Periodontal disease is associated with increased coronary heart disease risk:A meta-analysis based on 38 case-control studies

AIM: To investigate whether periodontal disease(PD) is associated with increasing coronary heart disease(CHD) risk by performing a meta-analysis.METHODS: Two authors independently searched Pub Med and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to January 10 th, 2013 for relevant case-control studies that investigated the association between PD and CHD. After quality assessment using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and data extraction by two independent authors, the overall and subgroup meta-analyses were performed and publication bias were examined using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2 software. Potential publication bias was assessed using visual inspection of the funnel plots, Egger linear regression test, and trims and fill method.RESULTS: Finally 38 relevant case-control studies were identified, involving 4950 CHD patients and 5490 controls. Eleven studies were rated low quality and 27 were high quality. Based on random-effects, a significant association was identified between PD and CHD(OR 3.79, 95%CI: 2.23-6.43, P < 0.001, I2 = 98.59%), and sensitivity analysis showed that this result was robust. Subgroup analyses according to adjusted/unadjusted ORs, source of control, methodological quality, end point, assessment of PD/CHD, and ethnicity also indicated a significant association. Publication bias was detected, and the estimated OR including the "missing" studies did not substantially differ from our estimate with adjustment for missing studies(OR 4.15, 95%CI: 2.62-6.54, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Based on the meta-analysis, PD is probably associated with CHD risk independently and significantly.

Study design in evidence-based surgery:What is the role of case-control studies?

Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) are the gold standard in terms of study design, however, in the surgical setting conducting RCTs can often be unethical or logistically impossible. Case-control studies should become the major study design used in surgical research when RCTs are unable to be conducted and definitely replacing case series which offer little insight into surgical outcomes and disease processes.

Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on cytokines in adolescents with subthreshold depression:a randomized controlled study

Strong evidence has accumulated to show a correlation between depression symptoms and inflammatory responses.Moreover,anti-inflammatory treatment has shown partial effectiveness in alleviating depression symptoms.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP),derived from Goji berries,exhibits notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.In our recent double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial,we found that LBP significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adolescents with subthreshold depression.It is presumed that the antidepressant effect of LBP may be associated with its influence on inflammatory cytokines.In the double-blinded randomized controlled trial,we enrolled 29 adolescents with subthreshold depression and randomly divided them into an LBP group and a placebo group.In the LBP group,adolescents were given 300 mg/d LBP.A 6-week follow up was completed by 24 adolescents,comprising 14 adolescents from the LBP group(15.36±2.06 years,3 men and 11 women)and 10 adolescents from the placebo group(14.9±1.6 years,2 men and 8 women).Our results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment,the interleukin-17A level in the LBP group was lower than that in the placebo group.Network analysis showed that LBP reduced the correlations and connectivity between inflammatory factors,which were associated with the improvement in depressive symptoms.These findings suggest that 6-week administration of LBP suppresses the immune response by reducing interleukin-17A level,thereby exerting an antidepressant effect.

Botulinum toxin type A for treating chronic low back pain:A double blinded randomized control study

BACKGROUND Low back pain(LBP)is a prevalent issue that orthopedic surgeons frequently address in the outpatient setting.LBP can arise from various causes,with stiffness in the paraspinal muscles being a notable contributor.The administration of Botulinum toxin type A(BoNT-A)has been found to alleviate back pain by relaxing these stiff muscles.While BoNT-A is approved for use in numerous conditions,a limited number of randomized clinical trials(RCTs)validate its efficacy specifically for treating LBP.AIM To study the safety and the efficacy of BoNT-A in minimizing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients of chronic LBP(CLBP).METHODS In this RCT,adults aged 18-60 years with mechanical LBP persisting for at least six months were enrolled.Participants were allocated to either the Drug group,receiving 200 Ipsen Units(2 mL)of BoNT-A,or the Control group,which received a 2 mL placebo.Over a 2-month follow-up period,both groups were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS)for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)for disability at the start and conclusion of the study.A decrease in pain by 50%was deemed clinically significant.RESULTS The study followed 40 patients for two months,with 20 in each group.A clinically significant reduction in pain was observed in 36 participants.There was a statistically significant decrease in both VAS and ODI scores in the groups at the end of two months.Nonetheless,when comparing the mean score changes,only the reduction in ODI scores(15 in the placebo group vs 16.5 in the drug group,clinically insignificant)was statistically significant(P=0.012),whereas the change in mean VAS scores was not significant(P=0.45).CONCLUSION The study concludes that BoNT-A does not offer a short-term advantage over placebo in reducing pain or improving LBP scores in CLBP patients.

