Association between physical activity changes and risk of incident ischemic stroke following cancer diagnosis: A nationwide retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is prevalent after cancer treatment, which could increase ischemic stroke risk in cancer survivors. This study investigated the association between physical activity change from pre- to post-diagnosis and ischemic stroke risk among cancer survivors. METHODS: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 269,943 cancer survivors (mean [SD] age, 56.3 [12.1] years; 45.7% male) with no history of cardiovascular disease were evaluated based on changes in physical activity from pre- to post-diagnosis. Using the Fine-Gray model, subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ischemic stroke risk were calculated, considering death as a competing risk. RESULTS: After cancer diagnosis, 62.0% remained inactive, 10.1% remained active, 16.6% became active, and 11.4% became inactive. During a mean (SD) follow-up of 4.1 (2.0) years, being active both pre- and post-diagnosis was associated with a 15% decreased risk of ischemic stroke (sHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.96), compared with those who remained inactive. Cancer survivors who became active and inactive post-diagnosis showed a 16% and 11% lower ischemic stroke risk (sHR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.93; sHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79-0.99), respectively, than those who remained inactive. Analysis by the primary cancer site did not substantially differ from the main findings. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity is associated with reduced ischemic stroke risk among cancer survivors. The potential benefits of physical activity are not limited to individuals who were physically active before cancer diagnosis, thus preventive strategies against ischemic stroke should emphasize physical activity throughout the cancer journey.

Allergic Diseases and Risk of Incident Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between the allergic triad (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis) and risk of dementia. METHODS: Participants comprised 6,785,948 adults aged ≥40 years who participated in a national health examination in 2009 without any history of dementia before baseline. From 2009 to 2017, we prospectively investigated the associations between physician-diagnosed allergic diseases and risk of incident dementia (all-cause, Alzheimer's disease [AD], vascular dementia [VaD]) ascertained using national health insurance claims data. RESULTS: During 8.1 years of follow-up, 260,705 dementia cases (195,739 AD, 32,789 VaD) were identified. Allergic diseases were positively associated with dementia risk. Compared with individuals without allergic diseases, multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause dementia were 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.22) in those with asthma, 1.10 (95% CI 1.09-1.12) with allergic rhinitis, 1.16 (95% CI 1.11-1.21) with atopic dermatitis, and 1.13 (95% CI 1.12-1.14) with any of these allergies. Similarly, individuals with any of the allergic triad had a higher risk of AD (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.14-1.17) and VaD (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.06) than those without any allergic disease. As the number of comorbid allergic diseases increased, the risk of dementia increased linearly (Ptrend ≤ 0.002). Compared with individuals without allergies, those with all three allergic diseases had substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.35-1.75), AD (HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.25-1.70), and VaD (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.44-2.75). INTERPRETATION: Asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause dementia and subtypes, with dose-effect relationships with the severity of allergic diseases. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:384-397.

Inhibition of glutaminase 1 activity reverses airway hyperresponsiveness and decreases IL-1ß+ M1s and IL-17 producing ILC3s in high-fat diet-fed obese mice.

In obesity, disturbed glutamine metabolism contributes to enhanced inflammation by inducing alterations in immune cells. As macrophages and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma, we tested our hypothesis that altered glutamine metabolism may link obesity to airway hyperresponsivenss (AHR), a cardinal feature of asthma, focusing on these innate immune cells. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 13 wk in the presence or absence of BPTES [Bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide, a selective inhibitor of glutaminase 1 which converts glutamine to glutamate] and their blood, lung, and adipose tissues were analyzed. We then conducted in vitro experiments using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and mouse alveolar macrophage cell line. Furthermore, we investigated plasma glutamine and glutamate levels in obese and nonobese asthmatics. BPTES treatment prevented HFD-induced AHR and significantly decreased IL-1ß+ classically activated macrophages (M1s) and type 3 ILCs (ILC3s) which increased in the lungs of HFD-fed obese mice. In in vitro experiments, BPTES treatment or glutamine supplement significantly reduced the proportion of IL-1ß+NLRP3+ M1s in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BMDMs and mouse alveolar macrophage cell line. BPTES treatment also significantly reduced the IL-17 producing ILC3s differentiated from ILCs in naïve mouse lung. In addition, plasma glutamate/glutamine ratios were significantly higher in obese asthmatics compared to nonobese asthmatics. Inhibition of glutaminolysis reverses AHR in HFD-induced obese mice and decreases IL-1ß + NLRP3+ M1s and IL-17 producing ILC3s, which suggests altered glutamine metabolism may have a role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related AHR.

