Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Engelbert A. Nonterah, Daniel Boateng, Nigel J. Crowther, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Abraham R. Oduro, Godfred Agongo, Shukri F. Mohamed, Palwende R. Boua, Solomon S. R. Choma, Shane A. Norris, Stephen M. Tollman, Michiel L. Bots, Michele Ramsay, Diederick Grobbee
Summary: This study evaluated the association of carotid atherosclerosis and microalbuminuria with 10-year ASCVD risk in middle-aged individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that microalbuminuria measured by SUA may indicate risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and high 10-year ASCVD risk.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Engelbert A. Nonterah, Nigel J. Crowther, Abraham Oduro, Godfred Agongo, Lisa K. Micklesfield, Palwende R. Boua, Solomon S. R. Choma, Shukri F. Mohamed, Herman Sorgho, Stephen M. Tollman, Shane A. Norris, Frederick J. Raal, Diederick E. Grobbee, Michele Ramsay, Michiel L. Bots, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the association between CVHI and CIMT in sub-Saharan Africa, finding a negative correlation between CVHI and CIMT. The results indicate that CVHI is a strong marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in this population should focus on factors like physical activity, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Engelbert A. Nonterah, Michiel L. Bots, Abraham Oduro, Godfred Agongo, Cassandra C. Soo, Lisa K. Micklesfield, Felistas Mashinya, Palwende R. Boua, Shukri F. Mohamed, Alisha N. Wade, Catherine Kyobutungi, Halidou Tinto, Shane A. Norris, Stephen M. Tollman, Michele Ramsay, Diederick E. Grobbee, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Nigel J. Crowther
Summary: This study conducted a large population-based cross-sectional study in sub-Saharan Africa, finding that BMI had the strongest influence on CIMT. Men had higher levels of visceral adipose tissue than women, and obesity within SSA may lead to higher levels of atherosclerosis, especially in males.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Anna Maria Rychter, Dariusz Naskret, Agnieszka Zawada, Alicja Ewa Ratajczak, Agnieszka Dobrowolska, Iwona Krela-Kazmierczak
Summary: Atherosclerosis is strongly associated with obesity, with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) serving as a predictor of cardiovascular events and subclinical atherosclerosis. Behavioral interventions can directly impact cIMT values, influencing cardiovascular disease risk.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Raimund Pechlaner, Nele Friedrich, Anna Staudt, Nina Gande, Benoit Bernar, Katharina Stock, Sophia J. Kiechl, Christoph Hochmayr, Andrea Griesmacher, Astrid Petersmann, Kathrin Budde, Hermann Stuppner, Sonja Sturm, Marcus Dorr, Ulf Schminke, Claire Cannet, Fang Fang, Hartmut Schaefer, Manfred Spraul, Ralf Geiger, Manuel Mayr, Matthias Nauck, Stefan Kiechl, Ursula Kiechl-Kohlendorfer, Michael Knoflach
Summary: This study investigates the differences in lipoprotein subclass profiles between adolescents and adults and their relationships with vascular disease. The results show that adolescents have lower lipid levels compared to adults, and dense LDL subclasses are associated with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in both age groups, with greater effect in adults. Additionally, HDL-related measures are associated with cIMT in adults.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sophia J. Kiechl, Anna Staudt, Katharina Stock, Nina Gande, Benoit Bernar, Christoph Hochmayr, Bernhard Winder, Ralf Geiger, Andrea Griesmacher, Markus Anliker, Stefan Kiechl, Ursula Kiechl-Kohlendorfer, Michael Knoflach, Raimund Pechlaner
Summary: The study revealed that systolic blood pressure, arterial hypertension, low-density and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and alanine transaminase predicted cIMT progression in adolescents, even when risk factor levels were within established reference ranges. These findings underline the importance of initiating prevention early in life and question the current focus on high-risk youngsters in guideline recommendations.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Jean-Baptiste Moretti, Reinemary Michael, Sylvie Gervais, Emilie Alchourron, Nina Stein, Ziad Farhat, Chantal Lapierre, Josee Dubois, Ramy El-Jalbout