Studies on high-yielding cultivation of rice in Guangdong by diagnosis and control of chlorophyll content and LAI

During the 1970’s and 1980’s studies on the rela-tion between LAI and yield had been carried out inGAAS.The main results were as follows:(1)Usingthe accumulated LAI value at three stages,i.e.panicle initiation(PI),heading(H)and 20 d afterheading(H),to analyze the relation between LAIand yield was more accurrate than only using theLAI value at H stage(see table);(2)Reaching cer-

Glutathione S-transferases M1,T1 genotypes and the risk of gastric cancer:A case-control study

AIM Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs are involved in the detoxification of many potential carcinogens and appear to play a critical role in the protection from the effects of carcinogens. The contribution of glutathione Stransferases M1 and T1 genotypes to susceptibility to the risk of gastric cancer and their interaction with cigarette smoking are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was any relationship between genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and gastric cancer.METHODS A population based case - control study was carried out in a high-risk area, Changle County, Fujian Province, China. The epidemiological data were collected by a standard questionnaire and blood samples were obtained from 95 incidence gastric cancer cases and 94 healthy controls. A polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the presence or absence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes in genomic DNA. Logistic regression model was employed in the data analysis.RESULTS An increase in risk for gastric cancer was found among carriers of GSTM1 null genotype. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 2.63 [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.17-5.88], after controlling for age,gender, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and fish sauce intake. The frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in cancer cases (43.16%) was not significantly different from that in controls (50.00%). However, the risk for gastric cancer in those with GSTM1 null and GSTT1 nonnull genotype was significantly higher than in those with both GSTM1 and GSTT1 non-null genotype (OR = 2.77,95% Cl 1.15- 6.77). Compared with those subjects who never smoked and had normal GSTM1 genotype, Ors were 1.60 (95% CI: 0.62- 4.19) for never smokers with GSTM1 null type, 2.33 (95% CI 0.88- 6.28) for smokers with normal GSTM1, and 8.06 (95% CI 2.83- 23.67) for smokers with GSTM1 null type.CONCLUSIONS GSTM1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with genetic susceptibility of stomach cancer and may modulate tobacco-related carcinogenesis of gastric cancer.

Multicenter case-control study of the risk factors for ulcerative colitis in China

AIM:To evaluate potential risk factors in the development of ulcerative colitis(UC) in China.METHODS:A total of 1308 patients with UC and 1308 age-matched and sex-matched controls were prospectively studied in China.The UC cases were collected from 17 hospitals in China from April 2007 to April 2010.Uniform questionnaires were designed to investigate risk factors including smoking,appendectomy,stress,socio-economic conditions,nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),oral contraceptives,diet,breastfeeding,infections and family sanitary conditions.Group comparisons by each factor were done using simple logistic regression analysis.Conditional logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis.RESULTS:By univariate analysis,the variables predictive of UC included feeling stress,light and heavy alcoholic drinking,spicy food,sugar consumption and infectious diarrhea,while heavy tea intake and tap water consumption were protective against UC.On multivariate analysis,the protective factor for UC was tap water consumption [odds ratios(OR) = 0.424,95%CI:0.302-0.594,P < 0.001];while the potential risk factors for UC were heavy sugar consumption(OR = 1.632,95%CI:1.156-2.305,P < 0.001),spicy food(light intake:OR = 3.329,95%CI:2.282-4.857,P < 0.001;heavy intake:OR = 3.979,95%CI:2.700-5.863,P < 0.001),and often feeling stress(OR = 1.981,95%CI:1.447-2.711,P < 0.001).Other factors,such as smoking habit,appendectomy,breastfeeding,a history of measles,rural or urban residence,education,oral contraceptives,and NSAID use have not been found to have a significant association with the development of UC in the present study.CONCLUSION:Our study showed tap water consumption was a protective factor for UC,while spicy food,heavy sugar consumption and often feeling stress were risk factors for UC in this Chinese population.

