Factors associated to repeated influenza vaccination in the Portuguese adults with chronic conditions

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended to people with chronic conditions. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of chronically ill adults vaccinated against influenza in consecutive seasons and to identify associated factors.We used data from the first National Health Examination Survey (INSEF), a cross-sectional study conducted in 2015 on a probabilistic sample of individuals aged 25–74 years. The population was restricted to individuals who self-reported diabetes, a respiratory, cardiovascular, liver or kidney disease. Self-reported vaccination in 4 consecutive seasons was categorized in 3 levels: unvaccinated, occasionally (vaccinated 1–3 seasons) and repeatedly vaccinated (in all 4 seasons). A multinomial logistic regression was applied to estimate odds-ratio (OR) of influenza vaccination according to sociodemographic factors, chronic condition, health care use and status.In the target population, the 2014/15 influenza vaccine coverage was 33.8% (95% CI: 29.8–38.1). The higher coverage was found in individuals reporting renal disease (66.7%) and diabetes (43.8%). The coverage decreased to 32.6%, 26.0% and 20.8% for individuals with respiratory, cardiovascular and liver diseases, respectively. The probability of being repeatedly vaccinated, compared to unvaccinated, was higher in males (OR = 2.14: 95% CI: 1.31–3.52); aged 65 and 74 (OR = 4.39; 95% CI: 1.99–9.69); whom had an appointment with a general practitioner (OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.00–7.66) or other physician (OR = 3.95: 95% CI: 2.53–6.16); with no smoking habits (OR = 1.58; 95% I: 1.02–2.46) and reporting diabetes (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.02–4.45). Finally, having a self-reported cardiovascular condition decreased the likelihood of being occasionally (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.22–0.65) vaccinated against influenza.Younger individuals, females and the ones with a self-reported cardiovascular condition were identified as more likely of non-compliance to the vaccine uptake recommendation. Future vaccination strategies should focus on the previous identified population subgroups. Also, the medical recommendation of the influenza vaccine uptake should continue and be reinforced particularly in individuals with a cardiovascular condition.     

Race/ethnicity and self-reported diabetes among adults in the National Health Interview Survey: 2000-2003

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of race among Hispanic and non-Hispanic people on self-reported diabetes after adjusting for selected individual characteristics and known risk factors. METHODS: Using the National Health Interview Survey 2000-2003, these analyses were limited to Hispanic and non-Hispanic people who self-identified as white or black/African American for a final sample of 117,825 adults, including 17,327 Hispanic people (with 356 black and 16,971 white respondents). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of diabetes was 7.2%. After adjusting for selected covariates, Hispanic white and black respondents were 1.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32, 1.83) and 2.64 (95% CI 1.10, 6.35) times more likely to report having diabetes than non-Hispanic white respondents. The estimate for non-Hispanic black respondents was 1.45 (95% CI 1.29, 1.64). When compared to low-income non-Hispanic white respondents, low-income Hispanic white respondents (odds ratio [OR] 1.64; 95% CI 1.26, 2.19) and non-Hispanic black respondents (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.38, 2.11) were more likely to report having diabetes. Hispanic black people born in the U.S. were 3.54 (95% CI 1.27, 9.82) times more likely to report having diabetes when compared to Hispanic white people born in the U.S. In comparison to non-Hispanic white respondents, the odds of reporting diabetes decreased for non-Hispanic black respondents, while the odds remained constant for Hispanic white respondents (p-value for interaction between survey year and race/ethnicity = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that race may be a proxy for unmeasured exposures among non-Hispanic and Hispanic people. Thus, given the importance of race on health and the racial heterogeneity among Hispanic people, race among Hispanic people should be investigated whenever the data allow it.     

