Uncorrected Refractive Error in the African American Eye Disease Study.

Importance: Refractive error remains the largest cause of correctable visual impairment in the US. Correction of refractive error will reduce visual impairment and its associated morbidity but also improve quality of life and productivity. Objective: To determine the burden of and risk factors (RFs) associated with any uncorrected refractive error (UCRE) and unmet refractive need (URN) in a population-based sample of African American adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study, conducted from April 2014 to April 2018, included a population-based sample of self-identified African American participants 40 years and older from 30 contiguous census tracts in Inglewood, California. Participants underwent a complete ophthalmic examination and an in-home-administered questionnaire to assess sociodemographic, lifestyle, biological, medical, and health care and eye care usage RFs associated with UCRE and URN. Measurements of visual acuity (VA) were performed using a standard Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol. Noncycloplegic automated refraction with supplemental subjective refraction was performed. UCRE was defined as an improvement of 2 or more lines with refraction in the better-seeing eye. URN was defined as an improvement of 2 or more lines with refraction in the better-seeing eye in those persons who were visually impaired. Sex- and age-specific burden of UCRE and URN were calculated, and multiple regression analyses were used to identify independent RFs. Study data were analyzed from May 2018 to December 2023. Exposures: Presence or absence of correctable refractive error. Main Outcomes and Measures: Self-reported sex- and age-specific prevalence of and risk indicators of UCRE and URN. Results: Of the 7957 eligible participants in the African American Eye Disease Study (AFEDS), 6347 (80%) completed both the in-home interview and the clinical examination. Of these, 6337 participants (mean [SD] age, 61 [11] years; 3997 female [63%]) with complete refractive error data were included in the analysis. Refractive error-related correctable visual impairment was present in over two-thirds of participants with visual impairment (68.7%). The overall prevalence of any UCRE was 14.6% (925 of 6337), and the overall prevalence of any URN was 5.4% (URN1 [those with presenting VA of worse than 20/40 in the better-seeing eye but who could achieve 20/40 or better with correction], 157 of 2893; URN2 [those with presenting VA of worse than 20/40 in the better-seeing eye but who could achieve an improvement of 2 or more lines with refractive correction], 155 of 2891). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this cross-sectional study suggest a high burden of refractive error-associated correctable refractive error in African American adults, making it the leading cause of visual impairment in this population. Providing universal coverage for vision care and prescription glasses is an affordable and achievable health care intervention that could reduce the burden of visual impairment in African American adults by over two-thirds and likely raise the quality of life and work productivity, especially in this vulnerable minority population.

Impact of environment on pediatric and adult brain tumors: The 2023 Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium meeting report.

The Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium (BTEC) is an international organization with membership of individuals from the scientific community with interests related to brain tumor epidemiology including surveillance, classification, methodology, etiology, and factors associated with morbidity and mortality. The 2023 annual BTEC meeting entitled "Impact of Environment on Pediatric and Adult Brain Tumors" was held in Lexington, KY, USA on May 22 - 24, 2023. The meeting gathered scientists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe and included four keynote sessions covering genomic, epigenomic, and metabolomic considerations in brain tumor epidemiology, cancer clusters, environmental risk factors, and new approaches to cancer investigation. The meeting also included three abstract sessions and a brainstorming session. A summary of the meeting content is included in this report.

