Prior alcohol consumption and mortality following acute myocardial infarction

CONTEXT: Studies have found that individuals who consume 1 alcoholic drink every 1 to 2 days have a lower risk of a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than abstainers or heavy drinkers, but the effect of prior drinking on mortality after AMI is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of prior alcohol consumption on long-term mortality among early survivors of AMI. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective inception cohort study conducted at 45 US community and tertiary care hospitals between August 1989 and September 1994, with a median follow-up of 3.8 years. PATIENTS: A total of 1913 adults hospitalized with AMI between 1989 and 1994. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All-cause mortality, compared by self-reported average weekly consumption of beer, wine, and liquor during the year prior to AMI. RESULTS: Of the 1913 patients, 896 (47%) abstained from alcohol, 696 (36%) consumed less than 7 alcoholic drinks/wk, and 321 (17%) consumed 7 or more alcoholic drinks/wk. Compared with abstainers, patients who consumed less than 7 drinks/wk had a lower all-cause mortality rate (3.4 vs 6.3 deaths per 100 person-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.71) as did those who consumed 7 or more drinks/wk (2.4 vs 6.3 deaths per 100 person-years; HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.25-0.55; P<.001 for trend). After adjusting for propensity to drink and other potential confounders, increasing alcohol consumption remained predictive of lower mortality for less than 7 drinks/wk, with an adjusted HR of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.60-1.03), and for 7 or more drinks/wk, with an adjusted HR of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.45-1.05; P =.01 for trend). The association was similar for total and cardiovascular mortality, among both men and women, and among different types of alcoholic beverages. CONCLUSION: Self-reported moderate alcohol consumption in the year prior to AMI is associated with reduced mortality following infarction.     

Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to risk of ischemic stroke.

CONTEXT: Few studies have evaluated the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between fruit and vegetable intake and ischemic stroke. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: Prospective cohort studies, including 75 596 women aged 34 to 59 years in the Nurses' Health Study with 14 years of follow-up (1980-1994), and 38683 men aged 40 to 75 years in the Health Professionals' Follow-up Study with 8 years of follow-up (1986-1994). All individuals were free of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes at baseline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of ischemic stroke by quintile of fruit and vegetable intake. RESULTS: A total of 366 women and 204 men had an ischemic stroke. After controlling for standard cardiovascular risk factors, persons in the highest quintile of fruit and vegetable intake (median of 5.1 servings per day among men and 5.8 servings per day among women) had a relative risk (RR) of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.92) compared with those in the lowest quintile. An increment of 1 serving per day of fruits or vegetables was associated with a 6% lower risk of ischemic stroke (RR, 0.94; 95 % CI, 0.90-0.99; P =.01, test for trend). Cruciferous vegetables (RR, 0.68 for an increment of 1 serving per day; 95% CI, 0.49-0.94), green leafy vegetables (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62-0.99), citrus fruit including juice (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.96), and citrus fruit juice (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.93) contributed most to the apparent protective effect of total fruits and vegetables. Legumes or potatoes were not associated with lower ischemic stroke risk. The multivariate pooled RR for total stroke was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93-1.00) for each increment of 2 servings per day. CONCLUSIONS: These data support a protective relationship between consumption of fruit and vegetables-particularly cruciferous and green leafy vegetables and citrus fruit and juice-and ischemic stroke risk.     

