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Impaired linear growth and slower pubertal growth can be associated with perinatal HIV infection. We characterised growth relative to population norms, among the full adolescent period in southern Africa to better understand processes leading to morbidity in adulthood. We conducted a secondary analysis of 945 adolescents aged 8–20 years from urban Malawi and Zimbabwe; we included children with HIV (CWH), an uninfected comparison group from a cohort study, and CWH with co-morbid chronic lung disease (CLD) from a randomised controlled trial. We used latent class analysis of anthropometric Z-scores generated from British 1990 reference equations at two annual time-points, to identify growth trajectory profiles and used multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with growth profiles. Growth faltering (one or more of weight-for-age, height-for-age, or BMI-for-age Z-scores < −2) occurred in 38% (116/303) of CWH from the cohort study, 62% (209/336) of CWH with CLD, and 14% (44/306) of HIV-uninfected participants. We identified seven different growth profiles, defined, relatively, as (1) average growth, (2) tall not thin, (3) short not thin, (4) stunted not thin, (5) thin not stunted, (6) thin and stunted and (7) very thin and stunted. Females in profile 3 exhibited the highest body fat percentage, which increased over 1 year. Males at older age and CWH especially those with CLD were more likely to fall into growth profiles 4–7. Improvements in height-for-age Z-scores were observed in profiles 6–7 over 1 year. Interventions to target those with the worst growth faltering and longer-term follow-up to assess the impact on adult health are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate prediction of the extraction behaviors of various solutes in PUREX reprocessing process is crucial for the operation and implementation of the actual process. In this paper, an integrated model is developed to predict the extraction behaviors of U, Np, Pu, and HNO3 in the co-decontamination step (1A extraction step) in a pulsed extraction column. The model couples several physical and chemical processes, such as countercurrent flow, mass transfer, and chemical reaction. The mass transfer coefficients and the distribution ratios of U(VI), Pu(IV), Np(IV), Np(V), Np(VI), HNO3 and HNO2 can be obtained using this model. In particular, the redox and disproportion reactions of Np are considered in the model, and the flow direction of Np can be judged under various process conditions and the corresponding influential factors can be analyzed. The judgment is based on the yield calculated from the relative concentration profiles of Np(VI), Np(V), and Np(IV) in the two phases. For neptunium to inter 1AP step, it is necessary to select high nitric acid concentration, low nitrite concentration and especially high flow ratio. For neptunium to inter 1AW step, low nitric acid concentration, high nitrite concentration and low flow ratio are needed. Compared with the experimental data, the relative errors of the distribution ratios of various solutes are less than 30%, and the relative errors of the concentrations of U(VI) and Pu(IV) at the outlet of the organic phase are less than 10%, and our model is indicated to be reliable and applicable for co-decontamination step in the PUREX reprocessing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the degradation mechanisms of organic compounds in an extreme radiolysis induced environment is important for designing efficient organic extractants for the separation of radionuclides from used nuclear fuel. In this paper, we present an in-depth computational chemistry-based molecular level analysis of the radiolytic degradation of diglycolamides, with a focus on structural and thermodynamic aspects of the process. The most vulnerable parts of the organic ligands prone to attack and degradation by radicals are identified via electronic density and bond strength analysis. We identified the C–O of the ether group as the weakest bond, which is further weakened by methylation. A plausible degradation path resulting from breaking the C–O bond by H radical attack is obtained by computation of free energy of the process. To investigate realistic reaction conditions, we accounted for the impact of solvation effects on the thermodynamic quantities, including solvation entropy effects. The resulting degradation mechanism is consistent with experimentally observed degradation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We studied the characteristics of patients prescribed osteoporosis medication and patterns of use in European databases. Patients were mostly female, older, had hypertension. There was suboptimal persistence particularly for oral medications. Our findings would be useful to healthcare providers to focus their resources on improving persistence to specific osteoporosis treatments. Purpose: To characterise the patients prescribed osteoporosis therapy and describe the drug utilization patterns. Methods: We investigated the treatment patterns of bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in seven European databases in the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, and Germany. In this cohort study, we included adults aged ≥ 18 years, with ≥ 1 year of registration in the respective databases, who were new users of the osteoporosis medications. The study period was between 01 January 2018 to 31 January 2022. Results: Overall, patients were most commonly initiated on alendronate. Persistence decreased over time across all medications and databases, ranging from 52–73% at 6 months to 29–53% at 12 months for alendronate. For other oral bisphosphonates, the proportion of persistent users was 50–66% at 6 months and decreased to 30–44% at 12 months. For SERMs, the proportion of persistent users at 6 months was 40–73% and decreased to 25–59% at 12 months. For parenteral treatment groups, the proportions of persistence with denosumab were 50–85% (6 month), 30–63% (12 month) and with teriparatide 40–75% (6 month) decreasing to 21–54% (12 month). Switching occurred most frequently in the alendronate group (2.8–5.8%) and in the teriparatide group (7.1–14%). Switching typically occurred in the first 6 months and decreased over time. Patients in the alendronate group most often switched to other oral or intravenous bisphosphonates and denosumab. Conclusion: Our results show suboptimal persistence to medications that varied across different databases and treatment switching was relatively rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis (OP), characterized by continuous bone loss and increased fracture risk, has posed a challenge to patients and society. Long-term administration of current pharmacological agents may cause severe side effects. Traditional medicines, acting as alternative agents, show promise in treating OP. Osthole, a natural coumarin derivative separated from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson and Angelica pubescens Maxim. f., exhibits protective effects against the pathological development of OP. Osthole increases osteoblast-related bone formation and decreases osteoclast-related bone resorption, suppressing OP-related fragility fracture. In addition, the metabolites of osthole may exhibit pharmacological effectiveness against OP development. Mechanically, osthole promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin and BMP-2/Smad1/5/8 signaling pathways and suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity. Thus, osthole may become a promising agent to protect against OP development. However, more studies should be performed due to, at least in part, the uncertainty of drug targets. Further pharmacological investigation of osthole in OP treatment might lead to the development of potential drug candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently in the UK and Ireland, after a hip fracture most patients do not receive bone protection medication to reduce the risk of refracture. Yet randomised controlled trial data specifically examining patients with hip