Association or causation

2018 ◽  
pp. 211-218
Author(s):  
Alan J. Silman ◽  
Gary J. Macfarlane ◽  
Tatiana Macfarlane
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Biological Meaning

Epidemiological studies can only show associations they cannot prove that a link is causative. Even in the bias free study with minimal confounding, a strong association does not mean that, for example, the presence of the risk factor has a direct biological link to the disease in question. There are several tests that can be used to increase the confidence that an association has biological meaning and needs to be considered. It is interesting always to differentiate factors that are on the ‘path’ to disease but not the underlying cause. The appropriateness of all these steps is dependent on the validity of the association.

scholarly journals Uric Acid and Hypertension: Prognostic Role and Guide for Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 448
Author(s):  
Federica Piani ◽  
Arrigo F. G. Cicero ◽  
Claudio Borghi
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Mendelian Randomization ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Hypertensive Disease ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Lowering Therapy ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and hypertension has been a subject of increasing interest since the 1870 discovery by Frederick Akbar Mahomed. Several epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between high SUA levels and the presence or the development of hypertension. Genetic analyses have found that xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) genetic polymorphisms are associated with hypertension. However, genetic studies on urate transporters and Mendelian randomization studies failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between SUA and hypertension. Results from clinical trials on the role of urate-lowering therapy in the management of patients with hypertension are not uniform. Our study sought to analyze the prognostic and therapeutic role of SUA in the hypertensive disease, from uric acid (UA) biology to clinical trials on urate-lowering therapies.

scholarly journals Relationship between NAFLD and Periodontal Disease from the View of Clinical and Basic Research, and Immunological Response

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3728
Author(s):  
Masahiro Hatasa ◽  
Sumiko Yoshida ◽  
Hirokazu Takahashi ◽  
Kenichi Tanaka ◽  
Yoshihito Kubotsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Alveolar Bone ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Periodontopathic Bacteria ◽  
In Vivo Animal Model ◽  
The Relationship

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease caused by pathogenic oral microorganisms that leads to the destruction of alveolar bone and connective tissues around the teeth. Although many studies have shown that periodontal disease is a risk factor for systemic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and periodontal disease has not yet been clarified. Thus, the purpose of this review was to reveal the relationship between NAFLD and periodontal disease based on epidemiological studies, basic research, and immunology. Many cross-sectional and prospective epidemiological studies have indicated that periodontal disease is a risk factor for NAFLD. An in vivo animal model revealed that infection with periodontopathic bacteria accelerates the progression of NAFLD accompanied by enhanced steatosis. Moreover, the detection of periodontopathic bacteria in the liver may demonstrate that the bacteria have a direct impact on NAFLD. Furthermore, Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induces inflammation and accumulation of intracellular lipids in hepatocytes. Th17 may be a key molecule for explaining the relationship between periodontal disease and NAFLD. In this review, we attempted to establish that oral health is essential for systemic health, especially in patients with NAFLD.

Anxiety disorders and substance abuse

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S384-S384
Author(s):  
I. Prieto Sánchez ◽  
M.D.L.C. Ramírez Domínguez ◽  
S. Fernández León ◽  
M. Reina Domínguez ◽  
N. Garrido Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Other Substances ◽  
History Of ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Substance Disorder

IntroductionPatients with anxiety disorders are more vulnerable to develop other comorbid conditions. In particular, large epidemiological studies show a strong association between different anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.ObjectivesTo show the prevalence of major anxiety disorders and the consumption of different substances. As well as the particular characteristics of this dual diagnosis and treatments that have proven more effective.MethodsExhaustive review of all the material published on this topic in the recent years.ConclusionsNearly 24% of patients with anxiety disorder suffer from a comorbid substance disorder use in their lifetime (17.9% diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence diagnosis and 11.9% of abuse or dependence on other drugs). Dual patients show a number of distinctive features, such as more frequency in males, family history of alcohol or other substances abuse and behavioral problems, early parental loss among others.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2748-2752
Author(s):  
Roman Evgenyevich Tokmachev ◽  
Andrey Valerievich Budnevsky ◽  
Andrey Yakovlevich Kravchenko ◽  
Tatiana Alexandrovna Chernik ◽  
Sudakov Oleg Valerievich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cardiovascular Disorders ◽  
The World

