Prospective Cohort Investigation on Physical Activity of Osteoporosis Outcomes(PAOPO)in Jidong:Objectives,Study Design,and Baseline Characteristics

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prospective association between physical activity(PA),independently or in conjunction with other contributing factors,and osteoporosis(OP)outcomes.Methods The Physical Activity in Osteoporosis Outcomes(PAOPO)study was a community-based cohort investigation.A structured questionnaire was used to gather the participants’sociodemographic characteristics.Bone mineral density(BMD)measurements were performed to assess OP outcomes,and the relationship between BMD and OP was evaluated within this cohort.Results From 2013 to 2014,8,471 participants aged 18 years and older were recruited from Tangshan,China’s Jidong community.Based on their PA level,participants were categorized as inactive,moderately active,or very active.Men showed higher physical exercise levels than women across the activity groups.BMD was significantly higher in the very active group than in the moderately active and inactive groups.Individuals aged>50 years are at a higher risk of developing OP and osteopenia.Conclusion The PAOPO study offers promising insights into the relationship between PA and OP outcomes,encouraging the implementation of PA in preventing and managing OP.

Plant-based dietary patterns and risk of esophageal cancer:A prospective cohort study spanning 17 years

Objective: Plant-based diets have multiple health benefits for cancers;however, little is known about the association between plant-based dietary patterns and esophageal cancer(EC).This study presents an investigation of the prospective associations among three predefined indices of plant-based dietary patterns and the risk of EC.Methods: We performed endoscopic screening for 15,709 participants aged 40-69 years from two high-risk areas of China from January 2005 to December 2009 and followed the cohort until December 31, 2022. The overall plant-based diet index(PDI), healthful plant-based diet index(h PDI), and unhealthful plant-based diet index(u PDI), were calculated using survey responses to assess dietary patterns. We applied Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate the multivariable hazard ratios(HRs) and 95% confidence intervals(95% CIs) of EC across 3plant-based diet indices and further stratified the analysis by subgroups.Results: The final study sample included 15,184 participants in the cohort. During a follow-up of 219,365person-years, 176 patients with EC were identified. When the highest quartile was compared with the lowest quartile, the pooled multivariable-adjusted HR of EC was 0.50(95% CI, 0.32-0.77) for h PDI. In addition, the HR per 10-point increase in the h PDI score was 0.42(95% CI, 0.27-0.66) for ECs. Conversely, u PDI was positively associated with the risk of EC, and the HR was 1.80(95% CI, 1.16-2.82). The HR per 10-point increase in the u PDI score was 1.90(95% CI, 1.26-2.88) for ECs. The associations between these scores and the risk of EC were consistent in most subgroups. These results remained robust in sensitivity analyses.Conclusions: A healthy plant-based dietary pattern was associated with a reduced risk of EC. Emphasizing the healthiness and quality of plant-based diets may be important for preventing the development of EC.

Mental emotional disorder is a predictor of stroke incidence in adults:Ten year results of the Bogor Cohort Study on Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors in Indonesia

Objective:To determine the stroke predictors for the 10-year of follow-up in Bogor City,Indonesia.Methods:The prospective study analyzed the data of 4445 stroke-free subjects aged 25 years and above that was part of"the Bogor Cohort Study on Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors".Data were collected by interview method with structured questionnaires,physical measurements three times a year,and laboratory examination every two years during a 10-year follow-up(2011-2021,without examination in 2020).The incidence of stroke is based on anamnesis results and examination by a neurologist.Other stroke predictor variables include characteristics,biological conditions,and risk behavior.We analysed 4445 stroke-free samples with Cox proportional hazard regression test.Results:During the 10-year observation,stroke incidence was 440 person-years per 100000 population(95%CI 370-530).During the follow-up of ten years,the main predictor of stroke was mental-emotional disorders with HR 4.2(95%CI 2.8-6.3)after adjustment by age,hypertension,obesity,abdominal obesity,and high LDL-cholesterol levels.Conclusions:Mental-emotional disorders are the strongest predictor of stroke incidence.Hence,psychological factors must be controlled in a stroke prevention program.