fracture have shown that intravenous zoledronate reduces refracture risk by a third. Despite this evidence, use of intravenous zoledronate is highly variable following a hip fracture; many hospitals are providing this treatment, whilst most are currently not. A range of clinical uncertainties, doubts over the evidence base and practical concerns are cited as reasons. This paper discusses these concerns and provides guidance from expert consensus, aiming to assist orthogeriatricians, pharmacists and health services managers establish local protocols to deliver this highly clinically and cost-effective treatment to patients before they leave hospital, in order to reduce costly re-fractures in this frail population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kallikrein 6 (KLK6) is an attractive drug target for the treatment of neurological diseases and for various cancers. Herein, we explore the accuracy and efficiency of different computational methods and protocols to predict the free energy of binding (ΔGbind) for a series of 49 inhibitors of KLK6. We found that the performance of the methods varied strongly with the tested system. For only one of the three KLK6 datasets, the docking scores obtained with rDock were in good agreement (R2 ≥ 0.5) with experimental values of ΔGbind. A similar result was obtained with MM/GBSA (using the ff14SB force field) calculations based on single minimized structures. Improved binding affinity predictions were obtained with the free energy perturbation (FEP) method, with an overall MUE and RMSE of 0.53 and 0.68 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, in a simulation of a real-world drug discovery project, FEP was able to rank the most potent compounds at the top of the list. These results indicate that FEP can be a promising tool for the structure-based optimization of KLK6 inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies have shown that an impaired bone condition, represented by osteoporosis and increased fracture risk, may potentially aggravate periodontal disease and, consequently, the risk of tooth loss. This 5-year prospective study aimed to investigate whether systemic bone condition represents risk factor for tooth loss due to periodontal disease amongst elderly women. Material and methods: Seventy-four participants, aged ≥ 65 years, who attended the 5-years recall for periodontal evaluation were involved. Baseline exposures were osteoporosis and fracture risk probabilities (FRAX). Women were grouped according to bone mineral density (BMD) and years of bone treatment for osteoporosis. The primary outcome at a 5-year follow-up was the number of tooth loss due to periodontal disease. Periodontitis staging and grading, and causes of tooth loss were recorded. Results: The multivariate Poisson regression models showed that women with untreated/shortly treated osteoporosis were 4 times more likely to present higher number of tooth loss due to periodontal disease than those with normal BMD or treated for ≥ 3 years (risk ratio (RR) = 4.00, 95% CI 1.40–11.27). Higher FRAX was also linked to tooth loss (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.02–1.53). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested that women with history of ≥ 1 tooth losses have higher chances of worse major FRAX (sensitivity = 72.2%; specificity = 72.2%). Conclusion: In this 5-year study, higher FRAX and untreated osteoporosis were risk factors for tooth loss. Women with normal BMD or treated for osteoporosis for ≥ 3 years did not show increased risk. Management of skeletal conditions should be emphasized with periodontal care for the prevention of tooth loss in elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined if an interaction exists between bone and muscle in predicting fractures in older men. Prospective data from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study was used to build Cox proportional hazards models. Predictors included HR‐pQCT total volumetric BMD (Tt.BMD), trabecular BMD (Tb.BMD), cortical BMD (Ct.BMD) and cortical area (Ct.Ar) at distal radius/tibia, HR‐pQCT muscle volume and density (diaphyseal tibia), D3‐creatine dilution (D3Cr) muscle mass, and grip strength and leg force, analyzed as continuous variables and as quartiles. Incident fractures were self‐reported every 4 months via questionnaires and centrally adjudicated by physician review of radiology reports. Potential confounders (demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, etc.) were considered. A total of 1353 men (mean age 84.2 ± 4.0 years, 92.7% white) were followed for 6.03 ± 2.11 years. In the unadjusted (continuous) model, there were no interactions (p > 0.05) between any muscle variable (D3Cr muscle mass, muscle volume, muscle density, grip strength or leg force) and Tt.BMD at distal radius/tibia for fractures (all: n = 182–302; nonvertebral: n = 149–254; vertebral: n = 27–45). No consistent interactions were observed when interchanging Tt.BMD for Tb.BMD/Ct.BMD or for Ct.Ar (bone structure) at the distal radius/tibia in the unadjusted (continuous) models. Compared with men in quartiles (Q) 2–4 of D3Cr muscle mass and Q2–4 of distal tibia Tt.BMD, men in Q1 of both had increased risk for all fractures (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–3.23, p = 0.005) and nonvertebral fractures (HR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.25–3.52, p < 0.001) in the multivariable‐adjusted model. Confidence intervals overlapped (p > 0.05) when visually inspecting other quartile groups in the multivariable‐adjusted model. In this prospective cohort study of older men, there was no consistent interactions between bone and muscle variables on fracture risk. Larger sample sizes and longer follow‐up may be needed to clarify if there is an interaction between bone and muscle on fracture risk in men. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently published the notion of the “vitals” of Parkinson’s, a conglomeration of signs and symptoms, largely nonmotor, that must not be missed and yet often not considered in neurological consultations, with considerable societal and personal detrimental consequences. This “dashboard,” termed the Chaudhuri’s vitals of Parkinson’s, are summarized as 5 key vital symptoms or signs and comprise of (a) motor, (b) nonmotor, (c) visual, gut, and oral health, (d) bone health and falls, and finally (e) comorbidities, comedication, and dopamine agonist side effects, such as impulse control disorders. Additionally, not addressing the vitals also may reflect inadequate management strategies, leading to worsening quality of life and diminished wellness, a new concept for people with Parkinson’s. In this paper, we discuss possible, simple to use, and clinically relevant tests that can be used to monitor the status of these vitals, so that these can be incorporated into clinical practice. We also use the term Parkinson’s syndrome to describe Parkinson’s disease, as the term “disease” is now abandoned in many countries, such as the U.K., reflecting the heterogeneity of Parkinson’s, which is now considered by many as a syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflicting results about the association of calcium supplements (CS) with ischemic stroke (IS) have been reported. We tested this hypothesis by differentiating between CS alone (CaM) and CS with vitamin D (CaD) and between cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic IS. We examined the potential interaction with oral bisphosphonates (oBs). A nested case-control study was carried out. We identified incident IS cases aged 40–90 and randomly sampled five controls per case matched by age, sex, and index date. Current users were compared to non-users. An adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% CI were computed through conditional logistic regression. Only new users were considered. We included 13,267 cases (4400 cardioembolic, 8867 non-cardioembolic) and 61,378 controls (20,147 and 41,231, respectively). CaM use was associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic IS (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.21–2.90) in