Summary: This study aimed to determine the normal pediatric values of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) by conducting a systematic review of the literature. The results showed that the average IMT in children using B-mode and radiofrequency techniques were 0.43mm and 0.41mm respectively. No significant relationship was found between IMT and age or sex.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pilar Cobeta, Roberto Pariente, Alvaro Osorio, Marta Marchan, Luis Blazquez, David Pestana, Julio Galindo, Jose Botella-Carretero
Summary: Obesity increases cardiovascular risk in men through mechanisms of chronic inflammation and hypogonadism. This study demonstrated that metabolic surgery can decrease carotid-intima media thickness by modulating inflammatory, endothelial biomarkers, and testosterone levels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Leon Guo, Rosario D. Ampon, Ivan C. Hanigan, Luke D. Knibbs, Christy Geromboux, Ta-Chen Su, Kazuaki Negishi, Leanne Poulos, Geoffrey G. Morgan, Guy B. Marks, Bin Jalaludin
Summary: The study found that long-term exposure to low levels of PM2.5 in children may have measurable adverse impacts on cardiovascular risk marker, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), by age 11-12 years.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ettore Dinoto, Domenico Mirabella, Francesca Ferlito, Graziella Tortomasi, Davide Turchino, Salvatore Evola, Massimiliano Zingales, Emanuela Bologna, Felice Pecoraro
Summary: The intima-media thickness (IMT) and its irregularities or ulcerations in the common carotid artery (CCA) can serve as biomarkers for cardiovascular system integrity. Total homocysteine and lipoprotein levels are commonly used for cardiovascular risk stratification. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) combined with serum biomarkers can assess atherosclerotic disease and cardiovascular risk effectively.
Article
Surgery
Aashir Kaul, Arun Kumar, Aditya Baksi, Vitish Singla, Sandeep Aggarwal, Gurpreet Gulati, Rajiv Narang, Lokesh Kashyap
Summary: This study demonstrates that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce CIMT and CVD risk in patients with morbid obesity. Additionally, it also shows positive improvements in lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, and HbA(1C) levels.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Massimo R. Mannarino, Matteo Pirro, Bruna Gigante, Kai Savonen, Sudhir Kurl, Philippe Giral, Andries Smit, Fabrizio Veglia, Elena Tremoli, Damiano Baldassarre
Summary: The study found a U-shaped association between SUA levels and VEs in men at moderate-to-high CVD risk, with both low and high SUA levels being associated with an increased risk of VEs. Elevated SUA levels were also independently associated with cIMT progression in men. However, no significant associations were found in women between SUA levels, CVD end points, and cIMT progression.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Xiaoxiang Ma, Yue Zhuo, Yu Huang, Pengming He, Zhaoyi Huang, Li Jiang, Luyao Tong, Xiaoqin Yao, Xueping Wen, Xuemei Zhong, Shihan Yang, Changqiong Li, Yuping Liu, Zhixin Zhang
Summary: This study reveals that abnormal T-cell responses may play important roles in the progression of essential hypertension and its subclinical target organ damage. The TCR beta repertoires of patients with essential hypertension are significantly different, and are correlated with carotid plaque formation.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Maria del Mar Vila, Beatriz Remeseiro, Laura Igual, Roberto Elosua, Rafel Ramos, Jose Manuel Valdivielso, Ruth Marti-Lluch, Jaume Marrugat, Maria Grau
Summary: In men, autoimmune diseases were associated with increased common carotid intima-media thickness and higher percentage of individuals with thicker IMT. However, no significant differences were observed in arterial stiffness. Women, on the other hand, did not show significant differences in any of the carotid features between those with and without autoimmune diseases. Sex was found to be an effect modifier in the association between common carotid IMT values and autoimmune diseases diagnosis.