Homocysteinemia and Depression in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Cohort Longitudinal Study “InveCeAb” (Brain Aging in Abbiategrasso)

Depression is a major health problem, especially for elderly people. According to the “homocysteine hypothesis of depression”, high homocysteine levels may cause depression of mood via cerebrovascular diseases. Whilst biologically plausible, such hypothesis needs yet confirmation. We aimed at: 1) studying the relationships between homocysteinemia (HCY) and depression in a community-dwelling cohort of people aged 70 to 75 years at baseline;2) investigating plasma levels of HCY and 3) comparing these levels between males and females, in the same population. We exploited the data from four waves (2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018) of the longitudinal study “InveCeAb”, with specific regard towards mood assessment, by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scoring, and diagnosis of clinically relevant or subthreshold depression. HCY plasma levels were measured in the waves 2012, 2014 and 2018. Sample attrition was due mainly to death or overall worsening. No statistically significant differences were found in plasma homocysteine levels in each wave, according to depressive symptoms. No correlations were found between plasma HCY levels in each wave with their corresponding GDS scores, even after adjustment for folate and cobalamin blood concentrations. Dichotomized levels of HCY (≤15 vs >15 μM/l) were not associated with dichotomized GDS scores (≤4 vs higher), clinically relevant and subthreshold depression diagnosis and any antidepressive use, in any wave. First (2012) HCY levels increased with participants’ increasing age, cross-sectionally. Listwise HCY concentrations decreased along the 3 waves. HCY levels were always higher in males than in females. Our results may challenge the “homocysteine hypothesis” of depression, whilst supporting the role of high homocysteinemia as a marker of overall bad health.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of autoimmune pancreatitis based on serum immunoglobulin G4 level:A single-center,retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)has been linked with elevated immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 levels.The characteristics and outcomes of AIP based on serum markers have not been fully evaluated.AIM To compare clinical features,treatment efficacy,and outcome of AIP based on serum IgG4 levels and analyze predictors of relapse.METHODS A total of 213 patients with AIP were consecutively reviewed in our hospital from 2006 to 2021.According to the serum IgG4 level,all patients were divided into two groups,the abnormal group(n=148)with a high level of IgG4[>2×upper limit of normal(ULN)]and the normal group(n=65).The t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables.Categorical parameters were compared by theχ^(2) test or Fisher’s exact test.Kaplan-Meier curves Zhou GZ et al.Clinical characteristics and outcome of AIP WJG https://www.wjgnet.com 5126 September 21,2023 Volume 29 Issue 35 and log-rank tests were established to assess the cumulative relapse rates.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate potential risk factors of AIP relapse.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the abnormal group had a higher average male age(60.3±10.4 vs 56.5±12.9 years,P=0.047);higher level of serum total protein(72.5±7.9 g/L vs 67.2±7.5 g/L,P<0.001),IgG4(1420.5±1110.9 mg/dL vs 252.7±106.6 mg/dL,P<0.001),and IgE(635.6±958.1 IU/mL vs 231.7±352.5 IU/mL,P=0.002);and a lower level of serum complement C3(100.6±36.2 mg/dL vs 119.0±45.7 mg/dL,P=0.050).In addition,a lower number of cases with abnormal pancreatic duct and pancreatic atrophy(23.6%vs 37.9%,P=0.045;1.6%vs 8.6%,P=0.020,respectively)and a higher rate of relapse(17.6%vs 6.2%,P=0.030)were seen in the abnormal group.Multivariate analyses revealed that serum IgG4[(>2×ULN),hazard ratio(HR):3.583;95%confidence interval(CI):1.218–10.545;P=0.020]and IgA(>1×ULN;HR:5.908;95%CI:1.199–29.120;P=0.029)and age>55 years(HR:2.383;95%CI:1.056–5.378;P=0.036)were independent risk factors of relapse.CONCLUSION AIP patients with high IgG4 levels have clinical features including a more active immune system and higher relapse rate.Several factors,such as IgG4 and IgA,are associated with relapse.