Mortality from brain cancer and leukaemia among electrical workers

The relation of brain cancer and mortality from leukaemia to electrical occupations was investigated in a case-control study based on all deaths in 1985 and 1986 in the 16 states in the United States that report occupational data from death certificates to the national vital statistics registry. The case series comprised all 2173 men who died of primary brain cancer (International Classification of Diseases-9 ((ICD-9) code 191) and all 3400 who died of leukaemia (ICD-9 codes 204-208). Each was matched with 10 controls who died of other causes in the same year. Men employed in any electrical occupation had age race adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.7) for brain cancer and 1.0 (95% CI 0.8-1.2) for leukaemia, compared with men in all other occupations. Brain cancer odds ratios were larger for electrical engineers and technicians (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.1-3.4), telephone workers (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4), electric power workers (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), and electrical workers in manufacturing industries (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.4). There was some evidence of excess leukaemia among the same groups (ORs of 1.1-1.5) despite absence of an association for all electrical workers. The excess of deaths from brain cancer was concentrated among men aged 65 or older, whereas leukaemia was associated with electrical work only among younger decedents and those with acute lymphocytic leukaemia. These results from a large and geographically diverse population corroborate reports of increased mortality from brain cancer among electrical workers, but gives only limited support to suggestions of excess deaths from leukaemia.     

Racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence and management of cardiovascular risk factors in the United States workforce

OBJECTIVE: To assess racial or ethnic differences in workers with respect to awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, and to identify factors associated with these disparities. METHODS: Analysis of nationally representative data collected from employed persons participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2002, with sub-analyses by race and ethnicity. RESULTS: Mexican-American workers are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to be aware of their hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39-0.94) and less likely to be treated (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.23-0.85); less likely to be aware (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.33-0.93) and treated (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.14-0.78) for dyslipidemia; and more likely to be aware of diabetes (OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.14-7.95). Non-Hispanic blacks treated for hypertension are less likely than whites to reach blood pressure goal (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.33-0.66). Having a usual place of care is independently associated with awareness and treatment for hypertension, and treatment for dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: Understanding cardiovascular health disparities in the workforce can help employers structure appropriate workplace screening and prevention programs.     

Mortality from brain cancer and leukaemia among electrical workers.

The relation of brain cancer and mortality from leukaemia to electrical occupations was investigated in a case-control study based on all deaths in 1985 and 1986 in the 16 states in the United States that report occupational data from death certificates to the national vital statistics registry. The case series comprised all 2173 men who died of primary brain cancer (International Classification of Diseases-9 ((ICD-9) code 191) and all 3400 who died of leukaemia (ICD-9 codes 204-208). Each was matched with 10 controls who died of other causes in the same year. Men employed in any electrical occupation had age race adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.7) for brain cancer and 1.0 (95% CI 0.8-1.2) for leukaemia, compared with men in all other occupations. Brain cancer odds ratios were larger for electrical engineers and technicians (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.1-3.4), telephone workers (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4), electric power workers (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), and electrical workers in manufacturing industries (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.4). There was some evidence of excess leukaemia among the same groups (ORs of 1.1-1.5) despite absence of an association for all electrical workers. The excess of deaths from brain cancer was concentrated among men aged 65 or older, whereas leukaemia was associated with electrical work only among younger decedents and those with acute lymphocytic leukaemia. These results from a large and geographically diverse population corroborate reports of increased mortality from brain cancer among electrical workers, but gives only limited support to suggestions of excess deaths from leukaemia.     

Safer storage of firearms at home and risk of suicide: a study of protective factors in a nationally representative sample

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the protective effect of storing firearms locked or unloaded, or both, on the risk of suicide by firearms among people with relatively low intention to die. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross sectional survey. The 1993 National Mortality Followback Survey of 22 957 deaths in the United States, representing 2.2 million people, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. PARTICIPANTS: Decedent's next of kin answered questions regarding various aspects of decedent's life to supplement information from death certificates. MAIN RESULTS: Compared with decedents who stored their firearm unlocked or loaded, those who stored their firearms locked or unloaded, or both, were less likely to commit suicide by firearms (locked: OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.66; unloaded OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: This study further supports the utility of devices and practices intended to reduce the likelihood of unauthorised or impulsive use of firearms.     