A Case-Control Study on Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during the Last Three Months of Pregnancy and Foetal Outcomes in Italy

The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.

Risk factors for alcohol-related liver injury in the island population of China: A population-based case-control study

AIM:To investigate the association of alcohol dose, duration of drinking and obesity with abnormal alcohol-related liver injury indicators, the prevalence of alcohol-related liver injury in the island population of China.METHODS:Randomized multistage stratified cluster sampling from the island population of China was used in the population-based case-control study. Then interview, physical examination, laboratory assessments and ultrasonography were done. RESULTS:Daily alcohol intake ≥ 20 g, duration of drinking ≥ 5 years and obesity were closely related to alcohol-related liver injury (P < 0.05). The odds-ratio (OR) (95% CI) was 1.965 (1.122-3.442), 3.412 (1.789-6.507) and 1.887 (1.261-2.824), respectively. The prevalence rate of alcohol-related liver injury in ≥ 20 g daily alcohol intake group and < 20 g daily alcohol intake group was 37.14% and 12.06%, respectively. The prevalence rate of alcohol-related liver injury in ≥ 5 years drinking group and < 5 years drinking group was 34.44% and 8.53%, respectively. No significant dose-response relation was found between daily alcohol intake and abnormal alcohol-related liver injury indicators as well as between duration of drinking and abnormal alcohol-related liver injury indicators. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of alcohol-related liver injury between beer drinking group and yellow rice wine drinking group, hard liquor drinking group, multiple drinking group.CONCLUSION:The risk threshold of daily alcohol intake is 20 g and duration of drinking inducing alcohol-related liver injury 5 years in the island population of China. Liver injury induced by obesity should be concerned.

Risk factors of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in patients with hepatolithiasis:a case-control study

BACKGROUND:Why 3.3% to 10% of all patients with hepatolithiasis develop intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains unknown.We carried out a hospital-based case-control study to identify risk factors for the development of ICC in patients with hepatolithiasis in China.METHODS:Eighty-seven patients with pathologically diagnosed hepatolithiasis associated with ICC and 228 with hepatolithiasis alone matched by sex,age (±2 years),hospital admittance and place of residence were interviewed during the period of 2000-2008.Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each risk factor.RESULTS:Among the patients with hepatolithiasis associated with ICC,the mean age was 57.7 years and 61.0% were female Univariate analysis showed that the significant risk factors for ICC development in hepatolithiasis were smoking,family history of cancer,appendectomy during childhood (under age 20),and duration of symptoms >10 years.In multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis,smoking (OR=1.931,95% CI:1.000-3.731),family history of cancer (OR=5.175,95% CI:1.216-22.022),and duration of symptoms >10 years (OR=2.348 95% CI:1.394-3.952) were independent factors.CONCLUSION:Smoking,family history of cancer and duration of symptoms >10 years may be risk factors for ICC in patients with hepatolithiasis.

A nested case-control study of maternal-neonatal transmission of hepatitis B virus in a Chinese population

AIM:To examine the determinants of maternal-neonatal transmission of hepatitis B virus(HBV) METHODS:A nested case-control study was conducted in Changsha,Hunan,People's Republic of China from January 1,2005 to September 31,2006 To avoid potential maternal blood contamination,we collected vein blood of newborns immediately after birth and before initial hepatitis B vaccination to determine the HBV infection status of the newborn For each HBsAg-positive infant,one HBsAg-negative infant born to an HBsAg-positive mother was matched by hospital at birth(same),gender(same),and date of birth(within 1 mo) A faceto-face interview was conducted to collect clinical and epidemiological data Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the independent effects of various determinants on maternal-neonatal transmission of HBV RESULTS:A total of 141 HBsAg-positive infants and 141 individually matched HBsAg-negative infants were included in the final analysis Maternal first-degree family history of HBV infection,intrahepatic cholestasis,and premature rupture of membranes were risk factors for perinatal transmission of HBV,whereas systematic treatment and HBV immunoglobulin injections for mothers with HBV infection were protective factors for maternal-neonatal transmission of HBV,after adjustment for potential confounding factors CONCLUSION:For HBsAg-positive mothers,systematic treatment,HBV immunoglobulin administration,and controlling intrahepatic cholestasis and pregnancy complications may reduce the incidence of perinatal transmission of HBV.

