Perceived role of hot food in the pathogenesis of oesophageal cancer: a qualitative study in the Arsi Zone, Oromia, Central Ethiopia

Abstract Observational studies in Ethiopia have identified a positive association between hot wheat porridge consumption and oesophageal carcinoma. However, a single dietary intake cannot be a sufficient predictor of cancer among populations that have diverse dietary practices. The present study was carried out to explore the community's perspectives on the role of hot foods in the pathogenesis of oesophageal cancer in Ethiopia. Focus group discussions were conducted from May to August 2019 among purposefully selected 112 participants. Data were collected by using open-ended questions; memo writing, audio recordings and photo pictures. All tape-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively coded using Atlas.ti Version 7.0.71 software. Finally, the analysis was performed according to the standard thematic framework analysis techniques. The finding showed that hot foods (porridge, coffee and soup) consumption patterns were perceived as the principal dietary risk of oesophageal cancer. Cooking in unventilated rooms, monotonous cereal-based foods, poor vegetable, and fruit intake, not taking milk with porridge, eating fast, swallowing large bolus of hot porridge and exposure to carcinogens in foods were regarded as predisposing dietary practices to oesophageal carcinoma. Socio-demographic, economic and cultural backgrounds were reported as the underlying risk factors associated with oesophageal cancer. There was a strong perception within the community that oesophageal cancer is linked to several but sequentially interlinked dietary and related practices. Cumulative thermal injuries from the consumptions of hot food could be the immediate dietary risk factors associated with increased risk of oesophageal cancer.

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Anxiety disorders and asthma among adolescents in Uganda: role of early-life exposures

ERJ Open Research ◽

10.1183/23120541.00749-2020 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 00749-2020

Author(s):

Harriet Mpairwe ◽

Richard Stephen Mpango ◽

Wilber Sembajjwe ◽

Emily L. Webb ◽

Alison M. Elliott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Early Life ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Positive Association ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Early Life Exposures ◽

Control Study

The reasons for the positive association between anxiety disorders and asthma are unknown. We investigated the possible role of shared exposures in early-life.We conducted a case-control study among adolescents (12–17 years) with and without asthma in urban Uganda, as part of a larger asthma case-control study. Anxiety disorders were diagnosed by psychiatric clinical officers. We focus on generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Asthma was doctor-diagnosed by study clinicians. We used questionnaires to collect data on early-life exposures. The data were analysed using multiple logistic regression.We enrolled 162 adolescents, 73 of them had asthma. Adolescents with asthma were more likely to have any of three anxiety disorders (46.6%) than adolescents without asthma (21.4%) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–5.53]. The association was strong for GAD (AOR 4.49, 95% CI 1.48–13.56) and panic disorder (AOR 5.43, 95% CI 2.11–14.02), but not for social anxiety disorder. The early-life risk factors associated with anxiety disorders among adolescents were similar to asthma risk factors previously published, including urban residence at birth [AOR 3.42 (1.29–9.09)] and during most of the first 5 years of life [AOR 2.87 (1.07–7.66)], father's tertiary education [AOR 2.09 (1.00–4.37)], and adolescent's history of other allergy-related diseases [AOR 4.64 (1.66–13.00)].We confirm a positive association between anxiety disorders and asthma among adolescents in urban Uganda. The early-life risk factors associated with anxiety disorders among adolescents were similar to those for asthma in the same age-group, suggesting shared underlying environmental exposures.

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The Role of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 1 Insertion/Deletion Genetic Polymorphism in the Risk and Severity of COVID-19 Infection

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.798571 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Halim Saad ◽

Karna Jabotian ◽

Carine Sakr ◽

Rami Mahfouz ◽

Imad Bou Akl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Genetic Polymorphism ◽

Potential Role ◽

Medical Center ◽

Positive Association ◽

American University ◽

American University Of Beirut ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Study Population