Lifestyle characteristics and 3-year total mortality of Japanese with self-reported diabetes

Despite the significant adverse health consequences of diabetes, data on lifestyle characteristics and mortality among the Japanese with diabetes are limited. Our objective was to investigate the lifestyles of Japanese community residents with self-reported diabetes and their 3-year total mortality. Our cohort was 7178 randomly selected residents aged 30-79 years in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan; 5187 responded to the survey (72% response rate) and were followed for 3 years. Baseline data were collected using questionnaires in December 2002, and deaths were monitored monthly. Only 19% of women and 4% of men followed six to seven of Breslow's seven health practices. The percentage of people with self-reported diabetes was 4.2%[95% confidence interval (CI), 3.4-5.1%] for women and 7.9% (95% CI, 6.8-9.1%) for men, and the 3-year total mortality was 1.4% (95% CI, 1.0-1.9%) for women and 3.1% (95% CI, 2.4-3.8%) for men. Factors associated with 3-year mortality were fair or poor subjective health [odds ratio (OR) = 3.1, 95% CI 1.7-5.5] and self-reported diabetes (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.9) in a logistic regression controlling for age and gender. In stratified analyses, 3-year mortality of those with diabetes was significantly higher than those without the disease among men and those aged under 65. Those with diabetes were more likely to have self-reported comorbidities, high blood pressure and report poor subjective health regardless of age and gender, and healthier lifestyles among the women and those aged under 65. Our results support the need for community-based primary prevention measures to improve the lifestyles of residents, along with secondary prevention approaches to monitor those with diabetes for complications and to give them lifestyle instructions.     

Cumulative AIDS incidence and altered pneumonia mortality.

We grouped New Jersey residents according to age, sex, race, and residence-specific cumulative incidence of AIDS since the onset of the AIDS epidemic: less than 15, 15-99, 100-499, and greater than or equal to 500 cases per 100,000 people, respectively. We determined mortality from bacterial and viral pneumonias (International Classification of Diseases [ICD] 480.0-486.9) from underlying cause of death files. Between 1980 and 1986, pneumonia mortality increased from 15.1 deaths per 100,000 per year (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.4, 19.7) to 25.0 deaths per 100,000 per year (95% CI 19.2, 30.8), an increase of 10.0 deaths per 100,000 per year (95% CI 2.6, 17.3), among those 25-44 years of age in the highest cumulative incidence group for AIDS. Increases in other population subgroups were approximately proportional to each subgroup's AIDS cumulative incidence. In particular, pneumonia mortality did not increase among those 25-44 years of age in groups with low cumulative incidence of AIDS. Deficiency of cell-mediated immunity, a diagnosis commonly applied in AIDS cases, was listed as a secondary diagnosis in 14% of the pneumonia deaths of persons 25-44 years of age in 1986 and in none of those in 1980.     

Markers of risk of asthma death or readmission in the 12 months following a hospital admission for asthma.

A case-control study has previously been reported of asthma deaths in people aged 5-45 years who had a hospital admission for asthma (the index admission) in New Zealand during 1981-1987. The study has been re-analysed to examine the association between markers of asthma severity and risk of asthma death or hospital admission; patients prescribed fenoterol were excluded from this re-analysis because of the previously reported interaction between fenoterol, asthma severity, and asthma deaths. The re-analysis included 39 patients who died of asthma during the 12 months after their index admission, 226 patients who had a readmission for asthma during the 12 months after their index admission, and 263 controls chosen from all index admissions. An admission in the previous 12 months was the strongest marker of subsequent risk of death (odds ratio (OR) = 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8-6.9, P less than 0.01), and was also a strong marker of subsequent risk of readmission (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 2.1-4.2, P less than 0.01); the risk increased with the number of previous admissions. Three or more categories of prescribed asthma drugs was also associated with subsequent death (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 0.9-3.3, P = 0.13) or readmission (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.7, P less than 0.01); prescribed oral corticosteroids was only weakly associated with subsequent death (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.6-2.8, P = 0.59), but was more strongly associated with subsequent readmission (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8, P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Betel-quid use is associated with the risk of the metabolic syndrome in adults