TNF-α and IL-1RA Polymorphisms and Silicosis Susceptibility in Chinese Workers Exposed to Silica Particles:A Case-Control Study

Abstract Objective To assess the association of TNF-α and IL-1RA SNPs with the risk of silicosis in Chinese workers exposed to silica particles. Methods Case-control study design was used to enroll 68 silicotic patients induced by silica particles and 68 healthy workers matched for length of silica particle exposure as controls. Both cases and controls were from the same company in southwest China, and each of them was requested to complete a questionnaire. Blood samples were drawn for genomic DNA extraction from each participant. The genotyping of TNF-α （-238 and -308） and IL-1RA （＋2018） was performed using polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP） and SYBR green-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction {qPCR）, respectively. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios （ORs） and their 95% confidential intervals （Cl） for SNPs. Results No significant differences were found between cases and controls in particles exposure length, body mass index （BMI）, and status of smoking and alcohol consumption except for age （P=O.O01） and blood type （P=0.042）. The frequencies of TNF-c（（-238） and IL-1RA （＋2018） genotypes in cases were significantly different from those in controls, （P=O.O01 and P=0.O02, respectively）, while a borderline significant difference was found in the frequencies of TNF-α（-308） between cases and controls （P=0.063）. The variants of three SNPs increased the risk of silicosis in the Chinese workers exposed to silica particles. The adjusted ORs of TNFα（-308）, TNF-α（-238） and IL-1RA （＋2018） were 2.8 （95% Ch 2.1-7.5）, 20.9 （95% Ch 2.8-236.4） and 4.0 （95% CI： 2.6-10.2）, respectively. Conclusion It is suggested that cytokine polymorphisms of TNF-ct （-238, -308） and IL-1RA （＋2018） are associated with the risk of silicosis in the Chinese workers exposed to silica particles. Further independent studies on the interaction between SNPs and exposure to silica particles with a larger sample size are therefore warranted.

Selected elements of rock burst state assessment in case studies from the Silesian hard coal mines

Exploitation of coal seams in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin is conducted in complex and difficult conditions. These difficulties are connected with the occurrence of many natural mining hazards and limitations resulting from the existing in this area surface infrastructure. One of the most important problems of Polish mining is the rock burst hazard and reliable evaluation of its condition. During long-years’ mining practice in Poland a comprehensive system of evaluation and control of this hazard was developed. In the paper the main aspects of rock burst hazard state evaluation will be presented, comprising: 1) rock mass inclination for rock bursts, i.e., rock strength properties investigation, comprehensive parametric evaluation of rock mass inclination for rock bursts, prognosis of seismic events induced by mining operations, methods of computer-aided modelling of stress and rock mass deformation parameters distribution, strategic rock mass classification under rock burst degrees; 2) immediate seismic and rock burst hazard state evaluation, i.e., low diameter test drilling method, seismologic and seismoacoustic method, comprehensive method of rock burst hazard state evaluation, non-standard methods of evaluation; 3) legal aspects of rock burst hazard state evaluation. Selected elements of the hazard state evaluation system are illustrated with specific practical examples of their application.

Mass screening-based case-control study of diet and prostate cancer in Changchun, China

Aim： To investigate possible correlation factors for prostate cancer by a population-based case-control study in China. Methods： We carded out a mass screening of prostate cancer in Changchun, China, using a prostate-specific antigen assisted by Japan International Cooperation Agency. From June 1998 to December 2000, 3 940 men over 50 years old were screened. Of these, 29 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer. We selected 28 cases and matched them with controls of low prostate-specific antigen value （〈 4.1 ng/mL） by 1：10 according to age and place of employment. A case-control study of diet and prostate cancer was then carded out. Results： After adjustment for education, body mass index （BMI）, smoking, alcohol consumption, marriage and diet, intake of soybean product was discovered to be inversely related to prostate cancer. Men who consumed soybean product more than twice per week on different days had a multivariate odds ratio （OR） of 0.38 （95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-1.12）. In addition, men who consumed soybean products more than once per day had a multivariate OR of 0.29 （95% CI, 0.11-0.79） compared with men who consumed soybean products less than once per week. The P for trend was 0.02, which showed significant difference. There was no significant difference in P trend for any dairy food. Even when we matched the cases and controls by other criteria, we found that soybean food was the only preventive factor associated with prostate cancer. Conclusion： Our study suggests that consumption of soybeans, one of the most popular foods in Asia, would decrease the risk of prostate cancer.

