scholarly journals Increase in the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio relates to Injury Risk in Competitive Runners

Author(s):  
Talko Bernhard Dijkhuis ◽  
Ruby Otter ◽  
Marco Aiello ◽  
Hugo Velthuijsen ◽  
Koen Lemmink

AbstractInjuries of runners reduce the ability to train and hinder competing. Literature shows that the relation between potential risk factors and injuries are not definitive, limited, and inconsistent. In team sports, workload derivatives were identified as risk factors. However, there is an absence of literature in running on workload derivatives. This study used the workload derivatives acute workload, chronic workload, and acute: chronic workload ratios to investigate the relation between workload and injury risk in running. Twenty-three competitive runners kept a daily training log for 24 months. The runners reported training duration, training intensity and injuries. One-week (acute) and 4-week (chronic) workloads were calculated as the average of training duration multiplied by training intensity. The acute:chronic workload ratio was determined dividing the acute and chronic workloads. Results show that a fortnightly low increase of the acute:chronic workload ratio (0.10–0.78) led to an increased risk of sustaining an injury (p<0.001). Besides, a low increase of the acute:chronic workload ratio (0.05–0.62) between the second week and third week before an injury showed an association with increased injury risk (p=0.013). These findings demonstrate that the acute:chronic workload ratio relates to injury risk.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2462
Author(s):  
Barbara Ruaro ◽  
Paola Confalonieri ◽  
Mario Santagiuliana ◽  
Barbara Wade ◽  
Elisa Baratella ◽  
...  

Background. Some studies with inconclusive results have reported a link between sarcoidosis and an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). This study aimed at assessing a possible correlation between potential risk factors and PE in sarcoidosis patients. Methods. A total of 256 sarcoidosis patients (84 males and 172 females; mean age at diagnosis 49 ± 13) were enrolled after giving written informed consent. Clinical evaluations, laboratory and radiology tests were performed to evaluate the presence of pulmonary embolism. Results. Fifteen sarcoidosis patients with PE (4 males and 11 females; mean age at diagnosis 50 ± 11), diagnosed by lung scintigraphy and 241 sarcoidosis patients without PE (80 males and 161 females; mean age at diagnosis 47 ± 13), were observed. There was a statistically significant increase of the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the sarcoidosis group with pulmonary embolism. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as to smoking habit, obesity or hereditary thrombophilia frequency (p > 0.05, respectively). Conclusions. This study demonstrates a significant correlation between the presence of antiphospholipid antibody positivity and the pulmonary embolism events in our sarcoidosis patients. Furthermore, we propose screening for these antibodies and monitoring, aimed at timely treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S564-S564
Author(s):  
S García Mateo ◽  
S J Martínez-Domínguez ◽  
M C Aso Gonzalvo ◽  
C J Gargallo-Puyuelo ◽  
B Gallego Llera ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) suffer from a chronic illness and many of them need immunosuppressive therapy throughout the course of the disease. Consequently, COVID-19 pandemic has caused uncertainty about the possible increased risk of suffering SARS-CoV-2 infection that could confer IBD or its treatments. The aim of this study is to assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in patients with IBD as well as the existence of potential risk factors for its development. Methods This is a unicentric cross-sectional study developed in IBD unit of University Hospital “Lozano Blesa” of Zaragoza. Patients older than 18 years with established diagnosis of Crohn′s Disease (CD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Indeterminate Colitis (IC) have been included. A blood sample has been drawn from each patient to detect IgG against SARS-CoV-2 (ELISA method) and each patient has completed a questionnaire to know symptoms related to infection and previous comorbidity. We have performed a descriptive analysis and a univariate analysis to study relationship between potential risk factors and seroconversion against SARS-CoV-2. Results 431 patients have been included, with a mean age of 50.2 ± 14.1 years and a 51.3% of women. Of them, 49.7% suffer from UC, 49.2% CD and 1.2% IC. Related to the treatment, 23.5% receive anti-TNF biologic agents, 13.1% other kind of biologic agents, 9.3% immunomodulators, 7.7% combined treatment (biologic agent and immunomodulator), 33.1% other treatment and 13.3% no treatment. According to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions, 85.6% had not suffered the infection, 7.7% were confirmed cases (only 3 admitted patients) and 6.7% were probable cases. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 obtained is 8.8%, being significantly higher among confirmed cases than among probable cases (71.0% in confirmed vs 6.9% in probable; RR 10.3; p&lt;0.001). A higher risk of seroconversion has been detected among patients without biologic agents (11.8% in patients without biologic agents vs 5.3% in patients with biologic agents; RR 2.2; p=0.021). No differences have been observed in the seroprevalence of patients with other treatments for IBD or in terms of age, active smoking, level of inflammation markers, the presence of symptoms of infection or hospital admission. Conclusion The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 of Aragon′s patients with IBD is similar to that described in national seroprevalence study of Ministry of Health for the region (8.8%). The treatment with biologic agents is associated with a lower risk of seroconversion


