我国社区高血压患者健康知识及行为方式分析

目的 了解现阶段我国城乡社区高血压患者健康知识和行为状况,探讨相关影响因素.方法 2010年在我国江苏、山东、河北、甘肃和四川省整群抽取10个城乡社区,对社区居民中8326例年龄在35～ 75岁的高血压患者开展高血压健康知识和行为方式问卷调查.分析比较不同性别、地区、年龄、文化程度和职业的高血压患者健康知识和行为.结果 高血压健康知识状况：只有25％的高血压患者知道正常血压范围,危险因素为长期膳食高盐、超重肥胖和长期过量饮酒的知晓率是50.6％、45.8％和42.0％,知道高血压导致脑卒中的比例为58.2％.行为方面：28.0％的高血压患者能够每周至少测量1次血压,男性健康行为比例（包括完全戒烟、戒酒和控制饮食）低于女性,OR （95％CI）值分别为0.50（0.38～0.65）,0.34（0.27～0.42）和0.77（0.70～0.85）.与农村居民相比,城市居民更能够经常测血压、完全戒烟和适当锻炼,其OR （95％ CI）值分别为1.97（1.70～2.29）,1.31（1.02～1.69）和2.14（1.87～2.44）.年龄长者的危险因素知晓水平较低,但是更能够积极采取一些健康行为.文化程度与健康知识和行为（除戒烟戒酒）均呈正相关.与体力劳动者相比,技术性工作者的健康知识水平高并常测血压,退休及从事家务者更能够经常测血压、控制饮食和适当锻炼.结论 我国高血压患者相关健康知识较为缺乏.高血压患者健康知识和行为受性别、城乡、年龄、文化程度和职业影响.     

沈阳农村60岁以上人群良性前列腺增生危险因素的病例对照研究

目的：探讨各种危险因素与良性前列腺增生（BPH）的关系。方法：采用以人群为基础的病例对照研究，病例组为沈阳市某郊区农村60周岁以上BPH患者，对照组为无前列腺增生（排除前列腺癌、前我腺炎等疾病）的老年男性，病例与对照各100例，单因素分析采用χ^2检验，多因素分析利用非条件logistic回归分析。结果：多因素非条件logistic回归分析显示BPH发病与下列5种因素有关：患前列腺炎（OR＝5．577，95％CI：2．147－14．482）；20世纪80年代初每月肉类摄入量（OR＝4．930，95％CI：2．404－10．111）；舒张压（OR＝1．050，95％CI：0．480－0．881）。结论：患前列腺炎、80年代初每月过多摄入肉类、舒张压高可能是BPH的危险因素；吸烟量大、饮酒量大可能是BPH保护因素。     

Risk factors for uterine fibroids among women undergoing tubal sterilization

Uterine leiomyomas are reported to be the most common benign gynecologic tumors affecting premenopausal women, and they are often associated with considerable morbidity. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for uterine fibroids among women undergoing tubal sterilization. Cases comprised women aged 17-44 years whose uterine fibroids were first visualized at the time of tubal sterilization (1978-1979 or 1985-1987) or who reported a history of uterine fibroids (n = 317). Controls were randomly selected from women with no laparoscopic evidence of or history of fibroids (n = 1,268). Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using unconditional logistic regression separately for White (n = 1,235) and African-American (n = 350) women. Risk factors for White women included: age 40-44 years (odds ratio (OR) = 6.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5, 11.6), > or =5 years since last delivery (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.1), lifetime cigarette smoking of > or =1 pack/day (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.3), menstrual cycle length of >30 days (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.3), and menstrual bleeding for > or =6 days (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.0). Parous women were at reduced risk compared with nulliparous women (OR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.3). Advancing age was the only significant risk factor for African-American women (ages 40-44 years, OR = 27.5; 95% CI: 5.6, 83.6). Current oral contraceptive use and elective abortion were not associated with fibroids.     