Excess pancreatic cancer risk due to smoking and modifying effect of quitting smoking: The Multiethnic Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include racial/ethnic disparities and smoking. However, risk trajectories by smoking history and race/ethnicity are unknown. We examined the association of smoking with pancreatic cancer by race/ethnicity to generate age-specific incidence estimates by smoking history. METHODS: We modeled pancreatic cancer incidence by race/ethnicity, age, pack-years, and years-quit using an excess relative risk model for 182,011 Multiethnic Cohort participants. We tested heterogeneity of smoking variables and pancreatic cancer by race/ethnicity and predicted incidence by smoking history. RESULTS: We identified 1,831 incident pancreatic cancer cases over an average 19.3 years of follow-up. Associations of pack-years (p interaction by race/ethnicity = 0.41) and years-quit (p interaction = 0.83) with pancreatic cancer did not differ by race/ethnicity. Fifty pack-years smoked was associated with 91% increased risk (95% CI 54%, 127%) relative to never smokers in the combined sample. Every year quit corresponded to 9% decreased excess risk (95% CI 2%, 15%) from pack-years smoked. Differences in baseline pancreatic cancer risk across racial/ethnic groups (p < 0.001) translated to large differences in risk for smokers at older ages across racial/ethnic groups (65-122 cases per 100,000 at age 70). CONCLUSION: Smoking pack-years were positively associated with elevated pancreatic cancer risk. Predicted risk trajectories showed a high impact of smoking cessation at < 65 years. Although we did not identify significant heterogeneity in the association of pack-years or years quit with pancreatic cancer risk, current smoker risk varied greatly by race/ethnicity in later life due to large differences in baseline risk.

Classification of Angle Closure Severity by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Ocular Biometrics in the Dark and Light.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the classification of angle closure eyes based on hierarchical cluster analysis of ocular biometrics measured in the dark and light using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Methods: Participants of the Chinese American Eye Study received complete eye examinations to identify primary angle closure suspects (PACS) and primary angle closure without/with glaucoma (PAC/G). AS-OCT was performed in the dark and light. Biometric parameters describing the angle, iris, lens, and anterior chamber were analyzed. Hierarchical clustering was performed using Ward's method. Post hoc logistic regression models were developed to identify biometric predictors of angle closure staging. Results: Analysis of 159 eyes with PACS (N = 120) or PAC/G (N = 39) produced 2 clusters in the dark and light. In both analyses, cluster 1 (N = 132 in the dark and N = 126 in the light) was characterized by smaller angle opening distance (AOD)750 and trabecular iris space area (TISA)750, greater iris curvature (IC), and greater lens vault (LV; P < 0.001) than cluster 2. The proportion of PAC/PACG to PACS eyes was significantly higher in cluster 1 than 2 in the light (36:90 and 3:30, respectively; P = 0.02), but not the dark (36:96 and 3:24, respectively; P = 0.08). On multivariable regression analyses, smaller TISA750 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.84 per 0.01 mm2) and AOD750 (OR = 0.93 per 0.01 mm) in the light and smaller TISA750 (OR = 0.86 per 0.01 mm2) in the dark conferred higher risk of PAC/G (P ≤ 0.02). Conclusions: Unsupervised cluster analysis of ocular biometrics can classify angle closure eyes by severity. Static biometrics measured in the light and dark are both predictive of PAC/G. Translational Relevance: Clustering of biometrics measured in the light could provide an alternative source of information to risk-stratify angle closure eyes for more severe disease.

Breastfeeding and risk of childhood brain tumors: a report from the Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium.

