Air pollution, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of atrial fibrillation: A large prospective cohort study.

To date, no study has explored the extent to which genetic susceptibility modifies the effects of air pollutants on the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was designed to investigate the separate and joint effects of long-term exposure to air pollutants and genetic susceptibility on the risk of AF events. This study included 401,251 participants without AF at baseline from UK Biobank. We constructed a polygenic risk score and categorized it into three categories. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to assess the separate and joint effects of long-term exposure to air pollutants and genetics on the risk of AF. Additionally, we further evaluated the effect modification of genetic susceptibility. The hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals of incident AF for per interquartile range increase in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) or 10 µm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) were 1.044 (1.025, 1.063), 1.063 (1.044, 1.083), 1.061 (1.042, 1.081), and 1.039 (1.023, 1.055), respectively. For the combined effects, participants exposed to high air pollutants levels and high genetic risk had approximately 149.2% (PM2.5), 181.7% (PM10), 170.2% (NO2), and 157.2% (NOx) higher risk of AF compared to those with low air pollutants levels and low genetic risk, respectively. Moreover, the significant additive interactions between PM10 and NO2 and genetic risk on AF risk were observed, with around 16.4% and 35.1% of AF risk could be attributable to the interactive effects. In conclusion, long-term exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of AF, particularly among individuals with high genetic susceptibility.

Composite healthy lifestyle, socioeconomic deprivation, and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective analysis.

The adverse psychological and social impacts of COVID-19 pandemic are well characterized, but the role of composite, modifiable lifestyle factors that may interact to mitigate these impacts is not. The effect of socioeconomic deprivation on these lifestyle risks also remains unclear. Based on a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort, we assessed the association between a combination of pre-pandemic lifestyle factors and mental health conditions during pandemic, and the contribution of deprivation to it. Composite lifestyle factors included BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, sedentary time, sleep duration, and fruit and vegetable intake, with lifestyle scores and lifestyle categories calculated for each participant. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, and personal well-being were assessed by validated scales during the pandemic. Socioeconomic deprivation was characterized by both individual-level (income, wealth, and education) and group-level factors (Index of Multiple Deprivation). Of the 5049 eligible participants (mean [SD] age, 68.1 [10.9] years; 57.2% were female) included in the study, 41.6% followed a favorable lifestyle, 48.9% followed an intermediate lifestyle, and 9.5% followed an unfavorable lifestyle. Compared with favorable lifestyle category, participants in the intermediate and unfavorable lifestyle category were at increased risk of mental health conditions, with the hazard ratio (HR) for trend per increment change towards unfavorable category of 1.17 (95% CI 1.09-1.26) for depression, 1.23 (1.07-1.42) for anxiety, and 1.39 (1.20-1.61) for low well-being. A significant trend of lower risk for mental health conditions with increasing number of healthy lifestyle factors was observed (P < 0.001 for trend). There were no significant interactions between lifestyle factors and socioeconomic deprivation for any of the outcomes, with similar HRs for trend per one increment change in lifestyle category observed in each deprivation group. Compared with those in the least deprived group with favorable lifestyle, participants in the most deprived group adherent to unfavorable lifestyle had the highest risk of mental health outcomes. These results suggest that adherence to a broad combination of healthy lifestyle factors was associated with a significantly reduced risk of mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lifestyle factors, in conjunction with socioeconomic deprivation, independently contribute to the risk of mental health issues. Although further research is needed to assess causality, the current findings support public health strategies and individual-level interventions that provide enhanced support in areas of deprivation and target multiple lifestyle factors to reduce health inequalities and promote mental well-being during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Long-term variations of urban-Rural disparities in infectious disease burden of over 8.44 million children, adolescents, and youth in China from 2013 to 2021: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: An accelerated epidemiological transition, spurred by economic development and urbanization, has led to a rapid transformation of the disease spectrum. However, this transition has resulted in a divergent change in the burden of infectious diseases between urban and rural areas. The objective of our study was to evaluate the long-term urban-rural disparities in infectious diseases among children, adolescents, and youths in China, while also examining the specific diseases driving these disparities. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This observational study examined data on 43 notifiable infectious diseases from 8,442,956 cases from individuals aged 4 to 24 years, with 4,487,043 cases in urban areas and 3,955,913 in rural areas. The data from 2013 to 2021 were obtained from China's Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System. The 43 infectious diseases were categorized into 7 categories: vaccine-preventable, bacterial, gastrointestinal and enterovirus, sexually transmitted and bloodborne, vectorborne, zoonotic, and quarantinable diseases. The calculation of infectious disease incidence was stratified by urban and rural areas. We used the index of incidence rate ratio (IRR), calculated by dividing the urban incidence rate by the rural incidence rate for each disease category, to assess the urban-rural disparity. During the nine-year study period, most notifiable infectious diseases in both urban and rural areas exhibited either a decreased or stable pattern. However, a significant and progressively widening urban-rural disparity in notifiable infectious diseases was observed. Children, adolescents, and youths in urban areas experienced a higher average yearly incidence compared to their rural counterparts, with rates of 439 per 100,000 compared to 211 per 100,000, respectively (IRR: 2.078, 95% CI [2.075, 2.081]; p < 0.001). From 2013 to 2021, this disparity was primarily driven by higher incidences of pertussis (IRR: 1.782, 95% CI [1.705, 1.862]; p < 0.001) and seasonal influenza (IRR: 3.213, 95% CI [3.205, 3.220]; p < 0.001) among vaccine-preventable diseases, tuberculosis (IRR: 1.011, 95% CI [1.006, 1.015]; p < 0.001), and scarlet fever (IRR: 2.942, 95% CI [2.918, 2.966]; p < 0.001) among bacterial diseases, infectious diarrhea (IRR: 1.932, 95% CI [1.924, 1.939]; p < 0.001), and hand, foot, and mouth disease (IRR: 2.501, 95% CI [2.491, 2.510]; p < 0.001) among gastrointestinal and enterovirus diseases, dengue (IRR: 11.952, 95% CI [11.313, 12.628]; p < 0.001) among vectorborne diseases, and 4 sexually transmitted and bloodborne diseases (syphilis: IRR 1.743, 95% CI [1.731, 1.755], p < 0.001; gonorrhea: IRR 2.658, 95% CI [2.635, 2.682], p < 0.001; HIV/AIDS: IRR 2.269, 95% CI [2.239, 2.299], p < 0.001; hepatitis C: IRR 1.540, 95% CI [1.506, 1.575], p < 0.001), but was partially offset by lower incidences of most zoonotic and quarantinable diseases in urban areas (for example, brucellosis among zoonotic: IRR 0.516, 95% CI [0.498, 0.534], p < 0.001; hemorrhagic fever among quarantinable: IRR 0.930, 95% CI [0.881, 0.981], p = 0.008). Additionally, the overall urban-rural disparity was particularly pronounced in the middle (IRR: 1.704, 95% CI [1.699, 1.708]; p < 0.001) and northeastern regions (IRR: 1.713, 95% CI [1.700, 1.726]; p < 0.001) of China. A primary limitation of our study is that the incidence was calculated based on annual average population data without accounting for population mobility. CONCLUSIONS: A significant urban-rural disparity in notifiable infectious diseases among children, adolescents, and youths was evident from our study. The burden in urban areas exceeded that in rural areas by more than 2-fold, and this gap appears to be widening, particularly influenced by tuberculosis, scarlet fever, infectious diarrhea, and typhus. These findings underscore the urgent need for interventions to mitigate infectious diseases and address the growing urban-rural disparity.