男性居民吸烟、饮酒水平与胆石症患病关系

目的 探讨男性居民吸烟、饮酒水平与胆石症患病的关系。方法 在广东省人群脂肪肝现况调查的基础上,选取成年男性居民,对其吸烟、饮酒水平与胆石症关系进行分析。结果 男性居民胆石症的患病率随着每天吸烟量的增加而升高（趋势χ^25.542,P=0.019）,同时随着年吸烟总量的增加而不断升高（趋势χ^27.302,P=0.007）,排除胆石症常见影响因素年龄和肥胖的影响后每天吸烟量以及年吸烟总量仍然是胆石症的危险因素（每天吸烟量OR=1.269,95%CI：1.018～1.580;吸烟总量OR=1.295,95%CI：1.020～1.646）。饮酒与胆石症的关系是少量和适量饮酒（〈40g/d）可降低男性居民的胆石症的发病,但大量饮酒（≥40g/d）反而会刺激胆石症的形成,呈现“V”形分布。排除胆石症常见影响因素年龄和肥胖的影响后,少量和适量饮酒的保护作用仍然存在（OR=0.537,95%CI：0.313～0.920）。每次饮酒量限制在20g内对胆石症的保护作用最强（OR=0.370,95CI：0.145～0.942）。每周饮酒频率不宜超过7次,饮酒年龄不宜过早,饮酒总年数不宜超过35a。结论 不吸烟、少量或适量饮酒可能对减少男性胆石症患病率有重要作用。     

Alcohol intake, smoking, sleeping hours, physical activity and the metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between physical activity, sleeping hours, alcohol intake and smoking and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Social, demographic, personal and family medical histories and behavioral characteristics were collected as self-reported for 2164 participants (1332 women; 832 men), aged 18-92 years old, randomly selected during 1999-2003, among residents in Porto, Portugal, evaluated in the Department of Epidemiology of Porto Medical School. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the NCEP-ATPIII. Associations between metabolic syndrome and lifestyles factors were computed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: After adjustment, higher total physical activity (OR=0.63 95% CI%: 0.43, 0.94--females; OR=0.55 95% CI: 0.33, 0.91--males) and work activity levels in females (OR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.91) were significantly associated with lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. More sleeping hours were positively associated with metabolic syndrome (OR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.38--females; OR=1.19; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.36--males). Regarding smoking, the only statistically significant association was found in women that smoked less than 10 cigarettes per day (OR=0.32 95% CI: 0.11, 0.92). No statistically significant association was found between ethanol intake and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: An association between decreased physical activity, increased sleeping hours and metabolic syndrome was found. No association was found between cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and the metabolic syndrome.     

Risk factors for laryngeal cancer in Montenegro

Laryngeal cancer is the most common head and neck cancer. There might be many risk factors for laryngeal cancer. Smoking, especially cigarette smoking and alcohol are indisputable risk factors. The authors of this paper assessed the presumed risk factors in order to identify possible aetiological agents of the disease.A hospital-based case-control study was conducted. The study group consisted of 108 histologically verified laryngeal cancer patients and 108 hospital controls matched by sex, age (+/-3 years) and place of residence. Laryngeal cancer patients and controls were interviewed during their hospital stay using a structured questionnaire. According to multiple logistic regression analysis six variables were independently related to laryngeal cancer: hard liquor consumption (Odd Ratio/OR/=2.93, Confidence Interval/CI/95% = 1.17 to 7.31), consumption more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day (OR=4.96, CI 95% = 2.04 to 12.04), cigarette smoking for more than 40 years (OR=4.32, CI 95% = 1.69 to 11.06), smoking more than 30 cigarettes per day (OR=4.24, CI 95% = 1.75 to 10.27), coffee consumption more than 5 cups per day (OR=4.52, CI 95% = 1.01 to 20.12) and carbonated beverage consumption (OR=0.38, CI 95%=0.16 to 0.92). The great majority of laryngeal cancers could be prevented by eliminating tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption.     

