting indices in 516 children and adolescents with obesity up to 19 years of follow-up. We validated the results in three independent cohorts. Findings: There was a strong age-dependent variation of all indices throughout the life span, including prolonged recovery of pubertal insulin resistance and a subsequent continuous increase throughout adulthood. Already from age 5 years onwards, >40% of children with obesity presented with elevated parameters of insulin resistance. Applying newly developed reference ranges, insulin resistance among children with obesity doubled the risk for future glycemic deterioration (HOMA-IR HR 1.88 (95% CI 1.1-3.21)), fasting insulin HR 1.89 (95% CI 1.11-3.23). In contrast, fasting glucose alone was not predictive for emerging dysglycemia in children with obesity (HR 1.03 (95% CI 0.62-1.71)). The new insulin-based thresholds were superior to fasting glucose and HbA1c in detecting children eventually manifesting with dysglycemia in prospective analyses. Interpretation: The variation of fasting glucose-insulin-metabolism across the life span necessitates age-specific reference ranges. The improved prediction of future glycemic deterioration by indices based on fasting insulin beyond simple glucose measures alone could help to stratify risk characteristics of children with obesity in order to guide patient-tailored prevention and intervention approaches. Funding: German Research Foundation (DFG)-through SFB 1052, project number 209933838, subproject C5; Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany; European Union-European Regional Development Fund; Free State of Saxony. The German Diabetes Association, the CarbHealth consortium (01EA1908B). EU-IMI2-Consortium SOPHIA (grant agreement No 875534), German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), grant number 82DZD14E03.

Is High-Risk Sexual Behavior a Risk Factor for Oropharyngeal Cancer?

(1) Background: Several lines of evidence established a link between high-risk (HR) sexual behavior (SB), the persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in saliva, and the presence of oncogenic HR-HPV subtypes in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). A highly influential case-control study by D'Souza et al. comparing OPSCC patients and ENT patients with benign diseases (hospital controls) established HR-SB as a putative etiological risk factor for OPSCC. Aiming to replicate their findings in a nested case-control study of OPSCC patients and propensity score (PS)-matched unaffected controls from a large population-based German cohort study, we here demonstrate discrepant findings regarding HR-SB in OPSCC. (2) Methods: According to the main risk factors for HNSCC (age, sex, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption) PS-matched healthy controls invited from the population-based cohort study LIFE and HNSCC (including OPSCC) patients underwent interviews, using AUDIT and Fagerström, as well as questionnaires asking for SB categories as published. Afterwards, by newly calculating PSs for the same four risk factors, we matched each OPSCC patient with two healthy controls and compared responses utilizing chi-squared tests and logistic regression. (3) Results: The HNSCC patients and controls showed significant differences in sex distribution, chronologic age, tobacco-smoking history (pack years), and alcohol dependence (based on AUDIT score). However, PS-matching decreased the differences between OPSCC patients and controls substantially. Despite confirming that OPSCC patients were more likely to self-report their first sexual intercourse before age 18, we found no association between OPSCC and HR-SB, neither for practicing oral-sex, having an increased number of oral- or vaginal-sex partners, nor for having casual sex or having any sexually transmitted disease. (4) Conclusions: Our data, by showing a low prevalence of HR-SB in OPSCC patients, confirm findings from other European studies that differ substantially from North American case-control studies. HR-SB alone may not add excess risk for developing OPSCC.

Higher troponin T serum concentrations in hospital patients without diagnosed cardiac diseases compared to a population-based cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Upper reference limits of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) are derived from healthy, population-based cohorts, and are frequently exceeded in hospitalized patients. In this study we aim to systematically examine the differences between in-hospital patients with no diagnosed cardiac diseases and a population-based cohort. METHODS: Retrospective analyses were performed in two independent cohorts. We included 5,652 participants of the prospective population-based LIFE cohort as well as 9,300 patients having been treated at our hospital between 2014 and 2021. In both cohorts, subjects with diagnosed or suspected cardiac diseases were excluded. We used Spearman's rank correlation for correlation analyses of hs-cTnT serum concentrations and age. Sex- and age-adjusted 99th percentiles for hs-cTnT in subjects with preserved renal function were obtained in both cohorts. RESULTS: In both cohorts, hs-cTnT serum concentrations positively correlated with age. Male sex was associated with higher hs-cTnT serum concentrations. Persons treated in hospital showed significantly higher hs-cTnT concentrations in females and males aged above 50. While in the population-based cohort only 99th percentile hs-cTnT results of females aged above 70 and males aged above 60 years exceeded the assay's upper reference limit, the 99th percentiles of in-hospital females over 40 years and males of all age groups exceeded this threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Besides age and sex, hospitalization per se is correlated with higher serum concentrations of hs-cTnT in most age groups. Our results indicate, that unconditionally applying current hs-cTnT cut-offs to inpatients might overestimate myocardial infarction and potentially lead to overdiagnosis.