Midday Napping,Nighttime Sleep,and Mortality:Prospective Cohort Evidence in China

Objective In developed countries,midday napping and nighttime sleep duration have been linked to long-term survival;however,little is known about such effects in less developed regions.Therefore,this study aimed to assess the associations of midday napping and nocturnal sleep with mortality in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.Methods A nationwide cohort of 15,524 adults aged≥45 years was enrolled from 28 provincial regions across China's Mainland and followed up from 2011 to 2018,using data from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.Midday napping and nighttime sleep duration were assessed using standardized questionnaires.Cox proportional hazards models with random intercepts for the surveyed provinces were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs)of all-cause mortality,adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics,behavioral factors,and health status.Results A total of 1,745 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 7.1 years,and the mean(standard deviation)age was 59(10.1)years at baseline.Compared with non-nappers,over 60 min nappers had a higher risk of all-cause mortality[HR:1.35,95%confidence interval(CI):1.17–1.56],while no significant associations were observed among<30 min nappers.Compared with sleep duration of 6–8 h/night,both short(<6 h)and long(≥8 h)sleep duration were significantly associated with increased mortality,with corresponding HR(95%CI)estimates of 1.21(1.05–1.38)and 1.26(1.10–1.44),respectively.We observed significant patterns for greater risks associated with longer nap duration,with a Ptrend value<0.001 for all-cause mortality.No significant evidence of an additive interaction was identified between midday napping and nighttime sleep.Conclusion Long midday napping and inappropriate nighttime sleep were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older Chinese populations.Biological studies are needed to validate our findings and clarify the mechanisms underlying this association.

Stair climbing,genetic predisposition,and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes:A large population-based prospective cohort study

Background:Cross-sectional evidence and small-scale trials suggest positive effects of stair climbing on cardiometabolic disease and glucose regulation.However,few studies have examined the long-term association between stair climbing and the incidence of type 2 diabetes(T2D).We aimed to prospectively evaluate the association of stair climbing with T2D and assess modifications by genetic predisposition to T2D.Methods:We included 451,699 adults(mean age=56.3±8.1 years,mean±SD;55.2%females)without T2D at baseline in the UK Biobank and followed up to March 31,2021.Stair climbing information was collected through the touchscreen questionnaire.Genetic risk score for T2D consisted of 424 single nucleotide polymorphisms.Results:During a median follow up of 12.1 years,14,896 T2D cases were documented.Compared with participants who reported no stair climbing,those who climbed stairs regularly had a lower risk of incident T2D(10-50 steps/day:hazard ratio(HR)=0.95,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.89-1.00;60-100 steps/day:HR=0.92,95%CI:0.87-0.98;110-150 steps/day:HR=0.86,95%CI:0.80-0.91;>150 steps/day:HR=0.93,95%CI:0.87-0.99,p for trend=0.0007).We observed a significant interaction between stair climbing and genetic risk score on the subsequent T2D risk(p for interaction=0.0004),where the risk of T2D showed a downward trend in subjects with low genetic risk and those who reported stair climbing activity of 110-150 steps/day appeared to have the lowest overall T2D risk among those with intermediate to high genetic risk.Conclusion:A higher number of stairs climbed at home was associated with lower T2D incidence risk,especially among individuals with a low genetic predisposition to T2D.These findings highlight that stair climbing,as incidental physical activity,offers a simple and low-cost complement to public health interventions for T2D prevention.

The relationship between physical activity in early pregnancy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a cohort study in Chinese women