Risk of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Patients with Coal Workers'Pneumoconiosis:A Case-control Study in China

The aim of this study was to estimate the association between occupational, environmental, behavioral risk factors, and active pulmonary tuberculosis（PTB） among coal workers＇ pneumoconiosis（CWP） patients. A matched case-control study was conducted in 86 CWP patients with active PTB and 86 CWP controls without TB. A standardized questionnaire was used for risk factors assessment. Conditioned logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between the risk factors and active PTB among CWP patients. The results showed that the stage of CWP, poor workplace ventilation, family history of TB, and exposure to TB were independent risk factors for active PTB in patients with CWP with which recommendations for improving work environments, and for case finding activities in patients with CWP could be made.

Statin use and the risk of colorectal cancer: A population-based case-control study

AIM: To investigate whether the use of statins is associated with colorectal cancer risk. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study in Taiwan. Data were retrospectively collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Cases consisted of all patients who were aged 50 years and older and had a first-time diagnosis of colorectal cancer between the period 2005 and 2008. The controls were matched to cases by age, sex, and index date. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: We examined 1156 colorectal cancer cases and 4624 controls. The unadjusted ORs for any statin prescription was 1.10 (95% CI = 0.94-1.30) and the adjusted OR was 1.09 (95% CI = 0.91-1.30). When statin use was categorized by cumulative dose, the adjusted ORs were 0.99 (95% CI = 0.78-1.27) for the group with cumulative statin use below 105 defined daily doses (DDDs); 1.07 (95% CI = 0.78-1.49) for the group with cumulative statin use between 106 and 298.66 DDDs; and 1.30 (95% CI = 0.96-1.75) for the group with cumulative statin use of 298.66 DDDs or more compared with nonusers. CONCLUSION: This study does not provide support for a protective effect of statins against colorectal cancer.

Nested case-control study on risk factors for opportunistic infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND When opportunistic infections occur, patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) commonly display a significantly increased rate of morbidity and mortality.With increasing use of immunosuppressive agents and biological agents,opportunistic infections are becoming a hot topic in the perspective of drug safety in IBD patients. Despite the well-established role of opportunistic infections in the prognosis of IBD patients, there are few epidemiological data investigating the incidence of opportunis-tic infections in IBD patients in China. Besides, the risk factors for opportunistic infection in Chinese IBD patients remain unclear.AIM To predict the incidence of opportunistic infections related to IBD in China, and explore the risk factors for opportunistic infections.METHODS A single-center, prospective study of IBD patients was conducted. The patients were followed for up to 12 mo to calculate the incidence of infections. For each infected IBD patient, two non-infected IBD patients were selected as controls. A conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between putative risk factors and opportunistic infections, which are represented as odds ratios(OR) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS Seventy(28.11%) out of 249 IBD patients developed opportunistic infections.Clostridium difficile infections and respiratory syncytial virus infections were found in 24 and 16 patients, respectively. In a univariate analysis, factors such as the severity of IBD, use of an immunosuppressant or immunosuppressants, high levels of fecal calprotectin, and C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate were individually related to a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection. Multivariate analysis indicated that the use of any immunosuppressant yielded an OR of 3.247(95%CI: 1.128-9.341), whereas the use of any two immunosuppressants yielded an OR of 6.457(95%CI: 1.726-24.152) for opportunistic infection. Interestingly, when immunosuppressants were used in combination with infliximab(IFX) or 5-aminosalicylic acid, a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection was also observed. The relative risk of opportunistic infection was greatest in IBD patients with severe disease activity(OR = 9.090; 95%CI: 1.532-53.941, relative to the remission stage). However, the use of IFX alone did not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.CONCLUSION Factors such as severe IBD, elevated levels of fecal calprotectin, and the use of immunosuppressive medications, especially when used in combination, are major risk factors for opportunistic infections in IBD patients. The use of IFX alone does not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.

Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among the Chinese Occupational Population:A Case-control Study

Objective To explore the risk factors of low back pain among the Chinese occupational population in several major industries. Methods A total of 7200 subjects （3600 cases and 3600 controls） were randomly sampled from a cross-sectional study, and they were investigated for individual and occupational factors of low back pain. The potential risk factors were first selected by using chi-square tests. Secondly, collinearity diagnosis proceeded by using the Kendall＇s rank correlation. Finally, binary logistic regression model was used for multi-factor analysis. Results Collinearity diagnosis showed that there was a severe collinearity problem among the potential risk factors of low back pain. Logistic regression model included 20 variables with statistical significance. Bending neck forward or holding neck in a forward posturefor long periods （0R=1.408） was the most important risk factor inducing low back pain in this study, followed by bending heavily with the trunk （0R=1.402）, carrying out identical work almost for the whole day （0R=1.340）. Additionally, suHicient normal break was a protective factor of low back pain. Conclusion Low back pain among the Chinese occupational population was associated with body height, occupation, work organization, physical work, working posture, and others. All these risk factors could be regarded as the indicators of low back pain, and some relevant preventive measures should be taken to reduce low back pain risk.

Risk factors for the occurrence of insulinoma: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: The etiology of insulinoma is poorly understood. Few studies investigated the possible roles of environmental factors and lifestyle in the pathogenesis of insulinoma. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors associated with occurrence of insulinoma in the Chinese population. METHODS: This study consisted of 196 patients with insulinoma and 233 controls. Demographic information of the patients and controls and risk factors of the disease were analyzed. Univariate and unconditional multivariable logistic regression analyses were made to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and possible risk factors. RESULTS: Approximately 68.88% (135/196) of the patients were from rural areas in contrast to 10.30% (24/233) of the controls (P【0.0001). This difference was confirmed by the multivariate analysis (OR=4.950; 95% CI: 2.928-8.370). Family history of pancreatic endocrine tumor (OR=16.754; 95% CI: 2.125-132.057) and other cancers (OR=2.360; 95% CI: 1.052-5.291) was also related to a high-risk population of insulinoma. CONCLUSION: Rural residents or people who have a family history of pancreatic endocrine tumor and other cancers are a high-risk population of insulinoma.

Environmental and Psycho-social Factors Related to Prostate Cancer Risk in the Chinese Population:a Case-control Study

Objective To study the risk environmental and psycho-social factors associated to prostate cancer （PCa） in Chinese population. Methods 250 PCa patients and 500 controls were enrolled in this case-control study. Information was collected and logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios （OR） and 95% confidence intervals （95% CI） for relationship between lifestyle, eating habits and psycho-social factors with PCa risk. Results Green vegetables and green tea were associated with a decreased risk of PCa （0R=0.39, 95% CI： 0.28-0.53; 0R=0.59, 95% Cl： 0.40-0.87, respectively）. Family history of PCa （0R=7.16, 95% CI： 2.01-25.49）, history of prostate diseases （0R=2.28, 95% Cl： 1.53-3.41）, alcohol consumption （0R=1.97, 95% CI： 1.33-2.90）, red meat consumption （0R=1.74, 95% CI： 1.20-2.52）, barbecued （0R=2.29, 95% CI： 1.11-4.73） or fried （0R=2.35, 95% CI： 1.24-4.43） foods were related with increased PCa risk. Negative psycho-social factors including occupational setbacks （0R=1.61, 95% CI： 2.00-2.59）, marital separation （0R=1.94, 95% CI： 1.29-2.91）, self-contained suffering {0R=2.37, 95% CI： 1.58-3.55）, and high sensitivity to the personal comments （0R=1.73, 95% CI： 1.18-2.54） were related to PCa. Conclusion Regular consumption of green vegetables and green tea may suggest protective effects on PCa. Alcohol consumption, red meat consumption and barbecued or fried foods were associated with PCa. Negative psycho-social factors may also play a role in the incidence of PCa in Chinese population.