a duration-dependent manner, while it showed no association with non-cardioembolic IS (AOR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.74–1.50); its combination with oBs increased the risk of cardioembolic IS considerably (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.28–5.04), showing no effect on non-cardioembolic. CaD use was not associated with either cardioembolic (AOR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.88–1.31) or non-cardioembolic IS (AOR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.84–1.13) but showed a small association with cardioembolic IS when combined with oBs (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03–1.76). The results support the hypothesis that CS increases the risk of cardioembolic IS, primarily when used concomitantly with oBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer, caused by the failure of the mechanism that controls cell growth and proliferation, is usually associated with severe health issues. Nowadays, chemotherapy still occupies an important place in clinical cancer treatment, but the multidrug resistance and low specificity of chemotherapeutics are the major obstacles that undermine effective cancer treatment. Pyrazole and pyrimidine/fused pyrimidine can be rewarded with significant anticancer activity and tampered with in a range of places whereby some of their derivatives have received approval to treat cancer. Notably, pyrazole-pyrimidine/fused pyrimidine hybrids, blending of pyrazole and pyrimidine/fused pyrimidine pharmacophores into in a new chemical entity, can act on different targets simultaneously in cancer cells and possess potent in vitro and in vivo activity against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cancers. Moreover, several pyrazole-pyrimidine/fused pyrimidine hybrids which are exemplified by ruxolitinib (pyrazole-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine hybrid) have already applied in clinics for cancer therapy, demonstrating pyrazole-pyrimidine/fused pyrimidine hybrids are pharmacologically significant scaffolds for the exploration of novel anticancer agents. This review aims to shed light on the recent developments of pyrazole-pyrimidine/fused pyrimidine hybrids with anticancer potential, and their structure-activity relationships as well as mechanisms of action are also discussed, covering papers published from 2019 to present, to facilitate further rational design of more effective candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the effects of different exercise dose on lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with osteoporosis (OP). Design: A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane, with the topic of the impact of exercise on BMD in individuals with OP. Randomized controlled trials comparing exercise intervention with no intervention were identified, and changes in lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD were reported and evaluated using standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The intervention measures in the studies were evaluated and categorized as high adherence with the exercise testing and prescription recommendations for individuals with OP developed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or low/uncertainty adherence with ACSM recommendations. A random effects model was used to conduct meta-analyses and compare the results between subgroups. Results: A total of 32 studies involving 2005 participants were included in the analyses, with 14 studies categorized as high adherence with ACSM recommendations and 18 studies categorized as low or uncertain adherence. In the analyses of lumbar spine BMD, 27 studies with 1,539 participants were included. The combined SMD for the high adherence group was 0.31, while the combined SMD for the low or uncertain adherence group was 0.04. In the analyses of femoral neck BMD, 23 studies with 1,606 participants were included. The combined SMD for the high adherence group was 0.45, while the combined SMD for the low or uncertain adherence group was 0.28. Within resistance exercise, the subgroup with high ACSM adherence had a greater impact on lumbar spine BMD compared to the subgroup with low or uncertain ACSM adherence (SMD: 0.08 > -0.04). Similarly, for femoral neck BMD, resistance exercise with high ACSM adherence had a higher SMD compared to exercise with low or uncertain ACSM adherence (SMD: 0.49 > 0.13). Conclusion: The results suggest that exercise interventions with high adherence to ACSM recommendations are more effective in improving lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD in individuals with OP compared to interventions with low or uncertain adherence to ACSM recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hip fractures are devastating injuries causing disability, dependence, and institutionalisation, yet hospital care is highly variable. This study aimed to determine hospital organisational factors associated with recovery of mobility and change in patient residence after hip fracture. Methods: A cohort of patients aged 60 + years in England and Wales, who sustained a hip fracture from 2016 to 2019 was examined. Patient-level Hospital Episodes Statistics, National Hip Fracture Database, and mortality records were linked to 101 factors derived from 18 hospital-level organisational metrics. After adjustment for patient case-mix, multilevel models were used to identify organisational factors associated with patient residence at discharge, and mobility and residence at 120 days after hip fracture. Results: Across 172 hospitals, 165,350 patients survived to discharge, of whom 163,230 (99%) had post-hospital discharge destination recorded. 18,323 (11%) died within 120 days. Among 147,027 survivors, 58,344 (40%) across 143 hospitals had their residence recorded, and 56,959 (39%) across 140 hospitals had their mobility recorded, at 120 days. Nineteen organisational factors independently predicted residence on hospital discharge e.g., return to original residence was 31% (95% confidence interval, CI:17–43%) more likely if the anaesthetic lead for hip fracture had time allocated in their job plan, and 8–13% more likely if hip fracture service clinical governance meetings were attended by an orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist or anaesthetist. Seven organisational factors independently predicted residence at 120 days. Patients returning to their pre-fracture residence was 26% (95%CI:4–42%) more likely if hospitals had a dedicated hip fracture ward, and 20% (95%CI:8–30%) more likely if treatment plans were proactively discussed with patients and families on admission. Seventeen organisational factors predicted mobility at 120 days. More patients re-attained their pre-fracture mobility in hospitals where (i) care involved an orthogeriatrician (15% [95%CI:1-28%] improvement), (ii) general anaesthesia was usually accompanied by a nerve block (7% [95%CI:1-12%], and (iii) bedside haemoglobin testing was routine in theatre recovery (13% [95%CI:6-20%]). Conclusions: Multiple, potentially modifiable, organisational factors are associated with patient outcomes up to 120 days after a hip fracture, these factors if causal should be targeted by service improvement initiatives to reduce variability, improve hospital hip fracture care, and maximise patient independence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

