Molecular Ball Joints: Mechanochemical Perturbation of Bullvalene Hardy-Cope Rearrangements in Polymer Networks.

The solution-state fluxional behavior of bullvalene has fascinated physical organic and supramolecular chemists alike. Little effort, however, has been put into investigating bullvalene applications in bulk, partially due to difficulties in characterizing such dynamic systems. To address this knowledge gap, we herein probe whether bullvalene Hardy-Cope rearrangements can be mechanically perturbed in bulk polymer networks. We use dynamic mechanical analysis to demonstrate that the activation barrier to the glass transition process is significantly elevated for bullvalene-containing materials relative to "static" control networks. Furthermore, bullvalene rearrangements can be mechanically perturbed at low temperatures in the glassy region; such behavior facilitates energy dissipation (i.e., increased hysteresis energy) and polymer chain alignment to stiffen the material (i.e., increased Young's modulus) under load. Computational simulations corroborate our work that showcases bullvalene as a reversible "low-force" covalent mechanophore in the modulation of viscoelastic behavior.

High economic inequality is linked to greater moralization.

Throughout the 21st century, economic inequality is predicted to increase as we face new challenges, from changes in the technological landscape to the growing climate crisis. It is crucial we understand how these changes in inequality may affect how people think and behave. We propose that economic inequality threatens the social fabric of society, in turn increasing moralization-that is, the greater tendency to employ or emphasize morality in everyday life-as an attempt to restore order and control. Using longitudinal data from X, formerly known as Twitter, our first study demonstrates that high economic inequality is associated with greater use of moral language online (e.g. the use of words such as "disgust", "hurt", and "respect'). Study 2 then examined data from 41 regions around the world, generally showing that higher inequality has a small association with harsher moral judgments of people's everyday actions. Together these findings demonstrate that economic inequality is linked to the tendency to see the world through a moral lens.

More Adult Women than Men at High Cardiometabolic Risk Reported Worse Lifestyles and Self-Reported Health Status in the COVID-19 Lockdown.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 lockdown represented an immense impact on human health, which was characterized by lifestyle and dietary changes, social distancing and isolation at home. Some evidence suggests that these consequences mainly affected women and altered relevant ongoing clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status and changes in diet, physical activity (PA), sleep and self-reported health status (SRH) as perceived by older adult men and women with metabolic syndrome during the COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: We analyzed data from 4681 Spanish adults with metabolic syndrome. We carried out a telephone survey during May and June 2020 to collect information on demographics, dietary habits, PA, sleep, SRH and anthropometric data. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 64.9 years at recruitment, and 52% of participants were men. Most participants (64.1%) perceived a decrease in their PA during confinement. Regarding gender-specific differences, a higher proportion of women than men perceived a decrease in their PA (67.5% vs. 61.1%), Mediterranean diet adherence (20.9% vs. 16.8%), sleep hours (30.3% vs. 19.1%), sleep quality (31.6% vs. 18.2%) and SRH (25.9% vs. 11.9%) (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 lockdown affected women more negatively, particularly their self-reported diet, PA, sleep and health status.

Monodentate Phosphinoamine Nickel Complex Supported on a Metal-Organic Framework for High-Performance Ethylene Dimerization.

Ethylene dimerization is an efficient industrial chemical process to produce 1-butene, with demanding selectivity and activity requirements on new catalytic systems. Herein, a series of monodentate phosphinoamine-nickel complexes immobilized on UiO-66 are described for ethylene dimerization. These catalysts display extensive molecular tunability of the ligand similar to organometallic catalysis, while maintaining the high stability attributed to the metal-organic framework (MOF) scaffold. The highly flexible postsynthetic modification method enables this study to prepare MOFs functionalized with five different substituted phosphines and 3 N-containing ligands and identify the optimal catalyst UiO-66-L5-NiCl2 with isopropyl substituted nickel mono-phosphinoamine complex. This catalyst shows a remarkable activity and selectivity with a TOF of 29 000 (molethyl/molNi/h) and 99% selectivity for 1-butene under ethylene pressure of 15 bar. The catalyst is also applicable for continuous production in the packed column micro-reactor with a TON of 72 000 (molethyl/molNi). The mechanistic insight for the ethylene oligomerization has been examined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculated energy profiles for homogeneous complexes and truncated MOF models reveal varying rate-determining step as ß-hydrogen elimination and migratory insertion, respectively. The activation barrier of UiO-66-L5-NiCl2 is lower than other systems, possibly due to the restriction effect caused by clusters and ligands. A comprehensive analysis of the structural parameters of catalysts shows that the cone angle as steric descriptor and butene desorption energy as thermodynamic descriptor can be applied to estimate the reactivity turnover frequency (TOF) with the optimum for UiO-66-L5-NiCl2. This work represents the systematic optimization of ligand effect through combination of experimental and theoretical data and presents a proof-of-concept for ethylene dimerization catalyst through simple heterogenization of organometallic catalyst on MOF.