PURPOSE: Studies report mixed findings regarding the association of breastfeeding with childhood brain tumors (CBT), the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in young people. Our objective was to determine whether breastfeeding is associated with CBT incidence. METHODS: We pooled data on N = 2610 cases with CBT (including 697 cases with astrocytoma, 447 cases with medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor [PNET], 167 cases with ependymoma) and N = 8128 age- and sex-matched controls in the Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium. We computed unconditional logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of CBT, astrocytoma, medulloblastoma/PNET, and ependymoma according to breastfeeding status, adjusting for study, sex, mode of delivery, birthweight, age at diagnosis/interview, maternal age at delivery, maternal educational attainment, and maternal race/ethnicity. We evaluated any breastfeeding versus none and breastfeeding ≥ 6 months versus none. We subsequently performed random effects meta-analysis to confirm our findings, identify potential sources of heterogeneity, and evaluate for outliers or influential studies. RESULTS: Breastfeeding was reported by 64.8% of control mothers and 64.5% of case mothers and was not associated with CBT (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.94-1.15), astrocytoma (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.87-1.17), medulloblastoma/PNET (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.93-1.32), or ependymoma (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.81-1.40). Results were similar when we restricted to breastfeeding ≥ 6 months and in meta-analyses. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that breastfeeding does not protect against CBT.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Roles of Myopia and Ocular Biometrics as Risk Factors for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Purpose: Assess how the roles of refractive error (RE) and ocular biometrics as risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) differ by race and ethnicity. Methods: Data from the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) and the Chinese American Eye Study (CHES), two population-based epidemiological studies, were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression and interaction term analyses were performed to assess relationships between POAG and its risk factors, including RE and axial length (AL), and to assess effect modification by race/ethnicity. Results: Analysis included 7601 phakic participants of LALES (47.3%) and CHES (52.7%) with age ≥ 50 years. Mean age was 60.6 ± 8.3 years; 60.9% were female. The prevalence and unadjusted risk of POAG were higher in LALES than CHES (6.0% and 4.0%, respectively; odds ratio [OR] = 1.55; P < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, significant risk factors for POAG included Latino ethnicity (OR = 2.25; P < 0.001), refractive myopia (OR = 1.54 for mild, OR = 2.47 for moderate, OR = 3.94 for high compared to non-myopes; P ≤ 0.003), and longer AL (OR = 1.37 per mm; P < 0.001). AL (standardized regression coefficient [SRC] = 0.3) was 2.7-fold more strongly associated with POAG than high myopia status (SRC = 0.11). There was no modifying effect by race/ethnicity on the association between RE (per diopter) or AL (per millimeter) and POAG (P = 0.49). Conclusions: Although the POAG risk conferred by myopic RE and longer AL is similar between Latino and Chinese Americans, the difference in POAG prevalence between the two groups is narrowed by higher myopia prevalence among Chinese Americans. Racial/ethnic populations with higher myopia incidence may become disproportionately affected by POAG in the context of the global myopia epidemic.

Refractive Error and Anterior Chamber Depth as Risk Factors in Primary Angle Closure Disease: The Chinese American Eye Study.

PRCIS: The risk of primary angle closure disease (PACD) rises rapidly with greater hyperopia while remaining relatively low for all degrees of myopia. Refractive error (RE) is useful for angle closure risk stratification in the absence of biometric data. PURPOSE: To assess the role of RE and anterior chamber depth (ACD) as risk factors in PACD. METHODS: Chinese American Eye Study participants received complete eye examinations including refraction, gonioscopy, amplitude-scan biometry, and anterior segment ocular coherence tomography imaging. PACD included primary angle closure suspect (≥3 quadrants of angle closure on gonioscopy) and primary angle closure/primary angle closure glaucoma (peripheral anterior synechiae or intraocular pressure >21 mm Hg). Logistic regression models were developed to assess associations between PACD and RE and/or ACD adjusted for sex and age. Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing curves were plotted to assess continuous relationships between variables. RESULTS: Three thousand nine hundred seventy eyes (3403 open angle and 567 PACD) were included. The risk of PACD increased with greater hyperopia [odds ratio (OR) = 1.41 per diopter (D); P < 0.001] and shallower ACD (OR = 1.75 per 0.1 mm; P < 0.001). Hyperopia (≥ + 0.5 D; OR = 5.03) and emmetropia (-0.5 D to +0.5 D; OR = 2.78) conferred a significantly higher risk of PACD compared with myopia (≤0.5 D). ACD (standardized regression coefficient = -0.54) was a 2.5-fold stronger predictor of PACD risk compared with RE (standardized regression coefficient = 0.22) when both variables were included in one multivariable model. The sensitivity and specificity of a 2.6 mm ACD cutoff for PACD were 77.5% and 83.2% and of a +2.0 D RE cutoff were 22.3% and 89.1%. CONCLUSION: The risk of PACD rises rapidly with greater hyperopia while remaining relatively low for all degrees of myopia. Although RE is a weaker predictor of PACD than ACD, it remains a useful metric to identify patients who would benefit from gonioscopy in the absence of biometric data.