骨质疏松症是一种以骨量减少和骨组织微结构破坏,导致骨脆性增加和骨折危险性增加为特点的全身性 疾病。全球范围内,骨质疏松症女性患病率高于男性,且近年来随着年龄的增加患病率大幅上涨。各国骨质疏松症 的患病率均处于较高水平,与环境、生活习惯或种族的差异等有关。在不同地区、不同民族,我国骨质疏松症的患病 率有较大差异。在骨质疏松症的管理中,多数国家建议对人群进行骨折危险因素评估,再根据结果考虑是否进行骨 密度测量和骨折风险评估,确定防治方案。针对骨质疏松症的防治,既要加强患病人群的筛选和管理,也要倡导防 治并重及个体化治疗。未患病或低风险者需要保持健康的生活方式,而中高风险者需根据自身情况,在医生指导下 选择合适的治疗方案和药物,同时通过健康的生活方式防止或延缓骨量的降低,目前常用的药物有骨吸收抑制剂和 骨形成促进剂,包括双膦酸盐类、雌激素、降钙素､RANKL抑制剂、甲状旁腺激素类似物等。 关键词:骨质疏松症;骨质疏松症并发症;骨折;骨吸收抑制剂;骨形成促进剂;双膦酸盐类药物;雌激素 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low blood flow through the fetal left heart is often conjectured as an etiology for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). To investigate if a decrease in left heart flow results in growth failure, we generate left ventricular inflow obstruction (LVIO) in mid-gestation fetal lambs by implanting coils in their left atrium using an ultrasound-guided percutaneous technique. Significant LVIO recapitulates important clinical features of HLHS: decreased antegrade aortic valve flow, compensatory retrograde perfusion of the brain and ascending aorta (AAo) from the arterial duct, severe left heart hypoplasia, a non-apex forming LV, and a thickened endocardial layer. The hypoplastic AAo have miRNA-gene pairs annotating to cell proliferation that are inversely differentially expressed by bulk RNA-seq. Single-nucleus RNA-seq of the hypoplastic LV myocardium shows an increase in fibroblasts with a reciprocal decrease in cardiomyocyte nuclei proportions. Fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells from hypoplastic myocardium have increased expression of extracellular matrix component or fibrosis genes with dysregulated fibroblast growth factor signaling. Hence, a severe sustained (~ 1/3 gestation) reduction in fetal left heart flow is sufficient to cause left heart hypoplasia. This is accompanied by changes in cellular composition and gene expression consistent with a pro-fibrotic environment and aberrant induction of mesenchymal programs. A fetal lamb model of mitral stenosis shows that sustained reduction in fetal left heart flow causes left heart hypoplasia and sequencing analysis identifies changes associated with pro-fibrotic environment and aberrant induction of mesenchymal programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia and osteoporosis, two degenerative diseases in older patients, have become severe health problems in aging societies. Muscles and bones, the most important components of the motor system, are derived from mesodermal and ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells. The adjacent anatomical relationship between them provides the basic conditions for mechanical and chemical signals, which may contribute to the co-occurrence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Identifying the potential common crosstalk genes between them may provide new insights for preventing and treating their development. In this study, DEG analysis, WGCNA, and machine learning algorithms were used to identify the key crosstalk genes of sarcopenia and osteoporosis; this was then validated using independent datasets and clinical samples. Finally, four crosstalk genes (ARHGEF10, PCDH7, CST6, and ROBO3) were identified, and mRNA expression and protein levels of PCDH7 in clinical samples from patients with sarcopenia, with osteoporosis, and with both sarcopenia and osteoporosis were found to be significantly higher than those from patients without sarcopenia or osteoporosis. PCDH7 seems to be a key gene related to the development of both sarcopenia and osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and it is estimated that approximately one in six deaths globally are due to cancer. Understanding the causes of cancer is critical for prevention, early detection, treatment optimization, public health planning, and to make informed decisions to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals and society. Transcription factors via multiple pathways have been shown to exert significant influence over gene expression programs and cellular processes involved in cancer progression. Understanding the role of transcription factors during these processes can provide critical insights into the underlying molecular mechanism and help develop therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes the possible pathways via which the transcription factor BEND3 may serve as a driver for cancer development. BEND3 is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression in mammals. While there is limited research on the role of BEND3 as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene and its potential role in cancer therapy is still emerging, several studies suggest that it may be involved in both the processes. Its interaction and regulation with multiple other factors via p21 have already been reported to play a significant role in cancer development, which serves as an indication of its potential role in oncogenesis. Its interaction with chromatin modifiers such as NuRD and NoRC and its role in the recruitment of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are some of the additional events indicative of its potential role in cancer development. Moreover, a few recent studies indicate BEND3 as a potential target for cancer therapy. Since the specific mechanisms by which BEND3 may contribute to cancer progression are not yet fully elucidated, in this review, we have discussed the possible pathways BEND3 may take to serve as an oncogenic driver or suppressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prednisolone, used as a standard initial treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), is an important risk factor for osteoporosis. Recently, we found that prescription of bisphosphonate during initial loading of prednisolone may prevent reduction in bone mineral density and development of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) in older patients with ITP receiving prolonged steroid therapy. In this review, I describe the treatment options for older patients with ITP, and present the best practices for screening, evaluating, and diagnosing ITP. I also summarize the literature from 2017 to 2022 on the treatment options for ITP, including discussions on the contraindications and side effects, with an emphasis on GIO, and the relative merits of bisphosphonates as a co-treatment for prevention of GIO. Finally, I present a perspective and an expert recommendation on how older patients with ITP would best be served in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a silent chronic disease, and many people did not discover it until they were diagnosed with a fracture. Therefore, regular scanning and appropriate Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors (OPB) are the management cornerstone. OPB is strongly affected by personal knowledge and health beliefs. This study explores the role of knowledge and health beliefs as determinants of OPB among perimenopausal women. This cross-sectional study was performed on 1075 perimenopausal women in Najran City, Saudi Arabia, from January 2023 to March 2023. The data collection instrument is a self-reported questionnaire consisting of basic data, the OPB scale, an osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool, and the osteoporosis health belief scale. The current study results showed that approximately one-quarter (27.8%) of the study participants had high OPB with an overall mean of 20.83 ± 5.08 grade. The group practicing high OPB demonstrated a higher knowledge mean (11.37 ± 2.99) than the low OPB group (9.93 ± 3.51). In addition, all health beliefs constructs significantly differed among the low and high OPB groups (p ˂ 0.05). The participant's age, occupational status, educational level, attendance of training courses, and history of bone fractures were significantly associated with high OPB. Osteoporosis knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, exercises' perceived benefits, and health motivations are positive predictors of high OPB (p ˂ 0.05). The study concluded that osteoporosis-related knowledge and health beliefs—especially perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, exercises' perceived benefits, and health motivations—are positive predictors of high OPB. The health belief model can be an effective tool used to determine high-risk groups who practice low OPB and build need-based educational interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stalking is a relatively new crime, with the U.S. state of California becoming the first jurisdiction in the world to develop specific laws about such behaviors in the early 1990s. In turn, the state (including law enforcement) turned to existing research on fixated and obsessed behaviors to develop typologies to better understand this kind of offending, as