Article
Clinical Neurology
Yu Meng Tian, Jiao Wang, Wei Sen Zhang, Chao Qiang Jiang, Ya Li Jin, Tong Zhu, Feng Zhu, Kar Keung Cheng, Tai Hing Lam, Lin Xu
Summary: This study examined the association between perceived stress and memory decline. The results showed that higher levels of perceived stress were associated with a greater decline in memory, especially among individuals with low family income.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huimin Su, Chaoqiang Jiang, Weisen Zhang, Feng Zhu, Yali Jin, Karkeung Cheng, Taihing Lam, Lin Xu
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between parity and incident type 2 diabetes in older Chinese women, and assessed the mediation effect of adiposity indicators. A total of 11,473 women without diabetes at baseline were followed up until 2012. The findings showed that women with higher parity had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and abdominal obesity partially mediated this association.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ying Wang, Wei Sen Zhang, Yuan Tao Hao, Chao Qiang Jiang, Ya Li Jin, Kar Keung Cheng, Tai Hing Lam, Lin Xu
Summary: This study developed a Bayesian network (BN) model to predict the risk of new-onset diabetes and compared it with a traditional regression model. The results showed that the BN model provided a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between multiple factors and diabetes, and had better predictive performance than the regression model.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tingyu Lu, Weisen Zhang, Chaoqiang Jiang, Yali Jin, Tong Zhu, Feng Zhu, Lin Xu
Summary: Older people with high salt intake have lower grip strength and higher TUGT scores, suggesting that avoiding high-salt diets may play a role in preserving muscle strength and physical function in the elderly. This association was found to be significant in women, but not in men. The study highlights the importance of salt intake in maintaining muscle health and physical performance in older individuals.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Ying Wang, Wei Sen Zhang, Yuan Tao Hao, Chao Qiang Jiang, Ya Li Jin, Kar Keung Cheng, Tai Hing Lam, Lin Xu
Summary: This study found that most individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 who were not taking antihypertensive medication experienced a slow increase in blood pressure over time. However, individuals whose blood pressure increased from low and moderate levels had higher risks of cardiovascular disease.
JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yin Xian Chen, Chao Qiang Jiang, Wei Sen Zhang, Feng Zhu, Ya Li Jin, Kar Keung Cheng, Tai Hing Lam, Lin Xu
Summary: This study examined the potential benefits of habitual tea consumption on depressive symptoms among older Chinese individuals. The results showed that regular and occasional tea consumers had lower levels of depressive symptoms compared to never-consumers. Regular tea consumers also had lower odds of depressive symptoms. The frequency, amount, and duration of tea consumption were all associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. This study suggests that habitual tea consumption may have a protective effect against depression in older Chinese individuals, possibly due to social interaction during tea consumption.
NUTRITION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ying Yue Huang, Wen Bo Tian, Chao Qiang Jiang, Wei Sen Zhang, Feng Zhu, Ya Li Jin, Tai Hing Lam, Lin Xu, Kar Keung Cheng
Summary: This study aimed to develop 10-year cardiovascular disease risk prediction models for contemporary Chinese populations based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS) and compared its performance with Framingham's general cardiovascular risk profile and the Prediction for Atherosclerotic CVD Risk in China (China-PAR) project. The GBCS model showed better discrimination and closer predicted risk to actual risk compared to the other models, indicating its usefulness in identifying high-risk individuals for CVD in contemporary Chinese populations.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Huimin Su, Chaoqiang Jiang, Weisen Zhang, Feng Zhu, Yali Jin, Karkeung Cheng, Taihing Lam, Lin Xu
Summary: The study found that both early and late natural menopausal ages were associated with a higher cardiovascular disease risk, and the associations were stronger in those with lower parity.