Ultrasound-assisted diastereoselective green synthesis of spiro-fused-γ-lactams functionalized with an amide bond heterocyclic bioisostere via the Ugi azide/domino process coupled strategy.

A series of linked-type 1,5-disubstituted tetrazoles (1,5-DS-Ts) were synthesised via an isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction (IMCR) and used as synthetic platforms to access bound-type polyheterocycles containing an epoxyisoindol-1(6H)-one scaffold under green conditions. This rapid sonochemical synthetic strategy includes a double domino process using an orthogonal heterocyclic input in the Ugi-azide (UA) reaction. DFT calculations and NBO analysis were performed to understand the pseudopericyclic reaction involved in the 1,5-electrocyclization of the UA mechanism.

Feeling understood fosters identity fusion.

If the consequences of identity fusion are well established, its psychological antecedents are not. To address this shortcoming, eight studies tested the hypothesis that self-verification (receiving evaluations that confirm one's self-views) increases fusion (a synergistic union with a group, individual, or cause), which, in turn, increases behavioral support for the target of fusion. Correlational studies showed that perceived self-verification was positively associated with fusion, which was positively associated with willingness to fight and die for a group (Study 1a), a value (Study 1b), and a leader (Study 1c). Study 2 revealed that increasing perceived self-verification fostered greater willingness to fight and die for the group but only indirectly through increases in fusion. Study 3 showed that 4 months after indicating the degree of fusion with a group, increasing perceived self-verification augmented endorsement of fighting and dying for the group indirectly through elevations in fusion. In Study 4, relational ties mediated the relationship between perceived self-verification and fusion. Finally, face-to-face interviews with incarcerated members of street gangs and organized crime gangs (Studies 5a-5b) showed that perceived self-verification was positively associated with fusion, which was positively associated with sacrifices for the gang (replicating Studies 1a-1c). No evidence emerged supporting a rival causal path in which fusion caused willingness to fight and die through perceived self-verification. Implications for related theoretical approaches and for conceptualizing the relationship between personal identities, social identities, and group processes are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Circulating Biomarkers of Atrial Fibrillation-Related Pathways among Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: Results from a Randomized Trial.

Background: Lifestyles influence atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Determining the effect of lifestyle interventions on blood concentrations of biomarkers of AF-related pathways could help understand AF pathophysiology and contribute to AF prevention. Methods: We studied 532 participants enrolled in the PREDIMED-Plus trial, a Spanish randomized trial conducted in adults (55-75 years) with metabolic syndrome and body mass index between 27-40 kg/m2. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to an intensive lifestyle intervention, emphasizing physical activity, weight loss, and adherence to an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet or to a control group. Serum biomarkers [carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and N-terminal propeptide of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] were measured at baseline, 3 and 5 years after randomization. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of intervention on changes in biomarkers through year 5. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the proportion mediated by each component of the intervention. Results: At baseline, participants' mean age was 65, 40% were female, and 50% were assigned to the intervention. After five years, mean changes in log-transformed biomarkers were -0.01 (PICP), 0.20 (hsTnT), -0.17 (hsCRP), 0.12 (3-NT), and 0.27 (NT-proBNP). Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group experienced greater decreases in hsCRP (-14%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -26%, 0%) or smaller increases in 3-NT (-16%, 95% CI -25%, -5%) and NT-proBNP (-12%, 95% CI -23%, 1%). The intervention had minimal impact on hsTnT (-3%, 95% CI -7%, 2%) or PICP concentrations (-2%, 95% CI -9%, 6%). The effect of the intervention on hsCRP was primarily mediated by weight loss (89% at year 5). Conclusions: Over five years, a dietary and lifestyle intervention for weight-loss favorably affected concentrations of hsCRP, 3-NT, and NT-proBNP, pointing to specific mechanisms in pathways linking lifestyles and AF.

