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Human studies about short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the gut microbiome, and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are limited. Here we explored the association between SCFAs and T2DM and the effects of gut microbial diversity on glucose status in rural populations. We performed a cross-sectional study from the Henan Rural Cohort and collected stool samples. Gut microbiota composition and faecal SCFA concentrations were measured by 16S rRNA and GC-MS. The population was divided based on the tertiles of SCFAs, and logistic regression models assessed the relationship between SCFAs and T2DM. Generalized linear models tested the interactions between SCFAs and gut microbial diversity on glucose indicators (glucose, HbAlc and insulin). Compared to the lowest tertile of total SCFA, acetate and butyrate, the highest tertile exhibited lower T2DM prevalence, with ORs and 95% CIs of 0.291 (0.085–0.991), 0.160 (0.044–0.574) and 0.171 (0.047–0.620), respectively. Restricted cubic spline demonstrated an approximately inverse S-shaped association. We also noted interactions of the ACE index with the highest tertile of valerate on glucose levels (P-interaction = 0.022) and the Shannon index with the middle tertile of butyrate on insulin levels (P-interaction = 0.034). Genus Prevotella_9 and Odoribacter were inversely correlated with T2DM, and the genus Blautia was positively associated with T2DM. These bacteria are common SCFA-producing members. Inverse S-shaped associations between SCFAs (total SCFA, acetate, and butyrate) and T2DM were observed. Valerate and butyrate modify glucose status with increasing gut microbial diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the dose-response relationship of fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in rural China. A total of 38798 adults were recruited from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. F&V intake was assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines analysis were conducted to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for T2D relative to F&V intake and investigate the dose-response relationship. Higher intake of fruit or combined F&V was in connection with a lower risk of T2D, after adjusting for multiple confounders. After analyzing the dose-response relationship, we found that the odds of T2D decreased significantly with fruit consumption ≥ 260 g/day or F&V intake between 600 and 1000 g/day. And in subgroup analysis, we found that the negative correlation between fruit consumption and T2D was more pronounced in non-current smokers and non-current drinkers. High intake of fruit alone or combined F&V is related to a reduced risk of T2D in rural China. Fruit intake ≥ 260 g/day and total F&V consumption of 600–1000 g/day should be encouraged to promote good health. • It investigated the dose-response relationship between F&V and T2D in rural China. • Individuals should be encouraged to consume ≥ 260 g of fruit per day. • Individuals who intake high fruit plus do not smoke or drink perhaps profit the most. • Total F&V consumption of 600–1000 g/day should be encouraged to promote good health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between reproductive factors and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is controversial; therefore, we explored the causal relationship of age at menarche (AAM), age at natural menopause (ANM), with the risk of T2D and glycemic traits using two-sample Mendelian randomization. We used publicly available data at the summary level of genome-wide association studies, where AAM (N = 329,345), ANM (N = 69,360), T2D (N = 464,389). The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was employed as the primary method. To demonstrate the robustness of the results, we also conducted various sensitivity analysis methods including the MR-Egger regression, the weighted median (WM) and the MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) test. After excluding IVs associated with confounders, we found a causal association between later AAM and reduced risk of T2D (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.75, 0.87]; P = 2.20 × 10−8), lower levels of FI (β −0.04 [95% CI -0.06, −0.01]; P = 2.19 × 10−3), FPG (β −0.03 [95% CI -0.05, −0.007]; P = 9.67 × 10−5) and HOMA-IR (β −0.04 [95% CI -0.06, −0.01]; P = 4,95 × 10−3). As for ANM, we only found a causal effect with HOMA-IR (β −0.01 [95% CI -0.02, −0.005]; P = 1.77 × 10−3), but not with T2D. Our MR study showed a causal relationship between later AAM and lower risk of developing T2D, lower FI, FPG and HOMA-IR levels. This may provide new insights into the prevention of T2D in women. • This was a Mendelian randomization study with a large sample size. • The results of the study were validated by various sensitivity analysis methods. • Later menarche is causally associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. • Prematurely menopausal women are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no evidence on the longitudinal and causal associations between multiple pesticides and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Chinese rural population, and whether physical activity (PA) modified these associations remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the longitudinal and causal associations between pesticides mixture and T2DM, and determine whether PA modified these associations. A total of 925 subjects with normal glucose and 925 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were enrolled in this case-cohort study. A total of 51 targeted pesticides were quantified at baseline. Logistic regression, quantile g-computation, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to assess the individual and combined effects of pesticides on IFG and T2DM. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed to obtain the causal association between pesticides and T2DM. After 3-year follow-up, one-unit increment in ln-isofenphos, ln-malathion, and ln-deltamethrin were associated with an increase conversion of IFG to T2DM (FDR- P <0.05). One quartile increment in organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), herbicides and pyrethroids mixtures were related to a higher incidence of T2DM among IFG patients (P <0.05). The BKMR results showed a positive trend between exposure to pesticides mixture and T2DM. The MR analysis indicated a positive association between exposure to pesticides and T2DM risk (P<0.05). No any significant association was found between pesticides and IFG. In addition, compared to subjects with high levels of PA, those with low levels of PA were related to increased risk of T2DM with the increased levels of pesticides among IFG patients. Individual and combined exposure to pesticides increased the incidence of T2DM among IFG patients. MR analysis further supported the causal association of pesticides exposure with T2DM risk. Our study furtherly indicated that high levels of PA attenuated the diabetogenic effect of pesticides exposure. [Display omitted] • Individual and combined exposure to various pesticides increased T2DM incidence. • MR analysis supported the causal association of pesticides with T2DM risk. • High levels of PA attenuate the diabetogenic effect of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicological and epidemiological studies have shown that environmental endocrine disruptors interfere with hormonal homeostasis. However, there is limited research on the effects of mixed exposure to nonpersistent endocrine disruptors on thyroid hormones and the factors (e.g., presence status of thyroid autoantibodies or nutritional status of organismal iodine) that may influence this association. Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008 and 2011–2012. Relationships between single pollutants and thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibody levels were assessed using generalized linear (GLM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models. Weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), group-weighted quantile sum regression (GWQS), quantile-based g-computation (qgcomp), and adaptive elasticity network (AENET) were applied to assess the mixed exposure effect. Next, subgroup analyses were performed on the basis of the urinary iodine concentration or thyroid autoantibody status to assess the modifying role of urinary iodine and thyroid autoantibodies. A total of 2385 study participants were included in this study. Both the single-pollutant model and the multipollutant mixed model revealed that parabens and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites were significantly and negatively associated with serum thyroxine (T4) levels. However, no associations were found between the target pollutants and thyroid autoantibodies (thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb)). In addition, this study revealed that urinary iodine or thyroid autoantibody status altered the associations of some of the target pollutants with thyroid hormones. WQS and qgcomp analyses, revealed that the associations of mixed pollutants with hormones differed depending on the urinary iodine or antibody status, especially T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Significant associations were found between phenols, parabens, and phthalates and serum thyroid hormone levels, with parabens and DEHP metabolites playing major roles. Urinary iodine and thyroid autoantibody status act as modifiers between environmental endocrine-disrupting pollutants and thyroid hormones. • The usage of multiple mixed model statistical methods (WQS, qgcomp, GWQS, AENET). • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are significantly negatively related with T4. • Iodine and immune status influence the association of EDC and thyroid hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the association between serum cortisol, testosterone, and cortisol/testosterone (C/T) ratio and stroke. A total of 6157 subjects were included in this study. The serum levels of cortisol and testosterone were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The relationships of serum cortisol, testosterone, and C/T ratio levels with the odds ratios (ORs) of stroke were calculated using logistic regression analysis. The dose-response associations between serum cortisol, testosterone, and C/T ratio levels with stroke estimated by restricted cubic splines. After adjusting for multiple variables, serum testosterone levels were negactively associated with stroke in males (per 1 unit, odds ratio (OR) = 0.83, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.70, 0.97). The serum C/T ratio is positively associated with stroke in both males and females (OR = 1.16, 95 % CI:1.04,1.34 in males and OR = 1.15, 95 % CI:1.02,1.31 in females). Restricted cubic splines showed a significant linear dose-response relationship between testosterone and C/T ratio and stroke in males (P for overall association <0.05, P for nonlinearity >0.05). Our study findings show that serum testosterone levels are negatively correlated with stroke in males; meanwhile, serum C/T ratio is positively correlated with stroke in both males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has yet to fully explore the mechanisms through which digital platforms shape the performance of tourism small and medium enterpirses (SMEs). This study, guided by the organizational learning theory, hypothesizes that engagement with digital platforms impacts tourism SMEs' business outcomes primarily through the enhancement of capabilities, specifically marketing and innovation. This study conducted an online survey involving 316 Bed and Breakfast (B&B) owners and supplemented it with semi-structured interviews of 21 owners. The findings reveal that both the intensity of participation (measured by the allocation of human resources to digital platform management) and the diversity of participation (indicated by the number of platforms used) positively correlate with business performance, specifically, revenue per available room. This effect is mediated by marketing capability. Additionally, our results emphasize the valuable role of social media platforms in elevating B&Bs' competitiveness. We provide both theoretical perspectives and practical suggestions based on our findings. • A digital platform performance model is proposed via organizational learning theory. • Platform participation's intensity and diversity enhance B&B's firm performance. • Different digital platforms have heterogenous nature on performance. • Marketing capability partially mediates the link from platform presence to performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Evidence on the association of snoring, daily sleep duration (daytime napping and night sleep duration) with hyperuricemia (HUA) was limited, especially in the resources-poor areas. This study aimed to investigate the independent effect of snoring frequency and daily sleep duration on HUA prevalence in rural Chinese adults.Methods and Results: 29,643 participants aged 18-79 years were included in the final cross-sectional analysis from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression models with HUA and serum uric acid (SUA) levels as dependent variables were conducted, respectively. Of the 29,643 included adults, 3498 suffered from HUA. Compared to never snoring, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of HUA for rare snoring, occasional snoring, and habitual snoring were 1.35 (1.17, 1.56), 1.30 (1.14, 1.47), and 1.59 (1.47, 1.73), respectively (P for trend <0.001). Compared with no napping, participants who had daytime napping of 61-90 and > 91 min were associated with a 29% and 30% increase in the prevalence of HUA, respectively (P for trend <0.001). But in night sleep duration groups, no significant associations were observed. The positive associations between snoring and HUA were attenuated in people aged ≥65 and people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (both P for interaction <0.05).Conclusion: Habitual snoring or longer daytime napping was independently associated with increased HUA prevalence and SUA levels in rural Chinese adults, which indicates the significance of early intervention and treatment of snoring and longer daytime napping to prevent hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a reproductive toxin produced by cyanobacteria in the aquatic environment and can be ingested by humans through drinking water and the food chain, posing a threat to human reproductive health. However, the toxic mechanisms and prospective interventions for MC-LR-induced ovarian dysfunction at environmental doses are unknown. The mulberry fruit is a traditional natural product of plant origin, with various pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, mice were exposed to