Anterior segment biometric measurements explain misclassifications by a deep learning classifier for detecting gonioscopic angle closure.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To identify biometric parameters that explain misclassifications by a deep learning classifier for detecting gonioscopic angle closure in anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) images. METHODS: Chinese American Eye Study (CHES) participants underwent gonioscopy and AS-OCT of each angle quadrant. A subset of CHES AS-OCT images were analysed using a deep learning classifier to detect positive angle closure based on manual gonioscopy by a reference human examiner. Parameter measurements were compared between four prediction classes: true positives (TPs), true negatives (TNs), false positives (FPs) and false negatives (FN). Logistic regression models were developed to differentiate between true and false predictions. Performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) and classifier accuracy metrics. RESULTS: 584 images from 127 participants were analysed, yielding 271 TPs, 224 TNs, 77 FPs and 12 FNs. Parameter measurements differed (p<0.001) between prediction classes among anterior segment parameters, including iris curvature (IC) and lens vault (LV), and angle parameters, including angle opening distance (AOD). FP resembled TP more than FN and TN in terms of anterior segment parameters (steeper IC and higher LV), but resembled TN more than TP and FN in terms of angle parameters (wider AOD). Models for detecting FP (AUC=0.752) and FN (AUC=0.838) improved classifier accuracy from 84.8% to 89.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Misclassifications by an OCT-based deep learning classifier for detecting gonioscopic angle closure are explained by disagreement between anterior segment and angle parameters. This finding could be used to improve classifier performance and highlights differences between gonioscopic and AS-OCT definitions of angle closure.

Optimal number and orientation of anterior segment OCT images to measure ocular biometric parameters in angle closure eyes: the Chinese American Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the optimal number and orientation of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) images for accurately measuring ocular biometric parameters in angle closure eyes. METHODS: Subjects with angle closure, defined as >3 quadrants of non-visible pigmented trabecular meshwork on static gonioscopy, were selected from the Chinese American Eye Study. Mean angle opening distance (AOD500) was calculated using four images (0°-180°, 45°-225°, 90°-270° and 135°-315° meridians) from one eye per subject. Ten eyes from each quartile of AOD500 measurements were randomly selected for detailed 32-image analysis of 10 biometric parameters, including AOD500, iris curvature (IC), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens vault (LV), and anterior chamber area (ACA). Mean and range of measurements from 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 images were compared with 32-image values for all parameters. RESULTS: 40 out of 335 eyes with angle closure were selected for 32-image analysis. Deviation from the 32-image mean was between 0.44% and 19.31% with one image, decreasing to 0.08% to 4.21% with two images for all parameters. Deviation from the 32-image range of measurements was between 54.67% to 88.94% with one image, decreasing to <7.00% with eight images for all parameters except ACD and ACA. Orienting the first image analysed along the 25°-205° meridian better approximated the range of measurements when four or fewer images were analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Sectoral anatomical variations in angle closure eyes are easily misrepresented based on current AS-OCT imaging conventions. A revised multi-image approach can better capture the mean and range of biometric measurements.

Visual Field Loss Impacts Vision-Specific Quality of Life by Race and Ethnicity: The Multiethnic Ophthalmology Cohorts of California Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of visual field loss (VFL) on vision-specific quality of life (VSQOL) by race, ethnicity, and age. DESIGN: Pooled analysis of cross-sectional data from 3 population-based, prospective cohort studies. PARTICIPANTS: The Multiethnic Ophthalmology Cohorts of California Study (MOCCaS) participants included 6142 Latinos, 4582 Chinese Americans, and 6347 Black Americans from Los Angeles County. METHODS: A total of 17 071 adults aged 40 years and older completed comprehensive interviews and ophthalmic examinations from 2000 to 2018. VFL was measured using the Humphrey Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm Standard 24-2 test as decibels (dB) of mean deviation (MD). Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the impact of VFL in the better-seeing eye on self-reported VSQOL scores, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical covariables. Hierarchical modeling was performed to determine the best-fit model after considering main effects and interactions by race, ethnicity, and age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The VSQOL scores were measured using the 25 Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). Item response theory was used to model vision-related task and well-being composite scores, and classical test theory was used to calculate 11 vision subscales. RESULTS: The impact of VFL on VSQOL varied by race and ethnicity. Five-point reductions in task and well-being scores were reached after mild-to-moderate VFL for Latinos (6.7 dB and 7.5 dB), mild-to-moderate VFL for Chinese Americans (7.0 dB and 8.7 dB), and moderate-to-severe VFL for Black Americans (10.1 dB and 12.9 dB), respectively. Differences met statistical significance when comparing Latinos and Black Americans (P < 0.001). Visual field loss had the largest effect on driving among all participants. Driving difficulties were the only VSQOL outcome modified by age; participants aged 65 years and older scored 0.487 lower points per MD of VFL (P < 0.001). Subscales most affected by VFL included role function, mental health, and dependency. CONCLUSIONS: Race and ethnicity modified the impact of VFL on VSQOL, even after adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. In MOCCaS, Latinos and Chinese Americans reported a greater change in VSQOL than Black Americans for the same level of VFL. Future work should assess whether findings were due to socioeconomic or cultural differences in perception of visual function.