a means to inform response to stalking. This article focuses on one subtype featured in the literature and, later, adopted in the modern categorization of stalking behaviors—the person experiencing erotomania. We explore the conceptual development of erotomania and the gendered lens through which "lovesickness" was treated in the past. We consider how this perspective influenced contemporary constructions of the condition and, from there, influenced the reproduction of negative gender stereotypes in the stalking profiles used to guide institutional responses in the early criminalization period and, even, into contemporary practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postnatal mammalian heart undergoes remarkable developmental changes, which are stimulated by the transition from the intrauterine to extrauterine environment. With birth, increased oxygen levels promote metabolic, structural and biophysical maturation of cardiomyocytes, resulting in mature muscle with increased efficiency, contractility and electrical conduction. In this Topical Review article, we highlight key studies that inform our current understanding of human cardiomyocyte maturation. Collectively, these studies suggest that human atrial and ventricular myocytes evolve quickly within the first year but might not reach a fully mature adult phenotype until nearly the first decade of life. However, it is important to note that fetal, neonatal and paediatric cardiac physiology studies are hindered by a number of limitations, including the scarcity of human tissue, small sample size and a heavy reliance on diseased tissue samples, often without age‐matched healthy controls. Future developmental studies are warranted to expand our understanding of normal cardiac physiology/pathophysiology and inform age‐appropriate treatment strategies for cardiac disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness exercise has shown great benefits for patients with osteoporosis. However, there are various types of mindfulness exercises and no studies have compared their efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of mindfulness exercises on pain and balance in patients with primary osteoporosis. Articles published in 10 English and three Chinese language databases from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2022, were systematically searched. Twenty-two studies (N = 1,603) of five types of mindfulness exercises (Pilates, Ba Duan Jin, Wu Qin Xi, Tai Chi, and Yi Jin Jing) were eligible for this meta-analysis. Evidence from this review indicated that all five of the mindfulness exercises included in this study effectively reduced pain and improved balance for patients with primary osteoporosis. Pilates had the highest value of surface under the cumulative ranking as the best intervention. Future studies could consider developing a standard guideline for mindfulness exercise to be incorporated into osteoporosis rehabilitation., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare that they have no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2024 by National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses.)

Objectives: This study aims to conduct a thorough characterization of hand morphology. Employing a 2D geometric morphometric approach, we scrutinize individual fingers and the palm, delineating the ontogenetic trajectories for each biological sex and investigating the alterations that take place at various stages of human development., Materials and Methods: A set of thirty-two 2D anatomical landmarks were assessed in a sex-balanced sample of human hands (F = 275, M = 250 males), spanning all stages of human development. Following Procrustes registration, the data on size and shape for individual fingers and the palm were examined for each biological sex and age group. Regression analysis was utilized to quantify ontogenetic trajectories for each biological sex., Results: The findings suggest a gradual escalation in sexual dimorphism throughout human development, with statistically noteworthy distinctions becoming apparent in size starting at the age of 3, and in shape from the age of 7 onwards. Additionally, our analyses uncover a distinctive sigmoid pattern between sexes, indicating that biological male hands exhibit a sturdier build compared to biological female hands from early childhood onward., Conclusions: In conclusion, this study enriches our insights into sexual dimorphism in human hands, stressing the importance of considering both size and shape across different ontogenetic stages. These findings not only expand our understanding of human biological variation but also lay the foundation for future interdisciplinary research in diverse scientific domains., (© 2024 The Author(s). American Journal of Biological Anthropology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: Estimate the impact of Adiponectin receptors agonist (AdipoRon) on dental implant osseointegration in alveolar bone and explore the possible mechanism between saliva microbiota and AdipoRon in diabetic mice., Materials and Methods: Sixty C57BL/6 mice (male, 8 weeks old) were divided randomly into four groups according to different doses of AdipoRon: normoglycemic control group; DM control group; DM with a low dose of AdipoRon (5 mg/kg/day); and DM with a high dose of AdipoRon (50 mg/kg/day). Then, dental implants were placed in the palatal root socket in the first molar extraction mouse model. Micro-computed tomography, histology examination, immunohistochemical staining, and oral microbiota were explored to evaluate implant osseointegration., Results: AdipoRon treatment at 50 mg/kg markedly promoted dental implant osseointegration in diabetic mice, but AdipoRon treatment at 5 mg/kg was not effective. Moreover, distinct differences in the oral microbiota composition were shown between the diabetic mice and diabetic mice treated with AdipoRon at 50 mg/kg., Conclusion: AdipoRon treatment at 50 mg/kg in diabetic mice could significantly increase dental implant osseointegration. The salivary microbiota might participate in the accelerated osseointegration progress of dental implants in AdipoRon treatment., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

We conducted this cross-sectional study to investigate the independent associations between lipid metabolites and osteoporotic fractures among participants aged 40-69 years from the UK Biobank. Serum lipid, lipoprotein levels and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based metabolic biomarkers were measured at the baseline. We conducted multivariable logistic analyses to investigate potential independent associations between concentrations of lipid metabolites and osteoporotic fractures in both men and women. The odds ratios (ORs) for lipid metabolites were calculated based on their lowest tertile. Over a median follow-up period of 15 years, a total of 978 men and 4515 women were diagnosed with osteoporosis, whereas 138 men and 327 women encountered incident fractures. Statistically significant disparities were identified in NMR-based metabolic biomarkers among men and women with incident fractures compared to those without. Out of the 144 distinct lipid metabolites known, 35 exhibited significant associations with incident fractures in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. Following the adjustment for confounding factors, degree of unsaturation (p = 0.0066) and docosahexaenoic acids (p = 0.0011) in male patients increased the risk of incident fractures. And high level of different metabolites of HDL (p = 0.0153), 3-Hydroxybutyrate (p = 0.0012) and Sphingomyelins (p = 0.0036) decreased the risk of incident fractures in female patients. This outcome indicates that these identified lipid metabolites may potentially have unique roles in independently contributing to the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Modular cementless knee arthroplasty systems are capable of precise reconstruction of the mechanical axis. However, they are considered more susceptible to complications. In contrast, non-modular cemented systems are said to be more forgiving and show good long-term results. The aim of this study was to investigate the resulting leg axis after implantation of a non-modular cemented rotating hinged knee prosthesis. Furthermore, potential risk factors for the occurrence of malalignment and complications should be identified., Methods: Between 2005 and 2015, 115 patients could be included in this monocentric retrospective cohort study. All patients underwent primary hinged non-modular cemented total knee arthroplasty. Preoperative and postoperative standardized long radiographs were analysed to determine resulting leg axis. Furthermore, epidemiological and intraoperative data as well as perioperative complications were surveyed., Results: Average leg axis was 5.8° varus preoperatively and 0.6° valgus postoperatively. Considering an axis deviation of 3° as the target corridor, 27% of all cases examined were outside the desired range. 