BACKGROUND:We aimed to examine prospective associations between diff erent intensities and diff erent types of physical activity(PA)in early pregnancy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy(HDP)among Chinese women.METHODS:A total of 6,820 pregnant women from the Tongji-Shuangliu Birth Cohort were included in this study.The pregnancy physical activity questionnaire(PPAQ)was used to assess PA,including household/caregiving,occupational,sports/exercise,and transportation activities in the first trimester of pregnancy.The diagnosis of HDP was collected,including gestational hypertension(GH)and preeclampsia(PE).Data were analyzed by unconditional multivariate logistic regression,and the odds ratio(OR)and 95%confi dence interval(CI)were calculated.RESULTS:A total of 178(2.6%)of the 6,820 women were diagnosed with HDP,of which 126(1.8%)were GH and 52(0.8%)were PE.Overall,we found no association between PA in early pregnancy and PE.A trend toward lower risk was found only among women with GH and among those with higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity(MVPA)(adjusted OR 0.54,95%CI 0.31–0.96).No association was observed between PA and HDP in early pregnancy,regardless of diff erent intensities or types of PA.CONCLUSION:MVPA in the first trimester is an influencing factor of HDP.Encouraging pregnant women to engage in MVPA in the fi rst trimester may help to prevent GH.

Edible mushrooms as a potent therapeutics of subclinical thyroid dysfunction among adults,especially in obese individuals:a prospective cohort study

Background:Mushrooms are a good source of many nutrients which are potentially beneficial for chronic diseases.We speculated that due to its abundant nutrients edible mushrooms might have a beneficial effect on the prevention of subclinical thyroid dysfunction(SCTD).Therefore,we designed a large-scale cohort study to examine whether mushrooms consumption is a protective factor for SCTD in adults.Methods:This prospective cohort study investigated 6631 participants(mean age:(45.0±10.2)years;55.1%men).Edible mushrooms consumption was measured at baseline using a validated food frequency questionnaire.SCTD was defined as abnormal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and normal free thyroxine.Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of edible mushrooms consumption with incident SCTD.Results:During follow-up period,a total of 262 new cases of SCTD were identified,the incidence rate of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8.9/1000 person-years and subclinical hyperthyroidism was 7.2/1000 person-years.After adjusting potential confounding factors,the multivariable hazard ratios(95%confidence intervals)for subclinical hypothyroidism were 1.00(reference)for almost never,0.53(0.29,0.97)for 1-3 times/week and 0.30(0.10,0.87)for≥4 times/week(P for trend=0.02).It also showed edible mushrooms consumption was inversely associated with subclinical hypothyroidism in obese individuals but not non-obese individuals,the final hazard ratios(95%confidence intervals)were 0.14(0.03,0.73)(P for trend<0.01).Conclusions:This population-based prospective cohort study has firstly demonstrated that higher edible mushrooms consumption was significantly associated with lower incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism among general adult population,especially in obese individuals.

Who Is More Vulnerable?The Age-Period-Cohort Effect of Psychological Distress among Urban Residents in China

How does psychological distress evolve over time?This study utilizes cross-sectional data from the China General Social Survey from 2010 to 2017 to explore the differences in psychological distress among Chinese residents at various ages,periods,and cohorts.The dummy variable method and random effects hierarchical age-period-cohort model were employed to isolate the age,period,and cohort effects that impacted the psychological distress of Chinese urban residents.First,in terms of the age effect,the psychological distress experienced by residents tends to increase initially and then decrease with age.Middle-aged individuals,around 40 years old,often face a particularly severe form of psychological distress known as the“midlife crisis.”Additionally,middle-aged people who have larger families may experience more significant psychological distress due to increased family burdens.Second,in terms of the period effect,the psychological distress experienced by residents has been on the rise due to the continued development of society.Those who are at a disadvantage in market competition and work longer hours may be particularly vulnerable to increased psychological distress.Thirdly,the cohort effect refers to the different social behaviors and attitudes exhibited by individuals of different generations.In terms of this effect,psychological distress initially decreased and then increased among those born between 1945 and 1990.Individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s experienced higher levels of psychological distress,with internet use having a greater negative impact.Additionally,the positive effect of income on their psychological distress was reduced.The psychological distress of Chinese urban residents is affected by a variety of time-related factors,which are closely related to Chinese clan culture,market competition and social changes.The heavy family burden imposed by traditional clan culture,the different working conditions created by market competition,and the emergence of new lifestyles,such as internet use during social changes,have led to diverse psychological distress experiences among residents across different ages,time periods,and cohorts.In the future,longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen the robustness of the conclusions and consider the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Mental health support should pay specific attention to the psychological distress of middle-aged individuals,long-time workers,and internet users.