Ocular Biometric Determinants of Dark-to-Light Change in Angle Width: The Chinese American Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To assess ocular biometric determinants of dark-to-light change in anterior chamber angle width and identify dynamic risk factors in primary angle closure disease (PACD). DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: Chinese American Eye Study (CHES) participants underwent anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging in the dark and light. Static dark and light biometric parameters, including angle opening distance, 750 µm (AOD750), anterior chamber width (ACW), lens vault (LV), and pupillary diameter (PD) were measured, and dynamic dark-to-light changes were calculated. Contributions by static and dynamic parameters to dark-to-light changes in AOD750 were assessed using multivariable linear regression models with standardized regression coefficients (SRCs) and semipartial correlation coefficients squared (SPCC2). PACD was defined as ≥3 quadrants of gonioscopic angle closure. RESULTS: The analysis included 1011 participants. All biometric parameters differed between dark and light (P < .05). On multivariable regression analysis, change in ACW (SRC = -0.35, SPCC2 = 0.081) and PD (SRC = -0.46, SPCC2 = 0.072) were the strongest determinants of dark-to-light change in AOD750 (overall R2 = 0.40). Dark-to-light increase in AOD750 was less in eyes with than without PACD (0.081 mm and 0.111 mm, respectively; P < .001). ACW increased in eyes with PACD and decreased in eyes without PACD from dark to light (P < .025), whereas change in PD was similar (P = .28). CONCLUSIONS: Beneficial angle widening effects of transitioning from dark to light are attenuated in eyes with PACD, which appears related to aberrant dark-to-light change in ACW. These findings highlight the importance of assessing the angle in both dark and light to identify potential dynamic mechanisms of angle closure.

The International Family Study of Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts: Design and Methods.

BACKGROUND: The majority of research to understand the risk factors of nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) has been conducted in high-income populations. Although patients with NSOFCs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at the highest risk of not receiving care, global health infrastructure allows innovative partnerships to explore the etiologic mechanisms of cleft and targets for prevention unique to these populations. METHODS: The International Family Study (IFS) is an ongoing case-control study with supplemental parental trio data designed to examine genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and sociodemographic risk factors for NSOFCs in 8 LMICs (through August 2020). Interview and biological samples are collected for each family. The interview includes demographics, family history of cleft, diet and water sources, maternal pregnancy history, and other lifestyle and environmental factors. RESULTS: Seven of 8 countries are currently summarized (2012-2017) for a total of 2955 case and 2774 control families with 11 946 unique biological samples from Vietnam, Philippines, Honduras, Madagascar, Morocco, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nicaragua. The phenotype distribution was 1641 (55.5%) cases with cleft lip and palate, 782 (26.5%) with cleft lip (CL), and 432 (14.6%) with cleft palate (CP). DISCUSSION: The International Family Study is the largest case set of NSOFCs with an associated biobank in LMICs currently assembled. The biobank, family, and case-control study now include samples from 8 LMICs where local health care infrastructure cannot address the surgical burden of cleft or investigate causal mechanisms. The International Family Study can be a source of information and may collaborate with local public health institutions regarding education and interventions to potentially prevent NSOFCs.

Impact of Visual Field Loss on Vision-Specific Quality of Life in African Americans: The African American Eye Disease Study.