Nowadays, more than 485 million people in the world suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). According to large epidemiological studies, the group of CVD is the leading cause of death in the world. One of the neurohumoral mechanisms that appears to be a risk factor for CVD is thyroid dysfunction. In this regard, in recent years, more and more attention is paid to the study the influence of subclinical hypothyroidism on the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disorders. MeSH words: cardiovascular diseases, subclinical hypothyroidism

scholarly journals Length of gestation and depressive symptoms at age 60 years

2007 ◽  
Vol 190 (6) ◽  
pp. 469-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katri Räikkönen ◽  
Anu-Katriina Pesonen ◽  
Eero Kajantie ◽  
Kati Heinonen ◽  
Tom Forsén ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Birth Size ◽  
Gestational Length ◽  
Socioeconomic Characteristics ◽  
Duration Of Gestation ◽  
Length Of Gestation

BackgroundA non-optimal foetal environment, reflected in smaller birth size and shorter duration of gestation, is a risk factor for compromised health later in life.AimsTo examine whether smaller birth size and shorter gestation predict depressive symptoms.MethodA total of 1371 members of a cohort born between 1934 and 1944 at term (259–294 days' gestation) in Helsinki, Finland, completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES–D) at an average age of 61.5 years (BDI) and 63.4 years (BDI and CES–D).ResultsGestational length predicted depressive symptoms linearly and independently of gender and birth weight: per day decrease in gestational length, depressive symptoms scores increased by 0.8-0.9% (95% CI 0.2-1.4, P<0.009). Weight, length and head circumference at birth showed no linear association with depression, adjusted for gender and gestational length. The results did not change when further controlled for socioeconomic characteristics at birth and in adulthood, age and body mass index in adulthood.ConclusionsSusceptibility to depressive symptoms may relate to shorter length of gestation.

Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for the development of and mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma: An updated systematic review of 81 epidemiological studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Abdel-Rahman ◽  
Daniel Helbling ◽  
Othmar Schöb ◽  
Mostafa Eltobgy ◽  
Hadeer Mohamed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Epidemiological Studies

scholarly journals Mouthrinses containing alcohol and oral cancer: revision of epidemiological studies

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (spe) ◽  
pp. 16-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Adriana López de Blanc ◽  
Ana María Baruzzi
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Clear Relationship

The strong association between alcohol usage and the development of oral cancer (OC) has been reported in numerous papers. As some mouthrinses contain significant amounts of ethanol, a possible relationship to this pathology has been considered. The purpose of the present paper is to analyze several epidemiological studies which evaluated the association between commercial mouthrinses and the etiology of OC. Although some authors report an association, most of the studies are unclear and sometimes contradictory. The controversial aspects regarding the role of alcohol in OC may also make difficult to find a clear relationship between the use of mouthrinses containing alcohol and OC.

Abstract 242: Prevalence Of Hypertension And Associated Anthropometric Risk Factors In Indigenous Adults Of Guatemala

Hypertension ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
MENFIL A ORELLANA-BARRIOS ◽  
Kenneth Nugent ◽  
Camilo Pena ◽  
Herman Sanchez-Barrios ◽  
Jose R Lopez-Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Developing Regions ◽  
Rural Regions ◽  
The World ◽  
Geographical Clustering ◽  
Crude Prevalence