Effect of smoking reduction, cessation, and resumption on cancer risk: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of reduction, cessation, and resumption of smoking on cancer development. METHODS: The authors identified 893,582 participants who currently smoked, had undergone a health screening in 2009, and had a follow-up screening in 2011. Among them, 682,996 participated in a third screening in 2013. Participants were categorized as quitters, reducers I (≥50% reduction), reducers II (<50% reduction), sustainers (referent), or increasers (≥20% increase). Outcome data were obtained through December 31, 2018. RESULTS: Reducers I exhibited a decreased risk of all cancers (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.99), smoking-related cancers (aHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99), and lung cancer (aHR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77-0.88). Quitters had the lowest risk of all cancers (aHR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92-0.96), smoking-related cancers (aHR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.89-0.93), and lung cancer (aHR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.76-0.83). In further analysis with 3 consecutive screenings, additional smoking reduction (from reducers II to reducers I) lowered the risk of lung cancer (aHR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.94) in comparison with sustainers. Quitting among reducers I further decreased the risk of all cancers (aHR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80-1.00), smoking-related cancers (aHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.81-0.92), and lung cancer (aHR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52-0.84) in comparison with sustainers. Smoking resumption after quitting, even at a lower level, increased the risk of smoking-related cancers (aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.33) and lung cancer (aHR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.21-1.80) in comparison with sustained quitting. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation and, to a lesser extent, smoking reduction decreased the risks of cancer. Smoking resumption increased cancer risks in comparison with sustained quitting. LAY SUMMARY: Worldwide, tobacco use is the single leading preventable risk factor for cancer and cancer death. This study examined the effects of reduction, cessation, and resumption of smoking on cancer development by measuring smoking behavior repetitively. Although smoking reduction has a substantial cancer prevention benefit for those who cannot quit, cessation should be encouraged whenever possible. Quitters should be monitored to ensure that they do not resume smoking.

Interaction between visceral adiposity and ambient air pollution on LDL cholesterol level in Korean adults.

BACKGROUND: Although previous reports have found that obesity intensifies the negative impact of long-term air pollution exposure on the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level, few studies have examined whether the type of abdominal adiposity, such as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and the visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VSR) affects this relationship. We investigated the association between ambient air pollution and LDL-C in Korean adults and identified whether this association is different by the type of abdominal adiposity. METHODS: A total of 2737 adults were included. Abdominal fat areas were quantified by computed tomography, and the annual average concentration of air pollutants was included in this analysis. RESULTS: In the total sample, none of the air pollutants was associated with LDL-C level in either the crude or adjusted model (all p > 0.05). The association was not significant even in subgroups stratified according to the obesity status defined by body mass index, and no interaction on the LDL-C level was also found (all pint > 0.05). In the subgroup analysis stratified according to adiposity level, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 µm (PM10) [ß (SE) = 3.58 (1.59); p = 0.0245] and sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposures [ß (SE) = 2.71 (1.27); p = 0.0330] in the high-VAT group were associated with the increased LDL-C level. Interactions on LDL-C level were also found between VAT level and ambient air pollutants such as PM10 and SO2 (both pint < 0.05). In the analysis of the VSR, PM10 exposure showed a significant interaction on LDL level (pint = 0.0032). However, the strength of these associations was not significant across all SAT subgroup (all pint > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we found that association between air pollution exposure and LDL-C level is different by abdominal fat distribution.

Limited Benefit of Facility Isolation and the Rationale for Home Care in Children with Mild COVID-19.

Considering the mild degree of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children and the enormous stress caused by isolation in unfamiliar places, policies requiring mandatory isolation at medical facilities should be reevaluated especially given the impact of the pandemic on the availability of hospital beds. In this study, we assessed the usefulness of facility isolation and the transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by infected children to uninfected caregivers in isolation units at a hospital and a residential treatment center in Seoul during August-November 2020. Fifty-three children were included and median age was 4 years (range, 0-18). All were mildly ill or asymptomatic and isolated for a median duration of 12 days. Thirty percent stayed home longer than 2 days before entering isolation units from symptom onset. Among 15 uninfected caregivers, none became infected when they used facemasks and practiced hand hygiene. The results suggest children with mild COVID-19 may be cared safely at home by a caregiver in conditions with adherence to the preventive measures of wearing facemasks and practicing hand hygiene.