PURPOSE: To elucidate how visual field loss (VFL) impacts self-reported vision-specific quality of life (VSQOL) in African Americans, who experience a disproportionate burden of visual impairment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based cohort. METHODS: Eligible participants (n = 7,957) were recruited who self-identified as African American, were aged 40 years or older, and resided in Inglewood, California, USA. A total of 6,347 participants (80.0%) completed clinical eye examinations. Total mean deviation (MD) of VFL was measured bilaterally as decibels (dB) using the Humphrey SITA Standard 24-2 test. VSQOL was measured using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25) and scored using item response theory (IRT). RESULTS: Participants with reliable data (n = 5,121) had a mean age of 60.7 years (standard deviation 11.0); those with worse VFL were older; had more comorbidities, lower income, less education, and worse visual acuity; and were more likely to be unemployed and depressed. Using IRT analysis, a change in VF of 6.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3, 7.7) dB and 9.2 (95% CI: 7.5, 11.9) dB was necessary to observe a meaningful (5-point) difference in vision-related task and emotional well-being scores, respectively. VFL had the greatest impact on self-reported driving ability (6.0 dB [95% CI: 5.2, 7.1]), followed by satisfaction with general vision, near vision, vision-related mental health, and peripheral vision. CONCLUSIONS: The strongest impact of VFL reported by African Americans was on their ability to complete visual tasks, especially for driving. An effect of VFL on emotional well-being also was observed, but the magnitude of association was about 50% lower for well-being compared to that of task.

Parental Occupation and Risk of Childhood Retinoblastoma in Denmark.

OBJECTIVE: Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor affecting children. We examine the role of parental occupational exposures and risk of retinoblastoma among offspring. METHODS: Our population-based case-control study linked data from four nationwide Danish registries and included all cases of retinoblastoma diagnosed in Danish children (<5 y, n = 144) between 1975 and 2014. We focused on two biologically relevant time periods: 90 days preconception to conception for fathers; conception to birth for mothers. Parents were grouped into major industry headings created from Danish industry codes. RESULTS: We observed increased risk of all retinoblastoma for children of fathers in the food and drink industry and iron and metal industry. Bilateral disease was associated with paternal work in manufacturing and land transportation. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that some occupational exposures may increase the risk of childhood sporadic retinoblastoma.

Trends in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Incidence in the United States by Race/Ethnicity From 2000 to 2016.

Incidence trends in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) demonstrate disparities by race and ethnicity. We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry to evaluate patterns in ALL incidence from 2000 to 2016, including the association between percentage of people born in a foreign country at the county level and ALL incidence. Among 23,829 persons of all ages diagnosed with ALL, 8,297 (34.8%) were Latinos, 11,714 (49.2%) were non-Latino (NL) Whites, and 1,639 (6.9%) were NL Blacks. Latinos had the largest increase in the age-adjusted incidence rate (AAIR) of ALL during this period compared with other races/ethnicities for both children and adults: The AAIR was 1.6 times higher for Latinos (AAIR = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37, 2.49) than for NL Whites (AAIR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.53, 1.59) (P < 0.01). The AAIR for all subjects increased approximately 1% per year from 2000 to 2016 (annual percent change = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.67, 1.27), with the highest increase being observed in Latinos (annual percent change = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.76, 1.60). In multivariable models evaluating the contribution of percentage of county residents who were foreign-born to ALL risk, a positive association was found for percentage foreign-born for NL Whites (P for trend < 0.01) and NL Blacks (P for trend < 0.01), but the reverse was found for Latinos (P for trend < 0.01); this is consistent with tenets of the "Hispanic paradox," in which better health outcomes exist for foreign-born Latinos.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVALENT LENS OPACITIES IN CHINESE AMERICAN ADULTS: THE CHINESE AMERICAN EYE STUDY.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors associated with lens opacities in Chinese Americans. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study of 4,582 Chinese Americans ≥50 years residing in Monterey Park, California. Participants completed a comprehensive clinical examination with lens assessment using the Lens Opacities Classification System II, with lens opacities defined by a grade ≥2 in either eye. Participants were considered to have nuclear-only, cortical-only, or posterior subcapsular (PSC)-only if that was the only type of opacity present in both eyes. RESULTS: Cortical-only opacity was associated with older age, diabetes mellitus (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1-2.1), and family history of cataracts (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.2-1.9). Nuclear-only opacity was associated with older age, diabetes mellitus (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.1-1.9), greater waist-to-hip ratio (OR 1.2, 95%CI 1.1-1.4), and high-density lipoprotein (OR 1.1, 95%CI 1.02-1.2). Mixed-type opacities were associated with older age, greater waist-to-hip ratio (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.6), and higher HbA1 c (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.4). Taller height (OR 0.7, 95%CI 0.6-0.8), greater weight (OR 0.98, 95%CI 0.97-0.99), and higher diastolic pressure (OR 0.98, 95%CI 0.96-0.99) were protective. CONCLUSION: CHES identified a strong, dose-response association between age and all types of prevalent lens opacities, which suggests an increasing cataract burden in Chinese Americans based on aging populations. CHES results demonstrate general consistency with previous population-based studies in regard to more sedentary lifestyle exposures (e.g., Westernized lifestyle) and prevalent cortical-only, nuclear-only, and mixed-type opacities, yet also identified further sedentary lifestyle exposures associated with prevalent lens opacities. Improved glycemic control and a more active lifestyle that minimizes factors contributing to metabolic syndrome may help reduce the burden of vision loss associated with lens opacities.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Healthy Eyes of Black, Chinese, and Latino Americans: A Population-Based Multiethnic Study.