LipoCol Forte capsules reduce the risk of liver cancer:A propensity score-matched,nationwide,population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is among the top five most common cancers globally. Lipid-lowering drugs such as statins can lower the risk of liver cancer, but may also cause liver damage. LipoCol Forte capsules(LFC), a red yeast rice product, have demonstrated significant antihypercholesterolemic effects and a good safety profile in clinical studies.AIM To evaluate whether LFC lowers the risk of liver cancer in adults in this propensity score-matched, nationwide, population-based cohort study.METHODS We used data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, which includes electronic medical records for up to 99.99% of Taiwan’s population. LFC users and LFC non-users were matched 1:1 by propensity scores between January 2010 and December 2017. All had followup data for at least 1 year. Statistical analyses compared demographic distributions including sex, age, comorbidities, and prescribed medications. Cox regression analyses estimated adjusted hazard ratios(aHRs) after adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTS We enrolled 33231 LFC users and 33231 non-LFC users(controls). No significant differences between the study cohorts were identified regarding comorbidities and medications [standardized mean difference(SMD) < 0.05]. At follow-up, the overall incidence of liver cancer was significantly lower in the LFC cohort compared with controls [aHR 0.91;95% confidence interval(CI): 0.86-0.95;P < 0.001]. The risk of liver cancer was significantly reduced in both females(aHR 0.87;95%CI: 0.8-0.94;P < 0.001) and males(aHR 0.93;95%CI: 0.87-0.98;P < 0.01) in the LFC cohort compared with their counterparts in the non-LFC cohort. The antitumor protective effects applied to patients with comorbidities(including hypertension, ischemic stroke, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis B infection and hepatitis C infection). Those using LFC for more than 84 drug days had a 0.64-fold lower risk of liver cancer compared with controls(P < 0.001). Compared with controls, the risk of developing liver cancer in the LFC cohort progressively decreased over time;the lowest incidence of liver cancer occurred in LFC users followed-up for more than 6 years(27.44 vs 31.49 per 1,000 person-years;aHR 0.75;95%CI: 0.68-0.82;P < 0.001).CONCLUSION This retrospective cohort study indicates that LFC has a significantly protective effect on lowering the risk of liver cancer, in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner.

Acupuncture for stroke cohort construction:a protocol describing a multicenter,prospective,real-world cohort construction study

Background:Acupuncture for stroke has been endorsed by the World Health Organization,and the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke 2018 lists acupuncture for stroke as a Level II recommendation with Level B evidence.The efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke needs to be approved by more high-quality studies.However,there are currently no real-world studies of acupuncture for stroke.Methods:Stroke patients who meet the study criteria and are hospitalized from February 2021 to March 2022 in 23 medical institutions across China,including the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine.The number of patients planned to be recruited is 3,000.Due to the impact of COVID-19,we have applied to the competent authorities for an extension(recruit patients until December 2022).Basic patient information and treatment information will be registered at admission,at discharge,and on the following dates after the onset of the disease:90±7 days,180±7 days,and 360±7 days after the onset of the disease.Establish a database for statistical analysis.Discussion:This study proposes to conduct a prospective cohort study of acupuncture intervention for stroke in a real-world medical setting.Analysis of the effect pattern of acupuncture intervention on the recovery of neurological function system and swallowing disorder in stroke patients.Evaluate the long-term effects of acupuncture intervention for stroke and recurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of a cohort of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were retrospectively analyzed by chart review. In 95 cases (72 males and 23 females) sufficient data were available for analysis. Twenty five (29%) of 85 patients were HBsAg or anti HBc positive, 21/85 (25%) were anti HCV positive, and 6/85 (7%) were positive for both HBV and HCV-markers. Age was significantly lower in HBV positive patients than in the other two groups. Thirty one (34%) of 90 patients had histories of alcohol abuse. In 79/94 (84%) patients, cirrhosis was diagnosed. Of these cirrhotic patients, 29/79 (37%) belonged to Child Pugh's group (CHILD) A, 32/79 (40%) to CHILD B, and 18/79 (23%) to CHILD C. AFP was elevated in 61/91 (67%) patients. A single tumor nodule was found in 38/94 (40%), more than one nodule in 31/94 (34%), and 25/94 (26%) had a diffusely infiltrating tumor, i.e. the tumor margins could not be seen on imaging procedures. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 19/94 (20%). Imaging data consistent with lymph node metastases were found in 10/92 (11%), while distant metastases were found in 8/93 (9%). According to Okuda 28/94 (30%) were grouped to stage I, 53/94 (56%) were grouped to stage II, and 13/94 (14%) were grouped to stage II. Survival data were available for 83 patients. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for median survival was 8 4 months. Factors influencing survival were the Okuda score, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, and the presence of ascites. The presence of non complicated liver cirrhosis by itself, distant metastases, or infection with hepatitis viruses did not influence survival. AFP positivity by itself did not influence survival, though patients with an AFP value greater than 100 microg/L did experience shortened survival. Treatment besides tamoxifen or supportive care was associated with prolonged survival. The influence of therapy on survival was most pronounced in Okuda stage II patients. There was longer survival in those Okuda stage II patients who were treated with percutaneous ethanol injection. CONCLUSION: Even in a low incidence area such as Germany, the majority of HCC is caused by viral hepatitis and therefore potentially preventable. Reflecting the high proportion of advanced stage tumors in our patients, the median survival was poor. Patients who received active therapy had a longer survival.