21% cases showed a femoral deviation from the target corridor and 15% showed a tibial deviation. There was a significant relationship between the preoperative mLDFA and the mechanical alignment of the femoral component (R = 0.396, p < 0.001) as well as between the preoperative mMPTA and the mechanical alignment of the tibial component (R = 0.187, p = 0.045). The mean operative duration was 96 min. No periprosthetic fractures were observed within the study cohort., Conclusion: The main result of the present work is that a non-modular cemented rotating hinged knee arthroplasty system can reconstruct the mechanical leg axis precisely and comparable to modular cementless and unconstrained total knee prostheses. Component malalignment is primarily dependent upon extraarticular deformity preoperatively. Periprosthetic fracture rates and duration of surgery were lower compared with current literature., Level of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by polycystic ovaries, anovulation, and hyperandrogenism, is believed to be an evolutionary mismatch disease. Past research has examined PCOS as a uniform disease, despite variation in phenotypes across diagnostic categories, but establishing an evolutionary mismatch requires a focus on individual traits. We suggest PCOS hyperandrogenism may have been beneficial in ancestral environments because it reduced fracture risk and associated morbidity and mortality due to increased bone mineral density (BMD). We test this hypothesis by assessing fracture frequency, a proxy for BMD, in highly active females with and without PCOS hyperandrogenism., Methods: Sixty-seven reproductive-aged women were surveyed and grouped as: high intensity interval training (HIIT; a proxy for metabolic and physical stress) athletes with hyperandrogenic PCOS (31.24%), HIIT athletes without PCOS (29.85%), and nonathletes with hyperandrogenic PCOS (38.81%). Fracture occurrence was compared between the groups using independent samples Kruskal-Wallis tests for non-normally distributed data, and multiple regression analysis was used to examine anthropometrics, lifestyle and reproductive factors, PCOS status, and exercise frequency on fracture occurrence., Results: Fracture occurrence was higher in non-PCOS athletes (3.8 ± 4.3) than PCOS-athletes (1.2 ± 1.4, p = .11) and PCOS-non-athletes (1.0 ± 1.4, p < .01). PCOS-athletes and nonathletes did not differ significantly in fracture occurrence (p = .33). These results were independent of factors associated with bone health., Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest females with PCOS-related hyperandrogenism may be less likely to experience bone fractures and provide an initial step to explaining why PCOS has persisted despite marked negative reproductive consequences in modern populations., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is challenging; however, through the clinical picture and the search for secondary causes of osteoporosis, it was possible to reach the diagnosis of the case reported. There was an independent, symptomatic ACTH hypercortisolism manifested by typical phenotypic changes, severe secondary osteoporosis and arterial hypertension in a young patient. Case presentation: A 20-year-old Brazilian man with low back pain for 8 months. Radiographs showed fragility fractures in the thoracolumbar spine, and bone densitometry showed osteoporosis, especially when evaluating the Z Score (− 5.6 in the lumbar spine). On physical examination, there were wide violaceous streaks on the upper limbs and abdomen, plethora and fat increase in the temporal facial region, hump, ecchymosis on limbs, hypotrophy of arms and thighs, central obesity and kyphoscoliosis. His blood pressure was 150 × 90 mmHg. Cortisol after 1 mg of dexamethasone (24.1 µg/dL) and after Liddle 1 (28 µg/dL) were not suppressed, despite normal cortisoluria. Tomography showed bilateral adrenal nodules with more severe characteristics. Unfortunately, through the catheterization of adrenal veins, it was not possible to differentiate the nodules due to the achievement of cortisol levels that exceeded the upper limit of the dilution method. Among the hypotheses for the differential diagnosis of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia are primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia, McCune–Albright syndrome and isolated bilateral primary pigmented nodular hyperplasia or associated with Carney's complex. In this case, primary pigmented nodular hyperplasia or carcinoma became important etiological hypotheses when comparing the epidemiology in a young man and the clinical-laboratory-imaging findings of the differential diagnoses. After 6 months of drug inhibition of steroidogenesis, blood pressure control and anti-osteoporotic therapy, the levels and deleterious metabolic effects of hypercortisolism, which could also impair adrenalectomy in the short and long term, were reduced. Left adrenalectomy was chosen, given the possibility of malignancy in a young patient and to avoid unnecessary definitive surgical adrenal insufficiency if the adrenalectomy was bilateral. Anatomopathology of the left gland revealed expansion of the zona fasciculate with multiple nonencapsulated nodules. Conclusion: The early identification of Cushing's syndrome, with measures based on the assessment of risks and benefits, remains the best way to prevent its progression and reduce the morbidity of the condition. Despite the unavailability of genetic analysis for a precise etiological definition, it is possible to take efficient measures to avoid future damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Osteoporosis management has become more relevant as the life expectancy increases. In Ecuador, approximately 19% of adults over 65 years of age have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. There is no national consensus for the management and prevention of the disease being this proposal the first Ecuadorian consensus. Introduction: In Ecuador, it is estimated that around 19% of adults over 65 years of age have osteoporosis. Due to the increase in life expectancy in the world population, the evaluation and management of osteoporosis has become more relevant. Currently, there is no national consensus for the management and prevention of the disease. The Ecuadorian Society of Rheumatology presented the project for the elaboration of the first Ecuadorian consensus for the management and prevention of osteoporosis. Methods: A panel of experts in multiple areas and extensive experience was invited to participate. The consensus was carried out using the Delphi method. Six working dimensions were created: definition and epidemiology of osteoporosis, fracture risk prediction tools, non-pharmacological treatment, pharmacological treatment, calcium and vitamin D, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Results: The first round was held in December 2021, followed by the second round in February 2022 and the third round in March 2022. The data was shared with the specialists at the end of each round. After three rounds of work, a consensus was reached for the management and prevention of osteoporosis. Conclusion: This is the first Ecuadorian