A prospective study of folate intake and the risk of breast cancer

CONTEXT: Folate is involved in DNA synthesis and methylation and may reduce breast cancer risk, particularly among women with greater alcohol consumption. OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between folate intake and risk of breast cancer and whether higher folate intake may reduce excess risk among women who consume alcohol. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study performed in 1980, with 16 years of follow-up. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 88818 women who completed the dietary questionnaire section of the Nurses' Health Study in 1980. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of invasive breast cancer by levels of folate and alcohol intake. RESULTS: A total of 3483 cases of breast cancer were documented. Total folate intake was not associated with overall risk of breast cancer. However, among women who consumed at least 15 g/d of alcohol, the risk of breast cancer was highest among those with low folate intake. For total folate intake of at least 600 microg/d compared with 150 to 299 microg/d, the multivariate relative risk (RR) was 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.76; P for trend = .001). This association was only slightly attenuated after additional adjustment for intake of beta carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, preformed vitamin A, and total vitamins C and E. The risk of breast cancer associated with alcohol intake was strongest among women with total folate intake of less than 300 microg/d (for alcohol intake > or =15 g/d vs <15 g/d, multivariate RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.15-1.50). For women who consumed at least 300 microg/d of total folate, the multivariate RR for intake of at least 15 g/d of alcohol vs less than 15 g/d was 1.05 (95% CI, 0.92-1.20). Current use of multivitamin supplements, the major source of folate, was associated with lower breast cancer risk among women who consumed at least 15 g/d of alcohol (for current users of supplements vs never users, RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the excess risk of breast cancer associated with alcohol consumption may be reduced by adequate folate intake.     

Lifestyle factors and risk of dementia: Dubbo Study of the elderly

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for dementia in an elderly Australian cohort. DESIGN AND SETTING: A longitudinal cohort study conducted in Dubbo, NSW. PARTICIPANTS: 2805 men and women aged 60 years and older living in the community and initially free of cognitive impairment, first assessed in 1988 and followed for 16 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Admission to hospital or nursing home with any kind of dementia. RESULTS: There were 115 cases of dementia in 1233 men (9.3/100) and 170 cases in 1572 women (10.8/100). In a proportional hazards model for dementia, any intake of alcohol predicted a 34% lower risk, and daily gardening a 36% lower risk. Daily walking predicted a 38% lower risk of dementia in men, but there was no significant prediction in women. The lowest tertile of peak expiratory flow predicted an 84% higher risk of dementia, the upper tertile of depression score predicted a 50% higher risk. CONCLUSION: While excess alcohol intake is to be avoided, it appears safe and reasonable to recommend the continuation of moderate alcohol intake in those already imbibing, as well as the maintenance of physical activity, especially daily gardening, in the hope of reducing the incidence of dementia in future years.     

Factors related to frequency of engaging in outside activities among elderly persons living an independent life at home

We examined by cross-sectional design the association between the frequency of outside activity and the demographic, health problem, lifestyle, psychosocial and environmental factors among 239 community-dwelling elderly Japanese people (105 men and 134 women) aged 65 years and older, who lived independently at home. The associations of the outside activities more than 6-7 days per week based on a categorical questionnaire choice with potential factors were expressed by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated through logistic regression analysis by sex. The proportions of those engaging in outside activity more than 6-7 days per week were 38.1% and 21.6% among men and women, respectively. The associations of the factors belonging to various fields with the frequency of engaging in outside activities were clearly pronounced among men. Elderly men engaging in outside activities more often were scored less for depression and more socially active than men engaging in outside activities less often. Multiple regression analysis revealed meeting and talking often with friend (OR=4.18, 95% CI: 1.06-16.5), current alcohol consumption (3.01, 1.06-8.54), having any hobby (3.59, 0.94-13.7), and easy access to public transportation (3.43, 1.28-9.16) as significant or borderline significant factors related to engaging in outside activities more than 6-7 days per week. Women who were currently employed engaged in outside activities more frequently. The frequency of engaging in outside activities was associated with factors belonging to various fields among elderly people living independently, particularly among men, suggesting its usefulness as an indicator of comprehensive well-being.     