HYPERTENSION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Karri Parkkila, Antti Kiviniemi, Mikko Tulppo, Juha Perkiomaki, Y. Antero Kesaniemi, Olavi Ukkola
Summary: In a prospective study with over 20 years of follow-up, the length of plaques in abdominal-pelvic main arteries (SUM) was found to be a superior indicator for evaluating overall cardiovascular risk compared to carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). SUM significantly predicted CV events and improved the discrimination and reclassification of patients when added to the established model, while IMT only predicted cardiovascular events in univariate analysis and did not improve discrimination or reclassification.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Amy E. Mendham, Lisa K. Micklesfield, Fredrik Karpe, Andre Pascal Kengne, Tinashe Chikowore, Clement N. Kufe, Maphoko Masemola, Nigel J. Crowther, Shane A. Norris, Tommy Olsson, Solve Elmstahl, Tove Fall, Lars Lind, Julia H. Goedecke
Summary: Using a targeted proteomics approach, this study aimed to identify and validate circulating proteins associated with impaired glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes in a Black South African cohort. The results identified 34 proteins associated with type 2 diabetes, of which 11 were associated with measures of type 2 diabetes pathophysiology. This study highlights the similarity of biomarkers between different populations and emphasizes the need for validation in African cohorts.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alastair van Heerden, Sefki Kolozali, Shane A. Norris
Summary: In this pilot study, the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) patches during pregnancy was found to be generally acceptable among women. The feasibility of using CGM was reasonably high, with most data successfully retrieved over a two-week period. However, longer use presented additional challenges. The use of CGM patches appears to be a potential candidate for GDM prevention or behavioral interventions during pregnancy in South Africa.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Richard E. E. Sanya, Erin Stewart Johnston, Peter Kibe, Mahmoud Werfalli, Sloan Mahone, Naomi S. S. Levitt, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Gershim Asiki
Summary: This systematic review suggests that self-financing patient support groups can potentially be effective in controlling blood pressure and diabetes in low- and middle-income countries. Limited evidence shows improvements in BP control and some diabetes parameters among patients involved in these groups.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Timothy O. Olanrewaju, Charlotte Osafo, Yemi R. Raji, Manmak Mamven, Samuel Ajayi, Titilayo O. Ilori, Fatiu A. Arogundade, Ifeoma I. Ulasi, Rasheed Gbadegesin, Rulan S. Parekh, Bamidele Tayo, Adebowale A. Adeyemo, Olanrewaju T. Adedoyin, Adindu A. Chijioke, Clemen Bewaji, Diederick E. Grobbee, Peter J. Blankestijin, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Babatunde L. Salako, Dwomoa Adu, Akinlolu O. Ojo
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in CKD patients in Africa and found that hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and low BMI were independently associated with CKD.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Monica Muti, Lisa J. Ware, Lisa K. Micklesfield, Michele Ramsay, Godfred Agongo, Palwende R. Boua, Isaac Kisiangani, Ian Cook, Francesc Xavier Gomez-Olive, Nigel J. Crowther, Chodziwadziwa Kabudula, Shane A. Norris, Tinashe Chikowore
Summary: This study explores the association between self-reported physical activity and body mass index (BMI) in African adults. Results show that meeting physical activity guidelines is associated with lower BMI in both men and women. There are also site-specific differences in the associations between physical activity domains and BMI. In conclusion, physical activity may be an effective strategy to address obesity in Africa, but more research is needed to assess the impact of interventions tailored to gender and geographic location.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lee Randall, Anna Brugulat-Panes, James Woodcock, Lisa Jayne Ware, Caitlin Pley, Safura Abdool Karim, Lisa Micklesfield, Gudani Mukoma, Lambed Tatah, Philip Mbulalina Dambisya, Sostina Spiwe Matina, Ian Hambleton, Gabriel Okello, Felix Assah, Megha Anil, Haowen Kwan, Alice Charity Awinja, Georgina Pujol-Busquets Guillen, Louise Foley
Summary: Active travel is crucial for public health in rapidly urbanizing countries, especially in Africa where urbanization and motorization are increasing. Public transport, particularly paratransit, plays a critical role in providing mobility options for poor peripheral residents, contributing to poverty reduction and reducing mode-shifting to private vehicles.
JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Dan J. Stein, Alan E. Kazdin, Richard J. Munthali, Irving Hwang, Meredith G. Harris, Jordi Alonso, Laura Helena Andrade, Ronny Bruffaerts, Graca Cardoso, Stephanie Chardoul, Giovanni de Girolamo, Silvia Florescu, Oye Gureje, Josep Maria Haro, Aimee N. Karam, Elie G. Karam, Viviane Kovess-Masfety, Sing Lee, Maria Elena Medina-Mora, Fernando Navarro-Mateu, Jose Posada-Villa, Juan Carlos Stagnaro, Margree ten Have, Nancy A. Sampson, Ronald C. Kessler, Daniel V. Vigo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the extent and predictors of treatment coverage for PTSD in high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The results showed that only a small percentage of respondents received adequate pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy, with lower treatment coverage in LMICs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Witness Mapanga, Shane A. Norris, Ashleigh Craig, Oluwatosin A. Ayeni, Wenlong C. Chen, Judith S. Jacobson, Alfred I. Neugut, Paul Ruff, Herbert Cubasch, Daniel S. O'Neil, Ines Buccimazza, Sharon Cacala, Laura W. Stopforth, Hayley A. Farrow, Sarah Nietz, Boitumelo Phakathi, Tobias Chirwa, Valerie A. McCormack, Maureen Joffe
Summary: In LMICs, advanced-stage diagnosis of BC is common and contributes to poor survival. Identifying determinants of diagnosis stage will help design interventions to improve survival and reduce late-stage diagnosis.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eva L. van der Linden, Karlijn A. C. Meeks, Felix Chilunga, Charles Hayfron-Benjamin, Silver Bahendeka, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Andrea Venema, Bert -Jan van den Born, Charles Agyemang, Peter Henneman, Adebowale Adeyemo
Summary: This study aimed to identify DNA methylation sites associated with plasma lipid concentration in Ghanaians. Using Illumina 450k DNA methylation array, one significantly associated DNA methylation site with triglycerides was identified and replicated in other ethnic groups. These findings provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of lipid metabolism in West-African populations.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Larske M. Soepnel, Khuthala Mabetha, Catherine E. Draper, Takana Mary Silubonde, Cornelius M. Smuts, John M. Pettifor, Shane A. Norris
Summary: In a study of women of reproductive age in Soweto, South Africa, no significant association was found between vitamin D (25(OH)D), anemia (Hb), and iron markers. However, there was an inverse relationship between fat mass index and vitamin D status.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lethabo Mogashoa, Shane A. Norris, Khuthala Mabetha, Larske Soepnel, Catherine E. Draper
Summary: The burden of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies compromises the health and well-being of women during their reproductive years. The Bukhali trial in South Africa aims to provide nutritional support for overweight/obese young women during pregnancy. Challenges such as affordability, cultural influences, and food insecurity are discussed, along with strategies to optimize nutritional support. The trial shows potential for encouraging young women to prioritize nutrition and health despite contextual challenges.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Elizabeth Masiakwala, Lukhanyo H. Nyati, Shane A. Norris
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between intrauterine and postnatal growth patterns and infant body composition at 2 years of age. The results showed that both small-for-gestational age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infants had higher fat mass at 12 months, while large-for-gestational age (LGA) infants had higher fat mass at 24 months. Furthermore, the weight and length at 12 months were positively associated with fat mass at 24 months.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ashleigh Craig, Asanda Mtintsilana, Witness Mapanga, Siphiwe N. Dlamini, Shane A. Norris
Summary: This study examined the relationship between overweight perception and multimorbidity and found that individuals who perceived themselves as overweight had a higher likelihood of having multiple chronic conditions. The study also found that overweight perception partially mediated the association between socioeconomic position and multimorbidity. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions aimed at raising awareness about weight-related risks, particularly in lower economic developed countries.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lukhanyo H. Nyati, Shane A. Norris, Lisa K. Mickles, Linda S. Adair, Caroline Fall, Nanette R. Lee, Reynaldo Martorell, Clive Osmond, Linda M. Richter, Harshpal S. Sachdev, Bernardo Horta, Aryeh D. Stein
Summary: This study investigated the associations between postnatal growth and age at menarche in 5 low- and middle-income countries, and found that there is a relationship between postnatal growth and age at menarche, while birth weight does not have an impact on age at menarche.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Siphiwe N. Dlamini, Asanda Mtintsilana, Witness Mapanga, Ashleigh Craig, Shane A. Norris
Summary: The objective of this study was to examine the associations between nutrition knowledge and obesity-related attitudes and physical activity (PA) among young adults in three countries. The results showed that better nutrition knowledge was related to lower levels of concern about obesity and a more positive attitude towards providing weight management courses and improving cycle paths and pavements for PA. Additionally, in South Africa, nutrition knowledge was associated with higher levels of vigorous PA, while in the UK, it was associated with higher levels of moderate PA and walking.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)