consensus for the management and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic disease that affects bone, resulting in a progressive decrease in bone mass, quality, and micro-architectural degeneration. Natural products have become popular for managing OP in recent years due to their minimal adverse side effects and suitability for prolonged use compared to chemically synthesized products. These natural products are known to modulate multiple OP-related gene expressions, making epigenetics an important tool for optimal therapeutic development. In this study, we investigated the role of epigenetics in OP and reviewed existing research on using natural products for OP management. Our analysis identified around twenty natural products involved in epigenetics-based OP modulation, and we discussed potential mechanisms. These findings highlight the clinical significance of natural products and their potential as novel anti-OP therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic solutions comprising the Actinide Lanthanide Separation Process (ALSEP) solvent consisting of 0.5 M 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP]) and 0.05 M N,N,N',N'-tetra(2-ethylhexyl)diglycolamide (T2EHDGA) in n-dodecane were subjected to low LET and high LET irradiation before and after equilibration with an aqueous phase of 3 M HNO3. Degradation dose constants revealed greater ligand degradation due to gamma irradiation than alpha irradiation for both ligands. Furthermore, equilibration with nitric acid did not have a significant impact on ligand degradation for either irradiation source. Identified degradation products were similar for both gamma and alpha irradiation and occurred mostly through the rupture of the N–Ccarbonyl and C–Oether bonds for T2EHDGA and the C–Oether bond in HEH[EHP]. Acid contact appears to alter the degradation pathway by favoring the formation of higher molecular weight recombination products. Mixed T2EHDGA-HEH[EHP]-NO3 complexes were formed with Nd(III) after extraction from 3 M HNO3, and low LET gamma irradiation of the Nd(III) loaded organic solution produced similar degradation products as the organic solution absent of Nd(III). Interestingly, and likely due to the greater radiolytic susceptibility of T2EHDGA than HEH[EHP], a HEH[EHP]-Nd(III) complex appears to form as the T2EHDGA degrades with increasing absorbed dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide known to affect social behavior and cognition. The epigenetic modification of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) via DNA methylation stimulates parturition and breast milk secretion and inhibits craniopharyngioma, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer growth significantly as well as directly regulates bone metabolism in their peripheral form rather than the central form. OT and OTR can be expressed on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), osteoblasts (OB), osteoclasts (OC), osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. OB can synthesize OT under the stimulation of estrogen as a paracrine-autocrine regulator for bone formation. OT/OTR, estrogen, and OB form a feed-forward loop through estrogen mediation. The osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OPG)/receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) signaling pathway is crucially required for OT and OTR to exert anti-osteoporosis effect. Downregulating the expression of bone resorption markers and upregulating the expression of the bone morphogenetic protein, OT could increase BMSC activity and promote OB differentiation instead of adipocytes. It could also stimulate the mineralization of OB by motivating OTR translocation into the OB nucleus. Moreover, by inducing intracytoplasmic Ca2+ release and nitric oxide synthesis, OT could regulate the OPG/RANKL ratio in OB and exert a bidirectional regulatory effect on OC. Furthermore, OT could increase the activity of osteocytes and chondrocytes, which helps increase bone mass and improve bone microstructure. This paper reviews recent studies on the role of OT and OTR in regulating cells in bone metabolism as a reference for their clinical use and research based on their reliable anti-osteoporosis effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of diagnosing osteoporosis (OP) in women through magnetic resonance image compilation (MAGiC). Methods: A total of 110 patients who underwent lumbar magnetic resonance imaging and dual X-ray absorptiometry examinations were collected and divided into two groups according bone mineral density: osteoporotic group (OP) and non-osteoporotic group (non-OP). The variation trends of T1 (longitudinal relaxation time), T2 (transverse relaxation time) and BMD (bone mineral density) with the increase of age, and the correlation of T1 and T2 with BMD were examined by establishing a clinical mathematical model. Results: With the increase of age, BMD and T1 value decreased gradually, while T2 value increased. T1 and T2 had statistical significance in diagnosing OP (P < 0.001), and there is moderate positive correlation between T1 and BMD values (R = 0.636, P < 0.001), while moderate negative correlation between T2 and BMD values (R=-0.694, P < 0.001). Receiver characteristic curve test showed that T1 and T2 had high accuracy in diagnosing OP (T1 AUC = 0.982, T2 AUC = 0.978), and the critical values of T1 and T2 for evaluating osteoporosis were 0.625s and 0.095s, respectively. Besides, the combined utilization of T1 and T2 had higher diagnostic efficiency (AUC = 0.985). Combined T1 and T2 had higher diagnostic efficiency (AUC = 0.985). Function fitting results of OP group: BMD=-0.0037* age − 0.0015*T1 + 0.0037*T2 + 0.86, sum of squared error (SSE) = 0.0392, and non-OP group: BMD = 0.0024* age − 0.0071*T1 + 0.0007*T2 + 1.41, SSE = 0.1007. Conclusion: T1 and T2 value of MAGiC have high efficiency in diagnosing OP by establishing a function fitting formula of BMD with T1, T2 and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of single droplets in the acoustic levitator has been increasingly used in recent years to study their behavior during the drying process. By selectively flowing conditioned air onto the droplets and controlling the ambient conditions, it is possible to observe the drying behavior without contact under conditions similar to those prevailing in spray drying. A CMOS camera is used to continuously measure the change in volume that occurs during drying and an infrared camera is used to measure the surface temperature of the droplets/particles. The data are used to calculate the drying kinetics and the drying parameters with a high degree of accuracy. In addition to the suspensions investigated so far, the drying behavior of the solutions should be examined more closely. Since the drying kinetics of the solutions are complex and depend on the concentration and the material properties, two different maltodextrins (DE <3 and DE 21) and their solutions in different concentrations at different temperatures were investigated. Maltodextrin is a product that dries mainly in the falling rate period. From the results, conclusions were drawn concerning the structural development of the final particle and the average viscosity of the solution during the drying process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) is a tool which calculates an individual 10-year fracture risk based on epidemiological data in patients with a risk of osteporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of FRAX to estimate the risk of postoperative periprosthetic fractures (PPF) in patients following with total hip and knee arthroplasty. 167 patients (137 periprosthetic fractures in total hip arthroplasty and 30 periprosthetic fractures in total knee arthroplasty) were included in this study. Patients' data was retrieved retrospectively. In each patient the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and an osteoporotic hip fracture (HF) was calculated using FRAX. According to the NOGG guideline 57% of total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients and 43.3% of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients were in need of osteoporosis treatment, whereas only 8% and 7% received an adequate one respectively. 