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 759-759
Author(s):  
Tamara C Stegmann ◽  
Sietse Q Nagelkerke ◽  
Dian van Winkelhorst ◽  
Taco W Kuijpers ◽  
Gestur Vidarsson ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: One of the most effective immunological interventions in clinical medicine is the prevention of hemolytic disease of the newborn by prophylactic Rh immune globulin (Rh-Ig) therapy. The administration of ante- and postnatal Rh-Ig has reduced the risk of RhD immunization in the Netherlands from 17% to a mere 0.31%, yet its mechanism of action is still unknown. To gain more insight into the possible working mechanism of the Rh-Ig prophylaxis we analyzed potential risk factors and genotyped all known IgG-Fc receptor (protein FcγR, gene FCGR) variants known to date, on a cohort of Dutch women who failed Rh-Ig prophylaxis and developed anti-D antibodies. Adequate Rh-Ig immunoprophylaxis was defined as an antenatal and postnatal prophylaxis of 1,000 IU (200 µg) in both current and previous pregnancies, according to the Dutch guidelines. Material and Methods: Between 1999 and 2013 we identified 274 women who produced anti-D antibodies. Through a structured questionnaire we collected information about Rh-Ig prophylaxis and additional clinical data for potential risk factors. In 122 cases, adequate Rh-Ig prophylaxis was given, and clinical risk factors for fetal maternal hemorrhage (FMH) could be collected. Their clinical circumstances were compared to a control group of 339 randomly selected pregnant women. The Rh-Ig therapy failure of 57 of those women could not be explained through our risk factor analysis. From these 57 cases, DNA was obtained, and used for the FcγR-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay, identifying both single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variations in the FCGR locus. The results were compared to a control group of 200 healthy donors. Results: A history of red blood cell transfusion (p=0.05) and caesarean section (p<0.0001) were identified to be independent risk factors for RhD immunization. All other described risk factors for FMH such as miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, or invasive diagnostic procedures, requiring an additional Rh-Ig dose according to the guidelines, were not found to increase the risk of immunoprophylaxis failure. RhD-immunization due to caesarian section or red blood cell transfusion accounted for 53% of our cohort, suggesting an alternative explanation for the production of Rh-Ig alloantibodies in the remaining 47% of the cases - despite adequate amount of prophylaxis given in current and previous pregnancies. We therefore postulate the existence of a genetic variation that puts women at increased risk for RhD immunization during pregnancy. To test this hypothesis we analyzed the genetic variation in the FCGR locus and found a significantly (p=0.02) increased prevalence of the FCGR2 -ORF, expressing a functional copy of the activating FcγRIIc, which is otherwise a pseudogene. Strikingly, the prevalence of the 2B.4-promotor haplotype of the FCGR2B gene, associated with a 1.5 fold increase of the inhibitory FcγRIIb, was strongly (p=0.0001) increased. Conclusion: Caesarian section and red blood cell transfusion are risk factors that increase RhD immunization during pregnancies, accounting for about half failed Rh-Ig prophylactic cases. Genetic variation in the FCGR-gene might be a possible explanation for increased immunization risk. In our cohort we encountered a significantly increased frequency of individuals expressing FcγRIIc, along with a polymorphism encoding for a higher expression of the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIb, suggesting these genes to influence immune responses to RBC in a manner previously unrecognized. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110588
Author(s):  
Congna Chai ◽  
Lei Cheng ◽  
Jianjun Jiao ◽  
Juan Dang ◽  
Shubin Jin

