Gender ratio of migraine without aura: observations over time

Abstract Migraine without aura is typically considered a female condition. The purpose of this study was to determine if there have been any changes in the female-to-male ratio of the disease over time. We included in the study all patients with migraine without aura (n=3457) referred to the Parma University Headache Centre between 1976 and 1995. They were divided into subgroups with respect to gender and year-range of onset of migraine (before 1960, in the 1960s, in the 1970s, in the 1980s, and between 1990 and 1995). Gender ratio ranged from 3.6:1 (in patients with onset before 1960) to 2.8:1 (in patients with onset in the 1980s), with no statistically significant changes during the observation period.     

Previous weight loss experiences of bariatric surgery candidates: how much have patients dieted prior to surgery?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the dieting histories of bariatric surgery candidates. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: One hundred seventy-seven individuals with extreme obesity who sought bariatric surgery completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory, a self-report instrument that assesses several variables, including weight and dieting history. Patients' dieting histories were further explored with an aided recall during a preoperative behavioral/psychological evaluation performed by a mental health professional. RESULTS: Participants who completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory reported an average of 4.7 +/- 2.9 successful dieting attempts, defined as those that resulted in a loss of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) or more. These individuals reported a mean total lifetime weight loss of 61.1 +/- 41.3 kg. Despite these efforts, their weight increased from 89.4 +/- 27.4 kg at the time of their first diet (age 21.2 +/- 10.1 years) to 144.5 +/- 30.8 kg at the time they underwent their behavioral/psychological evaluation (age 43.0 +/- 11.0 years). Results of the aided recall revealed that participants had made numerous other efforts to lose weight that were unsuccessful. Self-directed diets and commercial programs were used more frequently. DISCUSSION: Individuals who sought bariatric surgery reported an extensive history of dieting, beginning in adolescence, that was not successful in halting progressive weight gain. Thus, the recommendation often made by insurance companies that patients delay surgery to attempt more conservative treatment options may be unwarranted, particularly in the presence of significant obesity-related comorbidities. Weight loss histories should be routinely examined during a behavioral evaluation to determine whether additional attempts at non-surgical weight loss are advisable. Future studies also are needed to explore the potential relationship between dieting history and postoperative outcome.     

Cardiovascular risk factor profile on a population basis: Results from the Lipid Study Leipzig (LSL)

Population-based lipid screening studies were initiated in the city of Leipzig, Germany, and included more than 30,000 subjects. The objectives of the Lipid Study Leipzig (LSL) were to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factor profile and its dependence on age, nutrition and social factors. In addition, the study results were compared with those of other population-based studies, and the development of cardiovascular risk factors over a 10-year period was evaluated. LSL data were obtained from subjects recruited at community centres, work sites, schools and the University of Leipzig, Germany. Capillary blood cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were measured using the Reflotron dry-chemistry system (Roche Diagnostics, Germany). Study data also included blood pressure, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and the evaluation of dietary and lifestyle factors. The results of LSL show an age-dependent increase in cardiovascular risk, which may have been partly preventable. Furthermore, LSL showed an improvement in cardiovascular risk, with respect to plasma cholesterol, over the past 10 years in men and women older than 30 and 50 years, respectively. The known age dependence of total cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol is less pronounced for those following a healthy lifestyle and for vegetarians. This suggests that the age-dependent rise of these parameters is partly preventable.     

Do patient characteristics,disease, or treatment explain social inequality in survival from colorectal cancer?

This paper investigates the association between individually measured socioeconomic status (SES) and all-cause survival in colorectal cancer patients, and explores whether factors related to the patient, the disease, or the surgical treatment mediate the observed social gradient.     

Determinants of attrition in a pediatric healthy lifestyle intervention: The CIRCUIT program experience