Alcohol intake, drinking patterns, and risk of prostate cancer in a large prospective cohort study

Alcohol drinking has been extensively studied in relation to prostate cancer, yet findings on the direction of the association are equivocal. Previous studies have not examined drinking patterns. Thus, the authors prospectively evaluated the associations between these factors and risk of incident prostate cancer (n = 2,479) in a cohort study of 47,843 US men (1986-1998). The men completed a questionnaire at baseline that included information on consumption of specific types of alcohol and frequency of use. The authors estimated hazard ratios using Cox proportional hazards regression for average alcohol intake and number of days per week on which alcohol was consumed stratified by average weekly intake (<105 g/week vs. > or = 105 g/week). Compared with nondrinking, the hazard ratio for consumption increased slightly from an average of 5.0-14.9 g/day (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94, 1.18) to 30.0-49.9 g/day (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.33), but it was not increased at > or = 50 g/day (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.77, 1.31) after adjustment for recent smoking and other factors. Compared with abstainers, risk was greatest among men who consumed an average of > or = 105 g/week but who drank on only 1-2 days per week (HR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.38). These results suggest that moderate or greater alcohol consumption is not a strong contributor to prostate cancer risk, except possibly in men who consume large amounts infrequently.     

A prospective cohort study of menstrual characteristics and time to pregnancy

The authors examined the association between menstrual characteristics and time to pregnancy among 2,653 Danish women enrolled in a prospective cohort study (2007-2009). Menstrual characteristics were reported at baseline. Outcome data were updated bimonthly until pregnancy, fertility treatment, loss to follow-up, or end of observation (12 cycles). Adjusted fecundability ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by using discrete-time Cox regression models. Relative to average cycle lengths (27-29 days), fecundability ratios for cycle lengths <25, 25-26, 30-31, 32-33, and ≥34 days were 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49, 0.84), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.13), 1.10 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.25), 1.35 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.73), and 1.17 (95% CI: 0.91, 1.49), respectively. Compared with cycles that regularized within 2 years after menarche, fecundability ratios for cycles that regularized 2-3 and ≥4 years after menarche were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.02) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.03), respectively. Fecundability ratios were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.05) comparing <3 with 3-4 days of menstrual bleeding and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.43, 1.13) comparing very heavy with moderate flow. In the present study, shorter cycle length was associated with delayed time to pregnancy. Age at menarche, time to menstrual regularization, and duration or intensity of menstrual flow were not appreciably associated with fecundability.     

职业人群的糖尿病及糖尿病前期患病现状及影响因素分析

目的 研究某铁路局机车乘务员糖尿病患病情况及影响因素分析。方法 选取2020年在该铁路局协议定点医院体检中心进行健康体检的6 985名铁路机车乘务员,采用单因素和二元logistic回归进行统计分析。结果 糖尿病患病率为5.70%,糖尿病前期患病率为21.72%。年龄、婚姻状况、工种、昼夜节律、工龄、BMI、脉搏、吸烟情况、饮酒情况等指标在糖尿病前期和非糖尿病前期,以及糖尿病和非糖尿病组间差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。已戒烟(OR = 1.38,1.09～1.75)、年龄(OR = 1.05,1.04～1.05)、BMI(OR = 1.09,1.07～1.11)、脉搏(OR = 1.03,1.03～1.04)为患糖尿病前期的危险因素,正在吸烟(OR = 1.46,1.12～1.90)、已戒烟(OR = 1.56,1.02～2.38)、已戒酒(OR = 2.72,1.33～5.54)、年龄(OR = 1.11,1.10～1.13)、BMI(OR = 1.14,1.10～1.17)、脉搏(OR = 1.04,1.03～1.05)为患糖尿病的危险因素。结论 该铁路局机车乘务员糖尿病、糖尿病前期患病率较高,其危险因素主要是BMI、脉搏、年龄、吸烟,应针对这些因素,采取相应的预防措施。     

Reevaluation of the confounding effect of cigarette smoking on the relationship between alcohol use and lung cancer risk, with larynx cancer used as a positive control

BACKGROUND: The effect of smoking on lung cancer risk has been well documented, while the effect of alcohol remains controversial. We examined the hypothesis that the apparent association between alcohol intake and lung cancer risk is fully due to the confounding effect of cigarette smoke. METHODS: Our sample of hospitalized patients included 2,953 male and 1,622 female lung cancer cases; 521 male and 159 female larynx cancers cases; and 8,169 male and 4,154 female controls, admitted to participating hospitals between 1981 and 1994. All controls had been diagnosed with non-smoking-related diseases. Larynx cancer was used as a positive control for lung cancer. Relative risks were estimated through odds ratios, adjusted through multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Although the odds ratios for alcohol had been significantly elevated prior to adjustment for smoking (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 2.0-2.8), alcohol had no effect on lung cancer following this adjustment (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0-1.4). By contrast, the effect of alcohol on larynx cancer remained high even after adjustment for smoking (OR = 5.6, 95% CI = 3.7-8.6). CONCLUSION: The often-reported association between alcohol and lung cancer risk can be fully explained by the confounding effect of cigarette use.     