Effects of abdominal obesity on the association between air pollution and kidney function.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between ambient air pollutants, obesity, and kidney function. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We enrolled 3345 people who had undergone health checkups at Seoul National University Hospital. We recorded the annual average concentrations of ambient air pollutants, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 µm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), in each subject's residential area. Various obesity traits, such as body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas, were measured by quantified computerized tomography (CT), and kidney function was assessed in relation to estimated glomerular filtration rate as an indicator of kidney function. RESULTS: High PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO concentrations were significantly associated with decreased kidney function (ß = -2.39 and standard error = 0.32, -1.00 and 0.31, -1.23 and 0.28, and -1.32 and 0.29, respectively), and with the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The association between air pollutant concentrations and decreased kidney function, including CKD, was stronger among those with high abdominal adiposity, as defined by CT measurement. For example, the association between increased concentrations of air pollutants and the prevalence of CKD was stronger in the group with greater visceral adiposity than in the group with less visceral adiposity (aORs = 1.29 vs 1.16 for PM10, 1.42 vs 1.21 for SO2, and 1.27 vs 1.11 for CO). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to higher concentrations of air pollutants was unfavorably associated with kidney function and CKD prevalence, especially in people with abdominal obesity. This may indicate a high susceptibility to air pollutants in obese people.

Obesity without metabolic disorder and silent brain infarcts in aneurologically healthy population.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity without metabolic disorder [Ob(+)MD(-)] is a unique subcategory of obesity where individuals are protected from the obesity-related complications. Although conflicting clinical outcomes have been reported, there has been no study of the effects of Ob(+)MD(-) on cerebrovascular disease. In this study, we evaluated the association between the Ob(+)MD(-) phenotype and silent brain infarcts (SBI) in a neurologically healthy population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We evaluated a consecutive series of healthy volunteers recruited between January 2006 and December 2013. MD(-) status was assessed using five clinical markers: blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, fasting plasma glucose, and waist circumference. Obesity was defined when body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. SBI was defined as asymptomatic, well-defined lesions with a diameter ≥ 3 mm with the same signal characteristics as the cerebrospinal fluid on T1- or T2-weighted images. RESULTS: A total of 3165 subjects were assessed, and 262 (8%) SBI cases were identified. In multivariate analyses, non-obesity with metabolic disorder [Ob(-)MD(+)] (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-2.56, P = 0.025) and obesity with metabolic disorder [Ob(+)MD(+)] (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.12-2.75, P = 0.014) were closely associated with SBI after adjustment for confounders. Meanwhile, Ob(+)MD(-) did not show any significant association with SBI (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.20-3.72, P = 0.832). These findings may indicate that metabolic abnormality, irrespective of obesity status, is a main risk factor of SBI. When we compared SBI burdens between the four metabolic phenotypes, the Ob(+)MD(+) and Ob(-)MD(+) groups had higher rates of multiple lesions than the Ob(+)MD(-) and non-obesity without metabolic disorder groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of metabolic abnormality, and not obesity per se, is independently associated with the prevalence of SBI in a healthy population.

Correction: Obesity without metabolic disorder and silent brain infarcts in a neurologically healthy population.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

High triglyceride-glucose index is associated with subclinical cerebral small vessel disease in a healthy population: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a marker of insulin resistance (IR) and has been associated with various metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. However, limited information is available regarding its association with subclinical cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the TyG index and cSVD, including silent brain infarcts (SBIs) and white matter hyperintensity (WMH). METHODS: We assessed health check-up participants aged 40-79 years from 2006 to 2013. The TyG index was calculated using the log scale of fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2. The Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. This was compared with two insulin surrogates and cSVD as another IR indicator and compared the association between two insulin surrogates and cSVD. SBI was measured for both prevalence and burden. The WMH volume was quantitatively rated using a computer-assisted semi-automated technique. RESULTS: A total of 2615 participants were evaluated (median age: 56 years, male sex: 53%). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the TyG index was seen to be associated with SBI prevalence (adjusted odds ratio: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.81). Further quantitative analyses showed a positive dose-response relationship between the TyG index and SBI burden (P for trend = 0.006). In multivariable linear regression analysis, the TyG index was also found to be related to the volume of WMH (ß = 0.084; 95% CI = 0.013 to 0.154). Additionally, the TyG index showed a similar or slightly stronger association with the prevalence of SBI and the volume of WMH than did HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: A high TyG index was associated with a higher prevalence and burden of cSVD in a neurologically healthy population. This marker of IR could be a convenient and useful predictor of cSVD.

High triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio is associated with silent brain infarcts in a healthy population.

BACKGROUND: Triglycerides (TG)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio is a marker of small/dense low-density lipoprotein particles, which are closely associated with various metabolic and vascular diseases. However, the role of TG/HDL cholesterol ratio in cerebrovascular diseases has not been well studied. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between TG/HDL cholesterol ratio and the presence of silent brain infarct (SBI) in a neurologically healthy population. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated consecutive participants in health check-ups between January 2006 and December 2013. SBI was defined as an asymptomatic, well-defined lesion with a diameter of ≥3 mm on T1- or T2-weighted images. TG/HDL cholesterol ratio was calculated after dividing absolute TG levels by absolute HDL cholesterol levels. RESULTS: Of 3172 healthy participants, 263 (8.3%) had SBI lesions. In multivariate analysis, TG/HDL cholesterol ratio was independently associated with SBI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00 to 1.34, P = 0.047). This association was prominent in males (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.48, P = 0.021), but not in females. In the analyses of the relationships between lipid parameters and SBI lesion burden, TG/HDL cholesterol ratio was positively correlated, and total cholesterol/TG ratio was negatively correlated with SBI lesion burden, in dose-response manners (P for trend = 0.015 and 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The TG/HDL cholesterol ratio was positively associated with the prevalence of SBI in a neurologically healthy population.

Trends and Cut-Point Changes in Obesity Parameters by Age Groups Considering Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are an important issue worldwide. Obesity has a close relationship with NCDs. Various age-related changes should be considered when evaluating obesity. METHODS: National representative cohort data from the National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort from 2012 to 2013 were used. Sex-specific and age group-specific (10-year intervals) means for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) were calculated. Optimal cut-points for obesity parameters were defined as the value predicting two or more components of metabolic syndrome (except WC). RESULTS: The mean value and optimal cut-point for BMI decreased with age for men. The mean BMI value for women increased with age, but optimal cut-points showed no remarkable difference. The mean WC of men increased with age, but the optimal cut-points were similar for age groups. For women, the mean value and optimal cut-point for WC increased with age. Regarding WtHR, the mean value and optimal cut-point increased with age for men and women. Differences across age groups were larger for women. CONCLUSION: The mean values of the obesity indices and the optimal cut-points were changed according to age groups. This study supports the necessity of applying age group-specific cut-points for the various obesity parameters.

Is Vitamin D an Independent Risk Factor of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?: a Cross-Sectional Study of the Healthy Population.

The association between vitamin D levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been recognized. However, few studies showed independent associations between vitamin D deficiency and NAFLD after a sex-related adjustment for metabolic factors. We aimed to study whether vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor of NAFLD even after controlling for metabolic syndrome and visceral fat in both sexes. In this cross-sectional study, 7,514 Korean adults (5,278 men, 2,236 women) participated in a health check-up program. They underwent blood tests, abdominal computed tomography (CT) of the visceral fat area, and ultrasonography for NAFLD screening. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of vitamin D deficiency with NAFLD according to the sex differences. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with NAFLD. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for NAFLD increased sequentially with decreasing vitamin D level, even after adjusting for metabolic syndrome and visceral fat. The subjects in the vitamin D sufficiency group (20-30 ng/mL) had an aOR for NAFLD of 1.18 (95% CI, 1.00-1.39), whereas the deficiency group (< 20 ng/mL) had an aOR of 1.29 (95% CI, 1.10-1.52). However, we have detected a significant sex-related interaction when analyzing the results. A significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and NAFLD was found in men (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11-1.60) but not in women.

