scholarly journals Pollen-food allergy syndrome and component sensitization in adolescents: A Japanese population-based study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249649
Author(s):  
Tomoyuki Kiguchi ◽  
Kiwako Yamamoto-Hanada ◽  
Mayako Saito-Abe ◽  
Miori Sato ◽  
Makoto Irahara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Allergy ◽  
General Population ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Oral Allergy Syndrome ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Japanese Adolescents ◽  
History Of ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis with pollen allergy has been prevalent worldwide and Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) refers to individuals with pollen allergy who develop oral allergy syndrome (OAS) on consuming fruits and vegetables. The prevalence of PFAS varies by region and that in Japanese adolescents remains to be elucidated. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the epidemiological characteristics of PFAS in a general population of Japanese adolescents according to pollen allergy, OAS, and IgE component sensitization. Participants comprised adolescents, at age 13 years, from a prospective birth cohort study in Japan. We administered questionnaires to collect information from parents regarding pollen allergy, PFAS and OAS at each child’s age 13 years. ImmunoCAP ISAC was used to assess IgE component sensitization. Among 506 participants with a complete questionnaire and ISAC measurement results, 56.5% had a history of hay fever, 16.0% had a history of OAS, 51.0% had pollen allergy, and 11.7% had a history of PFAS; additionally, 72.7% were sensitized to one or more tree, grass, and/or weed allergens. The most common sensitization (95.7%) among adolescents with pollen allergy was to Japanese cedar (Cry j 1). The most common causal foods were kiwi and pineapple (both 39.0%). Knowledge levels about PFAS were poor among affected adolescents. We found a high prevalence of PFAS among adolescents in Japan. Although it affects approximately 1/10 adolescents in the general population, public awareness regarding PFAS is poor. Interventional strategies are needed to increase knowledge and to prevent PFAS in the general population.

scholarly journals Risk perception regarding the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population: a comparative Middle East survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Abdel Hameed Shahin ◽  
Rasha Mohammed Hussien
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
General Population ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background People’s perceptions of pandemic-associated risk are key factors contributing to increased public participation in disease preventive measures. The aim of the study was to investigate risk perceptions regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, among the general population. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 723 participants, recruited from the general population of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Data collection was performed using a standardized risk perception assessment questionnaire, in April 2020. Results The mean score for the perception of COVID-19 seriousness was significantly higher and the mean scores for the perception of disease susceptibility and extent of anxiety were also higher among Saudi Arabian participants than participants from Egypt and Jordan. Participants from Egypt had significantly lower mean scores for the perception of efficacy and self-efficacy to cope with COVID-19, and significantly lower intention to comply with COVID-19 precautionary measures than the other populations. A significant positive correlation was detected between the perception of COVID-19 seriousness and self-efficacy to handle COVID-19, for the entire sample. The primary reasons reported by participants driving their willingness to perform certain preventive measures against COVID-19 was a feeling of responsibility toward their own health, followed by preventing transmission to other people and the feeling that COVID-19 can be serious. Most of the study sample reported a desire to receive information about COVID-19 treatment, ways to prevent disease contraction, and the incubation period for the novel coronavirus. Also, most of the study sample reported that they prefer receiving COVID-19 updates from national authorities. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, communications designed to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors should focus on increasing the perception of seriousness, the risk perception, self-efficacy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of the adopted behavioral measures for reducing risk. Health education programs that are tailored to various sociodemographic categories, to improve public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes, are vital for increasing the adoption of outbreak preventive measures.

scholarly journals The characteristics of patients with possible familial hypercholesterolemia—screening a large payer/provider healthcare delivery system

QJM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (6) ◽  
pp. 411-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Elis ◽  
M Leventer-Roberts ◽  
A Bachrach ◽  
N Lieberman ◽  
R Durst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Familial Hypercholesterolemia ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Healthcare Delivery System ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an under-diagnosed condition. Aim We applied standard laboratory criteria across a large longitudinal electronic medical record database to describe cross-sectional population with possible FH. Methods A cross-sectional study of Clalit Health Services members. Subjects who met the General Population MED-PED laboratory criteria, excluding: age <10 years, documentation of thyroid, liver, biliary or autoimmune diseases, a history of chronic kidney disease stage 3 or greater, the presence of urine protein >300 mg/l, HDL-C>80 mg/dl, active malignancy or pregnancy at the time of testing were considered possible FH. Demographic and clinical characteristics are described at time of diagnosis and at a single index date following diagnosis to estimate the burden on the healthcare system. The patient population is also compared to the general population. Results The study cohort included 12 494 subjects with out of over 4.5 million members of Clalit Health Services. The estimated prevalence of FH in Israel was found to be 1:285. These patients are notably positive for, and have a family history of, cardiovascular disease and risk factors. For most of them the LDL-C levels are not controlled, and only a quarter of them are medically treated. Conclusions By using the modified MED-PED criteria in a large electronic database, patients with possible FH can be identified enabling early intervention and treatment.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Sport-Related Concussion in Athletes of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai

Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 98 (1 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S23.1-S23
Author(s):  
Carlos Pinheiro ◽  
Francisca Taciane Nascimento Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Close Contact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Combat Sports ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Brazilian Sample ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