PURPOSE: To compare peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness among healthy adults by race and ethnicity and to identify determinants of RNFL thickness. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 6133 individuals (11 585 eyes) from 3 population-based studies in Los Angeles County, California, 50 years of age or older and of self-described African, Chinese, or Latin American ancestry. METHODS: We measured RNFL thickness and optic nerve head parameters using the Cirrus HD-OCT 4000. Multivariate linear mixed regression was used to evaluate factors associated with RNFL thickness among participants without ocular diseases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determinants and modifiers of RNFL thickness. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 60.1 years (standard deviation, 7.4 years). Black Americans showed the lowest RNFL thickness and smallest cup-to-disc ratio (CDR), and Chinese Americans showed the largest CDR and disc area after adjusting for age and gender (all P < 0.05). Per each 10-year older age group, the average RNFL thickness was 2.5 µm (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-3.1 µm), 2.8 µm (95% CI, 2.3-3.3 µm), and 3.5 µm (95% CI, 2.9-4.1 µm) thinner for Black, Chinese, and Latino Americans, respectively (age trend P < 0.05 and interaction P = 0.041). Black Americans compared with Chinese Americans, older age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes, greater axial length (AL), bigger disc area, and lower scan signal strength were associated with thinner average RNFL. Race, age, AL, disc area, and scan signal strength consistently were associated with RNFL thickness in all quadrants, whereas gender, hypertension, and diabetes were associated with RNFL thickness in select quadrants. Age and race explained the greatest proportion of variance of RNFL thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically important differences in RNFL thickness are present in healthy adults 50 years of age or older from different racial and ethnic groups of the same age, with the thinnest measures observed in Black Americans. This difference remains after accounting for disc size and AL. Furthermore, age-related RNFL thinning differs by race and ethnicity. Longitudinal studies are needed to verify our findings and to assess the influence of race and ethnicity in the clinical application of RNFL thickness.

Outdoor artificial light at night and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among women in the California Teachers Study cohort.

BACKGROUND: Outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) has been implicated in a growing number of adverse health outcomes. ALAN is believed to disrupt circadian rhythms and has been associated with increased inflammation, one of the hallmarks of cancer. We examined the association between outdoor ALAN and a cancer strongly associated with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), in the prospective California Teachers Study cohort. METHODS: Outdoor ALAN was assigned to participant addresses at study baseline (1995-96) through use of the New World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness. Among 105,937 women followed from 1995 to 2015, linkage to the California Cancer Registry identified 873 incident cases of NHL. Age-stratified Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 %CI) for overall NHL and the most common NHL subtypes; diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). Multivariate analyses adjusted for previously reported subtype specific covariates (e.g. body mass index (BMI) for DLBCL). RESULTS: Compared to the lowest quintile, participants residing in the highest quintile of outdoor ALAN at baseline were more likely to develop NHL (HR = 1.32, 95 %CI = 1.07-1.63), and, in particular, DLBCL (HR = 1.87, 95 %CI = 1.16-3.02). The elevated risk for DLBCL remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, BMI, and socioeconomic status (DLBCL:HR = 1.87, 95 %CI = 1.16-3.02, NHL:HR = 1.32, 95 %CI = 1.07-1.63). There was no association between ALAN and FL or CLL/SLL. CONCLUSION: DLBCL risk was elevated among women residing in neighborhoods with greater outdoor ALAN. Future research in circadian disruption and DLBCL may clarify potential biological processes implicated in this association.

