Milk Consumption and Respiratory Function in Asthma Patients: NHANES Analysis 2007-2012

Association of eosinophil-to-monocyte ratio with asthma exacerbations in adults: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data

BACKGROUND

The eosinophil-to-monocyte ratio (EMR) has emerged as a promising biomarker for assessing inflammation in various diseases, and this study aims to investigate its potential in predicting asthma exacerbations.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2020. A total of 4,738 adults were included in the analysis, and weighted analyses were performed to ensure a representative sample of the general population. The relationship between EMR and asthma exacerbation risk was assessed using multivariable logistic regression with progressively adjusted covariates across multiple models. Subgroup analyses were performed by stratifying key covariates to explore interactions. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was applied to evaluate non-linear relationships. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness and reliability of the results.

RESULTS

Elevated EMR levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations (p < 0.001 in all models). In the highest EMR quartile (Q4), the odds ratio for exacerbation compared to the lowest quartile (Q1) was 1.54 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.93) in Model 1, increasing to 1.56 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.97) in Model 2 and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.24, 2.02) in Model 3, after further adjustments. Subgroup analyses showed consistent associations across various characteristics (all p for interaction > 0.05), while RCS analysis revealed a linear relationship without threshold effects (p for nonlinear > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EMR demonstrates strong potential as a biomarker for predicting asthma exacerbations, with implications for personalized asthma management.

Association between milk consumption and migraines among American adults: national health and nutrition examination survey

BACKGROUND

Migraines have been associated with nutritional imbalances within the brain, sparking ongoing interest in the possible association between dietary elements, including milk intake, and the occurrence of migraines. Nevertheless, the exact nature of the connection between milk consumption and migraines remains unclear.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis sought to explore the association between milk intake and the prevalence of migraines. The study utilized data from individuals aged 20 and above who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2004. In our study, we meticulously gathered comprehensive data on severe headaches or migraines, milk consumption, along with critical variables such as age, sex, marital status, and body mass index, among others. Milk consumption among participants was ascertained through a questionnaire. Logistic regression modeling and subgroup analyses were employed to evaluate the association between milk consumption and the incidence of severe headaches or migraines.

RESULTS

Among the 8850 participants, 19.98% (1768/8850) were identified as having migraines. Compared to individuals with only regular/whole milk consumption in the past 30 days, the adjusted OR values for only skim milk consumption in the past 30 days were 0.73 (95%CI: 0.60-0.89, p = 0.001), 0.78 (95%CI: 0.64-0.95, p = 0.014), and 0.77 (95%CI: 0.63-0.93, p = 0.009), respectively.

CONCLUSION

A notable association was detected between the type of milk intake and the occurrence of migraines. These results lay the groundwork for future investigations into the role of milk consumption in migraine management, potentially informing strategies for alleviating migraine symptoms.

The association between adult asthma in the United States and dietary total energy intake: a retrospective cross-sectional analysis from NHANES

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological research links asthma progression to dietary nonallergic factors, particularly high-calorie intake. However, evidence supporting the relationship with total dietary calorie consumption remains scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the potential correlation between asthma occurrence and total dietary energy intake.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study of 21,354 US adults collected comprehensive participant data, including demographics, blood parameters, fatty acids, zinc, fiber intake, and asthma outcomes. Statistical analyses included interaction effects analysis, smooth curve fitting, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 21,354 participants, 14.77% self-reported asthma diagnosis. After adjusting for confounders, odds ratios (OR) for asthma decreased with higher energy intake: Q2 (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.69-0.86, p < .001), Q3 (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.59-0.75, p < .001), and Q4 (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.53-0.69, p < .001) compared to Q1 (< 17.73 kcal/kg/day). A non-linear (L-shaped) association between energy intake and asthma was observed (p < .001), with a critical threshold around 24 kcal/kg/day, supported by subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals an L-shaped trend between total energy intake and asthma in US adults, with a significant threshold at approximately 24 kcal/kg/day.

Construction of metal interpretable scoring system and identification of tungsten as a novel risk factor in COPD

Numerous studies have highlighted the correlation between metal intake and deteriorated pulmonary function, emphasizing its pivotal role in the progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, the efficacy of traditional models is often compromised due to overfitting and high bias in datasets with low-level exposure, rendering them ineffective in delineating the contemporary risk trends associated with pulmonary diseases. To address these limitations, we embarked on developing advanced, interpretable models, crucial for elucidating the intricate mechanisms of metal toxicity and enriching the domain knowledge embedded in toxicity models. In this endeavor, we scrutinized extensive, long-term metal exposure datasets from NHANES to explore the interplay between metal and pulmonary functionality. Employing a variety of machine-learning approaches, we opted for the "Mixer of Experts" model for its proficiency in identifying a myriad of toxicological trends and sensitivities. We conceptualized and illustrated the TSAP (Toxicity Score at Population-level), a metal interpretable scoring system offering performance nearly equivalent to the amalgamation of standard interpretable methods addressing the "black box" conundrum. This streamlined, bifurcated procedural analysis proved instrumental in discerning established risk factors, thereby uncovering Tungsten as a novel contributor to COPD risk. SYNOPSIS: TSAP achieved satisfied performance with transparent interpretability, suggesting tungsten intake need further action for COPD prevention.

Associations of the planetary health diet index (PHDI) with asthma: the mediating role of body mass index

BACKGROUND

Given the global shifts in environmental conditions and dietary habits, understanding the potential impact of dietary factors and body mass index (BMI) on respiratory diseases, including asthma, is paramount. Investigating these relationships can contribute to the formulation of more effective prevention strategies. The Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), a dietary scoring system that balances human health with environmental sustainability, underscores the importance of increasing the consumption of plant-based foods while reducing the intake of red meat, sugar, and highly processed foods. The objective of this study was to assess the association between PHDI and the prevalence of asthma and the mediation effect of BMI in a US general population.