Impact of smoking, diabetes and hypertension on survival time in the elderly: the Dubbo Study

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of various risk factors on survival time in a cohort of elderly Australians. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A longitudinal, prospective cohort study conducted in Dubbo, NSW. Participants were men and women aged 60 years or over living in the community, first assessed in 1988-1989 and followed for 15 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mortality rates; risk factors; survival times. RESULTS: There were 668 deaths in 1233 men (54%) and 625 deaths in 1572 women (40%). Coronary heart disease was the major cause of death, rates being higher in men than women until age group 80+ years; stroke death rates were similar in both sexes; cancer and respiratory death rates were higher in men than women across all ages. In a proportional hazards model, the independent predictors of mortality were cigarette smoking, diabetes, very high blood pressure (BP), impaired peak expiratory flow (PEF), physical disability, and zero intake of alcohol. Over 15 years, the average reductions in survival time associated with various risk factors, in men and women respectively, were smoking, 22 and 15 months; diabetes, 18 and 18 months; very high BP, 16 and 9 months; impaired PEF, 14 and 17 months; physical disability, 16 and 12 months; zero alcohol intake, 9 and 5 months. Combinations of selected risk factors were associated with a multiplier effect. CONCLUSION: The reduction in survival time in elderly citizens demonstrated in the presence of smoking, diabetes and hypertension highlights a potential benefit to healthy ageing to be gained from prevention and intervention.     

Whole grain consumption and risk of ischemic stroke in women: A prospective study

CONTEXT: Although increased intake of grain products has been recommended to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), prospective data examining the relation of whole grain intake to risk of ischemic stroke are sparse, especially among women. OBJECTIVE: To examine the hypothesis that higher whole grain intake reduces the risk of ischemic stroke in women. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective cohort of 75,521 US women aged 38 to 63 years without previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, stroke, or other CVDs in 1984, who completed detailed food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) in 1984, 1986, 1990, and 1994, and were followed up for 12 years as part of the Nurses' Health Study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of ischemic stroke, confirmed by medical records, by quintile of whole grain intake according to FFQ responses. RESULTS: During 861,900 person-years of follow-up, 352 confirmed incident cases of ischemic stroke occurred. We observed an inverse association between whole grain intake and ischemic stroke risk. The age-adjusted relative risks (RRs) from the lowest to highest quintiles of whole grain intake were 1.00 (referent), 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.94), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.51-0.95), 0.49 (95% CI, 0.35-0.69), and 0.57 (95% CI, 0.42-0.78; P =.003 for trend). Adjustment for smoking modestly attenuated this association (RR comparing extreme quintiles, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47-0.89). This inverse association remained essentially unchanged with further adjustment for known CVD risk factors, including saturated fat and transfatty acid intake (multivariate-adjusted RR comparing extreme quintiles, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.50-0.98). The inverse relation between whole grain intake and risk of ischemic stroke was also consistently observed among subgroups of women who never smoked, did not drink alcohol, did not exercise regularly, or who did not use postmenopausal hormones. No significant association was observed between total grain intake and risk of ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, higher intake of whole grain foods was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke among women, independent of known CVD risk factors. These prospective data support the notion that higher intake of whole grains may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.     

Does a diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome provide additional prediction of cardiovascular disease and total mortality in the elderly? The Dubbo Study

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) improves the prediction of cardiovascular disease or total mortality beyond that already provided by conventional risk factors. DESIGN AND SETTING: A longitudinal cohort study conducted in Dubbo, New South Wales. PARTICIPANTS: 2805 men and women aged 60 years and older living in the community, first assessed in 1988-1989 and followed for 16 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Coronary heart disease (CHD) events, ischaemic stroke events, and total mortality. RESULTS: MetS was present in 31% of men and 34% of women. Crude CHD, ischaemic stroke, and total mortality rates were higher in the presence of MetS in men and women. In proportional hazards models that included conventional risk factors, but excluded variables used to define the presence of MetS, MetS was a significant predictor of CHD, stroke and total mortality. In men, the respective hazard ratios were 1.64 (95% CI, 1.37-1.96), 1.31 (95% CI, 0.97-1.77), and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.30-1.79). In women, the respective hazard ratios were 1.70 (95% CI, 1.43-2.02), 1.37 (95% CI, 1.04-1.82), and 1.35 (95% CI, 1.15-1.59). The use of MetS variables on an ordinal scale produced broadly similar conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of MetS provides additional prediction of CHD events, stroke events, and total mortality beyond that provided by other conventional risk factors.     