MENOPAUSE-THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Sarina Levy-Mendelovich, Shraga Aviner, Nechama Sharon, Hagit Miskin, Joanne Yacobovich, Gili Kenet, Hagit Hauschner, Nurit Rosenberg
Summary: The study revealed differences in apoptotic markers between pediatric patients with chronic and non-chronic ITP, suggesting potential for classifying patients at diagnosis. This contributes valuable information for predicting the prognosis of children with ITP based on their apoptotic profiles.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Baijing Zhou, Chaoqiang Jiang, Weisen Zhang, Yali Jin, Tong Zhu, Feng Zhu, Lin Xu
Summary: The association between short sleep duration, long sleep duration, napping, and risk of stroke mortality was examined in an older Chinese cohort. It was found that both short and long sleep duration were associated with a higher risk of stroke mortality, while daytime napping showed no significant association. This is particularly important for individuals with hypertension.
Article
Oncology
Shu Yi Wang, Wei Sen Zhang, Chao Qiang Jiang, Ya Li Jin, Tong Zhu, Feng Zhu, Lin Xu
Summary: The study examines the associations of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and a body shape index (ABSI) with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, and investigates their performance in predicting CRC compared with conventional obesity indices.
Article
Oncology
Xiukuan Li, Fenghua Bai, Xingwei Wei, Tianbo Jin, Chen Li, Yutian Zhang, Mei Lin, Xiaoli Zhou, Yufei Xie, Chanyi He, Qi Lin, Ping He, Shuyuan Chu, Yipeng Ding
Summary: MUC1-rs4072037 is significantly associated with CA153 levels in the genome-wide association study of a Chinese Han population. Additionally, there are 30 genetic loci with suggestively significant associations with tumor marker levels among this population.
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Yingyue Huang, Chaoqiang Jiang, Lin Xu, Weisen Zhang, Feng Zhu, Yali Jin, Kar Keung Cheng, Tai Hing Lam
Summary: Maintaining a high level of physical activity or increasing physical activity levels, even in older age, has been found to reduce mortality risks. Conversely, maintaining a low level of physical activity or decreasing activity levels to a low level can increase mortality risks.
JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zhi-bing Hu, Ze-xiong Lu, Feng Zhu
Summary: The study found that younger or older age at menarche, younger age at menopause, and shorter reproductive years in postmenopausal women were associated with an increased risk of fatal stroke.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kun-Siang Huang, Chun-Yu Chen, Chiao-Yin Sun, Yu-Jih Su
Summary: The study indicated that higher paraben levels were linked to decreased AhR expression in leukocytes, increased monocyte apoptosis, reduced serum glutathione levels, decreased annexin V expression on CD8 T cells, and elevated L-selectin levels in leukocytes.
JOURNAL OF THE CHINESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Albert Martin Li, Baoting He, Kin On Kwok, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: This study provides genetic evidence that smoking may increase the risk of severe COVID-19, with no mediation by lung function or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Baoting He, Albert M. Li, Man Ki Kwok, Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Gabriel M. Leung, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: The study found that rapid infant and pubertal growth were associated with disproportionate lung and airway growth, as well as increased risk of asthma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Guoyi Yang, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: Mendelian randomization analysis showed that commonly used lipid modifiers, such as statins and ezetimibe, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, with a significant mediation effect by higher BMI. However, no significant associations were found between PCSK9 inhibitors and type 2 diabetes risk or BMI.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Guoyi Yang, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: In this study, the associations of apoB, TG, and Lp(a) with type 2 diabetes and metabolic traits were examined using Mendelian randomization (MR). The results showed that apoB and Lp(a) had little association with type 2 diabetes and metabolic traits, while higher TG levels were associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and higher glycemic traits, especially in women. The study also found that sex hormones may play a role in the relationship between TG and type 2 diabetes.