MC-LR (10, 100 μg/L) in drinking water for 90 days, during which mice were gavage 600 mg/kg/week of mulberry fruit extract (MFE). It was found that MC-LR can accumulate in mouse ovaries, causing sexual hormone disturbance, inflammatory infiltration, and ovarian pathological damage. Results from RNA-seq were shown that CCL2, a chemokine associated with inflammatory response, was significantly increased in mouse ovary after MC-LR exposure. Further investigation revealed that MC-LR exposure aggravates apoptosis of granulosa cells via the CCL2-CCR10 axis-mediated Jak/Stat pathway. Importantly, MFE can significantly ameliorate these ovarian dysfunction phenotypes by inhibiting the activation of the CCL2-CCR10 axis. This study broadened new insights into the ovarian toxicity of MC-LR and clarified the pharmacological effects of mulberry fruit on ovarian function protection. [Display omitted] • Inflammatory infiltration is a key manifestation of MC-LR-induced ovarian toxicity. • The CCL2-CCR10 axis regulates activation of Jak/Stat/apoptosis signaling pathway. • Exogenous CCL2 aggravated MC-LR-induced apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. • Dietary mulberry fruit effectively ameliorates ovarian dysfunction caused by MC-LR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) play an important role in the energy metabolism. Whether there is a causal relationship between JAK2 methylation levels and obesity remains unclear. Based on the instrumental variables of 5 SNP sites, this study was aimed to explore the causal relationship between JAK2 methylation levels and obesity by Mendelian randomization analysis.Methods and Results: A total of 1021 participants (511 cases and 510 controls defined by body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28.0 kg/m2) was conducted from the Henan Rural Cohort study. SNPscan® was performed to test the SNP genotyping and MethylTarget™ was applied to detect the DNA methylation level. The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the associations between SNP or methylation of JAK2 and obesity (according to BMI). Mendelian randomization analysis was used to assess the potential causal association between JAK2 methylation and obesity. According to the logistic regression model, 1 CpG sit in the promotor was related to an increased risk of obesity (P < 0.05). 10 CpG sites in the exon were associated with decreased risk of obesity (P < 0.05). Mendelian randomization analysis showed a causal association between the methylated level of JAK2 and obesity, based on the instrumental variables of 5 SNPs (P < 0.05).Conclusions: This study supported that the methylation degree of JAK2 has a complex relationship with obesity, which might be related to the region of methylation. A causal relationship exists between the methylated level of JAK2 and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: We aimed to investigate the associations of testosterone and androstenedione with coronary heart disease, and the interaction effect of testosterone or androstenedione and age on coronary heart disease.Methods and Results: A total of 6178 participants were included in this study. Serum testosterone and androstenedione were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the independent effects of testosterone and androstenedione on coronary heart disease. Interactive plots were employed to examine the interaction effects of testosterone or androstenedione with age on coronary heart disease. After adjusting for multiple variables, serum testosterone and androstenedione levels were negatively associated with coronary heart disease in males (tertile 3 vs tertile 1, odd ratio (OR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.33, 0.96), and OR = 0.40, 95% CI (0.22, 0.74)). Per 1 unit increase in ln-testosterone and ln-androstenedione was associated with a 24% (OR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.63, 0.91)) and 30% (OR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.55, 0.86)) lower risk of coronary heart disease, respectively. Additionally, the positive association of age with coronary heart disease was attenuated by increasing concentrations of ln-testosterone and ln-androstenedione concentration in males.Conclusions: The results indicated that serum testosterone and androstenedione were negatively associated with coronary heart disease risk in Chinese rural males. To some extent, this study supports the application of hormone therapy in males with coronary heart disease, which can contribute to reducing the burden of coronary heart disease and related cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although obesity reflected by BMI can enhance the association of air pollution with increase blood pressures (BP) and prevalent hypertension in susceptible population, there remains lack evidence on interactive effects of different obesity indices and air pollutants on BP and prevalent hypertension in rural adults. 39,259 individuals were recruited from the Henan Rural Cohort. Concentrations of air pollutants (PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 and NO 2) were evaluated by a spatio-temporal model based on satellites data. Independent associations of air pollutants and obesity reflected by BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, BFP and VFI on BP indicators (SBP, DBP, MAP and PP) and prevalent hypertension were analyzed by linear regression and logistic regression models, respectively. Furthermore, their additive effects were quantified by RERI, AP and S. Six obesity indices enhanced the associations of four air pollutants and BP indicators. Individuals with high PM 1 concentrations plus obesity classified by BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, BFP and VFI had a 4.18-fold (95% CI: 3.86, 4.53), 3.58-fold (95% CI: 3.34, 3.84), 3.53-fold (95% CI: 3.28, 3.81), 4.02-fold (95% CI: 3.72, 4.35), 3.89-fold (95% CI: 3.59, 4.23), 3.87-fold (95% CI: 3.62, 4.14) increase in prevalent hypertension, respectively, compared to non-obese individuals with low PM 1 concentrations; similar results were observed for combined effect of PM 2.5 , PM 10 or NO 2 and obesity indices on prevalent hypertension. The significant values of RERI, AP and S indicated additive effects of air pollutants and obesity indices on hypertension. Obesity amplified the effects of exposure to high levels of air pollutants on increased BP values and prevalent hypertension, implying that obese individuals may be susceptible to elevate BP and prevalent hypertension in relation to air pollution exposure. The Henan Rural Cohort study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR–OOC–15006699, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375). • High levels of air pollution related to increased blood pressure and hypertension. • Obesity related to increased blood pressure and hypertension in rural adults. • Obesity amplified associations of air pollutants with blood pressure and hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The association between daily egg intake and dyslipidemia remains a contentious issue. Therefore, our study was aimed to explore the relation of daily egg intake to lipid profile; and whether the association was mediated by body mass index (BMI).Methods and Results: A total of 39,021 participants (18-79 years) were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Data on egg consumptions and blood lipid indices were collected with standardized processes. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Mediation analysis using bootstrap was performed to examine the contribution of BMI to daily egg intake and HDL-C. The participants were divided into 3 egg intake groups (＜26.79 g/d, 26.79-62.50 g/d, ＞62.5 g/d). According to our results, comparing with the low daily egg consumption group, medium and high egg intake tertiles were related with increased high-TC (ORmedium = 1.546, 95%CI (1.417,1.688); ORhigh = 1.902,95%CI (1.703, 2.124)), high LDL-C (ORmedium = 1.224, 95%CI (1.121, 1.337); ORhigh = 1.368,95%CI (1.220, 1.534)) and non-HDL-C(ORmedium = 1.486,95%CI(1.358,1.625); ORhigh = 1.715,95%CI (1.499, 1.888)), as well as inversely associated with high-TG (ORmedium = 0.825, 95% CI(0.778, 0.875); ORhigh = 0.778,95%CI(0.718,0.844)) and low HDL-C (ORmedium = 0.914, 95%CI (0.858, 0.973); ORhigh = 0.756,95%CI(0.693,0.825)). Moreover, mediation analysis showed that both of BMI and WC partly mediated the relationship between daily egg intake and HDL-C.Conclusions: Our results suggested that the daily egg intake may have a role in effect on lipid profiles, and the effect of daily egg intake on HDL-C may be partly mediated by BMI and WC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively examine the possible associations between total meat, red meat, processed meat, poultry and fish intakes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Relevant articles were identified in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases using a search time up to January 2019. Generalized least-squares trend estimations and restricted cubic spline regression models were used for analysis. Twenty-eight articles were included in the analysis. When comparing the highest with the lowest category of meat intake, the summary relative risk of T2D was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.16–1.52) for total meat, 1.22 (95% CI: 1.16–1.28) for red meat, 1.25 (95% CI: 1.13–1.37) for processed meat, 1.00 (95% CI: 0.93–1.07) for poultry and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.93–1.10) for fish. In the dose–response analysis, each additional 100 g/day of total and red meat, and 50 g/day of processed meat, were found to be associated with a 36% (95% CI: 1.23–1.49), 31% (95% CI: 1.19–1.45) and 46% (95% CI: 1.26–1.69) increased risk of T2D, respectively. In addition, there was evidence of a non-linear dose–response association between processed meat and T2D (P = 0.004), with the risk increasing by 30% with increasing intakes up to 30 g/day. Our meta-analysis has shown a linear dose–response relationship between total meat, red meat and processed meat intakes and T2D risk. In addition, a non-linear relationship of intake of processed meat with risk of T2D was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The present study was conducted to explore the stratified and joint effects of age at menopause and body mass index (BMI) with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Chinese rural adults.Methods and Results: A total of 15,406 postmenopausal Chinese women were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the stratified and joint effects of age at menopause and BMI on T2DM. Overall, the mean age at menopause and BMI was 48.8 ± 4.7 years and 25.1 ± 3.6 kg/m2, respectively. In general, data suggest that: 1) women with BMI ≥ 24 had a higher risk of T2DM, irrespective of age at menopause; 2) in women with BMI < 24, later menopause had a higher risk of T2DM (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.16-2.01); 3) the risk of T2DM was higher only in patients with early or normal age at menopause and BMI ≥ 24, with 0R (95% CI) of (1.58, 1.28-1.94) and (1.48, 1.31-1.67), respectively.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that: 1) women with BMI ≥ 24 had a higher risk of T2DM, irrespective of age at menopause; 2) in women with BMI < 24, a higher risk of T2DM was found only in those with later menopause; 3) women with later menopause had a higher risk of T2DM, irrespective of BMI; 4) in patients with early or normal age at menopause, a higher risk of T2DM was found only in patients with BMI ≥ 24.the Chinese Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-OOC-1500669(URL:http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Multiple studies support a complex relationship between testosterone and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the transformation of testosterone is affected by several reductases. Thus, we aimed to explore the associations of steroid-5α-reductase type 1 (SRD5A1) gene polymorphism with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and T2DM and the interactive effects of testosterone and genotypes on glycometabolism.Methods and Results: A case-control study including 2365 participants was performed. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood and genotyped for the SRD5A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1691053. Multivariable logistic regression and linear regression were performed to estimate the associations of SRD5A1 rs1691053 alleles and genotypes with glycometabolism. Generalized linear models were used to investigate the modulatory effects of serum testosterone on glycometabolism indexes in males. After multivariable adjustment, the odds ratio (OR) of homozygous CC genotypes in male carriers was 2.62 (95%CI: 1.11-6.18) for IFG. Furthermore, significant associations of SRD5A1 rs1691053 polymorphisms with adverse indices of glycometabolism were observed in males. Interestingly, the opposite associations in females were observed. The interactive associations of SNP and testosterone were found and mutations were more likely to lead unfavorable metabolic phenotypes.Conclusion: These results showed that SRD5A1 rs1691053 gene polymorphism was independently associated with glycometabolism. The interaction between a genetic polymorphism from SRD5A1 and testosterone involved glycometabolism was identified in males. Although this preliminary data should be replicated with other rigorous researches, it highlighted the importance of the SNP-testosterone interaction over the present of glycometabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: To assess the associations of sedentary time, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 DNA methylation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and further identify the role of SOCS3 methylation in mediating the association of sedentary time with T2DM in a Chinese rural population.Methods and Results: A case-control study including 1032 participants from the Henan Rural Cohort study was conducted. Restricted cubic spline analysis and logistic regression model were performed to evaluate the associations between sedentary time, SOCS3 methylation and T2DM. The mediation effect of SOCS3 methylation on the association between sedentary time and T2DM was assessed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding individuals with diagnosed T2DM. Linear dose-response relationships were found between sedentary time, methylation level of Chr17:76356190 (one novel site on SOCS3) and T2DM. Compared with the first quartile (less than 5 h/d) of sedentary time, the adjusted odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence interval, 95%CI) for those in the third (7-10 h/d) and fourth (≥10 h/d) quartiles were 1.87 (1.22-2.85) and 3.54 (2.14-5.85), respectively. Participants in the fourth