BACKGROUND: Betel-quid use has been associated with obesity and hyperglycemia in previous studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to test whether betel-quid use contributes to the metabolic syndrome, as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. DESIGN: Associations between betel-quid use and the metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertriacylglycerolemia, low HDL cholesterol, hyperglycemia, and high blood pressure after adjustment for sex, age, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, and dietary intakes were studied in nonpregnant adults aged 20-64 y (n = 1986) from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1993-1996). RESULTS: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was not significantly different between the men and women (10.1% compared with 9.7%), whereas the prevalence of betel-quid use was higher in the men than in the women (31% compared with 2.3%; P < 0.001). The daily rate of betel-quid use was associated with the metabolic syndrome [odds ratio (OR) associated with a betel-quid consumption rate of 10 times/d: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.55; P = 0.003], abdominal obesity (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.7; P = 0.001), hypertriacylglycerolemia (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.73; P = 0.037), and high blood pressure (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.4; P = 0.04). However, the daily rate of betel-quid use was not associated with low HDL cholesterol or hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION: The daily rate of betel-quid use is independently and positively associated with the metabolic syndrome in adults.     

Mobility impairments and use of screening and preventive services

OBJECTIVES: Primary care for people with disabilities often concentrates on underlying debilitating disorders to the exclusion of preventive health concerns. This study examined use of screening and preventive services among adults with mobility problems (difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods). METHODS: The responses of non-institutionalized adults to the 1994 National Health Interview Survey, including the disability and Healthy People 2000 supplements, were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regressions predicted service use on the basis of mobility level, demographic characteristics, and indicators of health care access. RESULTS: Ten percent of the sample reported some mobility impairment; 3% experienced major problems. People with mobility problems were as likely as others to receive pneumonia and influenza immunizations but were less likely to receive other services. Adjusted odds ratios for women with major mobility difficulties were 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4, 0.9) for the Papanicolaou test and 0.7 (95% CI = 0.5, 0.9) for mammography. CONCLUSIONS: More attention should be paid to screening and preventive services for people with mobility difficulties. Shortened appointment times, physically inaccessible care sites, and inadequate equipment could further compromise preventive care for this population.     

Occupational injuries among workers with diabetes: the National Health Interview Survey, 1997-2005

OBJECTIVE:: To assess associations between diabetes and occupational injury. METHODS:: Data from the 1997 to 2005 National Health Interview Survey comprised a sample of 195,284 adult workers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed associations between diabetes and occupational injuries, adjusting for age, sex, race, and education. Additional logistic regression analysis examined the effect of medical therapy and duration of diabetes with occupational injury. RESULTS:: There was no significant association between diabetes and occupational injury (adjusted OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.86 to 1.61). Subgroups of diabetics who reported no current diabetes therapy (OR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.01 to 3.47) or duration of diabetes longer than 12 years (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.05 to 3.18) were at increased risk for occupational injury. CONCLUSION:: The finding of no overall increased risk for occupational injury among workers with diabetes provides nationally representative results that may be useful to policymakers. Increased risk for occupational injury among untreated diabetics or those with long duration of disease may lead to focused efforts to prevent occupational injuries.     

Maternal exposures to hazardous waste sites and industrial facilities and risk of neural tube defects in offspring

PURPOSE: We examined the relationship between maternal proximity to hazardous waste sites and industrial facilities and neural tube defect (NTD) risk. METHODS: Texas Birth Defects Registry cases were linked with their birth or fetal death certificates; controls (without defects) were randomly selected from birth certificates. Distances from maternal addresses at delivery to National Priority List (NPL) and state superfund sites and Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) facilities were determined for 655 cases and 4368 controls. RESULTS: Living within 1 mile of an NPL or state superfund site was not related to NTD risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.0; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.6, 1.7). Living within 1 mile of a TRI facility carried a slight risk (adjusted OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.5). The effect was highest among mothers 35 years and older (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.4, 5.0) and among non-Hispanic white mothers (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.1, 2.8). CONCLUSIONS: Hazardous waste sites posed little risk for NTDs in offspring. Close proximity to industrial facilities with chemical air emissions was associated with NTD risk in some subgroups. Further investigation is needed to determine if the effects are real or due to unresolved confounding or bias.     