Background: Hypertension epidemiological studies in developing regions of the world like rural Guatemala are lacking. Methods: A sample size of 1,104 subjects (552 females, all 18 years or older) was obtained through quota and geographical clustering in the entire Department of Sololá, Guatemala. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used. Results: Average systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were significantly higher in men compared to women (116.24 vs. 113.80 mmHg, 75.24 mmHg vs. 72.69 mmHg, and 88.91 mmHg vs. 86.39 mmHg, respectively; all with p<0.05). The crude prevalence of HT was 12.5 % with no gender differences. Women had a significantly higher mean BMI than men (26.25 vs. 24.71, p< 0.001). An abnormally high WC was found in 12.7% of men and in 50.7% of women. Significant associations were found between the presence of HT, age ≥ 55 years and an elevated WC. The single most important isolated risk factor for HT was age in women (OR 6.76, CI 95% 3.59-12.72) and WC in men (OR 3.23, CI 95% 1.52-6.87). Increased BMIs (≥ 25 to 30 or ≥30) were not associated with HT in this study. Residing in Sololá's capital was a protective factor in women (OR 0.33, CI 95% 0.13-0.83). Conclusion: Hypertension and associated anthropometric risk factors are present in rural regions of Guatemala. Significant associations are found between gender, age ≥ 55 years, and increased WC but not with an increased BMI in this population.

Air Pollution as Risk Factor for Mental Disorders: In Search for a Possible Link with Alzheimer’s Disease and Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Attademo ◽  
Francesco Bernardini
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Central Nervous System

As a global problem that has increasingly been causing worldwide concern, air pollution poses a significant and serious environmental risk to health. Risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as various types of cancer, have been consistently associated with the exposure to air pollutants. More recently, various studies have also shown that the central nervous system is also attacked by air pollution. Air pollution appears to be strongly associated with a higher risk of cognitive defects, neurodevelopmental (e.g., schizophrenia) and neurodegenerative (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) disorders. Subjects with schizophrenia, as well as subjects with Alzheimer’s disease, experience a variety of neuropsychological deficits and cognitive impairments. This determines an adverse effect on social and professional functioning, and it contributes to the long-term disease burden. However, no final conclusions have been drawn on the matter of the direct relationship between schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. In recent years, the topic of urbanicity and mental health has become increasingly important. Urban exposure to environmental toxins and pollution is currently described as a reliable risk factor for schizophrenia and other psychoses, and it has been demonstrated more and more how exposure to air pollutants is associated with increased risk of dementia. Pathways by which air pollution can target and damage the brain, leading to an increased risk for developing schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, are multiple and complex. Results from epidemiological studies suggest potential associations, but are still insufficient to confirm causality. Further studies are needed in order to verify this hypothesis. And if confirmed, the clinical implications could be of substantial relevance for both public and mental health.

scholarly journals Additional Og-Typing PCR Techniques Targeting Escherichia coli-Novel and Shigella-Unique O-Antigen Biosynthesis Gene Clusters

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Iguchi ◽  
Hironobu Nishii ◽  
Kazuko Seto ◽  
Jiro Mitobe ◽  
Kenichi Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
O Antigen ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene ◽  
Almost All

ABSTRACT The O-serogrouping of pathogenic Escherichia coli is a standard method for subtyping strains for epidemiological studies and controls. O-serogroup diversification shows a strong association with the genetic diversity in some O-antigen biosynthesis gene clusters. Through genomic studies, in addition to the types of O-antigen biosynthesis gene clusters (Og-types) from conventional O-serogroup strains, a number of novel Og-types have been found in E. coli isolates. To assist outbreak investigations and surveillance of pathogenic E. coli at inspection institutes, in previous studies, we developed PCR methods that could determine almost all conventional O-serogroups and some novel Og-types. However, there are still many Og-types that may not be determined by simple genetic methods such as PCR. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to develop an additional Og-typing PCR system. Based on the novel Og-types, including OgN32, OgN33, and OgN34, presented in this study, we designed an additional 24 PCR primer pairs targeting 14 novel and 2 diversified E. coli Og-types and 8 Shigella-unique Og-types. Subsequently, we developed 5 new multiplex PCR sets consisting of 33 primers, including the aforementioned 24 primers and 9 primers reported in previous studies. The accuracy and specificity of the PCR system was validated using approximately 260 E. coli and Shigella O-serogroup and Og-type reference strains. The Og-typing PCR system reported here can determine a wide range of Og-types of E. coli and may help epidemiological studies, in addition to the surveillance of pathogenic E. coli.

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