A 12-year cohort study on the efficacy of plasmaderived hepatitis B vaccine in rural newborns

AIM To understand the anti-HBs persistenceand the long-term preventive efficacy in ruralnewborns after vaccination with plasma-derivedhepatitis B vaccine.METHODS In the time of expanded program onimmunization(EPI),the newborns werevaccinated with 10μg×3 doses of hepatitis Bvaccine and 762 newborns who were HBsAgnegative after primary immunization wereselected for cohort observation from 1986 to1998.Their serum samples were detectedqualitatively and quantitatively for hepatitis Binfecting markers,including HBsAg,anti-HBsand anti-HBc by SPRIA Kits.The annual HBsAgpositive conversion rate was counted by life-table method.RESULTS①The anti-HBs positive rate was94.44% for the babies born to HBsAg negativemothers and 84.21% for those born to HBsAgpositive mothers in the 1st year afterimmunization,and dropped to 51.31% and52.50% in the 12th year respectively.GMT valuewas dropped from 31.62 to 3.13 and 23.99 to 3.65in the 2nd to the 12th year respectively.Therewas a marked drop in GMT at the 3rd to the 5thyear,and in anti-HBs positive rate at the 9th tothe 10th year.②In the period of 12 yearsobservation,the person-year HBsAg positive conversion rates were 0.12%(5/4150.0)innewborns born to HBsAg negative mothers and0.20%(1/508.0)in those born to HBsAgpositive mothers,and none of the HBsAgpositive converted children became HBsAgchronic carriers.Compared with the baselinebefore immunization,the protective rates were97.19% and 95.32% respectively.CONCLUSION The protective efficacy ofplasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine persisted atleast 12 years,and a booster dose seems notnecessary within at least 12 years after theprimary three-doses immunization to newbornsborn to HBsAg negative mothers.

Effect of exposure to ambient PM2.5 pollution on the risk of respiratory tract diseases： a meta-analysis of cohort studies