CARDIOVASCULAR DIABETOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ying Yue Huang, Wei Sen Zhang, Chao Qiang Jiang, Feng Zhu, Ya Li Jin, Kar Keung Cheng, Tai Hing Lam, Lin Xu
Summary: We have shown for the first time using MR and conventional multivariable linear regression that higher BMI causes vitamin D deficiency in Chinese. Our findings emphasize the importance of weight control and suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be needed in individuals with overweight or obesity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Maria Carolina Borges, Tommy Hon Ting Wong, Deborah A. Lawlor, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: A study using Mendelian randomization (MR) found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is likely to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in both Europeans and East Asians. Additionally, there may be differential effects on coronary artery disease (CAD) between Europeans and East Asians.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kathy Leung, Eric H. Y. Lau, Carlos K. H. Wong, Gabriel M. Leung, Joseph T. Wu
Summary: We tracked the effective reproduction number (R-t) of the Omicron BF.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Beijing from November to December 2022. After China's shift from the zero-COVID policy, R-t increased to 3.44, and the infection incidence peaked on December 11. The cumulative infection attack rate in Beijing was estimated to be 75.7% on December 22, 2022, and 92.3% on January 31, 2023.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
C. M. Schooling, J. V. Zhao
Summary: This review summarizes the causal risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) using Mendelian randomization (MR) to obtain unbiased estimates. MR studies confirm the role of major CVD risk factors and provide insights into the linear relation with alcohol, the importance of diastolic blood pressure, and the major target lipid apolipoprotein B. However, identifying a healthy diet and the role of early life influences remains challenging. The use of MR has helped validate intervention targets for CVD, and incorporating more global diversity and an overarching framework would enhance the informativeness of MR studies.
CURRENT CARDIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
C. Mary Schooling, Kezhen Fei, Mary Beth Terry
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tim K. Tsang, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, Vicky J. Fang, Jessica Y. Wong, Eunice Y. Shiu, Hau Chi So, Dennis K. M. Ip, J. S. Malik Peiris, Gabriel M. Leung, Benjamin J. Cowling, Simon Cauchemez
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jack C. M. Ng, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: Observationally, the association between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and mortality is uncertain. This study used Mendelian randomization methods to examine the causal effect of BMR on parental attained age. The results suggest that higher BMR may reduce lifespan, particularly in women.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jie Zhao, Bohan Fan, Jian Huang, Benjamin John Cowling, Shiu Lun Ryan Au Yeung, Andrea Baccarelli, Gabriel M. Leung, C. Mary Schooling, Sihoon Lee
Summary: Through an environment-wide association study and an epigenome-wide association study, this research systematically assessed the factors associated with obesity at the onset and end of puberty. The study identified several factors, such as maternal second-hand smoking, maternal weight, and birth weight, that were consistently associated with obesity. It also found that factors like diet, physical activity, snoring, binge eating, and earlier puberty were positively associated with BMI at the end of puberty. These findings provide important information for future interventions to improve population health in Hong Kong and similar Chinese settings.
Article
Substance Abuse
Ying Yao, Derek Yee Tak Cheung, Tzu Tsun Luk, Tai Hing Lam, Yongda Socrates Wu, Man Ping Wang
Summary: Smoking behaviors have changed due to the perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. More smokers have reduced smoking on the streets than at home. The perceived increased susceptibility to COVID-19 due to smoking is associated with smoking reduction at home but not on the streets.
TOBACCO INDUCED DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
C. Mary Schooling, Man Ki Kwok, Jie Zhao
Summary: This study used uni- and multi-variable Mendelian randomization to assess the association between major fatty acids and their sub-species and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) overall and sex-specifically, as well as lifespan sex-specifically. The results showed a negative association between PUFAs and IHD and lifespan in men, while no association was found in women. Similar findings were observed for omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. The independent associations of SFAs, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, or omega-3 fatty acids with IHD or lifespan were limited. In conclusion, specific subspecies of PUFAs may contribute to disparities in lifespan by sex, and sex-specific dietary advice could help address these inequities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Carlos King Ho Wong, Lung Yi Mak, Ivan Chi Ho Au, Wing Yiu Cheng, Ching Hei So, Kristy Tsz Kwan Lau, Eric Ho Yin Lau, Benjamin J. Cowling, Gabriel M. Leung, Man Fung Yuen
Summary: A self-controlled case-series study was conducted to evaluate the risk and severity of acute liver injury (ALI) associated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment for COVID-19. The study found that the risk of ALI was elevated before treatment initiation but not during the five-day treatment period. ALI cases in nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users were generally less severe than those in non-users and had a lower risk of all-cause death.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