Effect of statins on risk of coronary disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

CONTEXT: Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is known to reduce risk of recurrent coronary heart disease in middle-aged men. However, this effect has been uncertain in elderly people and women. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk reduction of coronary heart disease and total mortality associated with statin drug treatment, particularly in elderly individuals and women. DATA SOURCES: Trials published in English-language journals were retrieved by searching MEDLINE (1966-December 1998), bibliographies, and authors' reference files. STUDY SELECTION: Studies in which participants were randomized to statin or control treatment for at least 4 years and clinical disease or death was the primary outcome were included in the meta-analysis (5 of 182 initially identified). DATA EXTRACTION: Information on sample size, study drug duration, type and dosage of statin drug, participant characteristics at baseline, reduction in lipids during intervention, and outcomes was abstracted independently by 2 authors (J.H. and S.V.) using a standardized protocol. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data from the 5 trials, with 30 817 participants, were included in this meta-analysis. The mean duration of treatment was 5.4 years. Stati n drug treatment was associated with a20% reduction in total cholesterol, 28% reduction in LDL-C, 13% reduction in triglycerides, and 5% increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Overall, statin drug treatment reduced risk 31 % in major coronary events (95% confidence interval [CI], 26%-36%) and 21 % in all-cause mortality (95% CI, 14%-28%). The risk reduction in major coronary events was similar between women (29%; 95% Cl, 13 %-42 %) and men (31 %; 95% CI, 26%-35%), and between persons aged at least 65 years (32%; 95% CI, 23%-39%) and persons younger than 65 years (31 %; 95% CI, 24%-36%). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicates that reduction in LDL-C associated with statin drug treatment decreases the risk of coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality. The risk reduction was similar for men and women and for elderly and middle-aged persons.     

东亚男性饮酒和卒中关系的前瞻性队列研究荟萃分析

目的 系统评价源自于中、日、韩关于饮酒和卒中关系的前瞻性队列研究,探讨东亚男性饮酒和卒中及全因死亡的关系.方法 检索Pubmed等数据库,纳入符合入选条件的前瞻性队列研究,记录研究来源国家、研究对象例数、性别、年龄(均数或中位数及间距)、随访期限、饮酒量(g/d)、与饮酒相关的卒中或死亡相对风险(RR)及95%可信区间(CI)等.根据异质性检验结果,采用随机或固定效应模型,以RR作为评价饮酒量与缺血性卒中或出血性卒中发病率及全因死亡率的风险效应指标.结果 共纳入17项前瞻性队列研究.样本量最小1 322人,最大108 461人,9项研究报道了全因死亡;7项报道了缺血性卒中、7项报道了出血性卒中.随访期间4.1～19.0年.分层比较显示每日饮酒量≤20、21～40、41～60、＞60 g/d的各组与不饮酒者比较,缺血性卒中风险(RR及95%CI)分别为0.85(0.78～0.93;P=0.0002)、0.94(0.79～1.11;P=0.46)、1.08(0.86～1.37;P=0.50)和1.24(0.96～1.59;P=0.10);出血性卒中风险分别为0.92(0.75～1.12;P=0.40)、1.11(0.96～1.28;P=0.17)、1.20(0.92～1.56;P=0.18)和1.74(1.32～2.28;P＜0.01);全因死亡风险分别为0.83(0.75～0.91,P=0.01)、0.93(0.87～0.99,P=0.03)、1.01(0.95～1.07;P=0.86)和1.32(1.29～1.36;P＜0.01).结论 在东亚男性人群中,少量饮酒(≤20 g/d)降低缺血性卒中的风险,过量饮酒使卒中(尤其是出血性卒中)、全因死亡的风险明显增加.适量饮酒的范围应每日酒精量不超过40g.     

Alcohol intake and the risk of coronary heart disease mortality in persons with older-onset diabetes mellitus.