The role of smoke from cooking indoors over an open flame and parental smoking on the risk of cleft lip and palate: A case- control study in 7 low-resource countries.

BACKGROUND: Cleft is one of the most common birth defects globally and the lack of access to surgery means millions are living untreated. Smoke exposure from cooking occurs infrequently in developed countries but represents a high-proportion of smoke exposure in less-developed regions. We aimed to study if smoke exposure from cooking is associated with an increased risk in cleft, while accounting for other smoke sources. METHODS: We conducted a population-sampled case-control study of children with cleft lip and/or palate and healthy newborns from Vietnam, Philippines, Honduras, Nicaragua, Morocco, Congo, and Madagascar. Multivariable regression models were used to assess associations between maternal cooking during pregnancy, parental smoking, and household tobacco smoke with cleft. RESULTS: 2137 cases and 2014 controls recruited between 2012-2017 were included. While maternal smoking was uncommon (<1%), 58.3% case and 36.1% control mothers cooked over an open fire inside. Children whose mothers reported cook smoke exposure were 49% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-1.8) more likely to have a child with a cleft. This was consistent in five of seven countries. No significant associations were found for any other smoke exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding of maternal cook smoke and cleft in low-resource countries, similar to maternal tobacco smoke in high-resource countries, may reflect a common etiology. This relationship was present across geographically diverse countries with variable socioeconomic statuses and access to care. Exposures specific to low-resource settings must be considered to develop public health strategies that address the populations at increased risk of living with cleft and inform the mechanisms leading to cleft development.

Pediatric glioma and medulloblastoma risk and population demographics: a Poisson regression analysis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pediatric brain tumors varies by race and ethnicity, but these relationships may be confounded by socioeconomic status (SES). In this study, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database was evaluated for associations between race/ethnicity and pediatric glioma and medulloblastoma risk with adjustment for SES. METHODS: Pediatric glioma and medulloblastoma cases from the SEER database (years: 2000-2016) were included. Differences in incidence rates by ethnicity, sex, age, and SES-related factors were evaluated by calculation of age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIRs) and annual percent change (APC). SES-related factors (percentage without less than high school graduation, median household income, and percentage foreign-born) were derived from the census at the county-level (year: 2000). Multivariable Poisson regression models with adjustment for selected covariates were constructed to evaluate risk factors. RESULTS: The highest AAIRs of pediatric glioma were observed among non-Hispanic Whites (AAIR: 2.91 per 100 000, 95%-CI: 2.84-2.99). An increasing incidence of pediatric glioma by calendar time was observed among non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks (APC: 0.97%, 95%-CI: 0.28-1.68 and APC: 1.59%, 95%-CI: 0.03-3.18, respectively). Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity was associated with lower risk when compared with non-Hispanic White (incidence rate ratios [IRRs]: 0.66, 95%-CI: 0.63-0.70; and 0.69, 95%-CI: 0.65-0.74, respectively). For medulloblastoma, the highest AAIR was observed for non-Hispanic Whites with a positive APC (1.52%, 95%-CI: 0.15-2.91). Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks had statistically significant lower IRRs compared with non-Hispanic Whites (IRRs: 0.83, 95%-CI: 0.73-0.94; and 0.72, 95%-CI: 0.59-0.87, respectively). CONCLUSION: Non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity was associated with higher pediatric glioma and medulloblastoma IRRs in models with adjustments for SES.