Impact of social isolation on grey matter structure and cognitive functions: A population-based longitudinal neuroimaging study.

Background: Social isolation has been suggested to increase the risk to develop cognitive decline. However, our knowledge on causality and neurobiological underpinnings is still limited. Methods: In this preregistered analysis, we tested the impact of social isolation on central features of brain and cognitive ageing using a longitudinal population-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. We assayed 1992 cognitively healthy participants (50-82years old, 921women) at baseline and 1409 participants after~6y follow-up. Results: We found baseline social isolation and change in social isolation to be associated with smaller volumes of the hippocampus and clusters of reduced cortical thickness. Furthermore, poorer cognitive functions (memory, processing speed, executive functions) were linked to greater social isolation, too. Conclusions: Combining advanced neuroimaging outcomes with prevalent lifestyle characteristics from a well-characterized population of middle- to older aged adults, we provide evidence that social isolation contributes to human brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Within-subject effects of social isolation were similar to between-subject effects, indicating an opportunity to reduce dementia risk by promoting social networks. Funding: European Union, European Regional Development Fund, Free State of Saxony, LIFE-Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, German Research Foundation.

Childhood sexual abuse is associated with higher total ghrelin serum levels in adulthood: results from a large, population-based study.

Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide hormone synthesized in times of stress and hunger and alterations of the ghrelin system following acute stressors could be repeatedly shown in humans. However, little data exists on long-term effects of trauma on the ghrelin system. We aimed to investigate the influence of childhood trauma on total ghrelin serum levels in a large, population-based study. Total serum ghrelin was measured in 1666 participants of a population-based cross-sectional study ('LIFE study'). The Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS) was used for the assessment of childhood trauma in the final sample (n = 1086; mean age: 57.10 ± 16.23 years; 632 males, 454 females). Multiple linear regression analyses and generalized linear models were chosen to examine the association between childhood trauma and total serum ghrelin concentrations. Childhood sexual abuse went along with significantly higher ghrelin serum levels in the total sample (ß = 0.114, t = 3.958; p = 0.00008) and in women (ß = 0.142, t = 3.115; p = 0.002), but not in men (ß = 0.055; t = 1.388; p = 0.166). Women with severe emotional neglect in the childhood had higher ghrelin levels than those without (odds ratio = 1.204; p = 0.018). For the CTS Sum Score and other CTS sub-scale scores, no significant association with ghrelin serum levels was found. Our study is the first to show associations between childhood sexual trauma and total ghrelin levels in adults in a large, community-based sample. Our results should initiate further research of the role of ghrelin in human stress response in prospective study designs.