Background: Individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus present with different symptoms of varying severity. In addition, not all individuals are infected despite exposure. Risk factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities play a major role in this variability; however, genetics may also be important in driving the differences in the incidence and prognosis of the disease. An Insertion/Deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the ACE1 gene (rs1799752) may explain these genetic differences. The aims of this study were to determine the potential role of ACE1 I/D genetic polymorphism in the risk of contracting COVID-19 as well as predicting the severity of COVID-19 infection.Methods: Three-hundred and eighty-seven non-related Lebanese subjects, 155 controls and 232 cases, who presented to the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) for COVID-19 PCR testing were recruited. Clinical data were collected via filling a questionnaire and accessing the medical records. Peripheral blood was withdrawn for DNA isolation, and genotyping performed with standard PCR followed by band visualization on agarose gel.Results: In our study population, previously described risk factors such as gender, age, and comorbidities were associated with increase in disease susceptibility and severity. ACE1 I was the least common allele, and there was a positive association between ACE1 I and the risk of contracting the COVID-19 disease. More specifically, the frequency of II genotype was significantly higher among cases when compared to controls (P = 0.035) with individuals with the II genotype having greater risk for contracting the COVID-19 disease: OR = 2.074, P = 0.048 in the multivariate analysis. As for disease severity, the DD genotype and D allele were associated with increased risk for developing severe symptoms (OR = 2.845, P = 0.026 and OR = 2.359, P = 0.014, respectively), and the DD genotype with necessitating hospitalization (OR = 2.307, P = 0.042). In parallel, D allele carriers showed a significantly increased risk for developing hypoxia: OR = 4.374, P = 0.045.Conclusion: We found a positive association between ACE1 I and the risk of contracting the COVID-19 disease, and between ACE1 D and a worse outcome of the COVID-19 infection. Therefore, genotyping for ACE1 I/D polymorphism could be used to assess risk and predict severity for better prognosis and management of the disease.

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1095. Investigation of Risk Factors Associated with Serious Bacterial, Viral and Invasive Fungal Infections in Hematologic Patients on Ibrutinib

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1281 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S576-S577

Author(s):

Thomas Holowka ◽

Harry Cheung ◽

Maricar F Malinis ◽

Sarah Perreault ◽

Iris Isufi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Fungal Infections ◽

Antimicrobial Prophylaxis ◽

Hematologic Malignancy ◽

Invasive Fungal Infections ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Serious Infection ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Serious Infections

Abstract Background Ibrutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat hematologic malignancies that may increase the risk of serious infection including invasive fungal infections (IFI). In a study of 378 patients with hematologic malignancy on ibrutinib, serious infection and IFI occurred in 11% and 4% respectively (Varughese et al. Clin Infect Dis). The primary aims of our study were to determine the incidence of serious infection and associated risk factors in patients on ibrutinib. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with hematologic malignancy prescribed ibrutinib for ≥ 1 week at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2014 to 2019 to identify serious infections defined as those requiring inpatient management. We collected demographic, clinical and oncologic data. Chi-squared tests were used to determine factors associated with an increased risk of infection. Results A total of 254 patients received ibrutinib including 156 with CLL, 89 with NHL and 9 with other leukemias. Among these, 21 underwent HSCT, 9 complicated by GVHD. There were 51 (20%) patients with serious infections including 45 (17.7%) bacterial, 9 (3.5%) viral and 5 (2%) IFI (1 pulmonary cryptococcosis, 4 pulmonary aspergillosis). Anti-mold prophylaxis was prescribed to 7 (2.8%) patients, none of whom developed IFI. Risk factors associated with serious infection included ECOG score ≥ 2 (OR 4.6, p < 0.001), concurrent steroid use (≥ 10 mg prednisone daily for ≥ 2 weeks; OR 3.0, p < 0.001), neutropenia (OR 3.6, p < 0.01), lymphopenia (OR 2.4, p < 0.05) and maximum ibrutinib dose of 560 mg (OR 2, p < 0.05). There was a dose dependent increase in infections based on number of chemotherapy regimens prior to ibrutinib initiation: 14.3% with 0, 19.7% with 1-2 and 28.7% with ≥ 3 prior treatments. Conclusion The incidence of serious infection in hematologic patients on ibrutinib was higher than previously reported (20% versus 11%) but the rate of IFI was lower (2% versus 4%). High ECOG score, leukopenia, steroids, and higher ibrutinib doses were associated with an increased risk for serious infection. Targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis should be considered for patients on ibrutinib with these risk factors. Improving functional status may also reduce the risk of infection in patients on ibrutinib. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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An Exploration of Heart Failure Risk in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Anthracyclines with or without Trastuzumab in Thailand: A Retrospective Study

Clinics and Practice ◽

10.3390/clinpract11030064 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 484-493

Author(s):

Jukapun Yoodee ◽

Aumkhae Sookprasert ◽

Phitjira Sanguanboonyaphong ◽

Suthan Chanthawong ◽

Manit Seateaw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Palliative Intent ◽