quartile of methylation level of Chr17:76356190 had lower risk of T2DM than those in the first quartile (OR (95%CI): 0.23 (0.14-0.38)). Mediation analysis showed 9.66% (6.38%-14.80%) of the association between sedentary time and T2DM was attributable to Chr17:76356190. The comparable effect estimates were observed between sedentary time, methylation level of Chr17:76356190 and undiagnosed T2DM.Conclusion: Sedentary time and methylation level of Chr17:76356190 were both independently associated with T2DM in the Chinese rural population. Furthermore, Chr17:76356190 appeared to partially mediate the effect of sedentary time on T2DM.Chinese Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699 (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association between organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) exposure and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains contradictory, and the evidence is mostly focused on a single exposure. Here, we assessed the associations between individual and combined OCPs exposure and T2DM, and explored the underlying mechanism of sex hormones and the methylation levels of sex hormone receptors in above associations. A case-control study with 1812 participants was performed. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and pyrosequencing were used to measure plasma OCPs, serum sex hormones, and whole blood methylation levels of sex hormone receptors, respectively. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the relationships between OCPs, sex hormones, the methylation levels of sex hormone receptors, and T2DM. Quantile based g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) were employed to assess the combined OCPs exposure. The roles of sex hormones and the methylation levels of their receptors were evaluated by moderating mediation models. After adjusting for covariates, each unit (2.718 ng/ml) increase in p,p'-DDE was associated with a higher risk of T2DM in males (odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.066 (1.023, 1.112)). QGC and BKMR showed a positive combined effect in the associations of OCPs mixtures on T2DM among premenopausal females, and positive effects but not statistically significant among males and postmenopausal females. p,p'-DDE was the largest contributor for the positive associations. Furthermore, testosterone mediated 21.149% of the associations of p,p'-DDE with T2DM moderated by the androgen receptor methylation (ARm) located in CpG island 1. Individual and mixtures of OCPs exposure were positively linked to elevated risk of T2DM. Testosterone and ARm may participate in the related processes of OCPs with T2DM, providing new insights into the adverse endocrine effects caused by OCPs and specific pathways for the etiology and control of diabetes. [Display omitted] • Individual and mixtures of OCPs exposure were positively related to T2DM risk. • Higher OCPs levels were observed to be related to lower serum testosterone levels. • A negative correlation between OCPs and androgen receptor methylation (ARm). • Testosterone and ARm plays a mediator and moderator between OCPs and T2DM. • This provides new insights into the pathways for the etiology and control of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a unique dataset from China, this paper shows that the intensity of epidemic disasters during the country's last feudal period (1644–1895) promoted tourism businesses' contemporary performance. The results remain robust when considering geography, institutions, culture, confounding factors, and potential endogeneity bias. Three sources of tourism performance are referenced: business census data from individual travel agencies, visit data for national parks, and tourism revenue data from Chinese prefectures. To explain this complex but apparently uniform finding, we perform causal mediation analysis to demonstrate the importance of promotional effects by encouraging corporate risk-taking, with robustness to cultural fusion. Ultimately, we show the power of risk culture to justify the path dependence of tourism development on historical epidemics. [Display omitted] • We examine the long-term impacts of historical epidemics on the tourism industry. • Historical epidemics (1644–1895 CE) boost contemporary tourism performance. • Different data sources, model and endogeneity specifications provide robust results. • Corporate risk taking with robustness to cultural shocks and fusion explains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Sales history is a trust-building signal through which travelers learn from peers. • Sales history positively influences purchase through observational learning. • Sales history mitigates the positive impact of reviews on purchase. • Sales history weakens the negative effect of multi-listing ownership on purchase. • Our findings suggest strengthening online trust using coordinated signals. Abstract The sharing economy has proliferated in recent years, yet continuous business efforts are required to cultivate trust between strangers. Drawing from observational learning theory and cultural perspective, our study examined sales history disclosure as a trust-building signal between hosts and travelers. Using large-scale online observational data of 33,327 listing purchase activities between 2012 and 2017 on a leading peer-to-peer short-term rental platform in China, we found strong evidence that sales history disclosure is positively associated with short-term rental purchases. Our results also revealed that sales history disclosure mitigates the positive impact of online reviews but weakens the negative effect of multi-listing ownership on subsequent purchases, further confirming information substitution theory. Our study provided theoretical and practical implications to strengthen the trust-building mechanism using coordinated signals, with cultural considerations, on short-term rental platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) were used as flame retardants widely, however, epidemiological evidence for the association between PBDEs and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is inconsistent. Moreover, the combined effects of PBDEs and blood lipid indicators on impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and T2DM remains largely unknown in rural areas lacking good waste recycling infrastructure. In this study, a total of 2607 subjects aged 18–79 years were included from the Henan Rural Cohort. Generalized linear and logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the associations of various PBDE pollutants on IFG and T2DM. Quantile g-computation regression and PBDE pollution score created by the adaptive elastic net were applied to evaluate the impact of PBDEs mixtures on IFG and T2DM. Interaction effects of individual PBDE pollutants and blood lipid indicators on IFG and T2DM were assessed by using Interaction plots. The geometric mean concentrations (detection rates) were 0.09 ng/mL (100.0%), 0.12 ng/mL (97.8%), 0.22 ng/mL (94.7%), 0.16 ng/mL (99.2%) and 0.28 ng/mL (100.0%) for PBDE-28, PBDE-47, PBDE-99, and PBDE-153 respectively. However, PBDE-28, PBDE-99, PBDE-100, and ΣPBDEs were positively associated with IFG (odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)): 1.14 (1.06, 1.23), 1.16 (1.04, 1.29), 1.25 (1.14, 1.37), and 1.27 (1.08, 1.50)). Similarly, PBDE-28, PBDE-47, PBDE-99, PBDE-100, and ΣPBDEs were positively associated with T2DM (ORs (95% CIs): 1.30 (1.10, 1.54), 1.13 (1.06, 1.22), 1.27 (1.13, 1.43), 1.27 (1.15, 1.40), and 1.30 (1.10, 1.54)). Moreover, five PBDE mixtures or jointly as PBDE pollution score, were significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM (P < 0.05 for all). In addition, the harmful effect of PBDE exposure on T2DM was decreased with accompanying high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased. Our findings highlight the importance of managing PBDEs contamination and suggest that HDL-C may be a novel way to prevent T2DM. [Display omitted] • Positive associations of various PBDE pollutants with T2DM were found in rural China. • PBDE mixtures or PBDE pollution score was positively associated with T2DM. • Higher HDL-C levels attenuated the association of PBDEs with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since neonicotinoids (NNIs) are widely used around the world, they are extensively distributed in the environment and frequently occurred in humans. This study was conducted to assess the risk of NNIs residues in vegetables and fruits in Henan province, and evaluate the associations of NNIs single and mixed exposure with glucose metabolism, and further explore whether testosterone mediated these relationships in Henan rural population. The data of vegetables and fruits were collected from Henan Province in 2020–2021, and participants were drawn from the Henan Rural Cohort study. Hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were used to assess the risk of exposure to the individual and combined NNIs through vegetables or fruits intake. Relative potency factor (RPF) method was utilized to normalize each NNIs to imidacloprid (IMI RPF). Generalized linear models were used to explore the effects of each NNIs and IMI RPF on glucose metabolism. Weight quartile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were applied to estimate the effect of NNIs mixtures on glucose metabolism. Mediation analysis was employed to explore whether testosterone mediated these relationships. The HQs and HI in both vegetables and fruits were much lower than 1, which indicated that NNIs in vegetables and fruits were not expected to cause significant adverse effects. However, plasma natural logarithm nitenpyram (Ln_NIT), Ln_thiacloprid-amid (Ln_THD-A), and Ln_IMI eq were positively associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.12 (1.05, 1.19), 1.21 (1.10, 1.32), and 1.48 (1.22, 1.80)). Both WQS regression and BKMR models observed significantly positive associations between NNIs mixture exposure and T2DM. Testosterone partially mediated these associations among women (PE = 6.67%). These findings suggest that human NNIs exposure may impair glucose metabolism and could contribute to rising rates of T2DM, and it's necessary to regulate the use of pesticides in rural areas. [Display omitted] • Expose to neonicotinoids (NNIs) through intake of vegetables or fruits posed a low risk to population health. • NNIs mixture exposure was positively associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). • Both nitenpyram and thiacloprid-amid exposure were positively associated with T2DM. • Testosterone partially mediated the association of NNIs mixture with T2DM in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it has been reported that herbicides exposure is related to adverse outcomes, available evidence on the associations of quantitatively measured herbicides with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes is still scant. Furthermore, the effects of herbicides mixtures on T2DM and prediabetes remain unclear among the Chinese rural population. To assess the associations of plasma herbicides with T2DM and prediabetes among the Chinese rural population. A total of 2626 participants were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Plasma herbicides were measured with gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression analysis was employed to assess the associations of a single herbicide with T2DM, prediabetes, as well as indicators of glucose metabolism. In addition, the quantile g-computation and environmental risk score (ERS) structured by adaptive elastic net (AENET), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to estimate the effects of herbicides mixtures on T2DM and prediabetes. After adjusting for covariates, positive associations of atrazine, ametryn, and oxadiazon with the increased odds of T2DM were obtained. As for prediabetes, each 1-fold increase in ln-transformed oxadiazon was related to 8.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.033, 1.138) higher odds of prediabetes. In addition, several herbicides were significantly related to fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA2-IR (false discovery rates adjusted P value < 0.05). Furthermore, the quantile g-computation analysis showed that one quartile increase in multiple herbicides was associated with T2DM (OR (odds ratio): 1.099, 95% CI : 1.043, 1.158), and oxadiazon was assigned the largest positive weight, followed by atrazine. In addition, the ERS calculated by the selected herbicides from AENET were found to be associated with T2DM and prediabetes, and the corresponding ORs and 95% CIs were 1.133 (1.108, 1.159) and 1.065 (1.016, 1.116), respectively. The BKMR analysis indicated a positive association between mixtures of herbicides exposure and the risk of T2DM. Exposure to mixtures of herbicides was associated with an increased risk of T2DM among Chinese rural population, indicating that the impact of herbicides exposure on diabetes should be paid attention to and measures should be taken to avoid herbicides mixtures exposure. [Display omitted] • Several herbicides were associated with increased risk of T2DM and prediabetes. • Exposure to the mixture of herbicides was related to the increased risk of T2DM. • The impact of herbicides exposure on T2DM should be paid attention in rural adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep quality heavily shapes the tourism experience because tourists spend a large amount of their travel time sleeping. In this study, we propose a conceptual framework of factors influencing sleep quality in hotels based on personal and hotel characteristics. Personal characteristics include demographic, biopsychosocial, and tripographic factors; hotel characteristics consist of hotel location, facilities, and the sleeping environment. By analyzing TripAdvisor hotel review data in Los Angeles, we estimate a mixed-effects ordered logit model to understand the factors that influence sleep quality as well as the hotel sleeping environment as indicated by sentiment analysis. The results validate our proposed conceptual model. Hotel sleep quality is found to vary by age, gender, traveler type, and review experience. In addition, hotel star rating, nearby restaurant density, number of hotel floors, and the hotel sleeping environment also influence hotel sleep quality. Implications of this study are provided in closing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socioeconomic status (SES) was a crucial influencing factor of household air pollution (HAP). However, few studies have explored the potential effect modification of SES on the associations of HAP with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and glucose homeostasis. A total of 20900 participants were obtained from the Henan Rural Cohort. HAP reflected by cooking fuel type and cooking duration