Influenza vaccination of healthcare workers in the United States, 1989-2002.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United States during 1989-2002 and to identify factors associated with vaccination in this group. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccination for HCWs to reduce transmission of influenza to patients at high risk for serious complications of influenza. DESIGN: Analysis of cross-sectional data from 1989-2002 surveys conducted by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The outcome measure was self-reported influenza vaccination in the past 12 months. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of 2002 NHIS data. SETTING: Household interviews conducted during 1989-2002, weighted to reflect the noninstitutionalized, civilian US population. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 18 years or older participated in the study. A total of 2,089 were employed in healthcare occupations or settings in 2002, and 17,160 were employed in nonhealthcare occupations or settings. RESULTS: The influenza vaccination rate among US HCWs increased from 10.0% in 1989 to 38.4% in 2002, with no significant change since 1997. In a multivariate model that included data from the 2002 NHIS, factors associated with a higher rate of influenza vaccination among HCWs aged 18-64 years included age of 50 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.1), hospital employee status (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9), 1 or more visits to the office of a healthcare professional in the past 12 months (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), receipt of employer-provided health insurance (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), a history of pneumococcal vaccination (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.5-6.1), and history of hepatitis B vaccination (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.4). Non-Hispanic black persons were less likely to be vaccinated (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9) than non-Hispanic white persons. There were no significant differences in vaccination levels according to HCW occupation category. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza immunization among HCWs reached a plateau during 1997-2002. New strategies are needed to encourage US HCWs to receive influenza vaccination to prevent influenza illness in themselves and transmission of influenza to vulnerable patients.     

Substance use and risky sexual behaviours among sexually experienced Ghanaian youth

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The association between risky sexual behaviours and substance uses among Ghanaian youth were investigated. METHODS: An in-school cross-sectional representative survey was conducted among 12-18-year- old youth in Ghana in 2008 (N=1165, response rate =90%). Logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the association between substance use (tobacco use, drunkenness, marijuana use, other drug uses) and risky sexual behaviours (sexual debut, condom use and number of sexual partners). RESULTS: Of all adolescents, 25% (28% boys and 23% girls) were sexually experienced. The mean age for first sexual intercourse was 14.8 years (14.4 years for boys and 15.1 years for girls). Among the sexually experienced, 31% had multiple sexual partners. Older age (OR=3.4, 95% CI=1.7-3.4) and rural residency (OR=1.5, 95% CI=1.1-2.1) were independently associated with sexual debut while only older age (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.7-3.4) was associated with condom use. Additionally, smoking (OR=3.7, 95% CI=2.0-6.8), tawa use (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.3-4.7), tobacco use (OR=2.8, 95% CI=1.7-4.7) drunkenness (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.8) and marijuana use (OR=3.3, 95% CI=1.6-7.0) were independently associated with sexual debut. Furthermore, all substance uses studied were associated with having one or multiple sexual partners. CONCLUSION: Substance use seems to be a gateway for risky sexual behaviours among Ghanaian adolescents. Public health interventions should take into account the likelihood of substance use among sexually experienced adolescents.     

Diabetes in a Caribbean population: epidemiological profile and implications

OBJECTIVE: To examine the distribution and impact of diabetes, glycaemic status, and related factors, in a predominantly black adult Caribbean population. METHODS: The study included 4709 people, or 84% of a simple random sample of Barbadian-born citizens aged 40-84 years, examined between 1988 and 1992 and re-assessed 4 years later. Diabetes was evaluated according to physician-diagnosis and glycosylated haemoglobin (GHb). Associations were assessed by logistic regression analyses, cumulative mortality by product-limit methods and death-rate ratios by Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Among the 4314 black participants, the prevalence of known diabetes, predominantly type 2, was 9.1% at 40-49 years of age and increased to 24.0% at 70-79 years. The overall prevalence was 17.5%, while it was 12.5% in mixed (black/ white; n = 184) and 6.0% in white/other participants (n = 133), only 0.3% had younger-onset. Additionally, 2% had GHb >10% (>2 SD over the mean) without diabetes history. Sulphonylureas were the most frequent treatment, while insulin use was infrequent. In black participants, diabetes was positively associated with age (OR = 1.03 per year; 95% CI : 1.02-1.04), diabetes family history (OR = 2.85, 95% CI : 2.39-3.40), hypertension (OR = 1.71, 95% CI : 1.42-2.05), obesity (BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2); OR = 1.74, 95% CI : 1.44-2.10), and high waist-hip ratio (WHR > or = 0.92; OR = 1.29, 95% CI : 1.09-1.53). Ocular co-morbidities were increased among people with diabetes, as was 4-year-mortality (death rate ratio = 1.42, 95% CI : 1.10-1.83). There was a 9% increase in mortality for each 1% increase in GHb (death rate ratio = 1.09, 95% CI : 1.04-1.15). CONCLUSIONS: A markedly high prevalence of diabetes existed in the adult black population, affecting almost one in five people and increasing morbidity and mortality. Prevention strategies are urgently needed to reduce the adverse implications of diabetes in this and similar populations.     