Increased Risk

Anthracycline-based regimens with or without anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 agents such as trastuzumab are effective in breast cancer treatment. Nevertheless, heart failure (HF) has become a significant side effect of these regimens. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and factors associated with HF in breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab. A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with breast cancer who were treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of HF. The secondary outcome was the risk factors associated with HF by using the univariable and multivariable cox-proportional hazard model. A total of 475 breast cancer patients were enrolled with a median follow-up time of 2.88 years (interquartile range (IQR), 1.59–3.93). The incidence of HF was 3.2%, corresponding to an incidence rate of 11.1 per 1000 person-years. The increased risk of HF was seen in patients receiving a combination of anthracycline and trastuzumab therapy, patients treated with radiotherapy or palliative-intent chemotherapy, and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction <65%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in other risk factors for HF, such as age, cardiovascular comorbidities, and cumulative doxorubicin dose. In conclusion, the incidence of HF was consistently high in patients receiving combination anthracyclines trastuzumab regimens. A reduced baseline left ventricular ejection fraction, radiotherapy, and palliative-intent chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of HF. Intensive cardiac monitoring in breast cancer patients with an increased risk of HF should be advised to prevent undesired cardiac outcomes.

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OP0133 THE PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF RETINAL TOXICITY ASSOCIATED WITH LONG-TERM HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE USE

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.328 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 77-78

Author(s):

S. Do ◽

J. H. Du ◽

J. X. An ◽

J. Wang ◽

A. Lin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cumulative Dose ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Retinal Toxicity ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Duration Of Therapy ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy ◽

Risk Of Retinopathy

Background:Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is commonly used for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. The medication is generally well-tolerated. However, long-term use after 5 years may increase the risk of retinopathy. One study in 2014 has demonstrated the risk can be as high as 7.5%. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has become a major modality in screening retinopathy.Objectives:To evaluate the prevalence of retinal toxicity among patients using hydroxychloroquine and to determine various risk factors associated with hydroxychloroquine-associated retinal toxicity.Methods:We performed a retrospective chart review on a cohort of adult patients with long-term use (≥ 5 years cumulative) of HCQ between January 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2018 from the Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County and Riverside medical center areas in Southern California, USA. Patients were excluded if they had previously been diagnosed with retinopathy prior to hydroxychloroquine use, were deceased, or had incomplete OCT exam. Our primary endpoint was the prevalence of patients who developed retinal toxicity detected by OCT, and later confirmed by retinal specialist. Potential risk factors (age, duration of therapy, daily consumption per actual body weight, cumulative dose, confounding diseases and medication) for developing retinopathy were also evaluated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors associated with retinal toxicity.Results:Among 676 patients exposed to more than 5 years of HCQ, the overall prevalence of retinal toxicity was 6.8%, and ranged from 2.5% to 22.2% depending on the age, weight-based dosing, duration of use and cumulative dose. Duration of therapy for 10 years or more increased risk of retinopathy by approximately 5 to 19 folds. Similarly, weight-based dose of 7 mg/kg/day or greater was assciated with increased risk of retinopathy by approximately 5 times. Patients with cumulative dose of 2000 grams or more had greater than 15 times higher risk of developing retinopathy. Duration of use for10 years or more (odd ratio 4.32, 95% CI 1.99 – 12.49), age (odd ratio 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 - 1.08), cumulative dose of more than 1500 g (odd ratio 7.4; 95% CI 1.40 – 39.04) and atherosclerosis of the aorta (odd ratio 2.59; 95% CI, 1.24 – 5.41) correlated with higher risk of retinal toxicity.Conclusion:The overall prevalence of retinopathy was 6.8%. Regular OCT screening, especially in patients with hydroxychloroquine use for more than 10 years, daily intake > 7 mg/kg, or cumulative dose > 1500 grams is important in detecting hydroxychloroquine-associated retinal toxicityReferences:[1]Hobbs HE. Sorsby A, & Freedman A. Retinopathy Following Chloroquine Therapy. The Lancet. 1959; 2(7101): 478-480.[2]Levy, G. D., Munz, S. J., Paschal, J., Cohen, H. B., Pince, K. J., & Peterson, T. Incidence of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy in 1,207 patients in a large multicenter outpatient practice. Arthritis & Rheumatism: 1997; 40(8): 1482-1486.[3]Ding, H. J., Denniston, A. K., Rao, V. K., & Gordon, C. Hydroxychloroquine-related retinal toxicity. Rheumatology. 2016; 55(6): 957-967.[4]Stelton, C. R., Connors, D. B., Walia, S. S., & Walia, H. S. Hydrochloroquine retinopathy: characteristic presentation with review of screening. Clinical rheumatology. 2013; 32(6): 895-898.[5]Marmor, M. F., Kellner, U., Lai, T. Y., Melles, R. B., & Mieler, W. F. Recommendations on screening for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine retinopathy (2016 revision). Ophthalmology. 2016; 123(6): 1386-1394.[6]Melles, R. B., & Marmor, M. F. The risk of toxic retinopathy in patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine therapy. JAMA ophthalmology. 2014; 132(12): 1453-1460.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty: Analysis of 406 Cases With Focus on Risk Factors and Complications