I148M variant in PNPLA3 reduces central adiposity and metabolic disease risks while increasing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The I148M variant because of the substitution of C to G in PNPLA3 (rs738409) is associated with the increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In liver, I148M variant reduces hydrolytic function of PNPLA3, which results in hepatic steatosis; however, its association with the other clinical phenotype such as adiposity and metabolic diseases is not well established. METHODS: To identify the impact of I148M variant on clinical risk factors of NAFLD, we recruited 1363 generally healthy Korean males after excluding alcoholic and secondary causes of hepatic steatosis. Central adiposity was assessed by computed tomography, and hepatic steatosis was evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography. RESULTS: The participants were predominantly middle-aged (49.0 ± 7.1 years; range 30-60 years), and the frequency of NAFLD was 44.2%. The rs738409-G allele carriers had a 1.19-fold increased risk for NAFLD (minor allele frequency 0.43; allelic odds ratio 1.38; P = 4.3 × 10(-5) ). Interestingly, the rs738409 GG carriers showed significantly lower levels of visceral and subcutaneous adiposity (P < 0.001 and = 0.015, respectively), BMI (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P < 0.001) and insulin resistance (P = 0.002) compared to CC carriers. These negative associations between clinical risk factors and rs738409-G dosage were more prominent in non-NAFLD group compared to those in NAFLD group. CONCLUSIONS: The I148M variant, although increasing the risk of NAFLD, was associated with reduced levels of central adiposity, BMI, serum triglycerides and insulin resistance, suggesting differential roles in fat storage and distribution according to cell types and metabolic status.

Depression and Its Severity Are Strongly Associated with Both Storage and Voiding Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Independently of Prostate Volume.

Depression is related to various functional medical conditions. Its association with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is also expected. We evaluated whether depression and its severity are associated with LUTS when LUTS risk factors including prostate volume (PV) are taken into account in a large population of Korean men. Study subjects included 10,275 men who underwent routine health check-ups at the Healthcare System Gangnam Center of Seoul National University Hospital. Depression was assessed using Beck Depression Inventory-II and LUTS using international prostate symptom score. PV was measured using transrectal ultrasonography by a radiologist. Effect sizes of depression severity on total, storage, and voiding symptoms were assessed. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, mild, moderate and severe depression were associated with total (adjusted odds ratio: aOR = 2.99, 3.86 and 8.99; all P < 0.001), voiding (aOR = 3.04, 3.28 and 5.58; all P < 0.001) and storage symptoms (aOR = 2.43, 3.43 and 2.89; all P < 0.05) showing dose response relationships (all P trend < 0.001). In a subgroup analysis for participants with PV data (n = 1,925), mild and moderate-severe depression were also associated with LUTS (aOR = 3.29, 2.84; P < 0.001 and 0.018, respectively). In conclusion, depression and its severity are strongly associated with total, voiding, and storage symptoms independently of PV state.

Alcohol is longitudinally associated with lower urinary tract symptoms partially via high-density lipoprotein.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the association of alcohol consumption with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have been inconsistent, and none took into account the dynamic nature of LUTS, fluctuating over time. The purpose of the study was to determine the longitudinal association of alcohol consumption with LUTS. METHODS: We used generalized estimating equations to analyze the longitudinal association of alcohol consumption with LUTS in a longitudinal study of 9,712 healthy men 30 years or older who visited our institution multiple times for routine comprehensive health evaluations, with an average follow-up period of 27.9 months. RESULTS: Light-moderate alcohol consumption (0.1 to 29 g/d) was associated with decreased likelihood of moderate-severe LUTS, whereas heavy alcohol consumption (≥30 g/d) was associated with increased likelihood of moderate-severe LUTS in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to those with 0 g/d alcohol intake, subjects who drank 0.1 to 9.9, 10 to 19.9, 20 to 29.9, 30 to 39.9, or ≥40 g/d of alcohol were in general significantly associated with moderate-severe LUTS with adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) as follows respectively: 0.94 (0.87 to 1.02), 1.00 (0.91 to 1.09), 0.85 (0.77 to 0.93), 1.08 (0.98 to 1.19), and 1.31 (1.19 to 1.44). However, the protective association of light-moderate alcohol consumption with LUTS was greatly attenuated when serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was added to the analysis, specifically for voiding symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We show strong evidence there is longitudinal association of alcohol consumption with LUTS. The protective effect of light-moderate alcohol consumption on LUTS is in part modulated by HDL as a confounder, similar to its effect on coronary heart disease.

Association between nutrition label use and chronic disease in Korean adults: the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2009.

Nutrition labels are helpful for chronic disease management in patients requiring balanced nutritional intake. This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of nutrition labels and chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia) by using the 2008-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. A total of 10,695 individuals aged 20 and over was included in the analysis. Using multiple logistic regressions, there was no difference in nutrition label use between the chronic disease and normal groups (men with hypertension OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.75-1.27; women with hypertension OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67-1.03; men with diabetes OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.45-1.08; women with diabetes OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.84-1.53; men with hyperlipidemia OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.59-1.23; women with hyperlipidemia OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.91-1.44). In hyperlipidemia patients, awareness (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.03-2.35) and control (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 2.32-3.63) of disease were related to nutrition label use; however, no significant associations were found for the hypertension and diabetes mellitus patients. Considering the importance of dietary habits in the management of chronic diseases, an improvement in nutrition label use by patients with these diseases is required.