吸烟与帕金森病关系的病例对照研究

目的　探讨吸烟与帕金森病 (PD)的关系。方法　采用以人群为基础的病例对照研究 ,调查在北京地区 55岁以上PD患病率调查中确诊及 2 0 0 2年 8月至 2 0 0 3年 1月在北京协和医院帕金森研究中心诊治的病例共 1 1 4例 ;以及性别、民族及居住地与其匹配的对照 2 0 5名。结果　吸烟与PD呈显著负相关联。以非吸烟者为对照 ,曾经吸烟者、现在吸烟者和过去吸烟者患PD的危险性低于对照 ,OR值分别为 0 .49(95 %CI:0 .30～ 0 .79)、0 .44(95 %CI :0 .2 3～ 0 .86)和 0 .54(95 %CI:0 .30～0 .96)。此外 ,对吸烟者分别按吸烟年限≥ 2 0年和 <2 0年、戒烟年限≥ 2 0年和 <2 0年以及吸烟量分层和logistic回归分析 ,其负相关联依然存在并具有剂量反应关系的趋势 (P <0 .0 5)。结论　吸烟与PD存在负相关联 ,今后应着重开展有关生物学依据的研究     

Lifestyle-Related Determinants of Hookah and Cigarette Smoking in Iranian Adults

To identify lifestyle-related determinants of hookah and cigarette smoking in Iranian adults, a total of 12,514 men and women aged ≥19 years in three counties in central Iran (Isfahan, Najafabad, Arak) were selected in multistage random sampling. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle were collected in interviewer-administered questionnaires, as part of the baseline survey of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. Unhealthy lifestyle-related factors independently associated with cigarette and hookah smoking, were identified in sex-specific multivariate logistic regression analyses. High stress levels (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.35–1.78 for men; OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.17–2.27 for women), family member smoking (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.27–4.92 for men; OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 2.20–2.95 for women), and short/long sleep duration (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01–1.39 for men; OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.10–2.35 for women) were associated with cigarette smoking in both men and women. Poor diet was also related to cigarette smoking in men (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.62–1.89). Family member smoking was associated with hookah smoking in both men (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.05–3.12) and women (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.02–4.92), and in addition high stress levels (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.14–5.83) and short/long sleep duration (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02–2.41) were associated with hookah smoking in women. Unhealthy lifestyle-related factors co-occur with cigarette and hookah smoking in Iranian adults, likely increasing the risk for chronic health problems. Sex differences in the determinants of hookah and cigarette smoking may need to be taken into account in planning tobacco control strategies.     

天津市区胃癌危险因素的配对病例对照研究

目的 进一步探讨各危险因素与胃癌的关系。方法 选取天津市市内六区1998年和1999年的189例新发胃癌病人并按性别、年龄、民族等配比条件选取该市189名健康人群进行1：1配对的病例对照研究,资料处理采用条件logistic回归分析。结果 多因素条件logistic回归分析显示胃癌的发病与下列4种因素关节密切：烟熏食品OR=2.34,95%CI：1.60-4.98;吸烟量OR=6.07,95%CI：1.26-7.16;喜食重盐饮食OR=1.95,95%CI：1.27-3.23;过量摄入动物肉类OR=1.46,95%CI：1.05-2.02。结论 经常食用烟熏食品、吸烟量大、喜食重盐饮食、过量摄入动物肉类可能是胃癌的危险因素。     

Menstrual cycle characteristics and reproductive hormone levels in women exposed to atrazine in drinking water