Association of Systemic Medication Use with Glaucoma and Intraocular Pressure: The European Eye Epidemiology Consortium.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of commonly used systemic medications with glaucoma and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the European population. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of 11 population-based cohort studies of the European Eye Epidemiology Consortium. PARTICIPANTS: The glaucoma analyses included 143 240 participants and the IOP analyses included 47 177 participants. METHODS: We examined associations of 4 categories of systemic medications-antihypertensive medications (ß-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers [CCBs], α-agonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers), lipid-lowering medications, antidepressants, and antidiabetic medications-with glaucoma prevalence and IOP. Glaucoma ascertainment and IOP measurement method were according to individual study protocols. Results of multivariable regression analyses of each study were pooled using random effects meta-analyses. Associations with antidiabetic medications were examined in participants with diabetes only. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Glaucoma prevalence and IOP. RESULTS: In the meta-analyses of our maximally adjusted multivariable models, use of CCBs was associated with a higher prevalence of glaucoma (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 1.39). This association was stronger for monotherapy of CCBs with direct cardiac effects (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.23 to 3.12). No other antihypertensive medications, lipid-lowering medications, antidepressants, or antidiabetic medications were associated with glaucoma. Use of systemic ß-blockers was associated with a lower IOP (ß coefficient, -0.33 mmHg; 95% CI, -0.57 to -0.08 mmHg). Monotherapy of both selective systemic ß-blockers (ß coefficient, -0.45 mmHg; 95% CI -0.74 to -0.16 mmHg) and nonselective systemic ß-blockers (ß coefficient, -0.54 mmHg; 95% CI, -0.94 to -0.15 mmHg) was associated with lower IOP. A suggestive association was found between use of high-ceiling diuretics and lower IOP (ß coefficient, -0.30 mmHg; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.14 mmHg) but not when used as monotherapy. No other antihypertensive medications, lipid-lowering medications, antidepressants, or antidiabetic medications were associated with IOP. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a potentially harmful association between use of CCBs and glaucoma prevalence. Additionally, we observed and quantified the association of lower IOP with systemic ß-blocker use. Both findings potentially are important, given that patients with glaucoma frequently use systemic antihypertensive medications. Determining causality of the CCB association should be a research priority. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Feasibility and repeatability of ocular biometry measured with IOLMaster 700 in a large population-based study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and repeatability of IOLMaster 700 biometry measurements in an adult population. Furthermore, to assess the value of the Quality Indicators (QIs) provided by the device. METHOD: As part of the large population-based Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE) Adult-Study, randomly selected participants from Leipzig, Germany were evaluated with the ZEISS IOLMaster 700. Age range was 26-85 years, with 53% of participants above 70 years of age. Axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT) and keratometry (K) were assessed in 1767 right eyes. Measurements were repeated twice and in a subset of 1331 eyes, three times. Measurement feasibility was evaluated for three levels; successful, with warnings and failed, using the inbuilt QIs. Repeatability was assessed as within-subject standard deviation (SD) and repeatability limits were calculated. RESULTS: First measurement success rate for phakic eyes was over 99% for AL, CCT, ACD, over 98% for LT and over 97% for K. K had 16% eyes with warnings and the recommendation to repeat the measurement. Excluding the measurements with warnings resulted in a reduction of mean SD for AL from 48 to 4 µm and for mean K from 0.08 to 0.04 D. Repeatability for phakic eyes was 8 µm for AL, CCT, ACD and LT and 2.3 µm for CCT; 0.07 D and 0.12 D for mean K and delta K, respectively, for phakic cases without warnings (two measurements). CONCLUSIONS: In our population-based sample, the IOLMaster 700 collected data for AL, CCT, ACD, LT and K from the vast majority of eyes. Considering the built-in QIs improved the measurement variability substantially. Repeatability measurements indicate that clinically meaningful changes can be detected reliably with this instrument.

Associations between vitamin D, immunoglobulin E concentrations, and obesity.

The prevalence of allergies and obesity has been increased in parallel. Low vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels have been linked to both higher body mass index (BMI) and allergies. Since the activation of the 25(OH)D receptor inhibits IgE production and 25(OH)D influences the IgE response specifically, we tested the hypothesis that circulating 25(OH)D concentrations are negatively related to circulating allergen-specific IgE concentrations distinctly in a large adult population-based study cohort. Moreover, we studied VDR gene expression in paired biopsies of abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). We investigated whether magnetic resonance imaging-estimated visceral (VFM) and subcutaneous fat mass (SFM) are related to 25(OH)D levels. We found gender differences in circulating 25(OH)D and IgE concentrations. Participants with obesity showed lower 25(OH)D concentrations and higher IgE concentrations were detected in women only. Interestingly, participants with high levels of 25(OH)D are leaner and have improved glucose metabolism. In women, 25(OH)D correlate significant with VFM and SFM. VDR expression is significantly higher expressed in VAT and is positive associated with circulating 25(OH)D concentration. There was no association between serum IgE and 25(OH)D in the entire cohort. Based on these data, we could confirm that low levels of 25(OH)D are linked to higher BMI but could not prove our hypothesis because there is no relationship between 25(OH)D and IgE in adults. Women with higher BMI tend to have higher IgE levels what may have clinical relevance. The association between obesity and circulating 25(OH)D/IgE is not straightforward, and further knowledge is needed.

