Medical Examination Reports Research Articles

Effective health age resulting from metabolic condition changes and lifestyle maintenance program

The author reviewed his data from 2012 through 2019 and focused on both of his metabolic conditions and health lifestyle details. He then developed an “Effective Health Age” model by using the GH-Method: math-physical medicine approach in comparison with the “Real Biological Age”. He defined Effective Health Age based on the evaluation of his multiple medical examination reports and his ~2 million data of his lifestyle, metabolism, and diseases over an 8-year period. This is different from the “Real Biological Age” or “Chronological Age” defined as the actual amount of time a person has been alive. In 2014, the author developed a mathematical metabolic model, including 4-categories of diseases (body outputs) and 6-categories of lifestyle details (body inputs). He started to collect his data of weight and glucose beginning on 1/1/2012 and other lifestyle data from 2013-2014. He further assembled those 10-categories (with a total of ~500 detailed elements) and combined them into two new biomedical terms: the metabolism index (MI), which is a combined daily score to show the body health situation, and general health status unit (GHSU), which is the 90-days moving average number to show the health trend. He further developed a simple equation to calculate his effective health age as follows: Effective Health Age= Real Biological Age * (1+((MI-0.735)/0.735)/2) He then utilized his annualized MI data to calculate his effective health age in order to compare against his real biological age. (Up to 250 words)

The accuracy of different FRAX tools in predicting fracture risk in Japan: A comparison study.

The web version of Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool is widely used in many countries to predict the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture (MF) and hip fracture (HF) rate. However, other FRAX tools, calculator older version (first generation), calculator new version (second generation), and application of mobile software had also been used in Japan. The aim of this study is to investigate the consistency of results obtained from the four predicting tools for MF and HF rate in both male and female groups. The data were extracted from 2016 medical examination report of Japanese Ministry of Health of Labor and Welfare. The MF and HF rates were calculated from 40 to 90 years old under different risk factors using four FRAX tools while the consistency of predicting value was evaluated. The predicted MF or HF rates were extremely similar among calculator new version, mobile software, and website version in each risk factors. On other hand, for calculator older version, the predicted MF or HF rates are a little higher than other versions. The significant difference is only present in patients aged 75 and above, and this exceeds the FRAX threshold older than 75 years old by Japanese Society for Bone and Mineral Research. The application of four FRAX tools generated consistent results in predicting the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture and HF for clinical practice, which provides an effective evidence for clinical application.

Associations between high caffeine consumption, driving safety indicators, sleep and health behaviours in truck drivers

BackgroundTruck drivers are vulnerable to driver sleepiness due to pressures of shift work and prolonged driving hours; this is a safety concern as sleepiness more than doubles crash risk. Caffeine is a commonly used countermeasure to driver sleepiness. Previous research with truck drivers has demonstrated a positive impact of caffeine consumption on crash risk. However, habitual use of caffeine has the potential to impair night time sleep resulting in increased sleepiness and safety risk. One group that may be particularly vulnerable to the potential negative impacts of high caffeine consumption are those truck drivers who consume ≥ 5 caffeinated drinks per day (≥90th percentile American average daily caffeine consumption). Method1,653 self-reported low (1 caffeinated drink per day) and 1,354 high (≥5 caffeinated drinks per day) caffeine consumers were compared across a range of driving safety indicators, health and sleep variables. All drivers completed an initial background questionnaire including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) and Dula Dangerous Driving Index (DDDI). Crashes and driving violations were monitored for up to 3 years (depending on enrolment date). Medical Examination Reports were available for 83.0% of the 3,007 participants. ResultsHigh caffeine consumers were more likely to report poor sleep outcomes: shorter average sleep time, (7.08 h compared to 7.41 h), higher prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (7.5% compared to 5.7%) and higher proportion at high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on the BQ (13.1% compared with 9.4%). The higher caffeine consumers were more likely to report negative health behaviours: smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and infrequent exercise. Poorer driving safety indicators (negative emotions and aggressive driving on the DDDI) and previous crashes (27.8% compared to 21.6%) were also more common in high than low caffeine consumers. ConclusionCaffeine is an effective countermeasure to driver sleepiness, however, high caffeine consumers do not exhibit any benefit to driving safety indicators. In fact, there is some evidence for safety concern because high caffeine consumers self-report more crashes and worse driving safety indicators than low caffeine consumers. High caffeine consumption was associated with poor health behaviours. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of high caffeine use. Interventions aiming to reduce truck driver sleepiness should be cautious in promotion of caffeine in isolation; a wholistic approach to improve driver health would likely be more effective than focusing on sleep health alone.