Association between Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Bone Mineral Density among Women Older than 40 Years of Age in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Chronic atrophic gastritis causes hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia, and malabsorption of nutrients, leading to lower bone mineral density. The few studies that investigated the association between chronic atrophic gastritis and bone mineral density have reported inconsistent findings. As such, the present study assessed the association between chronic atrophic gastritis and bone mineral density among a large sample of women >40 years of age in Korea. METHODS: Data from 8,748 women >40 years of age who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and bone densitometry were analyzed. Chronic atrophic gastritis was diagnosed using esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae (L), femur neck, and femur total, measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, were the primary outcome variables. Low bone mineral density, which could be diagnosed as osteoporosis or osteopenia, was defined and analyzed as a secondary outcome. Linear regression was used to calculate adjusted mean values of bone mineral density. The association between low bone mineral density and chronic atrophic gastritis was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The adjusted mean bone mineral density for L1-L4 was 1.063±0.003, femur neck (0.826±0.002), and femur total (0.890±0.002) were significantly lower in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis than others (1.073±0.002, 0.836±0.001, 0.898±0.002, respectively; all P<0.01). Women with chronic atrophic gastritis exhibited an increased likelihood for osteopenia or osteoporosis, even after adjusting for age and other confounding factors (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.40; P<0.01). However, subgroup analysis revealed statistical significance only in postmenopausal women (odds ratio, 1.27; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Chronic atrophic gastritis was associated with lower bone mineral density and a higher risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis among postmenopausal women.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Ring-Type Blood Pressure Measurement Device Compared With 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Device.

BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the applicability and precision of a ring-type cuffless blood pressure (BP) measurement device, CART-I Plus, compared to conventional 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). METHODS: Forty patients were recruited, and 33 participants were included in the final analysis. Each participant wore both CART-I Plus and ABPM devices on the same arm for approximately 24 hours. BP estimation from CART-I Plus, derived from photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, were compared with the corresponding ABPM measurements. RESULTS: The CART-I Plus recorded systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values of 131.4±14.1/81.1±12.0, 132.7±13.9/81.9±11.9, and 128.7±14.6/79.3±12.2 mmHg for 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime periods respectively, compared to ABPM values of 129.7±11.7/84.4±11.2, 131.9±11.6/86.3±11.1, and 124.5±13.6/80.0±12.2 mmHg. Mean differences in SBP/DBP between the two devices were 1.74±6.69/-3.24±6.51 mmHg, 0.75±7.44/-4.41±7.42 mmHg, and 4.15±6.15/-0.67±5.23 mmHg for 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime periods respectively. Strong correlations were also observed between the devices, with r=0.725 and r=0.750 for transitions in SBP and DBP from daytime to nighttime, respectively (both p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CART-I Plus device, with its unique ring-type design, shows promising accuracy in BP estimation and offers a potential avenue for continuous BP monitoring in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06084065.

Higher Physical Activity is Associated with Reduced Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Korean Men.

PURPOSE: Identifying and managing risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is crucial because it impacts the quality of life of elderly individuals. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity (PA), and their relationship with LUTS have not been well studied. This objective of this study was to investigate the association between PA and LUTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 7,296 men were included in this cross-sectional study. PA was quantified in metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week, and LUTS severity was assessed using the international prostate symptom score. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between PA and LUTS, including voiding and storage symptoms. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 57.8 years, and the prevalence of LUTS was 41.3%. After adjusting for potential confounders, PA was inversely associated with the prevalence and severity of moderate-to-severe LUTS, showing a dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). Compared to the minimal activity group, which engaged in <5 MET-hours per week of PA, the odds ratios for moderate to severe LUTS were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-0.97) for men engaging in 15-30 MET-hours per week, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71-0.95) for 30-60 MET-hours per week, and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62-0.84) for ≥60 MET-hours per week. The possible protective effect of PA was still observed in the additional analysis for voiding and storage symptoms showing the same dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A higher PA level was associated with a lower prevalence and severity of total, voiding, and storage LUTS in a dose-dependent manner in Korean men.