Non syndromic cleft lip with or without palate (NSCL/P), one of the most common birth defects, is closely related to various risk factors. However, information regarding risk factors for NSCL/P in rural districts in China is very limited thus far. The objective of this study was designed to identify the potential risk factors for NSCL/P in rural districts. A comprehensive retrospective investigation including 435 NSCL/P patients and 402 healthy children was carried out in Hebei Province, China. Multiple logistic regression analysis and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) were respectively used to identify non-genetic and genetic risk factors for NSCL/P, and then PLINK was used to explore the relationship between non-genetic and genetic risk factors. The results showed that maternal periconceptional exposure to pesticides and herbicides, as well as low parental education level were involved in the increased risk of NSCL/P, whereas maternal folic acid and multivitamin supplementation use during preconception period were associated with the reduced risk of NSCL/P. TDT analysis identified 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7078160 and rs4752028) in VAX1 and one SNP (rs17563) in BMP4 as the genetic risk factors for NSCL/P. Further analysis showed that the genetic risk factors were closely related with the negative non-genetic risk factors. Our study identified the potential risk factors for NSCL/P in rural districts, thus providing a theoretical basis for the prevention of NSCL/P occurrence.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuni Tang ◽  
Kendra L Ratnapradipa ◽  
Henry Xiang ◽  
Motao Zhu

Abstract Objective: Our aims were to determine which day(s) during the holiday had highest motor vehicle fatality risk compared to non-holiday travel and to identify potential risk factors. Results: Of 43,457 traffic fatalities studied, 15,292 (35%) occurred during the holiday, with Saturday being deadliest but Monday having highest odds. Both sexes, all years, age <65, drivers and passengers, rural and urban, and all regions in the United States were at increased risk during the holiday versus non-holiday periods.


Author(s):  
Saddique ◽  
Ali ◽  
Akhter ◽  
Khan ◽  
Neubauer ◽  
...  

Brucellosis is a zoonosis of great and worldwide public health concern that can cause a severe febrile illness in humans. In Pakistan, brucellosis is a critical problem in both animals and humans. This study aimed to gain insight into its prevalence and to analyze the potential risk factors of patients with acute febrile illness (AFI) of an unknown cause, at the hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in Pakistan. In total, 446 blood samples were collected from patients and screened for brucellosis using the Rose Bengal Plat Test (RBPT). All the serum samples were investigated for Brucella DNA using specific real-time PCR. Age, sex, occupation, urbanicity, socioeconomic status and history of animal contact were recorded and assessed as potential risk factors. The proportion of acute febrile illness patients for whom brucellosis could be suspected was 10.1% by the RBPT. Brucella DNA was detected in 26 (5.8%) cases and identified as B. abortus. Contact with infected animals, consumption of raw milk and socioeconomic status showed a highly significant (p ˂ 0.05) correlation with seropositivity. Elderly patients (19.7% RBPT and 12.1% PCR) and females (13% RBPT and 9.3% PCR) were of high risk of brucellosis. Patients suffering from brucellosis-related manifestations should be screened for brucellosis, especially those in contact with animals or those consuming their unprocessed products, given the increased risk. The results of this study, which highlight that Brucella abortus as an important cause of acute febrile illnesses in humans, aid the development of effective control strategies for human brucellosis in Pakistan.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie A. Hamilton ◽  
Wisdom P. Nakanga ◽  
Josephine E. Prynn ◽  
Amelia C. Crampin ◽  
Daniela Fecht ◽  
...  

Abstract Background An epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu) is occurring in rural communities in tropical regions of low-and middle-income countries in South America and India. Little information is available from Southern African countries which have similar climatic and occupational characteristics to CKDu-endemic countries. We investigated whether CKDu is prevalent in Malawi and identified its potential risk factors in this setting. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from January–August 2018 collecting bio samples and anthropometric data in two Malawian populations. The sample comprised adults > 18 years (n = 821) without diabetes, hypertension, and proteinuria. Estimates of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated using the CKD-EPI equation. Linear and logistic regression models were applied with potential risk factors, to estimate risk of reduced eGFR. Results The mean eGFR was 117.1 ± 16.0 ml/min per 1.73m2 and the mean participant age was 33.5 ± 12.7 years. The prevalence of eGFR< 60 was 0.2% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.1, 0.9); the prevalence of eGFR< 90 was 5% (95% CI =3.2, 6.3). We observed a higher prevalence in the rural population (5% (3.6, 7.8)), versus urban (3% (1.4, 6.7)). Age and BMI were associated with reduced eGFR< 90 [Odds ratio (OR) (95%CI) =3.59 (2.58, 5.21) per ten-year increment]; [OR (95%CI) =2.01 (1.27, 3.43) per 5 kg/m2 increment] respectively. No increased risk of eGFR < 90 was observed for rural participants [OR (95%CI) =1.75 (0.50, 6.30)]. Conclusions Reduced kidney function consistent with the definition of CKDu is not common in the areas of Malawi sampled, compared to that observed in other tropical or sub-tropical countries in Central America and South Asia. Reduced eGFR< 90 was related to age, BMI, and was more common in rural areas. These findings are important as they contradict some current hypothesis that CKDu is endemic across tropical and sub-tropical countries. This study has enabled standardized comparisons of impaired kidney function between and within tropical/subtropical regions of the world and will help form the basis for further etiological research, surveillance strategies, and the implementation and evaluation of interventions.