CONTEXT: Despite nutrition information and guidelines that advise against depriving diabetic patients of the potential benefit of moderate alcohol intake against cardiovascular events, the association between alcohol consumption and risk of cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic individuals has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between alcohol intake and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in persons with older-onset diabetes. DESIGN: Population-based, prospective cohort study conducted from 1984 through 1996, with a follow-up of up to 12.3 years. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 983 older-onset diabetic individuals (mean [SD] age, 68.6 [11.0] years; 45.2% male; 98.5% white) were interviewed about their past-year intake of alcoholic beverages during the 1984-1986 follow-up examination of a population-based study of diabetic persons in southern Wisconsin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Time to mortality from CHD by category alcohol intake. RESULTS: Alcohol use was inversely associated with risk of CHD mortality in older-onset diabetic subjects. The CHD mortality rates for never and former drinkers were 43.9 and 38.5 per 1000 person-years, respectively, while the rates for those with alcohol intakes of less than 2, 2 to 13, and 14 or more g/d were 25.3, 20.8, and 10.0 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with never drinkers and controlling for age, sex, cigarette smoking, glycosylated hemoglobin level, insulin use, plasma C-peptide level, history of angina or myocardial infarction, digoxin use, and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy, former drinkers had a relative risk (RR) of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-1.12); for those who drank less than 2 g/d (less frequent than 1 drink a week), the RR was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.33-0.90); for 2 to 13 g/d, it was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.23-0.84); and for 14 or more g/d (about 1 drink or more a day), it was 0.21 (95% CI, 0.09-0.48). Further adjustments for blood pressure, body mass index, education, physical activity, diabetes duration, hypertension history, overt nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy, lipid measures, or intake of medications such as aspirin and antihypertensive agents did not change the associations observed. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest an overall beneficial effect of alcohol consumption in decreasing the risk of death due to CHD in people with older-onset diabetes.     

Risk factors for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: a Chinese multi-center study

Background Despite 100 years of research, the continued absence of well-established risk factors impedes the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome （IC/PBS）. We aimed to identify risk factors in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms （LUTS） without urinary tract infection or benign prostate hyperplasia in China.Methods A total of 397 outpatients with LUTS presenting for care to urology clinics in several hospitals throughout China were surveyed using a standardized questionnaire and validated outcome measures. The definitions for painful bladder syndrome based on the O‘Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptom and problem indices were used. The prevalence of possible risk factors was analyzed using the Fisher＇s exact test and Pearson chi-square test, and multivariate predictive models were developed using binary Logistic regression methods.Results Of those multi-centre patients surveyed, including 174 women and 223 men, 41% （162/397） met criteria for painful bladder syndrome. There was a significant difference between women and men （55% （95/174） vs. 30% （67/223）,P 〈0.001）. Women with IC/PBS were more likely than those without IC/PBS to report a history of gynecological infections （odds ratio （OR）： 2.85; 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.32-6.16, P=0.007）, intake of stimulatory foods （OR： 3.52; 95% CI：1.50-8.30; P=0.004）, irritable bowel （OR： 3.46; 95% CI： 1.22-9.80; P=0.014） and/or anorectal disease （OR： 2.68; 95% CI：1.12-6.40, P=0.023）. After adjusting for confounding factors, bladder pain was significantly associated with stimulatory foods （OR： 3.85; 95% CI： 1.58-9.36, P=0.003） and anorectal disease （OR： 2.76; 95% CI： 1.09-7.04, P=0.03） in women.Caffeine beverage intake （OR： 3.54; 95% CI： 1.54-8.12, P=0.003） was identified the only modifiable association noted in multivariate analysis of men.Conclusions We found that stimutatory foods, anorectal disease and caffeine beverages are potential risk factors for IC/PBS. Further studies are necessary to determine their role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.     