Atrazine is the most commonly used herbicide in the U.S. and a wide-spread groundwater contaminant. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence exists that atrazine disrupts reproductive health and hormone secretion. We examined the relationship between exposure to atrazine in drinking water and menstrual cycle function including reproductive hormone levels.Women 18–40 years old residing in agricultural communities where atrazine is used extensively (Illinois) and sparingly (Vermont) answered a questionnaire (n=102), maintained menstrual cycle diaries (n=67), and provided daily urine samples for analyses of luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol and progesterone metabolites (n=35). Markers of exposures included state of residence, atrazine and chlorotriazine concentrations in tap water, municipal water and urine, and estimated dose from water consumption.Women who lived in Illinois were more likely to report menstrual cycle length irregularity (odds ratio (OR)=4.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58–13.95) and more than 6 weeks between periods (OR=6.16; 95% CI: 1.29–29.38) than those who lived in Vermont. Consumption of >2 cups of unfiltered Illinois water daily was associated with increased risk of irregular periods (OR=5.73; 95% CI: 1.58–20.77). Estimated “dose” of atrazine and chlorotriazine from tap water was inversely related to mean mid-luteal estradiol metabolite. Atrazine “dose” from municipal concentrations was directly related to follicular phase length and inversely related to mean mid-luteal progesterone metabolite levels.We present preliminary evidence that atrazine exposure, at levels below the US EPA MCL, is associated with increased menstrual cycle irregularity, longer follicular phases, and decreased levels of menstrual cycle endocrine biomarkers of infertile ovulatory cycles.     

Correlates of smoking in pregnant women in six Brazilian cities

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of smoking in pregnant women sampled from hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 5,539 pregnant women aged 20 or more who sought medical attention in prenatal clinics of affiliate hospitals of the Brazilian National Health System in the cities of Manaus, Fortaleza, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, S?o Paulo, and Porto Alegre from 1991 to 1995. Interviews were conducted using a standardized questionnaire that covered sociodemographics and smoking habits before and during pregnancy. Current smoking was defined as smoking at least one cigarette/day, former smoking as reporting having smoked at least one cigarette/day but having quit, and never smoking as never having smoked one cigarette/day. RESULTS: Smoking during pregnancy was associated with lower education (OR=2.13; CI 95%: 1.76-2.57) and greater parity (OR=1.84; CI 95%: 1.53-2.21). Positive associations were also found with increased gestational age and alcohol consumption. No significant association was found with skin color or occupation status. A protective effect was observed for women married or living with a partner (OR=0.55 CI 95%: 0.42-0.72). Having Manaus' women as a reference, Porto Alegre's women showed the greatest risk for smoking in pregnancy (OR=5.00; CI 95%: 3.35-7.38), followed by S?o Paulo's (OR=3.42; CI 95%: 2.25-5.20), Rio de Janeiro (OR=2.53; CI 95%: 1.65-3.88) and Fortaleza's (OR=2.56; CI 95%: 1.74-3.78). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings are similar to those described in the literature regarding education, parity, and marital status. However, no association with skin color was seen in the multivariate analysis. Former smokers had sociodemographic characteristics more similar to non-smokers than former smokers.     

吸烟、饮酒与食管癌p53基因改变的Meta分析

目的 探讨吸烟、饮酒与食管癌p53基因改变之间的关系。方法 应用Meta分析对有关研究吸烟、饮酒与食管癌p53基因改变的文献进行综合评价。结果 纳入Meta分析的14篇研究吸烟的文献中,吸烟与P53蛋白高表达、p53基因改变(P53蛋白高表达 p53基因突变)的合并OR值分别为1.99(95％CI:1.30～3.06)、1.64(95％CI:1.13～2.37)(P<0.05),吸烟与p53基因突变的合并OR值为1.11(95％CI:0.47～2.76)(P>0.05)。11篇研究饮酒的文献中,饮酒与P53蛋白高表达、p53基因突变和p53基因改变的合并OR值分别为1.30(95％CI:0.83～2.04)、1.13(95％CI:0.67～1.90)和1.22(95％CI:0.87～1.72),合并OR值无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 吸烟与p53基因改变有显著联系,饮酒与p53基因改变未见显著联系。     