IntroductionAttrition in pediatric weight management programs is notoriously high. Greater understanding of its determinants is needed to inform retention strategies. We identified determinants of attrition in CIRCUIT, a healthy lifestyle intervention program for youth at risk of cardiovascular disease.MethodsA one-arm intervention study of children aged 4-18 years who initiated the CIRCUIT program in the first five years of its existence (N = 403). We defined attrition as attending the baseline visit but ceasing attendance prior to the 1-year follow-up. Potential determinants of dropout included the child’s age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI) z-score, family socio-demographic characteristics, and estimated driving time to the program, all measured at baseline. Associations were estimated bivariately, using chi-squared- and t-tests, and simultaneously in a multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsOf the 403 participants who started the program, 198 (49%) dropped out within 12 months of enrollment. Youth who dropped out were older (mean age 12.8y vs. 11.3y; p < 0.01), were less likely to live with both parents (62% vs. 71%; p = 0.05), and to have mothers who had completed high school (79% vs. 88%; p = 0.01). No group differences were observed for sex, ethnicity, baseline BMI z-score, fathers’ education, or driving time to the program. In multivariate models, only older age at initiation of the intervention (OR: 1.2; CI: 1.1,1.3) and lower maternal education (OR: 2.0; CI: 1.0,3.8) were associated with dropout.ConclusionImproved tailoring of interventions to older pediatric participants and to families of lower maternal education may help reduce attrition in CIRCUIT and similar lifestyle intervention programs.     

中国成年人生活方式和心血管代谢因素与甲基化年龄加速的相关性分析

目的比较分析5种甲基化年龄加速指标与生活方式和心血管代谢因素间的相关性。方法基于中国慢性病前瞻性研究中有基线外周血全基因组甲基化检测数据的研究对象980人, 计算Horvath时钟、Hannum时钟、DNAm PhenoAge、GrimAge和Li时钟5种甲基化年龄。根据甲基化年龄对实足年龄回归的残差值计算甲基化年龄加速。研究的生活方式因素包括吸烟、饮酒、饮食习惯、体力活动、经BMI和腰围联合定义的体型。心血管代谢因素包括血压、血糖和TC。利用一般线性模型分析生活方式和心血管代谢因素与各甲基化年龄加速指标的相关性[β值(95%CI)]。结果 GrimAge加速指标与吸烟、饮酒、体力活动水平及BMI存在关联。与不吸烟、不饮酒或BMI为18.5～23.9 kg/m2 者相比, 吸烟者(每天吸烟1～14、15～24、≥25支者对应的β值依次为0.71(95%CI:0.57～0.86)、0.88(95%CI:0.73～1.03)、0.99(95%CI:0.81～1.18)、重度饮酒者[每日纯乙醇量≥60 g:0.33(95%CI:0.11～0.55)]、BMI<18.5 kg/m2者[0...     

Lifestyle, fibrinolysis and lipids.

Lifestyle including eating habits, physical training, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages etc. can to a certain extent maintain or spoil our health. The physiological mechanisms of haemostasis and of lipoprotein metabolism play a role in acute cardiovascular diseases but also in a great number of chronic diseases in which vascular pathology is prominent. Impaired fibrinolysis and increased lipid levels are often incriminated in vascular disease. Lifestyle can modify fibrinolysis as well as lipid levels. Physical training, moderate eating habits, no smoking, moderate alcohol intake will be a beneficial influence on both fibrinolysis and lipid levels. The possibility that longterm pharmacological intervention may adversely affect fibrinolysis and lipid levels should always be considered.     

中国社区老年人脑认知相关生活方式对早期认知功能下降的影响

目的 了解中国社区老年人脑认知相关生活方式的分布特征,并探讨其综合评分对早期认知功能下降的影响。方法 研究对象来自老年期重点疾病预防和干预项目。纳入2015年基线调查及2017年随访调查均完成认知功能状况评定,且基线未患痴呆的2 537名≥60岁的社区老年人。通过问卷调查收集其脑认知相关生活方式信息（体育锻炼、社会交往、脑力休闲活动、睡眠质量、吸烟状况与饮酒状况）并计算综合评分。通过多因素logistic回归模型分析脑认知相关生活方式综合评分与早期认知功能下降的关联。结果 2 537名社区老年人群中,评分5~6分者占28.7%,6项脑认知相关生活方式因子均健康者仅占4.8%。男性与女性的健康生活方式因子分布存在差异。多因素logistic回归模型结果显示,与评分0~3分组相比,评分4分和5~6分组早期认知功能下降的风险降低（OR=0.683,95%CI：0.457~1.019;OR=0.623,95%CI：0.398~0.976;趋势P=0.030）。在女性中,与评分0~3分组相比,评分4分和5~6分组的早期认知功能下降的风险降低（OR=0.491,95%CI：0.297~0.812;OR=0.556,95%CI：0.332~0.929;趋势P=0.024）。结论 脑认知相关综合健康生活方式与早期认知功能下降风险降低密切相关,在女性群体中尤为显著。