高尿酸血症在北京地区1997人中的患病情况及相关因素分析

目的调查人群中高尿酸血症的患病率并对其相关因素进行分析。方法对1997名体检人群进行横断面调查,通过Logistic多元回归模型分析与高尿酸血症相关的人口学特征、饮食和生活习惯及临床指标。结果该人群中男性高尿酸血症的患病人数163例,占13．8％;女性46例,占6．0％。Logistic多元回归模型显示男性、少数民族（回族）、肾功能重度受损、使用利尿剂、超重／肥胖、高血压、高甘油三脂血症与高尿酸血症的危险性升高相关,而退休与高尿酸血症的危险性降低相关。结论男性、少数民族（回族）、肾功能重度受损、使用利尿剂、超重／肥胖、高血压、高甘油三酯血症可能是高尿酸血症的危险因素;退休可能是保护因素。     

Predictors of excess mortality after myocardial infarction in women

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that women have higher mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than men. Potential factors to explain this disparity include delay to presentation, less aggressive interventional strategies, and more severe disease at coronary angiography in women. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n=663) presenting to coronary care between Jan 2002 and Jan 2005 with ischemic type chest pain and AMI (troponin T >0.09ng/ml) were recruited. Details of the presentation and management were obtained from the medical notes. The primary endpoint was three month all cause mortality. RESULTS: Of these patients 31% (205/663) were female. Mean age of women was 70 (SD 11) and 63 (SD 13) for men (p<0.001). There was no difference between the sexes for delay in presentation or treatment or for ST elevation infarction site. Women had prior hypertension more than men (49% 100/205 vs. 38% 174/458, p=0.008). Women were less likely to have diagnostic catheterisation (67% 137/205 vs. 80% 365/458 p<0.001). Both genders had similar coronary artery disease extent and frequencies of LV impairment (EF<45%) and were equally likely to undergo revascularisation (79% 108/137 vs. 81% 295/365 p=NS). There was an excess 3 month mortality among women (11% 23/205 vs. 5% 24/458 in men p=0.006). INDEPENDENT: predictors of 3 month mortality by logistic regression analysis were age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 -1.09, p<0.001) and LV impairment (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13-0.56, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: As LV impairment was comparable in men and women, the excess mortality identified is due to older age at presentation of women.     

The definition of anemia in older persons.

CONTEXT: Whether hemoglobin concentrations defined as anemia by the World Health Organization (WHO) are associated with increased mortality in older persons is not known. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between hemoglobin concentration and cause-specific mortality in older persons. DESIGN: Community-based study conducted from 1986 to 1996 (follow-up period, 10 years). SETTING: Leiden, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1016 community residents aged 85 years and older were eligible and 872 agreed to have a blood sample taken. Hemoglobin concentration was measured in 755 persons (74%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hemoglobin concentration, 10-year survival, and primary cause of death. According to the WHO criteria, anemia was defined as a hemoglobin concentration below 7.5 mmol/L (120 g/L) in women and below 8.1 mmol/L (130 g/L) in men. RESULTS: Compared with persons with a normal hemoglobin concentration, the mortality risk was 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.06; P<.001) in women with anemia, and 2.29 (95% CI, 1.60-3.26; P<.001) in men with anemia. In both sexes, the mortality risk increased with lower hemoglobin concentrations. In persons without self-reported clinical disease at baseline, the mortality risk of anemia was 2.21 (95% CI, 1.37-3.57; P=.002). Mortality from malignant and infectious diseases was higher in persons with anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia defined by the WHO criteria was associated with an increased mortality risk in persons aged 85 years and older. The criteria are thus appropriate for older persons. A low hemoglobin concentration at old age signifies disease.     

Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation in Chinese Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective To investigate the status of folic acid (FA) supplementation and determinants of its use inpregnant Chinese women Methods In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were used to collect information of participantsand FA supplementation. Women were recruited between 6 and 12 weeks postpartum in Tianjin, China,between July 2015 and July 2016 Results A total of 1,921 women were recruited in the study. Approximately 93.1% of the studyparticipants used FA, while 14.4% of the women taking FA from three months prior to preconception tothree months post-conception. Women who took FA for three months prior to preconception throughat least three months into their pregnancy were more likely to be between 30 and 34 years old (OR =2.91, 95% CI: 1.15, 7.33), employed (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.67), primigravida (OR = 5.20, 95% CI:3.02, 8.96), married to spouses with an intermediate education level (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.45, 5.89), andearn a high family income (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.57, 6.49) Conclusion The prevalence of periconceptional FA intake was far below the requirements of theNational Health and Family Planning Commission of China; therefore, knowledge of FA supplementationshould be strengthened among women who are or planning to become pregnant.     