Effect of a nutritional intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet on environmental impact.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the environmental impact of a dietary intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) after one year of follow-up. METHODS: Baseline and 1-year follow-up data were used for 5800 participants aged 55-75 years with metabolic syndrome in the PREDIMED-Plus study. Food intake was estimated through a validated semiquantitative food consumption frequency questionnaire, and adherence to the MedDiet was estimated through the Diet Score. Using the EAT-Lancet Commission tables we assessed the influence of dietary intake on environmental impact (through five indicators: greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication). Using multivariable linear regression models, the association between the intervention and changes in each of the environmental factors was assessed. Mediation analyses were carried out to estimate to what extent changes in each of 2 components of the intervention, namely adherence to the MedDiet and caloric reduction, were responsible for the observed reductions in environmental impact. RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in the intervention group compared to the control group in acidification levels (-13.3 vs. -9.9 g SO2-eq), eutrophication (-5.4 vs. -4.0 g PO4-eq) and land use (-2.7 vs. -1.8 m2). Adherence to the MedDiet partially mediated the association between intervention and reduction of acidification by 15 %, eutrophication by 10 % and land use by 10 %. Caloric reduction partially mediated the association with the same factors by 55 %, 51 % and 38 % respectively. In addition, adherence to the MedDiet fully mediated the association between intervention and reduction in GHG emissions by 56 % and energy use by 53 %. CONCLUSIONS: A nutritional intervention based on consumption of an energy-reduced MedDiet for one year was associated with an improvement in different environmental quality parameters.

Dietary intake of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and glucose homeostasis parameters in a non-diabetic senior population.

BACKGROUND: Endocrine disruptors (EDs) have emerged as potential contributors to the development of type-2 diabetes. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), is one of these EDs linked with chronic diseases and gathered attention due to its widespread in food. OBJECTIVE: To assess at baseline and after 1-year of follow-up associations between estimated dietary intake (DI) of PFOS, and glucose homeostasis parameters and body-mass-index (BMI) in a senior population of 4600 non-diabetic participants from the PREDIMED-plus study. METHODS: Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to assess associations between baseline PFOS-DI at lower bound (LB) and upper bound (UB) established by the EFSA, glucose homeostasis parameters and BMI. RESULTS: Compared to those in the lowest tertile, participants in the highest tertile of baseline PFOS-DI in LB and UB showed higher levels of HbA1c [ß-coefficient(CI)] [0.01 %(0.002 to 0.026), and [0.06 mg/dL(0.026 to 0.087), both p-trend ≤ 0.001], and fasting plasma glucose in the LB PFOS-DI [1.05 mg/dL(0.050 to 2.046),p-trend = 0.022]. Prospectively, a positive association between LB of PFOS-DI and BMI [0.06 kg/m2(0.014 to 0.106) per 1-SD increment of energy-adjusted PFOS-DI was shown. Participants in the top tertile showed an increase in HOMA-IR [0.06(0.016 to 0.097), p-trend = 0.005] compared to participants in the reference tertile after 1-year of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to explore the association between DI of PFOS and glucose homeostasis. In this study, a high baseline DI of PFOS was associated with a higher levels of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c and with an increase in HOMA-IR and BMI after 1-year of follow-up.

γ-Amino Alcohols via Energy Transfer Enabled Brook Rearrangement.

In the long-standing quest to synthesize fundamental building blocks with key functional group motifs, photochemistry in the recent past has comprehensively established its attractiveness. Amino alcohols are not only functionally diverse but are ubiquitous in the biologically active realm of compounds. We developed bench-stable bifunctional reagents that could then access the sparsely reported γ-amino alcohols directly from feedstock alkenes through energy transfer (EnT) photocatalysis. A designed 1,3-linkage across alkenes is made possible by the intervention of a radical Brook rearrangement that takes place downstream to the EnT-mediated homolysis of our reagent(s). A combination of experimental mechanistic investigations and detailed computational studies (DFT) indicates a radical chain propagated reaction pathway.