Novel Lenslet-ARray-Integrated Spectacle Lenses for Myopia Control: A 1-Year Randomized, Double-Masked, Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the myopia control efficacy of novel Lenslet-ARray-Integrated (LARI) spectacle lenses with positive power lenslets (PLARI) and negative power lenslets (NLARI) worn for 1 year in myopic children. DESIGN: Randomized, double-masked, controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 240 children 6 to 12 years of age with spherical equivalent refraction (SER) between -4.00 and -1.00 diopters (D), astigmatism of ≤ 1.50 D, and anisometropia of ≤ 1.00 D. METHODS: Participants were assigned randomly in a 1:1:1 ratio to PLARI, NLARI, and control (single-vision [SV]) groups. Cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length were measured at baseline and 6-month intervals after lens wear. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in SER, axial elongation (AE), and differences between groups. RESULTS: After 1 year, SER changes and AE in the PLARI and NLARI groups were significantly less than those in the SV group (SER: -0.30 ± 0.48 D, -0.21 ± 0.35 D, and -0.66 ± 0.40 D, respectively; AE: 0.19 ± 0.20 mm, 0.17 ± 0.14 mm, 0.34 ± 0.18 mm, respectively; all P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in SER changes and AE between PLARI and NLARI groups (P = 0.54 and P = 1.00, respectively). Younger age was associated with more rapid SER increase and larger AE in the SV group (r = 0.40 [P < 0.001] and r = -0.59 [P < 0.001], respectively) and PLARI group (r = 0.46 [P < 0.001] and r = -0.52 [P < 0.001], respectively), but not in the NLARI group (r = -0.002 [P = 0.98] and r = -0.08 [P = 0.48], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the SV group, both PLARI and NARI groups showed significantly slower myopia progression in terms of SER and AE. Faster myopia progression, in terms of both SER and AE, was associated with younger age in the SV and PLARI groups but not the NLARI group. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