The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization have designated airborne particulates, including particulates of median aerodynamic diameter 〈 2.5 gm （PM2.5）, as Group 1 carcinogens. It has not been determined, however, whether exposure to ambient PM2.5 is associated with an increase in respiratory related diseases. This meta-analysis assessed the association between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter （PM2.5） and the risk of respiratory tract diseases, using relevant articles extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. In results, of the 1,126 articles originally identified, 35 （3.1%） were included in this meta-analysis. PM2.5 was found to be associated with respiratory tract diseases. After subdivision by age group, respiratory tract disease, and continent, PM2.5 was strongly associated with respiratory tract diseases in children, in persons with cough, lower respiratory illness, and wheezing, and in individuals from North America, Europe, and Asia. The risk of respiratory tract diseases was greater for exposure to traffic-related than non-traffic-related air pollution. In children, the pooled relative risk （RR） represented significant increases in wheezing （8.2%）, cough （7.5%）, and lower respiratory illness （15.3%）. The pooled RRs in children were 1.091 （95%CI： 1.049, 1.135） for exposure to 〈 25 gg/m3 PM2.5, and 1.126 （95%CI： 1.067, l. 190） for exposure to 〉 25 gg/m3 PM2.5. In conclusion, exposure to ambient PM2.5 was significantly associated with the development of respiratory tract diseases, especially in children exposed to high concentrations of PM2.5.

Silicosis in Automobile Foundry Workers: A 29-Year Cohort Study

Objectives The purposes were to determine the relationship between silicosis among foundry workers and their cumulative exposure to silica dust, and to establish a regression model to predict the risk for developing silicosis by a given length of employment and air concentrations of silica at worksites. Methods A 29-year cohort study was conducted, including all those employed for more than one year during January 1, 1980 to December 31, 1996 and all members of the cohort were followed-up to December 3 1, 2008. In total, 2 009 workers of an automobile foundry in Shiyan, Hubei province were recruited in the study, 1 300 at eight worksites including sand preparation, cast shakeout, and finishing, melting, moulding, core-making, overhead crane operation and pouring as exposed group, and the other 709 auxiliary workers at the same factory, such as electricians, inspectors, fitters, and so on, as control group. Person-years of observation were calculated by persons observed and years followed-up for each of them. Person-year incidence of silicosis and its relative risk （RR） or odds ratio （OR） and 95% confidence intervals （CI） among the workers were estimated, adjusted for relevant factors with logistic regression model using SPSS version 15.0 software. Results Totally, 2 009 workers were followed-up for 37 151 person-years and 48 cases of silicosis were found, with an overall incidence of 1.34 per thousand, 2.02 per thousand in exposed group, and 0.15 per thousand in control one. Risk of silicosis was significantly higher in the exposed group than that in the control one （RR=13.13, 95% CI 3.18-54.13）, higher in men than that in women （RR=13.92, 95% CI 1.92-100.93）. Risks of silicosis varied by job, highest in those exposed to cast shakeout and finishing （RR=28.14, 95% CI 6.43-123.11）, followed by those exposed to pouring （RR-22.23, 95% CI 5.01-98.55） in the foundry. Average length of employment at onset of silicosis was 25.94 years, and silicosis incidence increased with length of employment. Average age at onset of silicosis was 47.83 years old. The risk of silicosis in workers with pulmonary tuberculosis was 2.57 folds as those without it （P〈0.01）. Ten deaths were recorded in those with silicosis, with a case-fatality rate of 20.83 percent three of them died of lung cancer, three of liver cancer, two of ischemic heart disease, and two of other diseases as their immediate causes of death. Incidence of silicosis in foundry workers positively correlated with their cumulative silica exposure （OR-3.00, 95% CI 2.34-3.83）. Risks of silicosis increased by 4.38 folds with an increase of 1 mg/m^3-year of cumulative silica exposure, and by 3.79 folds with smoking, respectively, adjusted for alcohol drinking and age. Based on a logistic regression model fitted, incidence of silicosis is expected to be 44.6 per thousand for those with daily exposure to silica of 4.18 mg/m^3 in average for 30 years, and if incidence of silicosis is expected to be less than 1 per thousand, daily exposure to silica should be controlled below 0.2 mg/m^3 for those with 20 years of employment, or below 0.1 mg/m^3 for those with 30 or 40 years of silica exposure. Conclusions At present, foundry workers in China still face high risk of developing silicosis. For lowering occurrence of silicosis in exposed workers, it seems necessary that current occupational exposure limits for silica at worksites in China should be reexamined and silica dust control measures be strengthend.