was assessed via questionnaire. SES was evaluated by two dimensions: educational level and average monthly income. Associations of cooking fuel type, cooking duration with T2DM and glucose homeostasis indices (insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HOMA- β) were assessed by the generalized linear model. Analyses were also conducted in different SES groups to explore the potential effect modification. Significant negative association of cooking fuel type and cooking duration with T2DM, FPG, and HOMA- β was not observed. However, cooking with solid fuel and long-duration cooking were associated with decreased insulin level in women, and the adjusted coefficients were − 0.35 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): − 0.53, − 0.17) and − 0.36 (95% CI: −0.50, −0.21), respectively. Results from stratified analyses showed that these associations were more prominent in women with low average monthly income, with corresponding coefficient of − 0.57 (95% CI: −0.77, −0.37) for cooking with solid fuel and − 0.34 (95% CI: −0.52, −0.16) for long-duration cooking. Among women with low average monthly income, the largest decreased insulin level was observed in those who cooked with solid fuel, long-duration and poor kitchen ventilation, while the negative association of cooking fuel type and cooking duration with insulin level was slightly alleviated in the good kitchen ventilation group. Low average monthly income aggravated the negative association of HAP and insulin level among rural women, while improving kitchen ventilation may be a practical intervention. The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 06 July, 2015. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj= 11375. [Display omitted] • Cooking with solid fuel and long-duration was associated with insulin level. • Low average monthly income aggravated the association of HAP and decreased insulin. • Kitchen ventilation slightly offset the association of HAP and decreased insulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although productivity spillovers have long been recognized to be a major benefit of foreign direct investment (FDI), such spillovers have not yet been systematically studied in the context of the hotel industry. This paper investigates hotel-related FDI spillover effects as well as moderating factors (geographic region, star rating classification, ownership type and foreign capital origin) in China. Evidence from province-level panel data reveals the existence and significance of intra-industry spillovers from foreign to domestic hotels in China, although the nature and magnitude vary based on different moderating factors. Domestic hotels in eastern and western China and those with alliance and limited liability ownership structures benefit significantly from productivity spillovers. Foreign-invested three-star hotels transfer a significant amount of positive productivity, whereas domestic three- and five-star hotels benefit the most from productivity spillovers. Moreover, foreign-invested hotels from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan (HMT) and non-HMT countries generate positive spillovers of similar magnitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to investigate the association of serum testosterone with stroke and calculate the proportion explained by blood pressure on this association.Materials and Methods: A total of 6175 subjects were included in this study. Serum testosterone was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between serum testosterone and stroke. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the associations of serum testosterone with blood pressure. In addition, mediation analysis was performed to identify the mediation effects of blood pressure on the association of serum testosterone with stroke. Sex-stratified analysis was employed throughout the research.Results: After adjusting for multiple variables, serum testosterone levels were negatively associated with stroke in males (per 1 unit natural log-transformed, odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.94; Tertile 3 vs Tertile 1, OR = 0.65, 95% CI:0.44-0.96). Furthermore, blood pressure played a partial mediating role in the relationship between testosterone and stroke in males. The indirect effect/total effect of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were 7.37%, 9.54% and 9.22%, respectively. Notably, the relationship between testosterone and stroke and the role of blood pressure in regulating them was not observed in females.Conclusion: This study describes that in rural Chinese males, testosterone can reduce the risk of stroke by affecting blood pressure. To some extent, we provide a new epidemiological evidence for the relationship between testosterone and stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the associations between residential greenness and glucocorticoid levels and whether air pollutants and sex modify the relationship between greenness and glucocorticoid level in Chinese rural adults. We collected cross-sectional survey data from 6055 participants from the Henan Rural cohort. The three-year average residential greenness for participants was assessed using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values from a satellite platform. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed to quantify the concentrations of glucocorticoids, which were measured by morning blood draw after at least 8 hr of fasting. A random forest model was employed to obtain the average concentrations of PM 1 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10. A general linear regression model was performed to estimate the associations of NDVI 500−m values with cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisone. Furthermore, interaction plots were used to present the interaction effects of particulate matter, sex, and green space on glucocorticoid levels. After adjusting for multiple variables, an elevated average NDVI 500−m value in the total population was associated with a decrease in cortisol levels (β = −0.063, 95 % confidence interval (CI): − 0.118, − 0.008), and 11-deoxycortisol levels (β = −0.118, 95 % CI: −0.190, −0.047), as well as an increase in cortisone levels (β = 0.130, 95 % CI : 0.079, 0.181). By adding the interaction terms of air pollutants and residential greenness into the regression model, interaction effects between air pollutants and residential greenness were found (cortisol, PM 2.5 : P interaction =:0.018; PM 10 : P interaction =0.016; 11-deoxycortisol, all pollutants: P interaction < 0.001), suggesting that the protective effect of residential greenness on serum glucocorticoids disappeared accompanying with increased concentrations of particulate matter. Moreover, trends towards modification in the association between green space and glucocorticoid levels were also evident by sex, but these did not reach statistical significance (for all glucocorticoids : P interaction > 0.05). Long-term exposure to green space was negatively correlated with cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol levels, and positively correlated with cortisone levels. There may be sex differences in these associations. Moreover, the protective effect of residential greenness on serum glucocorticoids was altered by high levels of particulate matter. • Long-term exposure to residential greenness was associated with glucocorticoids. • There were sex