DNA损伤修复基因XPD Lys751Gln、XRCC1 Arg399Gln单核苷酸多态与食管癌遗传易感性

目的探讨DNA损伤修复基因XPD和XRCC1基因多态与食管癌遗传易感性的关系。方法以食管癌高发区江苏省扬中市为现场,采用以人群为基础的病例对照研究方法,收集2004年1月至2006年3月间经病理学确诊的新发食管鳞状细胞癌病例355例,对照组408例来自同一人群,按年龄和性别与病例进行成组频数匹配。用PCR-RFLP方法检测XPD Lys751Gln和XRCC1Arg399Gln基因多态,比较不同基因型与食管癌发病的关系并探讨吸烟、饮酒等环境因素与基因的交互效应。结果病例组和对照组中变异型等位基因XPD751Gln的频率分别是13.86%和11.00%。与野生基因型Lys/Lys相比,男性携带XPD Lys/Gln和Gln/Gln基因型者患食管癌的危险度比值比(Odds Ratio,OR)分别是1.94(95%CI:1.15~3.28)和0.32(95%CI:0.05~2.17),女性OR值分别为1.09(95%CI:0.59~2.02)和1.66(95%CI:0.10~27.35)。变异型等位基因XRCC1399Gln的频率在病例组和对照组中分别是31.7%和29.6%,与野生基因型XRCC1Arg/Arg相比,男性携带Arg/Gln和Gln/Gln基因型者患食管癌的OR分别是0.76(95%CI:0.50~1.17)和1.74(95%CI:0.77~3.92),女性OR值分别为1.69(95%CI:0.98~2.90)和0.30(95%CI:0.08~1.20)。叉生分析结果提示男性饮酒、饮茶与XPD Lys751Gln基因多态存在交互作用,交互效应OR值分别为2.01(95%CI:1.14~2.76)和4.47(95%CI:1.71~11.64),携带XPD Lys751Gln和XRCC Arg1399Gln突变基因者若同时暴露于饮茶或酒精,则患食管癌的危险显著增加。而在女性对象中均未观察到基因与环境因素的交互作用。结论DNA损伤修复基因XPD Lys751Gln单核苷酸多态可能与当地男性居民食管癌遗传易感性有关,与饮酒和饮茶存在交互作用。     

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and ischemic stroke in the elderly: the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study

CONTEXT: Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels have been shown to be protective against cardiovascular disease. However, the association of specific lipoprotein classes and ischemic stroke has not been well defined, particularly in higher-risk minority populations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between HDL-C and ischemic stroke in an elderly, racially or ethnically diverse population. DESIGN: Population-based, incident case-control study conducted July 1993 through June 1997. SETTING: A multiethnic community in northern Manhattan, New York, NY. PARTICIPANTS: Cases (n = 539) of first ischemic stroke (67% aged >/=65 years; 55% women; 53% Hispanic, 28% black, and 19% white) were enrolled and matched by age, sex, and race or ethnicity to stroke-free community residents (controls; n = 905). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Independent association of fasting HDL-C levels, determined at enrollment, with ischemic stroke, including atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic ischemic stroke subtypes. RESULTS: After risk factor adjustment, a protective effect was observed for HDL-C levels of at least 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L) (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.72). A dose-response relationship was observed (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.90 and OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.21-0.46) for HDL-C levels of 35 to 49 mg/dL (0.91-1.28 mmol/L) and at least 50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L), respectively. The protective effect of a higher HDL-C level was significant among participants aged 75 years or older (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.94), was more potent for the atherosclerotic stroke subtype (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08-0.50), and was present in all 3 racial or ethnic groups studied. CONCLUSIONS: Increased HDL-C levels are associated with reduced risk of ischemic stroke in the elderly and among different racial or ethnic groups. These data add to the evidence relating lipids to stroke and support HDL-C as an important modifiable stroke risk factor.