Reduction of the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer bypolypectomy:a prospective cohort study in Haining County

AIM: To reduce the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer and address the hypothesis that colorectal cancer often arise from precursor lesion(s), either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, by conducting a population-based mass screening for colorectal cancer in Haining County, Zhejiang, PRC. METHODS: From 1977 to 1980, physicians screened the population of Haining County using 15 cm rigid endoscopy. Of over 240000 participants, 4076 of them were diagnosed with precursor lesions, either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, which were then removed surgically. All individuals with precursor lesions were followed up and reexamined by endoscopy every two to five years up to 1998. RESULTS: After the initial screening, 953 metachronous adenomas and 417 non-adenomatous polyps were detected and removed from the members of this cohort. Further, 27 cases of colorectal cancer were detected and treated. Log-rank tests showed that the survival time among those cancer patients who under went mass screening increased significantly compared to that of other colorectal cancer patients (P【0.0001). According to the population-based cancer registry in Haining County, age-adjusted incidence and mortality of rectal cancer decreased by 41% and 29% from 1977-1981 to 1992-1996, respectively. Observed cumulative 20-year rectal cancer incidence was 31% lower than the expected in the screened group; the mortality due to rectal cancer was 18% lower than the expected in the screened group. CONCLUSION:Mass screening for rectal cancer and precursor lesions with protocoscopy in the general population and periodical following-up with routine endoscopy for high-risk patients may decrease both the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer.

Obesity and colorectal cancer risk: A meta-analysis of cohort studies

TO evaluate the association between obesity and colorectal cancer risk. METHODS： We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to January 1, 2007. Cohort studies permitting the assessment of causal association between obesity and colorectal cancer, with clear definition of obesity and well-defined outcome of colorectal cancer were eligible. Study design, sample size at baseline, mean follow-up time, co-activators and study results were extracted. Pooled standardized effect sizes were calculated.

Nickel-exposed Workers in China: A Cohort Study

There are more than S0 000 workers in Jinchuan Group Co, Ltd （JNMC）. Since all staff in JNMC are eligible for a medical examination every two years, only 23 484 nickel-exposed subjects who participated in medical examination were included in this study. Their data, collected from June 22, 2011 to September 28, 2012, in a comprehensive epidemiological survey and during medical examinations, permitted an extensive evaluation of the relation between metal exposure, gene, epigenetics and risk of human diseases. Their lifestyle investigation showed that the overall prevalence of current smokers, alcohol drinkers, and tea drinkers was 39.1%, 19.7%, and 55.2%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, allergic rhinitis and cholecystitis, the top 3 prevalent diseases, was 11.7%, 11.0%, and 8.9%, respectively.

Alcohol Drinking, Dyslipidemia, and Diabetes： A Population-based Prospective Cohort Study among Inner Mongolians in China

Objective No previous studies have evaluated the association between dyslipidemia, alcohol drinking, and diabetes in an Inner Mongolian population. We aimed to evaluate the co-effects of drinking and dyslipidemia on diabetes incidence in this population. Methods The present study was based on 1880 participants from a population-based prospective cohort study among Inner Mongolians living in China. Participants were classified into four subgroups according to their drinking status and dyslipidemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves were used to evaluate the association between alcohol drinking, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Results During the follow-up period, 203 participants were found to have developed diabetes. The multiva riable-adjusted odds ratios （95% confidence interval） for the incidence of non-dyslipidemia/drinkers, dyslipidemia/non-drinkers, and dyslipidemia/drinkers in diabetic patients were 1.40 （0.82-2.37）, 1.73 （1.17-2.55）, and 2.31 （1.38-3.87）, respectively, when compared with non-dyslipidemia/non-drinkers. The area under the ROC curve for a model containing dyslipidemia and drinking status along with conventional factors （AUC=0.746） was significantly （P=O.003） larger than the one containing only conventional factors （AUC=0.711）. Conclusion The present study showed that dyslipidemia was an independent risk factor for diabetes, and that drinkers with dyslipidemia had the highest risk of diabetes in the Mongolian population. These findings suggest that dyslipidemia and drinkin8 status may be valuable in predicting diabetes incidence.