Maternal prenatal cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use and risk of infant leukaemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Several case-control studies have evaluated associations between maternal smoking, alcohol consumption and illicit drug use during pregnancy and risk of childhood leukaemia. Few studies have specifically focused on infants (<1 year) with leukaemia, a group that is biologically and clinically distinct from older children. We present data from a Children's Oncology Group case-control study of 443 infants diagnosed with acute leukaemia [including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)] between 1996 and 2006 and 324 population controls. Mothers were queried about their cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use 1 year before and throughout pregnancy. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] were calculated using adjusted unconditional logistic regression models. Maternal smoking (>1 cigarette/day) and illicit drug use (any amount) before and/or during pregnancy were not significantly associated with infant leukaemia. Alcohol use (>1 drink/week) during pregnancy was inversely associated with infant leukaemia overall [OR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.43, 0.94], AML [OR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.28, 0.87], and leukaemia with mixed lineage leukaemia gene rearrangements ('MLL+') [OR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.36, 0.97]. While our results agree with the fairly consistent evidence that maternal cigarette smoking is not associated with childhood leukaemia, the data regarding alcohol and illicit drug use are not consistent with prior reports and are difficult to interpret. It is possible that unhealthy maternal behaviours during pregnancy, some of which carry potential legal consequences, may not be adequately measured using only self-report. Future case-control studies of childhood leukaemia that pursue these exposures may benefit from incorporation of validated instruments and/or biomarkers when feasible.     

Population-based case-control study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in western Washington State. I. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption

The associations of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption with the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were investigated in a population-based case-control study conducted in three counties of western Washington State from 1990 to 1994. Incident ALS cases (n = 161) were identified and were matched to population controls (n = 321) identified through random digit dialing and Medicare enrollment files. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to compute odds ratios adjusted for age, gender, respondent type, and education. The authors found that alcohol consumption was not associated with the risk of ALS. Ever having smoked cigarettes was associated with a twofold increase in risk (alcohol-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3, 3.2). A greater than threefold increased risk was observed for current smokers (alcohol-adjusted OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.9, 6.4), with only a modestly increased risk for former smokers (alcohol-adjusted OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.9, 2.4). Significant trends in the risk of ALS were observed with duration of smoking (p for trend = 0.001) and number of cigarette pack-years (p for trend = 0.001). The finding that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for ALS is consistent with current etiologic theories that implicate environmental chemicals and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ALS.     

Associations of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption with advanced or multiple colorectal adenoma risks: a colonoscopy-based case-control study in Korea

The associations between alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking habits and the risk for colorectal adenomatous polyps according to the detailed clinical information about polyps were assessed in a large colonoscopy-based study. The study enrolled participants who visited the National Cancer Center of the Republic of Korea for cancer screening between April 2007 and April 2009. In 1,242 newly diagnosed colorectal adenoma patients and 3,019 polyp-free controls, past smokers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.65) and current smokers (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.37, 2.11) had increased risks for adenomas compared with nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking conferred an even higher risk for advanced adenomas and 3 or more adenomas than for low-risk adenomas or a single adenoma. Dose-response relations were observed among the daily number of cigarettes smoked, the duration of smoking, the pack-years of smoking, and the risk for adenomas. A longer duration of alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk for advanced adenomas (for >28 years of consumption: OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.64) and 3 or more adenomas (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.76). In conclusion, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption play roles in colorectal carcinogenesis, and the association differs by the clinical features of the adenomas.     

Disorders of ovulation

A regular ovulatory menstrual cycle requires a functional and integrated feedback system involving the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary and the ovary (Figure 1). In the normal menstrual cycle, periods occur at regular intervals of 21-35 days and bleeding lasts for up to 7 days. Disorders of ovulation usually cause menstrual disturbance and present with irregular periods (oligomenorrhoea) or absent periods (amenorrhoea). Irregular periods with anovulatory cycles are commonest under age 20 and over age 40. Ovulatory disorders account for one-quarter of couples presenting with infertility. Anovulation may be classified by the anatomical location of the defect in the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis (Figure 2). By focusing on ovarian, hypothalamic and endocrine defects, this article offers an overview of the disorders of ovulation.