Anatomical pathology of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. First impressions

To analyze the thanatogenetic significance of novel coronavirus COVID-19 infection in different age and gender groups and to describe the main morphopathological manifestations in various organs. The investigators carried out a comprehensive analysis of 700 autopsies of people disease from the novel coronavirus COVID-19 infection, which included an examination of gross changes reflected in the autopsy protocols and forensic medical examination reports, as well as that of microscopic changes detected during histological examination of organs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using mouse or rabbit antibodies to CD34, CD68, EMA, Ki67, caspase-3, and VEGF was employed in some observations. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 infection was the primary cause of death. Acute respiratory and pulmonary heart failure and multiple organ dysfunction became the leading thanatogenetic mechanisms in COVID-19. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity were the most common diseases in patients with COVID-19. The most pronounced lung changes in COVID-19 were determined with a predominance of multiple total bilateral lesions of the lower lobes of the lungs, which was manifested by virus-induced changes in the parenchyma and stroma, as well as by microcirculation disorders. Acute dyscirculatory and ischemic changes in the parenchymal organs dominated in tissue damage caused by the virus. The changes in different organs of those who have died from the new coronavirus COVID-19 infection are stereotyped and include the manifestations of virus-induced action and a systemic inflammatory response with mainly microvasculature alteration, which leads to the development of coagulopathies and, accordingly, to total hypoxia.

Multimorbidity among elderly in Bangladesh.

BackgroundMultimorbidity among the elderly is a major public health problem in most of the developing countries, including Bangladesh, where the population is moving towards aging. Multimorbidity was defined as the co‐occurrence of at least two chronic diseases in a person whether as a coincidence or not. Little attention has been paid to the study of the prevalence of multimorbidity among the elderly in Bangladesh.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity among hospitalized elderly.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in two tertiary level hospitals with a sample of 566 adults aged 60 years or more. Data were collected from medical examination reports at the hospital and using a semi‐structured interview schedule through an in‐person interview. Descriptive statistics were used to measure the prevalence of multimorbidity.ResultsThe overall prevalence of multimorbidity among the elderly was 56.4% and the prevalence was higher among females (64.18%) than males (54.17%). The most prevalent conditions were hypertension (33.0%), diabetes (27.6%), ischemic heart disease (12.0%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (9%).ConclusionA high prevalence of multimorbidity suggests that there is an urgent need to develop geriatric health‐care services. Policymakers should pay attention to developing effective intervention strategies and programs to reduce the burden of multimorbidity.

Effects of health check-up feedback style (HCFS) on blood glucose and weight in type 2 diabetes patients aged 75 years and older: a randomized controlled study

Objective To analyze the effect of health check-up feedback style (HCFS) on the blood glucose level and weight of type 2 diabetes patients aged 75 years and older. Methods 120 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes and aged 75 and older who were taking annual health check-up and receiving paper-based medical examination reports at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled into this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (control group and study group). All patients received annual health check-up between November 2014 and October 2015 (baseline health check-up). Patients in control group were given paper-based feedback as usual, while those in study group received feedback via face-to-face or telephone conversations. All patients received their second annual health check-up between November 2015 and October 2016. The patients' blood glucose and weight at the second health check-up were compared between the two groups. Results In baseline health check-up, the levels of HbA1c and BMI showed no difference between the two groups. In the second health check-up, HbA1c and BMI of study group were lower than control group[(7.17±0.58)% vs. (7.44±0.72)%, P=0.027; (24.3±3.8)kg/m2vs. (25.0±4.2)kg/m2,P=0.049]. Fast blood glucose and waist circumference showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusions Combination of paper-based reports and face-to-face or telephone conversations to feedback on health check-up results led to better blood glucose and BMI control in old aged type 2 diabetes patients. HCFS is of vital importance. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Blood glucose; Body weight; Health check-up

A research on relationship between ABO blood groups and body mass index among Turkish seafarers.