Aesthetic Surgery Journal ◽

10.1093/asj/sjaa067 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 59-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Torsten Schlosshauer ◽

Marcus Kiehlmann ◽

Diana Jung ◽

Robert Sader ◽

Ulrich M Rieger

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Wound Healing ◽

Surgical Technique ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

Wound Healing Problems ◽

Bariatric Patients

Abstract Background Post-bariatric patients present a surgical challenge within abdominoplasty because of residual obesity and major comorbidities. In this study, we analyzed complications following abdominoplasty in post-bariatric patients and evaluated potential risk factors associated with these complications. Objectives The authors sought to determine the complications and risk factors following abdominoplasty in post-bariatric patients. Methods A retrospective study of patients who underwent abdominoplasty was performed from January 2009 to December 2018 at our institution. Variables analyzed were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, surgical technique, operative time, resection weight, drain output, and complications. Results A total of 406 patients were included in this study (320 female and 86 male) with a mean age of 44.4 years and a BMI of 30.6 kg/m2. Abdominoplasty techniques consisted of traditional (64.3%), fleur-de-lis technique (27.3%), and panniculectomy without umbilical displacement (8.4%). Overall complications recorded were 41.9%, the majority of these being wound-healing problems (32%). Minor and major complications were found in 29.1% and 12.8% of patients, respectively. A BMI value of ≥30 kg/m2 was associated with an increased risk for wound-healing problems (P = 0.001). The frequency of total complications was significantly related to age (P = 0.007), BMI (P = 0.004), and resection weight (P = 0.001). Abdominoplasty technique tended to influence total complications. Conclusions This study demonstrates in a fairly large sample of post-bariatric patients (n = 406) that abdominoplasty alone can be performed safely, with an acceptable complication rate. Age, BMI, and resection weight are shown to be significant risk factors for total complications. The role of surgical technique needs to be evaluated further. Level of Evidence: 4

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Role of β-Adrenergic Receptors and Nitric Oxide Signaling in Exercise-Mediated Cardioprotection

Physiology ◽

10.1152/physiol.00011.2013 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 216-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

John W. Calvert ◽

David J. Lefer

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Adrenergic Receptors ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion ◽

Nitric Oxide Signaling ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Cardioprotective Effects ◽

Β Adrenergic Receptors

Exercise promotes cardioprotection in both humans and animals not only by reducing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease but by reducing myocardial infarction and improving survival following ischemia. This article will define the role that nitric oxide and β-adrenergic receptors play in mediating the cardioprotective effects of exercise in the setting of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

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The Susceptibility of Healthy People to COVID-19 Infection and the Role of ACE2

Journal of Iranian Medical Council ◽

10.18502/jimc.v4i3.7212 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mehdi Kushkestani ◽

Mohsen Parvani ◽

Bakhtyar Tartibian ◽

Rasoul Eslami

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Normal Subjects ◽

Definitive Treatment ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cost Effective Approach ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Ace2 Gene

The COVID-19 virus has caused many deaths of people worldwide since the pandemic began. However, no definitive treatment for this infection has been discovered so far. It has been shown that comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are associated with an increased risk of SARS-COV-2 infection. Interestingly, SARS-COV-2, like SARS-COV, uses the ACE2 gene to enter the host cell. Also, changes or imbalance in ACE2.ACE can affect SARS-COV-2 susceptibility, related outcomes and mortality. Regarding the crucial role of ACE2 protein in COVID-19 infection, the effect of different factors such as age, BMI, physical activity levels, nutritional status, altitude, as well as blood group was assessed on the level of this protein. Further, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted to examine factors that increase or decrease the risk of COVID-19 and its related severity and outcome in normal subjects emphasizing the pivotal role of ACE2. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the involved mechanisms of ACE2 protein and other risk factors causing infection in different situations and finally, to introduce a safe, accurate, and cost-effective approach to prevent SARS-COV-2 infection and hard clinical outcomes in normal subjects.

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