56% of the patients with PPF after THA and 57% of the patients with PPF after TKA reported about a previous fracture. Significant associations between the 10-year probability of a MOF and HF calculated by FRAX and PPF in THA and TKA were seen. The results of the present study show that FRAX might have the potential to estimate the PPF in patients following THA and TKA. FRAX should be calculated before and after THA or TKA in order to assess the risk and counsel patients. The data show a clear undertreatment of patients with PPF in respect to osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimated 25% of South African women live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antiretroviral therapy roll‐out has improved life expectancy, so many more women now reach menopause. We aimed to quantify changes in bone mineral density (BMD) during the menopausal transition in urban‐dwelling South African women with and without HIV and determine whether HIV infection modified the effect of menopause on BMD changes. A 5‐year population‐based longitudinal study recruited women aged 40–60 years residing in Soweto and collected demographic and clinical data, including HIV status, anthropometry, and BMD, at baseline and at 5‐year follow‐up. All women were staged as pre‐, peri‐, or postmenopausal at both time points. Multivariable linear regression assessed relationships and interactions between HIV infection, menopause, and change in BMD. At baseline, 450 women had mean age 49.5 (SD 5.7) years, 65 (14.4%) had HIV, and 140 (31.1%), 119 (26.4%), and 191 (42.4%) were pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal, respectively; 34/205 (13.6%) women ≥50 years had a total hip (TH) or lumbar spine (LS) T‐score ≤ −2.5. At follow‐up 38 (8.4%), 84 (18.7%), and 328 (72.9%) were pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal. Those with HIV at baseline lost more total body (TB) BMD (mean difference −0.013 [95% confidence interval −0.026, −0.001] g/cm2, p = 0.040) and gained more weight 1.96 [0.32, 3.60] kg; p = 0.019 than HIV‐uninfected women. After adjusting for age, baseline weight, weight change, and follow‐up time, the transition from pre‐ to postmenopause was associated with greater TB BMD losses in women with HIV (−0.092 [−0.042, −0.142] g/cm2; p = 0.001) than without HIV (−0.038 [−0.016, −0.060] g/cm2, p = 0.001; interaction p = 0.034). Similarly, in women who were postmenopausal at both time points, those with HIV lost more TB BMD (−0.070 [−0.031, −0.108], p = 0.001) than women without HIV (−0.036 [−0.015, −0.057], p = 0.001, interaction p = 0.049). Findings were consistent but weaker at the LS and TH. Menopause‐related bone loss is greater in women with HIV, suggesting women with HIV may be at greater risk of osteoporotic fractures. HIV services should consider routine bone health assessment in midlife women as part of long‐term HIV care delivery. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between dietary patterns and the risk associated with osteoporosis in Jordanian postmenopausal women recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. A case–control study design was used to determine nutrient intake, and dietary and lifestyle patterns. Two hundred Jordanian postmenopausal women were enrolled; 100 patients newly diagnosed with osteoporosis, and 100 osteoporosis-free controls, according to the inclusion criteria. Case and control groups were selected from visitors to the University of Jordan Hospital and the Jordanian Osteoporosis Prevention Society. The case-to-control ratio was (1:1). Four dietary patterns were identified in this study and they include: 'High-Fruits and Vegetables', 'Traditional', 'Unhealthy/Western', and 'High-Proteins', which accounted for 44.7% of the total variance in food intake. The 'High-Fruits and Vegetables' dietary pattern showed a decreased likelihood of osteoporosis risk in the fourth quartile [Q4: AOR 0.375, 95% CI (0.154–0.9150), P = 0.031]. On the other hand, the 'Unhealthy/Western' and 'High-Protein' dietary patterns were positively associated ([Q3: AOR 2.834, 95%CI (1.081–7.430), P = 0.034] and [AQ3: OR 2.601, 95% CI (1.983–6.882), P = 0.045], respectively) with osteoporosis risk in the third quartile. The present results suggest that the 'High-Fruits and Vegetables' dietary pattern may exert a protective effect on the risk of osteoporosis while 'Unhealthy/Western' and 'High-Protein' dietary patterns showed positive effects on the risk of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of micro-architectural bone tissue. The most common type of OP is postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), with fragility fractures becoming a global burden for women. Recently, the gut microbiota has been connected to bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to characterize the gut microbiota signatures in PMOP patients and controls. Fecal samples from 21 PMOP patients and 37 controls were collected and analyzed using amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. The bone mineral density (BMD) measurement and laboratory biochemical test were performed on all participants. Two feature selection algorithms, maximal information coefficient (MIC) and XGBoost, were employed to identify the PMOP-related microbial features. Results showed that the composition of gut microbiota changed in PMOP patients, and microbial abundances were more correlated with total hip BMD/T-score than lumbar spine BMD/T-score. Using the MIC and XGBoost methods, we identified a set of PMOP-related microbes; a logistic regression model revealed that two microbial markers (Fusobacteria and Lactobacillaceae) had significant abilities in disease classification between the PMOP and control groups. Taken together, the findings of this study provide new insights into the etiology of OP/PMOP, as well as modulating gut microbiota as a therapeutic target in the diseases. We also highlight the application of feature selection approaches in biological data mining and data analysis, which may improve the research in medical and life sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to evaluate the application of intervention thresholds based on FRAX in Chilean women. Recategorize the risk of osteoporotic fracture to optimize the selection of eligible women for intervention. Methods: we selected 1782 women aged 50 and older from the 2016-2017 National Health Survey (third version). We estimated the probability of major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures using the Chilean FRAX model. We estimated the percentage of women eligible for treatment and assessment of bone mineral density by applying specific intervention thresholds by age from 50 to 90 years and a hybrid threshold that combines age-dependent thresholds up to 75 years and, thereafter, a fixed threshold with a single fracture probability up to 90 years. Results: twenty-two women (1.23 %) had a previous fracture and were eligible for treatment for this reason. Using age-specific thresholds, another 33 women were eligible for treatment because the probability of major osteoporotic fracture was above the upper assessment threshold. In 1107 (62.12 %) women, bone mineral density measurement is recommended to recalculate FRAX with the inclusion of femoral neck bone mineral density. With the hybrid threshold, an additional 44 (3.69 %) women were eligible for treatment, and bone density measurement was advised in 1169 women (65.50 %). If treatment was assigned based on FRAX without bone mineral density alone, the number of women eligible for treatment was 70 (5.15 %) with an age-specific intervention threshold and 120 (6.72 %) with the hybrid threshold. Conclusions: the hybrid threshold identifies more women eligible for treatment compared to age-specific thresholds. The average fracture probability was higher with the hybrid threshold. Based on this, our position is to recommend the hybrid threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]