The present study aims to investigate and to reveal the relationship between ABO blood groups and body mass index (BMI) and obesity among Turkish seafarers by using the health examination reports data obtained from 2009 to 2016. The data on age, gender, weight, height and blood groups obtained from 298,247 medical examination reports of Turkish seafarers were used with the official permission of Directorate General of Health for Border and Coastal Areas. Only 116,871 reports included blood group data. Regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to survey relationship between variables. The results of the study were compared with other studies in the related literature. It has been revealed that AB Rh (-) group was associated the highest mean BMI value (mean: 25.952). It is suggested that seafarers with AB Rh (-) blood group, who have the highest mean BMI value, should pay special attention to their weight.

Occurrence of dental involvement in victims of violence

Objective - To verify the occurrence of dental involvement described in medical examination reports on facial trauma resulting from interpersonal violence. Material and methods: an observational, analytical, and retrospective study that verified the dental involvement described in all the medical examination reports involving facial trauma, arising from interpersonal violence, issued by the Instituto Médico Legal - IML (Forensic Medicine Institute) of Taubaté, in São Paulo state, in a period of 24 months, considering gender and age group. Results: Of the 12,184 reports issued during the period studied, 1,971 (16.17%) described facial injuries resulting from aggression, and of these, 5.07% contained reports of dental involvement. The most frequent injury was a fracture (2.99%), in the age range between 16 and 24 years (31.42%), and the gender, male (56%). Conclusion: The facial injuries resulting from interpersonal violence in the analyzed period amounted to 16.17% of the total of cases, with 5.07% of these presenting reports of dental involvement. KEYWORDSForensic Dentistry; Injuries; Violence.

The Role of Healthy Lifestyle in the Implementation of Regressing Suboptimal Health Status among College Students in China: A Nested Case-Control Study.

Background: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is the intermediate health state between health and disease, it is medically undiagnosed and is also termed functional somatic syndrome. Although its clinical manifestations are complicated and various, SHS has not reached the disease status. Unhealthy lifestyle is associated with many chronic diseases and mortality. In accordance with the impact of lifestyle on health, it is intriguing to determine the association between unhealthy lifestyle and SHS risk. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study among healthy Chinese college students from March 2012 to September 2013, which was nested in a prospective cohort of 5676 students. We performed 1:1 incidence density sampling with matched controls for birth year, sex, grade, specialty and individual character. SHS was evaluated using the medical examination report and Sub-health Measurement Scale V1.0 (SHMS V1.0). Exposure was defined as an unhealthy lifestyle per the frequency of six behavioral dimensions from the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II). Results: We matched 543 cases of SHS (42.66%) in a cohort of 1273 students during the 1.5 years mean follow-up time with controls. A significant difference (t = 9.79, p < 0.001) and a reduction in HPLP-II total score was present at 1.5 years follow-up (135.93 ± 17.65) compared to baseline (144.48 ± 18.66). A level-response effect was recorded with an increase of the total HPLP-II (every dimension was correlated with a decreased SHS risk). Compared to respondents with the least exposure (excellent level), those reporting a general HPLP-II level were approximately 2.3 times more likely to develop SHS (odd ratio = 2.333, 95% CI = 1.471 to 3.700); and those with less HPLP-II level (good level) were approximately 1.6 times more likely (1.644, 1.119–2.414) to develop SHS (p < 0.05). Our data indicated that unhealthy lifestyle behavior with respect to behavioral dimensions significantly affected SHS likelihood. Further analyses revealed a marked increase (average increased 14.73 points) in lifestyle level among those SHS regression to health after 1.5 years, with respect to the HPLP-II behavioral dimensions, in addition to the total score (t = −15.34, p < 0.001). Conclusions: SHS is highly attributable to unhealthy lifestyles, and the mitigation of modifiable lifestyle risk factors may lead to SHS regression. Increased efforts to modify unhealthy lifestyles are necessary to prevent SHS.

Mandatory Pre-Employment Medical Examination—The Practice and the Law: Is It Justifiable?