HLA-C*07:01 and HLA-DQB1*02:01 protect against white matter hyperintensities and deterioration of cognitive function: A population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation and aberrant immune regulation are increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), an imaging marker of cerebrovascular pathologies and predictor of cognitive impairment. The role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, critical in immunoregulation and associated with susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases, in WMH pathophysiology remains unexplored. METHODS: We performed association analyses between classical HLA alleles and WMH volume, derived from MRI scans of 38 302 participants in the UK Biobank. To identify independent functional alleles driving these associations, we conducted conditional forward stepwise regression and lasso regression. We further investigated whether these functional alleles showed consistent associations with WMH across subgroups characterized by varying levels of clinical determinants. Additionally, we validated the clinical relevance of the identified alleles by examining their association with cognitive function (n = 147 549) and dementia (n = 460 029) in a larger cohort. FINDINGS: Four HLA alleles (DQB1*02:01, DRB1*03:01, C*07:01, and B*08:01) showed an association with reduced WMH volume after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Among these alleles, DQB1*02:01 exhibited the most significant association (ß = -0.041, 95 % CI: -0.060 to -0.023, p = 1.04 × 10-5). Forward selection and lasso regression analyses indicated that DQB1*02:01 and C*07:01 primarily drove this association. The protective effect against WMH conferred by DQB1*02:01 and C*07:01 persisted in clinically relevant subgroups, with a stronger effect observed in older participants. Carrying DQB1*02:01 and C*07:01 was associated with higher cognitive function, but no association with dementia was found. INTERPRETATION: Our population-based findings support the involvement of immune-associated mechanisms, particularly both HLA class I and class II genes, in the pathogenesis of WMH and subsequent consequence of cognitive functions.

Association of Regular Opioid Use With Incident Dementia and Neuroimaging Markers of Brain Health in Chronic Pain Patients: Analysis of UK Biobank.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the association of regular opioid use, compared with non-opioid analgesics, with incident dementia and neuroimaging outcomes among chronic pain patients. DESIGN: The primary design is a prospective cohort study. To triangulate evidence, we also conducted a nested case-control study analyzing opioid prescriptions and a cross-sectional study analyzing neuroimaging outcomes. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Dementia-free UK Biobank participants with chronic pain and regular analgesic use. MEASUREMENTS: Chronic pain status and regular analgesic use were captured using self-reported questionnaires and verbal interviews. Opioid prescription data were obtained from primary care records. Dementia cases were ascertained using primary care, hospital, and death registry records. Propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazards analysis, conditional logistic regression, and linear regression were applied to the data in the prospective cohort, nested case-control, and cross-sectional studies, respectively. RESULTS: Prospective analyses revealed that regular opioid use, compared with non-opioid analgesics, was associated with an increased dementia risk over the 15-year follow-up (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.18 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.30]; Absolute rate difference [ARD], 0.44 [95% CI: 0.19-0.71] per 1000 person-years; Wald χ2 = 3.65; df = 1; p <0.001). The nested case-control study suggested that a higher number of opioid prescriptions was associated with an increased risk of dementia (1 to 5 prescriptions: OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07-1.37, Wald χ2 = 3.02, df = 1, p = 0.003; 6 to 20: OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08-1.50, Wald χ2 = 2.93, df = 1, p = 0.003; more than 20: OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.23-1.67, Wald χ2 = 4.57, df = 1, p < 0.001). Finally, neuroimaging analyses revealed that regular opioid use was associated with lower total grey matter and hippocampal volumes, and higher white matter hyperintensities volumes. CONCLUSION: Regular opioid use in chronic pain patients was associated with an increased risk of dementia and poorer brain health when compared to non-opioid analgesic use. These findings imply a need for re-evaluation of opioid prescription practices for chronic pain patients and, if further evidence supports causality, provide insights into strategies to mitigate the burden of dementia.

Comparative safety assessment of nasogastric versus nasojejunal feeding initiated within 48 hours post-admission versus unrestricted timing in moderate or severe acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study is to comparatively assess the safety of nasogastric (NG) feeding versus nasojejunal (NJ) feeding in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), with a special focus on the initiation of these feeding methods within the first 48 h of hospital admission. METHODS: Studies were identified through a systematic search in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. Four studies involving 217 patients were included. This systematic review assesses the safety and efficacy of nasogastric versus nasojejunal feeding initiated within 48 h post-admission in moderate/severe acute pancreatitis, with a specific focus on the timing of initiation and patient age as influential factors. RESULTS: The results showed that the mortality rates were similar between NG and NJ feeding groups (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.77, P = 0.68). Significant differences were observed in the incidence of diarrhea (RR 2.75, 95% CI 1.21 to 6.25, P = 0.02) and pain (RR 2.91, 95% CI 1.50 to 5.64, P = 0.002) in the NG group. The NG group also showed a higher probability of infection (6.67% vs. 3.33%, P = 0.027) and a higher frequency of multiple organ failures. Subgroup analysis for early intervention (within 48 h) showed a higher risk of diarrhea in the NG group (RR 2.80, P = 0.02). No significant differences were found in the need for surgical intervention, parenteral nutrition, or success rates of feeding procedures. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis highlights the importance of considering the method and timing of nutritional support in acute pancreatitis. While NG feeding within 48 h of admission increases the risk of certain complications such as diarrhea and infection, it does not significantly impact mortality or the need for surgical intervention.