Associations of Alcohol Consumption With Left Atrial Morphology and Function in a Population at High Cardiovascular Risk.

BACKGROUND: Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. An enlarged left atrium and impaired left atrial function may lead to atrial fibrillation. The association of alcohol consumption with structural and functional left atrial measures, however, has received limited attention. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 503 participants from the PREDIMED-Plus (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial, a randomized trial testing intensive weight loss intervention with an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet and physical activity promotion in preventing cardiovascular disease in adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography at baseline, year 3, and year 5 of the study. Outcomes of interest included volume index and reservoir, conduit, and contractile strains of the left atrium. Alcohol consumption was calculated through food frequency questionnaires and presented as drinks consumed per day. Multiple linear regression and mixed models estimated the association of alcohol consumption with left atrial measurements at baseline and through follow-up. Cross-sectionally, higher alcohol consumption (per 1 drink/day increases) was associated with larger left atrial volume (0.65 mL/m2 [95% CI, 0.18-1.11]) and lower left atrial reservoir and contractile strain (-0.44% [95% CI, -0.87 to -0.01]; and -0.44% [95% CI, -0.75 to -0.14]). Baseline alcohol consumption was not associated with changes in left atrial measurements, but increases in alcohol consumption (per 1 drink/day increase) during follow-up were associated with left atrial enlargement (0.71 mL/m2 [95% CI, 0.17-1.26]). CONCLUSIONS: In a population at high cardiovascular risk, increased alcohol consumption was associated with left atrial enlargement and worsening atrial function. REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com; Unique identifier: ISRCTN89898870.

Morphological differentiation of peritumoral brain zone microglia.

The Peritumoral Brain Zone (PBZ) contributes to Glioblastoma (GBM) relapse months after the resection of the original tumor, which is influenced by a variety of pathological factors. Among those, microglia are recognized as one of the main regulators of GBM progression and probably relapse. Although microglial morphology has been analyzed inside GBM and its immediate surroundings, it has not been objectively characterized throughout the PBZ. Thus, we aimed to perform a thorough characterization of microglial morphology in the PBZ and its likely differentiation not just from the tumor-associated microglia but from control tissue microglia. For this purpose, Sprague Dawley rats were intrastriatally implanted with C6 cells to induce a GBM formation. Gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to locate the tumor and to define the PBZ (2 mm beyond the tumor border), thus delimitating the different regions of interest (ROIs: core tumoral zone and immediate interface; contralateral striatum as control). Brain slices were obtained and immunolabeled with the microglia marker Iba-1. Sixteen morphological parameters were measured for each cell, significative differences were found in all parameters when comparing the four ROIs. To determine if PBZ microglia could be morphologically differentiated from microglia in other ROIs, hierarchical clustering analysis was performed, revealing that microglia can be separated into four morphologically differentiated clusters, each of them mostly integrated by cells sampled in each ROI. Furthermore, a classifier based on linear discriminant analysis, including only three morphological parameters, categorized microglial cells across the studied ROIs and showed a gradual transition between them. The robustness of this classification was assessed through principal component analysis with the remaining 13 morphological parameters, corroborating the obtained results. Thus, in this study we provided objective and quantitative evidence that PBZ microglia represent a differentiable microglial morphotype that could contribute to the recurrence of GBM in this area.

Isocyanide-Based Multicomponent Reactions Coupled One-Pot Process: Efficient Tools to Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Structural Peptidomimetics.