“An employee shall not in respect of any person seeking employment, or of persons already in his employment; discriminate against the person on grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, creed, social or economic status, disability or politics” (Section 14(e) of the Labour Act 651). The aim of this study is to evaluate the process of pre-employment medical report examinations, the law and the practice—in some public institutions in Kumasi. This study was conducted in two major public institutions in the Kumasi metropolis. The identities of respondents will remain confidential so as to maintain anonymity. Three groups of respondents were used in the study (Group 1: Employees who were employed within the past 5 years. Group 2: Eight medical doctors who have been mandated to conduct and write medical reports of prospective employees. Group 3: Ten senior human resource staff members of the two aforementioned public institutions). Each group was asked specific questions related to the process of medical examinations and the laws of employment. Responses were analyzed and reported descriptively using SPSSII. All respondents from Group 1 were asked to submit to a medical examination commencing work. Sixty-five (65%) percent of respondents in Group 2 indicated that they were unaware of the job description of a prospective employee at the time of examination. All members in Group 3 indicated that the medical examination results of applicants are kept on their personal files, which are accessible to other human resource personnel. Based on the above section of the Labour Act of 2003, it is our assertion that there is no legal basis for the mandatory request of medical examination reports of prospective employees. Again, the medical reports do not always take into consideration the job description of the prospective employee. Therefore, reliance on a medical report to determine the fitness of a prospective employee for a particular job is not based on fair evaluation and thus not justifiable for the institutions studied.

Forensic evaluations of drug endangered children: “My house caught on fire; my cat jumped out the window”

Although there is a sizeable body of empirical literature examining the health consequences of exposure to drug use and manufacture in childhood, little is known about how drug endangered children themselves perceive their environment and situation. This study examines the types of information obtained from forensic medical evaluations that include the collection of verbal accounts from children about their situations. Forensic medical examination reports of 173 children removed from residences where methamphetamine manufacturing was suspected of occurring were analyzed. The children's verbal accounts highlight themes of hazards and toxins in the home, criminal and delinquent activity among children and caregivers, knowledge of drug-related activity, poor health and well-being, and traumatic law enforcement encounters. Drug endangered children represent a shadow population often overlooked in responses to the drug problem. Drug-related research and responses should prioritize children and their long-term well-being. Further research on the short- and long-term impacts of exposure as well as the social and physical development of these children is needed.

Epidemiologic Investigation of Injuries Associated With the 2013 Fertilizer Plant Explosion in West, Texas

On April 17, 2013, a fire and subsequent explosion occurred at the West Fertilizer Company plant in West, Texas, and caused extensive damage to the adjacent neighborhood. This investigation described the fatal and nonfatal injuries caused by the explosion. Persons injured by the fertilizer plant explosion were identified through death certificates, medical examination reports, medical records, and survivor interviews. Data on patient characteristics, type of injury, and location of injury were collected. Medical record review indicated that 252 individuals sought medical care for nonfatal injuries directly related to the explosion immediately after the explosion. Fifteen patients died of injuries sustained by the blast. Almost one-quarter of patients were admitted for treatment of injuries. Injuries sustained in the explosion included abrasions/contusions, lacerations/penetrating trauma, traumatic brain injuries/concussions, tinnitus/hearing problems, eye injuries, and inhalational injuries. Patients located closer to the explosion were more likely to be admitted to the hospital for treatment of injuries than were those who were located further away. Explosions of this magnitude are rare, but can inflict severe damage to a community and its residents. This investigation could be a useful planning resource for other communities, public health agencies, first responders, and medical facilities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:583-590).

Work-Recreation Balance, Health-Promoting Lifestyles and Suboptimal Health Status in Southern China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Suboptimal health status (SHS)—an intermediate state between health and illness—refers to functional somatic symptoms that are medically undiagnosed. Although SHS has become a great challenge for global public health, very little about its etiology and mechanisms are known. Work-recreation balance is a part of work−life balance, and is related to stress which greatly influences health status. We therefore carried out a cross-sectional investigation between 2012 and 2013 within a clustered sample of 24,475 individuals aged 15−60 years from a population in southern China. In so doing, we hoped to illuminate the associations between work-recreation balance conditions, healthy lifestyles, and SHS. Work-recreation balance conditions were categorically defined by frequency (“rarely, sometimes, or always”). Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II) was used to evaluate the level of healthy lifestyles, and the medical examination report and Sub-Health Measurement Scale V1.0 (SHMS V1.0) were both used to evaluate health status. The ratio of SHS (46.3%) is higher than health status (18.4%) or disease status (35.3%). Overall, 4.9% of respondents reported the lowest level of work-recreation balance, and they scored lower on both the HPLP-II and SHMS V1.0 compared with those who frequently maintained a work-recreation balance. Significant association was found between work-recreation balance behaviors and healthy lifestyles (p < 0.001) after demographic adjustment. In comparison with those reporting a frequent work-recreation balance, individuals whose work-recreation balance was categorically “rare” were 1.69 times as likely to develop SHS (odds ratio (OR): 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49–1.92), and those with infrequent work-recreation balance (“sometimes”) were 1.71 times more likely to develop SHS (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.62–1.81). These findings suggest that work-recreation balance conditions are significantly associated with, and seem to be accurate behavioral indicia of a healthy lifestyle. Poor work-recreation balance is associated with increased risk for SHS; thus, a healthier lifestyle that maintains a work-recreation balance should be promoted in order to reduce the development of SHS or disease in southern China.