Epidemiological features of suicidal ideation among the elderly in China based meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and its associated factors among the elderly in China show considerable variability. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the epidemiological features of SI in this population. METHODS: We systematically searched English and Chinese databases for relevant literature up to September 15, 2022. The extracted data facilitated the calculation of prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with SI among China's elderly. RESULTS: We analyzed 31 cross-sectional studies, comprising a total of 79,861 participants from over 20 provinces and municipalities. The pooled prevalence of SI was found to be 11.47% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.82-15.71%]. Significant variations in prevalence were influenced by residence, physical health (including chronic diseases and daily living capabilities), mental health (depressive symptoms and life satisfaction), economic status, and time-specific assessment tools. Notably, the prevalence from 2011-2020 (15.59%, 95% CI: 9.08-23.44%) was almost double that of 2001-2010 (7.85%, 95% CI: 5.08-11.16%). The SI prevalence in the eastern region (8.06%, 95% CI 5.59-10.94%) was significantly lower than in the central and western regions (16.97%, 95% CI 12.04-22.53%). Fourteen factors exhibited a significant pooled OR greater than 1 (p < 0.05), and two factors had ORs less than 1 (p < 0.05), indicating notable association with SI among the elderly. CONCLUSION: SI among China's elderly showed relatively high prevalence and considerable heterogeneity across different characteristics and associated factors. This underscores the need for targeted intervention strategies and standardized temporal assessments of SI to effectively address suicide risk in this population.

Trends of falls mortality among older adults in urban and rural China, 1987-2021.

BACKGROUND: Falls in older age pose a major public health concern, with unclear urban-rural patterns of falls mortality in China. This study examines the trends of late-life falls mortality in urban and rural China over a 35-year period. METHODS: Falls mortality data were sourced from China's National Health Commission. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine changes in trends and age-period-cohort modelling to estimate age, period and cohort effects on fall-related mortality from 1987 to 2021. Net drift, local drift, longitudinal age curves and period relative risks were also calculated. RESULTS: The age-standardised falls mortality in older age showed a long-term trend of initial decline prior to 2003, followed by a steep increase thereafter, with notable distinctions between urban and rural patterns. The rise in rural populations, particularly among older males, was more conspicuous. In rural areas, the decline in falls mortality diminished with age, contrary to the urban trend. Falls mortality increased with age in both urban and rural older populations, peaking in the group aged 85-89. The period effect curves of falls mortality in urban and rural areas both approximated a U-shaped pattern while there were minor variations in early cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: China has experienced a consistent rise in late-life falls mortality in recent years. Notably, there are significant urban-rural disparities in age, period and cohort effects of fall-related mortality among older adults. Rural residents, males and older age groups have potential higher fatal-falls risk. Targeted strategies should be implemented to prevent late-life falls.

The long-term changing patterns of suicide mortality in China from 1987 to 2020: continuing urban-rural disparity.

BACKGROUND: Over the past three decades, China has experienced significant changes in urban-rural, gender, and age-specific suicide mortality patterns. This study aimed to investigate the long-term trends in suicide mortality in China from 1987 to 2020. METHODS: Suicide mortality data were obtained from China's National Health Commission. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine changes in trends and age-period-cohort modeling to estimate age, period, and cohort effects on suicide mortality from 1987 to 2020. Net drift, local drift, longitudinal age curves, and period relative risks were also calculated. RESULTS: Crude and age-standardized suicide mortality in China showed continuing downward trends from 1987 to 2020, with a more pronounced decrease in rural areas (net drift = -7.07%, p<0.01) compared to urban areas (net drift = -3.41%, p<0.01). The decline curve of urban areas could be divided into three substages. Period and cohort effects were more prominent in rural areas. Suicide risk was highest among individuals aged 20-24 and gradually increased after age 60. Females, particularly those of childbearing age, had higher suicide risk than males, with a reversal observed after age 50. This gender reversal showed distinct patterns in urban and rural areas, with a widening gap in urban areas and a relatively stable gap in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide mortality in China has consistently declined over the past three decades. However, disparities in age, gender, and urban-rural settings persist, with new patterns emerging. Targeted suicide prevention programs are urgently needed for high-risk groups, including females of childbearing age and the elderly, and to address the slower decrease and reversing urban-rural gender trends.