The Association Between Depth of the Olfactory Sulcus, Age, Gender and Olfactory Function: An MRI-based Investigation in More Than 1000 Participants.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between olfactory sulcus (OS) depth and olfactory function considering age and gender and to provide normative data on OS depth in a population with normal olfactory function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OS depth was obtained using T1 magnetic resonance imaging scans. Participants (mean age ± sd = 57 ± 16 years, ranging from 20 to 80 years) were screened for olfactory function using the Sniffin' Sticks Screening 12 test. They were divided into an olfactory dysfunction group (n = 604) and a normosmia group (n = 493). Participants also completed questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety and quality of life. RESULTS: The right OS was deeper than the left side in all age groups. On the left side, women had deeper OS compared with men, exhibiting a higher degree of symmetry in left and right OS depth in women. Variance of olfactory function was largely determined by age, OS depth explained only minor portions of this variance. Normative data for minimum OS depth was 7.55 mm on the left and 8.78 mm on the right for participants aged between 18 and 35 years (n = 144), 6.47 mm on the left and 6.99 mm on the right for those aged 36-55 years (n = 120), and 5.28 mm on the left and 6.19 mm on the right for participants older than 55 years (n = 222). CONCLUSION: Considering the limited resolution of the presently used T1 weighted MR scans and the nature of the olfactory screening test, OS depth explained only minor portions of the variance of olfactory function, which was largely determined by age. Age-related normative data of OS depth are presented as a reference for future work.

[Sociodemographic and social correlates of self-reported resilience in old age-results from the population-based LIFE-Adult-Study]. / Soziodemografische und soziale Korrelate selbstberichteter Resilienz im Alter ­ Ergebnisse der populationsbasierten LIFE-Adult-Studie.

INTRODUCTION: Resilience describes good adaptation to adversity and is a significant factor for well-being in old age. Initial studies indicate a high relevance of social resources. So far, only few studies have investigated resilience patterns in the elderly population. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate sociodemographic and social correlates of resilience in a large population-based sample aged 65 years and older. METHODS: Analyses were conducted on n = 2410 people aged 65 years and older from the follow-up survey of the LIFE-Adult-Study. The survey included the variables resilience (Resilience Scale - RS-11), social support (ENRICHD Social Support Inventory - ESSI), and social network (Lubben Social Network Scale - LSNS-6). The association of sociodemographic and social variables with resilience was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The age of 75 years and older was associated with lower resilience compared with the age of 65-74 years. Further, widowed marital status was related to higher resilience. Better social support and a larger social network were significantly associated with higher resilience. No association was found for gender and education. DISCUSSION: The results reveal sociodemographic correlates of resilience in the elderly population that can help identify at-risk groups with lower resilience. Social resources are significant in older age for resilient adaptation and represent a starting point for deriving preventive measures. Social inclusion of older people should be promoted to strengthen resilience in this population and provide favorable conditions for successful aging.

Investigating people's attitudes towards participating in longitudinal health research: an intersectionality-informed perspective.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that participation proportions in longitudinal health research vary according to sex/gender, age, social class, or migration status. Intersectionality scholarship purports that such social categories cannot be understood in isolation and makes visible the co-dependent nature of the social determinants of health and illness. This paper uses an intersectionality-informed approach in order to expand the understanding of why people participate in health research, and the impact of intersecting social structures and experiences on these attitudes. METHODS: A sample of 80 respondents who had previously either accepted or declined an invitation to participate in the German National Cohort (NAKO) participated in our interview study. Interviews were semi-structured and contained both narrative elements and more structured probes. Data analysis proceeded in two steps: first, the entire data set was analysed thematically (separately for participants and non-participants); second, key themes were compared across self-reported sex/gender, age group and migration status to identify differences and commonalities. RESULTS: Respondents' attitudes towards study participation can be categorised into four themes: wanting to make a contribution, seeking personalised health information, excitement and feeling chosen, and seeking social recognition. Besides citing logistical challenges, non-participants narrated adverse experiences with or attitudes towards science and the healthcare system that deterred them from participating. A range of social experiences and cultural value systems shaped such attitudes; in particular, this includes the cultural authority of science as an arbiter of social questions, transgressing social categories and experiences of marginalisation. Care responsibilities, predominantly borne by female respondents, also impacted upon the decision to take part in NAKO. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that for participants, health research constitutes a site of distinction in the sense of making a difference and being distinct or distinguishable, whereas non-participants inhabited an orientation towards science that reflected their subjective marginalisation through science. No clear relationship can thereby be presumed between social location and a particular attitude towards study participation; rather, such attitudes transgress and challenge categorical boundaries. This challenges the understanding of particular populations as more or less disadvantaged, or as more or less inclined to participate in health research.

Grip strength values and cut-off points based on over 200,000 adults of the German National Cohort - a comparison to the EWGSOP2 cut-off points.