Gözaltı Muayenesi ve Plastik Kelepçe Uygulamasına Bağlı Lezyonların Değerlendirilmesi

Aim: Plastic handcuffs are usually used in mass arrest incidents by law enforcement agencies. Using them are increased due to its being lighter, cheaper, more hygienic, and easier to carry and apply. In this study, we aimed to discuss the problems occurred during the use of plastic handcuffs and problems with the medico-legal documents prepared before and after police custody. Material and Method: In our study, 70 students who were taken in custody and plastic handcuffed during social events at university were evaluated. Results: Medical examinations after police custody reveal that skin lesions in accordance with handcuffing were seen in 35,7 percent of all cases and knife-cut injuries during the uncuffing were seen in 2,9 percent of all cases. In 50 percent of the cases (n: 20), however, there were skin lesions that were not documented in the examination performed in the hospital before police custody. Results: If plastic handcuffs must be used during the police arrest, they should not be too tight and during uncuffing, equipment which decreases the risk of injury had better be used. Also medical examination report should be arranged in a way to accelerate the justice process, and prevent the loss of right. Therefore health personnel should be well educated for a complete overall medical examination

Estimation of Age Using Alveolar Bone Loss: Forensic and Anthropological Applications.

The objective of this study was to utilize a new odontological methodological approach based on radiographic for age estimation. The study was comprised of 397 participants aged between 9 and 87years. A clinical examination and a radiographic assessment of alveolar bone loss were performed. Direct measures of alveolar bone level were recorded using CT scans. A medical examination report was attached to the investigation file. Because of the link between alveolar bone loss and age, a model was proposed to enable simple, reliable, and quick age estimation. This work added new arguments for age estimation. This study aimed to develop a simple, standardized, and reproducible technique for age estimation of adults of actual populations in forensic medicine and ancient populations in funeral anthropology.

Health risk factors associated with presenteeism in a Chinese enterprise.

Chronic health problems are prevalent in China and may lead to loss of work productivity through presenteeism. To investigate the prevalence of potential risk factors for presenteeism in Chinese workers and the strength of their association with reported presenteeism. A cross-sectional survey of employees in a Chinese petrochemical corporation included a medical examination report and questionnaire data on demographic characteristics, potential risk factors for presenteeism and presenteeism evaluation. Data were analysed using Pearson's chi-square tests, t-tests and logistic regression modelling. There were 1506 responses available for analysis; response rate 92%. The prevalence of presenteeism was 15%. Univariate analysis indicated a significantly higher prevalence of presenteeism in employees who were male, age ≤35 years, single, divorced or widowed and overweight or obese. Higher presenteeism was found in participants with high blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, insufficient physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, insufficient cereal intake, life dissatisfaction and job dissatisfaction. The prevalence of presenteeism was significantly associated with the number of potential risk factors. Logistic regression disclosed six independent risk factors associated with presenteeism: hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, insufficient physical activity, alcohol drinking, insufficient cereal intake and life dissatisfaction. Chronic conditions, health risk factors and presenteeism were prevalent in employees of a Chinese petrochemical corporation. Risk factors for other health conditions were associated with presenteeism. Health management programmes should be implemented to reduce risk factors and promote the health of employees in an effort to reduce presenteeism.

Differences between male and female cyclists' performances under the acute influence of alcohol.

To examine the effects of alcohol regarding the fitness required to ride a bicycle, practical cycling tests, accompanied by medical examinations, were carried out at different blood alcohol concentrations. Seventy-eight persons were included in the trials (41 males, 37 females). Eighty-three evaluable trials were obtained. Men committed less coordinative driving faults with comparable blood alcohol concentrations. Single highly alcoholized men were able to safely ride their bicycle; however, each of the female test persons had at least one severe driving fault at blood alcohol levels above 1.43 g/kg. Women tended to exhibit signs of alcoholization in the medical examination reports earlier than men.