Multicomponent diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) of conformationally anchored structural peptidomimetics like 2,5-diketopiperazines (2,5-DKP) containing heterocyclic bioisosteres of the amide bond, such as 1,2,3-triazoles and 1,5-disubstituted tetrazoles (1,5-DS-T) is described. Structural peptidomimetics are synthesized from similar available starting materials, via a strategy based on isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions (IMCRs): Ugi-4CR and Ugi-Azide (UA), followed by a one-pot process: SN2/intramolecular alkyne-azide cycloaddition (IAAC). The sequential aligning of two powerful synthetic tools (IMCR and IAAC) has parallelly contributed to generate anchored conformation and complexity in target molecules, which are considered structural peptidomimetics of 2,5-DKP. Herein, the 1,2,3-triazole ring plays a key role in the preference for the boat conformation. Furthermore, the use of UA reaction generates scaffold diversity at the N-1 α-carbon of the pyrazinone ring, replacing a linear amide bond with a heterocyclic bioisostere such as 1,5-DS-T leading to the synthesis of novel tricyclic peptidomimetics. The DFT calculations confirmed the boat conformation of the synthesized molecules.

Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of All-cis and All-trans Poly(p-phenylenevinylene).

Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) is a staple of the family of conjugated polymers with desirable optoelectronic properties for applications including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaic devices. Although the significant impact of olefin geometry on the steady-state optical properties of PPVs has been extensively studied, PPVs with precise stereochemistry have yet to be investigated using nonlinear optical spectroscopy for quantum sensing, as well as light harvesting for biological applications. Herein, we report our investigation of the influence of olefin stereochemistry on both linear and nonlinear optical properties through the synthesis of all-cis and all-trans PPV copolymers. We performed two-photon absorption (TPA) using a classical and entangled light source and compared both classical TPA and entangled two-photon absorption (ETPA) cross sections of these stereodefined PPVs. Whereas the TPA cross section of the all-trans PPV was expectedly higher than that of all-cis PPV, presumably because of the larger transition dipole moment, the opposite trend was measured via ETPA, with the all-cis PPV exhibiting the highest ETPA cross section. DFT calculations suggest that this difference might stem from the interaction of entangled photons with lower-lying electronic states in the all-cis PPV variant. Additionally, we explored the photoinduced processes for both cis and trans PPVs through time-resolved fluorescence upconversion and femtosecond transient absorption techniques. This study revealed that the sensitivity of PPVs in two-photon absorption varies with classical versus quantum light and can be modulated through the control of the geometry of the repeating alkenes, which is a key stepping stone toward their use in quantum sensing, bioimaging, and the design of polymer-based light-harvesting systems.

A massive galaxy that formed its stars at z ≈ 11.

The formation of galaxies by gradual hierarchical co-assembly of baryons and cold dark matter halos is a fundamental paradigm underpinning modern astrophysics1,2 and predicts a strong decline in the number of massive galaxies at early cosmic times3-5. Extremely massive quiescent galaxies (stellar masses of more than 1011 M⊙) have now been observed as early as 1-2 billion years after the Big Bang6-13. These galaxies are extremely constraining on theoretical models, as they had formed 300-500 Myr earlier, and only some models can form massive galaxies this early12,14. Here we report on the spectroscopic observations with the JWST of a massive quiescent galaxy ZF-UDS-7329 at redshift 3.205 ± 0.005. It has eluded deep ground-based spectroscopy8, it is significantly redder than is typical and its spectrum reveals features typical of much older stellar populations. Detailed modelling shows that its stellar population formed around 1.5 billion years earlier in time (z ≈ 11) at an epoch when dark matter halos of sufficient hosting mass had not yet assembled in the standard scenario4,5. This observation may indicate the presence of undetected populations of early galaxies and the possibility of significant gaps in our understanding of early stellar populations, galaxy formation and the nature of dark matter.

Validation of Echocardiographic Measurements in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism in the RIETE Registry.

Background In acute pulmonary embolism (PE), echocardiographic identification of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction will inform prognostication and clinical decision-making. Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbolica (RIETE) is the world's largest registry of patients with objectively confirmed PE. The reliability of site-reported RV echocardiographic measurements is unknown. We aimed to validate site-reported key RV echocardiographic measurements in the RIETE registry. Methods Fifty-one randomly chosen patients in RIETE who had transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) performed for acute PE were included. TTEs were de-identified and analyzed by a core laboratory of two independent observers blinded to site-reported data. To investigate reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots between the two observers, and between an average of the two observers and the RIETE site-reported data were obtained. Results Core laboratory interobserver variations were very limited with correlation coefficients >0.8 for all TTE parameters. Agreement was substantial between core laboratory observers and site-reported data for key parameters including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (ICC 0.728; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.594-0.862) and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (ICC 0.726; 95% CI, 0.601-0.852). Agreement on right-to-left ventricular diameter ratio (ICC 0.739; 95% CI, 0.443-1.000) was validated, although missing data limited the precision of the estimates. Bland-Altman plots showed differences close to zero. Conclusion We showed substantial reliability of key RV site-reported measurements in the RIETE registry. Ascertaining the validity of such data adds confidence and reliability for subsequent investigations.