Socioeconomic factors in Helicobacter pylori infection among Danish adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between housing conditions, educational level, occupational factors, and serologically diagnosed acute and chronic Helicobacter pylori infection. METHODS: Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M serum antibodies against H. pylori were measured in 3589 Danish adults who participated in a population study. RESULTS: Low socioeconomic status (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7, 3.0), short duration of schooling (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3, 2.5), lack of training/education (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.7]), unskilled work (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2, 2.5), and high work-related energy expenditure (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.9) increased the likelihood of chronic H. pylori infection. Infection was frequent in people who had lived abroad. Increased levels solely of immunoglobulin M antibodies were found more often in people who were divorced (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2, 4.4) or unmarried (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.8) or who worked long hours (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1, 4.0). CONCLUSIONS: Educational and occupational factors relate to the likelihood of chronic H. pylori infection in adults. The rate of acute infection is high in single individuals.     

IFITM3基因rs12252位点多态性与中国人群流感易感性:基于研究的序贯Meta分析

  目的  系统评价干扰素诱导跨膜蛋白3（interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3,IFITM3）基因rs12252位点多态性与中国人群流感易感性的定量关系。  方法  检索Medline、PubMed、Embase、Web of Science以及中国知网、万方、维普数据库,收集IFITM3与中国人群流感易感性相关的文章。采用Meta分析方法对收集的文章进行定量地综合分析。  结果  本次研究共纳入7篇文献,共计919例流感感染的病例,涉及到甲型流感（H7N9、H1N1pmd09、H3N2）及乙型流感病毒,序贯Meta分析显示本研究纳入的研究总样本已达到了得到稳定阳性结局所需的样本量。Meta分析结果发现,IFITM3基因的rs12252多态性与中国人群流感病毒易感性存在关联,携带rs12252 C等位基因的人群更易发生流感（C vs T:OR=1.67,95% CI:1.45~1.92;CC vs TT:OR=2.61,95% CI:1.97~3.46;TC vs TT:OR=1.55,95% CI:1.20~2.00;CC vs TC+TT:OR=2.01,95% CI:1.49~2.72;CC+TC vs TT:OR=8.90,95% CI:4.94~16.06）。  结论  IFITM3基因rs12252位点多态性是中国人群发生流感的危险因素。     

Maternal, delivery, and perinatal characteristics associated with cryptorchidism: a population-based case-control study among births in Washington State

BACKGROUND: The etiology of cryptorchidism is largely unknown. To identify maternal, perinatal, and delivery characteristics associated with cryptorchidism at birth, we conducted a population-based case-control study using Washington State birth certificates linked to birth hospitalization records. METHODS: We identified 2,395 cases of cryptorchidism among male infants born in Washington State during 1986-1996, and, for comparison, we randomly selected four controls per case (N = 9,580), frequency-matched by year of birth. RESULTS: Infant characteristics associated with cryptorchidism included low birth weight (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.3-1.8), small size for gestational age (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.6-2.2), and breech presentation (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.4-2.1). In addition to cryptorchidism, cases were more likely to have another type of congenital malformation (OR = 3.7; 95% CI = 3.2-4.2), particularly digestive (OR = 6.8; 95% CI = 3.7-12.7) or genitourinary (OR = 4.1; 95% CI = 3.0-5.6). Maternal and pregnancy characteristics associated with cryptorchidism included nulliparity (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.3), maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.4), and the following pregnancy complications: oligohydramnios (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.3-2.6), placental abnormality (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.0-1.8), and pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.4-1.9). Odds ratios were similar when the analysis was restricted to term infants. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that factors affecting fetal growth and development may increase the risk of cryptorchidism.