BACKGROUND: The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) updated in 2018 the cut-off points for low grip strength to assess sarcopenia based on pooled data from 12 British studies. OBJECTIVE: Comparison of the EWGSOP2 cut-off points for low grip strength to those derived from a large German sample. METHODS: We assessed the grip strength distribution across age and derived low grip strength cut-off points for men and women (peak mean -2.5 × SD) based on 200,389 German National Cohort (NAKO) participants aged 19-75 years. In 1,012 Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA)-Age participants aged 65-93 years, we calculated the age-standardised prevalence of low grip strength and time-dependent sensitivity and specificity for all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Grip strength increased in the third and fourth decade of life and declined afterwards. Calculated cut-off points for low grip strength were 29 kg for men and 18 kg for women. In KORA-Age, the age-standardised prevalence of low grip strength was 1.5× higher for NAKO-derived (17.7%) compared to EWGSOP2 (11.7%) cut-off points. NAKO-derived cut-off points yielded a higher sensitivity and lower specificity for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Cut-off points for low grip strength from German population-based data were 2 kg higher than the EWGSOP2 cut-off points. Higher cut-off points increase the sensitivity, thereby suggesting an intervention for more patients at risk, while other individuals might receive additional diagnostics/treatment without the urgent need. Research on the effectiveness of intervention in patients with low grip strength defined by different cut-off points is needed.

HBM4EU feasibility studies: Lessons learned in combining health and human biomonitoring studies.

BACKGROUND: The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) is a joint program evaluating humans' exposure to several environmental substances and their potential health effects. One of the main objectives of HBM4EU is to make use of human biomonitoring (HBM) to assess human exposure to chemicals in Europe to better understand the associated health impacts and to improve chemical risk assessment. In parallel to HBM studies, health examination surveys (HESs), nutrition/dietary surveys, and disease specific health surveys are conducted in many European countries. In HESs, information collected by questionnaire(s) is supplemented with physical examinations and analysis of clinical and biological biomarkers in biological samples. HBM and health examination survey (HES) use similar data collection methods and infrastructures hence the feasibility of combining these two is explored in this paper. METHODS: Within HBM4EU, three feasibility studies (in Finland, Germany, and UK/England) were conducted to evaluate opportunities and obstacles of combining HBM and health studies. In this paper we report lessons learned from these feasibility studies. RESULTS: The Finnish feasibility study called KouBio-KUOPIO study was a new initiative without links to existing studies. The German feasibility study added a HBM module to the first follow-up examination of the LIFE-Adult-Study, a population-based cohort study. The UK feasibility integrates a sustainable HBM module into the Health Survey for England (HSfE), an annual health examination survey. Benefits of combining HBM and HESs include the use of shared infrastructures. Furthermore, participants can receive additional health information from HES, and participation rates tend to be higher due to the potential to obtain personal health information. Preparatory phases including obtaining ethical approval can be time-consuming and complicated. Recruitment of participants and low participation rates are common concerns in survey research and therefore designing user-friendly questionnaires with low participant burden is important. Unexpected events such as the COVID-19 pandemic can cause substantial challenges and delays for such studies. Furthermore, experiences from several countries demonstrated that long-term funding for combined studies can be difficult to obtain. CONCLUSIONS: In the future, incorporating HBM modules into existing HESs can provide a feasible and cost-effective method to conduct HBM studies and obtain a wide range of relevant data to support public health policies and research.

Association of lipid-lowering drugs and antidiabetic drugs with age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis in Europeans.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the association of commonly used systemic medications with prevalent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the general population. METHODS: We included 38 694 adults from 14 population-based and hospital-based studies from the European Eye Epidemiology consortium. We examined associations between the use of systemic medications and any prevalent AMD as well as any late AMD using multivariable logistic regression modelling per study and pooled results using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Between studies, mean age ranged from 61.5±7.1 to 82.6±3.8 years and prevalence ranged from 12.1% to 64.5% and from 0.5% to 35.5% for any and late AMD, respectively. In the meta-analysis of fully adjusted multivariable models, lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) and antidiabetic drugs were associated with lower prevalent any AMD (OR 0.85, 95% CI=0.79 to 0.91 and OR 0.78, 95% CI=0.66 to 0.91). We found no association with late AMD or with any other medication. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates a potential beneficial effect of LLD and antidiabetic drug use on prevalence of AMD across multiple European cohorts. Our findings support the importance of metabolic processes in the multifactorial aetiology of AMD.