Novel vaccine candidates of Bordetella pertussis identified by reverse vaccinology.

Whooping cough is a disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, whose morbidity has increased, motivating the improvement of current vaccines. Reverse vaccinology is a strategy that helps identify proteins with good characteristics fast and with fewer resources. In this work, we applied reverse vaccinology to study the B. pertussis proteome and pangenome with several in-silico tools. We analyzed the B. pertussis Tohama I proteome with NERVE software and compared 234 proteins with B. parapertussis, B. bronchiseptica, and B. holmessi. VaxiJen was used to calculate an antigenicity value; our threshold was 0.6, selecting 84 proteins. The candidates were depurated and grouped in eight family proteins to select representative candidates, according to bibliographic information and their immunological response predicted with ABCpred, Bcepred, IgPred, and C-ImmSim. Additionally, a pangenome study was conducted with 603 B. pertussis strains and PanRV software, identifying 3421 core proteins that were analyzed to select the best candidates. Finally, we selected 15 proteins from the proteome study and seven proteins from the pangenome analysis as good vaccine candidates.

Does the union always make the force? Group status and recategorization influence the perceived physical formidability of potential coalition groups.

Coalitions among individuals and between groups, which have had critical evolutionary benefits for humans, play an important role in contemporary life. One key element of the processes of assessing potential allies is how they may contribute to the perceived physical formidability - fighting ability or the capacity to inflict costs on others - of the alliance. In three studies, focused for the first time on intergroup coalitions, we investigated how qualities of the groups such as status (social prestige) and the relationship between them influence the perceived physical formidability of a coalition (i.e., European Union, EU). Study 1 found that the inclusion of a group with higher or similar (but not lower) status increased the perceived formidability of the EU. Studies 2 and 3 showed that learning that ingroup members recategorized a low-status group within a common-group identity increased the perceived formidability of the EU including that group, compared with the conditions in which either outgroup members recategorized or no information was provided. Study 3 also revealed mediation by fusion - a visceral connection - with outgroup members, which has been relatively unexplored. Taken together, these studies reveal that both, status and social identity processes, may significantly affect the estimations of coalitional formidability.

Coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with long-term depressive symptoms in Spanish older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has serious physiological and psychological consequences. The long-term (>12 weeks post-infection) impact of COVID-19 on mental health, specifically in older adults, is unclear. We longitudinally assessed the association of COVID-19 with depression symptomatology in community-dwelling older adults with metabolic syndrome within the framework of the PREDIMED-Plus cohort. METHODS: Participants (n = 5486) aged 55-75 years were included in this longitudinal cohort. COVID-19 status (positive/negative) determined by tests (e.g. polymerase chain reaction severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, IgG) was confirmed via event adjudication (410 cases). Pre- and post-COVID-19 depressive symptomatology was ascertained from annual assessments conducted using a validated 21-item Spanish Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models assessed the association between COVID-19 and depression symptomatology. RESULTS: COVID-19 in older adults was associated with higher post-COVID-19 BDI-II scores measured at a median (interquartile range) of 29 (15-40) weeks post-infection [fully adjusted ß = 0.65 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-1.15; p = 0.011]. This association was particularly prominent in women (ß = 1.38 points, 95% CI 0.44-2.33, p = 0.004). COVID-19 was associated with 62% increased odds of elevated depression risk (BDI-II ≥ 14) post-COVID-19 when adjusted for confounders (odds ratio; 95% CI 1.13-2.30, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 was associated with long-term depression risk in older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome, particularly in women. Thus, long-term evaluations of the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and preventive public health initiatives are warranted in older adults.