2009 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 1469-1478 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. E. McEwan ◽  
P. E. Mullen ◽  
R. D. MacKenzie ◽  
J. R. P. Ogloff

BackgroundStalking is often viewed as a precursor to violence, but determining which stalkers might attack is a difficult task. This study overcomes shortfalls in previous investigations by adopting a pseudo-prospective design and examining potential risk factors for different types of stalker.MethodDemographic, behavioural and diagnostic information was collected from stalkers referred to a community forensic mental health service (n=211). Potential risk factors for stalking violence were identified using odds ratios and χ2 tests, and entered into logistic regression models. Model utility was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsAmongst Rejected ex-intimate stalkers, violence was best predicted by previous violence, making threats and being employed (area under the curve=0.75), while for stalkers with other motives and relationships to the victim, being aged less than 30 years, substance use at the time of stalking and prior violence best predicted stalking violence (area under the curve=0.80).ConclusionsStalkers at increased risk of violence can be accurately identified by examining motivational and relationship type in conjunction with specific relevant risk factors. Previous violence is a particularly important risk factor, as are threats amongst ex-intimate stalkers. Approach behaviours and psychosis were shown to be less useful in predicting violence.


2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 1746-1754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiu-yin Chiang ◽  
Victoria M. Steelman ◽  
Jean M. Pottinger ◽  
Annette J. Schlueter ◽  
Daniel J. Diekema ◽  
...  

Object The risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after craniotomies or craniectomies in patients in whom contaminated bone flaps have been reimplanted has not been determined. The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence of bone flaps with positive cultures—especially those contaminated with Propionibacterium acnes—to assess the risk of SSI after reimplanting (either during the initial operation or subsequently) bone flaps with positive cultures, and to identify risk factors for SSI following the initial craniotomies or craniectomies. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review of cases in which patients underwent craniotomy/craniectomy procedures between January and October 2007 in the neurosurgery department at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. They also reviewed processes and procedures and did pulsed field gel electrophoresis of P. acnes isolates to look for a common source of contamination. They then conducted a prospective cohort study that included all patients who underwent craniotomy/craniectomy procedures between November 2007 and November 2008 and met the study criteria. For the cohort study, the authors obtained cultures from each patient's bone flap during the craniotomy/craniectomy procedures. Data about potential risk factors were collected by circulating nurses during the procedures or by a research assistant who reviewed medical records after the procedures. An infection preventionist independently identified SSIs through routine surveillance using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definitions. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between SSI and potential risk factors. Results The retrospective review did not identify specific breaks in aseptic technique or a common source of P. acnes. Three hundred seventy-three patients underwent 393 craniotomy/craniectomy procedures during the cohort study period, of which 377 procedures met the study criteria. Fifty percent of the bone flaps were contaminated by microorganisms, primarily skin flora such as P. acnes, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Staphylococcus aureus. Reimplanting bone flaps that had positive culture results did not increase the risk of infection after the initial craniotomy/craniectomy procedures and the subsequent cranioplasty procedures (p = 0.80). Allowing the skin antiseptic to dry before the procedures (p = 0.04, OR 0.26) was associated with lower risk of SSIs. Female sex (p = 0.02, OR = 3.49) was associated with an increased risk of SSIs; Gliadel wafer implants (p = 0.001, OR = 8.38) were associated with an increased risk of SSIs after procedures to treat tumors. Conclusions Operative factors such as the way the skin is prepared before the incision rather than the skin flora contaminants on the bone flaps may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSIs after craniotomy/craniectomy. Gliadel wafers significantly increased the risk of SSI after procedures to treat tumors.


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