A research on obesity among Turkish seafarers.

Obesity and overweight threaten not only seafarer's health but also the safety of operations on board a ship. The aim of the study was to investigate the statistical distribution of obesity and overweight among Turkish seafarers by using the health examination reports data collected between 2009 and 2012. The data on weight, height and age obtained from 143,341 medical examination reports of Turkish seafarers were used with the official permission of Directorate General of Health for Border and Coastal Areas. Considering the data in the health reports, body mass index (BMI) values were calculated, analysed and compared with Turkish general population and Danish seafarers. It has been found that BMI values of Turkish seafarers were boomed over the years. While Turkish male seafarers get older, their BMI values rise progressively. After the age of 28, BMI scores exceed the acceptable level. In addition, they reach maximum average 27.8 BMI value in their 50s. The activities, which will provide awareness to Turkish seafarers and the ship operators about the dangers of obesity, should be done. Also convenient environments and time for physical exercise on board a ship must be provided for seafarers.

Associations between breakfast eating habits and health-promoting lifestyle, suboptimal health status in Southern China: a population based, cross sectional study.

BackgroundSuboptimal health status (SHS) is the intermediate health state between health and disease, refers to medically undiagnosed or functional somatic syndromes, and has been a major global public health challenge. However, both the etiology and mechanisms associated with SHS are still unclear. Breakfast eating behavior is a dietary pattern marker and previous studies have presented evidence of associations between failure to consume breakfast and increased diseases. Accordingly, in view of the significance of breakfast eating behaviors with respect to health status, the associations between breakfast eating habits and healthy lifestyle, SHS require further elucidation.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted within a clustered sample of 24,159 individuals aged 12–80 years in 2012–13 within the population of Southern China. Breakfast eating habits were categorically defined by consumption frequency (‘scarcely, sometimes or always’). Health-promoting lifestyle was assessed via the health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP-II). SHS was evaluated using the medical examination report and Sub-health Measurement Scale V1.0 (SHMS V1.0).ResultsOf the 24,159 participants, the prevalence rates for the ‘health’ , ‘SHS’ , and ‘disease’ were 18.8%, 46.0%, and 35.2%, respectively. Overall, 19.6% of participants reported ‘scarce’ breakfast eating habits, with frequent breakfast eaters scoring higher on both HPLP-II and SHMS V1.0. After demographic adjustment, regression analyses revealed a significant association between breakfast eating habits and healthy lifestyle (p <0.001). There were lower levels of breakfast consumption regularity amongst individuals with SHS than those with disease. Categorically ‘scarce’ breakfast eaters were approximately three times more likely to be assigned SHS (OR: 2.745, 95% CI: 2.468-3.053), while infrequent breakfast eaters (‘sometimes’) were just less than twice as likely to be assessed as being of SHS (OR: 1.731, 95% CI: 1.595-1.879).ConclusionsBreakfast eating habits are significantly associated with a healthy lifestyle, and appear to be a useful predictor of a healthy lifestyle. Irregular breakfast eating habits are related to an increased risk of SHS; increased breakfast eating frequency may contribute to lowering the prevalence of SHS in Southern China.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-014-0348-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Alveolar bone loss and ageing: possible association with coronary heart diseases and/or severe vascular diseases.

The objective of this study was to utilise a new methodological approach based on radiographic examinations to demonstrate a potential association between coronary heart diseases (CHD) as well as severe hypertension and alveolar bone loss (ABL) in older adults. Many studies, primarily assessing clinical parameters, underline the association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between ABL and CHD/vascular diseases (VD) is potentially of high importance because of their prevalence in populations, and they represent an important issue in the fields of epidemiology and public health. Therefore, this topic was approached with new tools. The study was comprised of 236 participants over 50years. A clinical examination and a radiographic assessment of ABL were performed. Direct measures of alveolar bone level were recorded using CT scans, and different variables were studied (age, sex, Plaque index, cigarettes per day, coronary heart disease and vascular disease status). A medical examination report was attached to the investigation file. The results confirmed a positive association between CHD/VD and periodontal destruction; alveolar bone destruction represented a risk factor for CHD/VD [odds ratio (OR): 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01-1.60; p<0.037]. This study supports an association between periodontal diseases and CHD/VD independent of known confounders, although an aetiological link of causality has not been established.