differences in these associations. • The protective effect of residential greenness on glucocorticoids was altered by PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previous studies have examined the relationship between social capital and firm performance under boundary conditions such as firm age, industry characteristics, and institutional conditions, the literature is silent on the types of firm activities linking social capital to financial performance. This study investigates the moderating role of firm-level entrepreneurial activities (service innovation, corporate venturing and strategic renewal) on the relationship between social capital and financial performance in a sample of Chinese hotels. The findings indicate that the interaction of external and internal social capital has a positive effect on financial performance. In addition, innovation and corporate venturing enhance the relationship between financial performance and social capital. To achieve a competitive advantage, hospitality firms should not only accumulate social capital but should also deliberately implement strategies that enhance entrepreneurial activities to fully unleash the potential of social capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research reveals a novel downside effect of the emerging AI-powered voice assistant (vs. the prevalent touch panel) in the hotel in-room technology context. Building on the automated social presence theory, this research comprises two studies to explore whether, how, and why using voice assistant (vs. touch panel) affects consumers' satisfaction levels and their behavioral intentions differently. This research documents that using AI-powered voice assistant (vs. touch panel) leads to a lower level of satisfaction due to a deficiency in perceived control, especially among consumers with independent self-construal tendency. Serial mediation tests confirm the downstream effects via the causal link of psychological mechanism (perceived control) to service evaluation (satisfaction) and to future behavioral intentions (consumption preference and WOM). This research contributes to the burgeoning literature on the AI-powered voice assistant by elucidating the phenomenon and investigating why consumers may respond differently to this emerging technology with practical implications. • Hotel in-room voice assistant (vs. touch panel) leads to lower levels of consumer satisfaction and behavioral responses. • The differential effect of voice assistant (vs. touch panel) is more salient among independent self-construal consumers. • Consumers' low satisfaction with voice assistant (vs. touch panel) is due to a deficiency in perceived control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residential greenness may be beneficial for cardiovascular health, but the evidence is still scarce, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the associations between exposure to residential greenness and 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in a large rural Chinese adult population. This was a cross-sectional study based on 31,162 participants aged 35–74 years with complete data on predictors of the 10-year ASCVD risk from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. The satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) were used to quantify residential greenness in a buffer radius of 500 m, 1000 m, and 3000 m. The high 10-years ASCVD risk was defined as the estimated risk ≥10% based on prediction equations from the China-PAR Project for Chinese populations. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were performed to estimate the associations of greenness exposures with high 10-year ASCVD risk, and mediation analyses were employed to the potential mediators. For per interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI 500−m , NDVI 1000−m , NDVI 3000−m , EVI 500−m , EVI 1000−m , and EVI 3000−m , the adjusted OR (95% CI) of high 10-years ASCVD risk was 0.828 (0.793–0.866), 0.850 (0.817–0.885), 0.823 (0.792–0.855), 0.848 (0.809–0.889), 0.863 (0.826–0.901), 0.843 (0.805–0.883), respectively. Strong associations of NDVI 500−m and EVI 500−m with high 10-years ASCVD risk were found among participants with lower education level and lower averaged monthly income. The associations of greenness exposures with high 10-year ASCVD risk were partially explained by particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤1 µm, BMI, and physical activity. Enhancing residential greenness exposure may be beneficial for reducing the high 10-year ASCVD risk in rural Chinese adults. [Display omitted] • This study explored the association of greenness with the 10-year ASCVD risk. • Residential greenness levels were inversely associated with 10-year ASCVD risk. • The stronger associations were observed in participants with lower education level. • The stronger effects were found among participants with lower monthly income. • The associations were partially explained by PM 1 , BMI and physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) was associated with increased glucocorticoids (GCs) levels, available evidence on associations of long-term exposure to PM and GCs levels is still scant. Previous studies has showed that meat intake is associated with sex hormones levels, but it is unknown whether meat intake is associated with GCs levels. Furthermore, the role of meat intake in the associations between PM and GCs levels remains unclear. The aims of this study were to explore the associations of long-term exposure to PM and GCs levels among Chinese rural adults, and the role of meat intake in these associations. A total of 6223 subjects were recruited from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Serum GCs levels were measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The concentrations of PM (PM 1 and PM 2.5) for each subject were assessed with machine learning algorithms. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to obtain each participant' information on meat intake. The effects of PM and meat intake on GCs levels were assessed using generalized linear models. In addition, modification analyses were performed to identify the role of meat intake played in the associations of PM with serum GCs levels. Per 1 μg/m3 increment in PM 1 or PM 2.5 concentration was associated with a 0.364 ng/ml (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.234, 0.494) or 0.227 ng/ml (95%CI: 0.110, 0.343) increase in serum cortisone, respectively. In addition, the moderation effects of total meat intake and red meat intake on the associations of long-term exposure to PM 1 or PM 2.5 with serum cortisone were observed (P < 0.05), indicating that individuals who had high levels of PM 1 or PM 2.5 and meat intake were more susceptible to have a higher state of serum cortisone. Our findings suggested that long-term exposure to PM 1 or PM 2.5 was associated with serum cortisone. Moreover, meat intake was found to be a significant moderator in the association of PM 1 or PM 2.5 with serum cortisone levels. [Display omitted] • Long-term exposure to PM 1 or PM 2.5 was associated with serum cortisone among Chinese rural adults. • Meat intake was found to be a significant moderator in the positive associations of PM 1 or PM 2.5 with serum cortisone. • Our study implied that meat should be consumed reasonably and measures should be taken to control air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]