METHODS

This study utilized data from 32,388 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2005 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regressions were employed to investigate the association between PHDI, individual nutrients, and asthma. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis explored the linear or non-linear relationship between PHDI and asthma. Interaction analyses were conducted on subgroups to validate the findings. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the effect of BMI on the relationship between PHDI and asthma.

RESULTS

There was a significant negative association between PHDI and asthma. After adjusting for covariates, for every 10-point increase in PHDI, there was a 4% decrease in the prevalence of asthma (P = 0.025). Moreover, as PHDI increased, there was a trend towards lower asthma prevalence (P for trend < 0.05). WQS analyses showed consistent associations (OR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.88, 0.98), with Fiber, Vitamin C, and Protein significant factors. The dose-response curve indicated a linear association between PHDI and asthma, with higher PHDI associated with lower asthma prevalence. Additionally, BMI is significantly positively associated with asthma (P < 0.001), and BMI decreases as the PHDI increases (β = -0.64, P < 0.001). Mediation analysis indicates that BMI significantly mediates the relationship between PHDI and asthma, with a mediation proportion of 33.85% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show a strong negative correlation between PHDI and the prevalence of asthma. In addition, BMI mediated this negative relationship.

Association between dietary carotenoid intakes and the risk of asthma in children and adolescents: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016

Background

In recent years, the incidence of asthma in children has been increasing. As a chronic disease, in addition to drug treatment, dietary management is also important. However, studies of carotenoids and asthma have shown mixed results. This study aimed to evaluate whether the relationship between carotenoid intake and current asthma holds significant importance.

Methods

We studied 9,118 children aged 6-16 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of US from 2007 to 2016, and the relationship of dietary carotenoid and its subgroup with pediatric asthma. Current asthma was assessed by parent-reported, doctor-diagnosed, asthma using a standardized questionnaire. We used multivariate logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for current asthma with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Total carotenoid intake was not associated with the risk of current asthma. Compared with the first quantile, the second quantile of β-cryptoxanthin intake was positively correlated with current asthma (Q2: 1.227; 95% CI: 1.025-1.470; P=0.03). The test of trend showed that, as the α-carotene intake increased, the risk of current asthma showed a decreasing trend, which was very close to the statistic confidence cutoff (Model I: P for trend =0.001; Model II: P for trend =0.003; Model III: P for trend =0.08). In subgroup analysis, family history of asthma interacted with carotenoid intake (P=0.005). The population without a family history of asthma, there were significant negative associations between carotenoid intakes and asthma (quartile 4: Model III: 0.720; 95% CI: 0.549-0.943; P=0.02).

Conclusions

In this study, pediatric current asthma was not related to total carotenoids in our total participants. Total dietary carotenoid intake has a protective effect on children without a family history of asthma. Meanwhile, β-cryptoxanthin intake is positively correlated with asthma.

Association of composite dietary antioxidant index and muscle mass in individuals with metabolic associated fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

There is mounting evidence indicating the association between oxidative stress and the detrimental effect it poses on muscle mass. However, the crucial interplay between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), a key metric of antioxidant-rich diets, and the occurrence of muscle loss has remained largely unexplored. Hence, in this study, we aim to investigate the potential relationship between CDAI and muscle loss METHODS: This cross-sectional investigation harnessed data sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017 and 2018) to meticulously scrutinize the correlation between the CDAI and the occurrence of muscle loss. To unravel this intricate relationship, we engaged in multivariate weighted logistic regression analysis and employed smooth curve fitting techniques. Additionally, subgroup analyses were meticulously performed.

RESULTS

A total of 956 participants, with an average age of 42.15 years, were included in the final analysis, of which 52.19 % were males. Notably, the prevalence of low muscle mass among the study population was observed to be 15.48 %. The utilization of smooth curve fitting analysis underscored a nearly linear association between the CDAI and the presence of low muscle mass. Employing multivariate weighted logistic regression analysis, it was determined that the odds ratio (OR) between CDAI and low muscle mass was 0.88 (95 % [CI], 0.73-0.95). Through subgroup analyses, we further validated that CDAI independently mitigated the risk of muscle loss.

CONCLUSION

Higher CDAI levels were found to be associated with an reduced risk of low muscle mass in adults with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Individual and joint association of phenols, parabens, and phthalates with childhood lung function: Exploring the mediating role of peripheral immune responses

The functioning of the respiratory system can be interfered with by exposure to mixtures of environmental chemicals, however, the evidence is still ambiguous. We evaluated the association of exposure to mixtures of 14 chemicals, including 2 phenols, 2 parabens, and 10 phthalates, with four major lung function metrics. Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012, this analysis was conducted among 1462 children aged 6-19 years. Linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression, quantile-based g-computation regression, and a generalized additive model were performed to estimate the associations. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate plausible biological pathways mediated by immune cells. Our results indicated that the phenols, parabens, and phthalates mixture was negatively related to lung function parameters. And BPA and PP were identified as important contributors to negative associations with FEV₁, FVC, and PEF, with non-linear relationships observed between BPA and those outcomes. The most influential factor for a probable FEF_{25-75 %} decline was MCNP. BPA, and MCNP had an interaction effect on FEF_{25-75 %}. The association of PP with FVC and FEV₁ has been postulated to be mediated by neutrophils and monocytes. The findings offer insights into the associations of chemical mixtures with respiratory health and the possible driving mechanism, which would be of significance in adding novel evidence of the role of peripheral immune responses, as well as calling for remediation actions to be prioritized during childhood.