ObjectiveTo evaluate the self-reported history of concussion in athletes of both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai.BackgroundCombat sports are widely practiced around the world. They include modalities that involves punches or kicks directed at the opponent's head (Striking sports) or that consists of grabbing an opponent and taking him to the ground (Grappling sports). Due to the objectives and close contact in combat sports, the risk of concussion is significant.Design/MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study involving a Brazilian sample of BJJ athletes (n-18) and Muay Thai athletes (n-22). The sample was consisted of both professional and amateur athletes (Women constituted 20% of sample). Through individual interviews with a researcher the following data were collected: self-report of concussion and the moment of the injury (whether in practice or in the fight). The Post-Concussion Symptoms Scale (PCSS) was also applied. In the present study, a concussion was considered as a direct impact on the head followed by symptoms. This study was approved by a local Ethics Committee.ResultsAmong BJJ athletes, 61% reported a history of concussion, while among Muay Thai athletes the percentage was more higher (86%). The main mechanisms of head impact were the throw/takedown and elbow-hits to the head in BJJ and punches and knee-hits to the head in Muay Thai. There was no difference in the symptom score between BJJ and Muay Thai concussed athletes (average of 11 vs 10.7, respectively). The most common symptoms were dizziness, headache and nausea in BJJ athletes, and headache, nausea, drowsiness and brain fogginess in Muay Thai ones.ConclusionsThe results presented herein suggest that concussions in Muay Thai and BJJ occur through different mechanisms. The clinical profile of post-concussion symptoms appears to be different between BJJ and Muay Thai athletes.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Acute MI in a Secondary Hospital in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-101
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ullah ◽  
Suman Kumar Saha ◽  
Md Toufiqur Rahman ◽  
Md Abdul Karim ◽  
Rashid Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Family History ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
General Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of ◽  
Secondary Hospital

Background: Incidence of noncommunicable disease, specially cardiovascular diseases, is increasing in Bangladesh. Prevalence of risk factors in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) has been studied in different tertiary hospitals and institutes. This study was done in a secondary hospital with a patient population mainly of low socioeconomic condition and was compared with other patient groups of the country and Indian subcontinent. Methods: this cross sectional study was conducted in Manikganj Sadar Hospital from July 2019 to December 2019. All the patients admitted with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) were included. Cardiovascular risk factors, like smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), family history of premature cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidaemia and obesity, were evaluated among the patients. Results: This cross-sectional study showed most of the patients were in the age group of 50-59 years. 66% of the male patients and 2% of the female patients were smoker. 66% of the patients were hypertensive, 44% patients were diabetic, 28.5% patients were overweight, 60.4% patients had total cholesterol > 200mg/dl, 73.6% patients had LDL>130 mg/dl, 110 76.3% patients had HDL < 40 mg/ dl, 72.2% had triglyceride >150 mg/dl and 39% patients had family history of premature cardiovascular disease. Ninety (62.5%) patients had anterior MI, 50 (34.7%) patients had inferior MI and 4 (2.7%) patients had NSTEMI. 65 patients had no major risk factor and 57 % had three or more risk factors. Conclusion: The study population was more aged in comparison to other studies conducted in different parts of Bangladesh. Prevalence of smoking habit was lower but the prevalence of HTN, DM and dyslipidaemia were higher than the general population and other cohorts of MI patients. The prevalence of major risk factors was much higher than the general population of Bangladesh. Cardiovasc. j. 2020; 12(2): 96-101

Self-poisonings with Psychopharmacological Agents in Zagreb

1991 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 305-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Miličević ◽  
H. Prpić
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
General Population ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Toxic Agent ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Male Ratio ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Unemployed ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Psychopharmacological Agents

1 A 5-year retrospective study of 1743 episodes of self-poisoning in 1608 adult patients, was undertaken to determine the frequency of self-poisoning with psychopharmacological agents, the frequency of each toxic agent usage and the epidemiological characteristics of the poisoned population. 2 The annual incidence of self-poisoning in Zagreb was 38.7 per 100 000 adult inhabitants. The anxiolytic-antipsychotic-antidepressant usage ratio was 8.8:1.5:1.0 in total self-poisoning, whereas it was 4.9:1.5:1.0 in patients with a previous history of self-poisoning. The use of anxiolytics decreased and the use of antidepressants increased during the 5 years. 3 The female—male ratio was 3.8:1 and 77% of self-poisoned persons were aged 15-44 years. The incidence of self-poisoning was 74% higher in the urban than in the rural population. The proportion of self-poisoned persons was 204% higher among the unemployed than in the population as a whole. There were 76% more repetitors among highly educated and 43% fewer repetitors among students than in the general population. The use of antipsychotics was 120% higher in males than in females. The use of antidepressants was 107% higher in the highly educated. 4 The increased use of antidepressants in self-poisoning is an alarming signal and caution in their prescription seems to be indicated.

scholarly journals The Frequency of Food Allergy Among Children With Migraine Headache; A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-52
Author(s):  
Akefeh Ahmadiafshar ◽  
Mohammad Vafaee-Shahi ◽  
Saeide Ghasemi ◽  
Fariba Khosroshahi ◽  
Aina Riahi
Keyword(s):  
Food Allergy ◽  
Skin Test ◽  
Migraine Headache ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Skin ◽  
Migraine Headaches ◽  
Allergy Test ◽  
History Of

Background: Headache and particularly migraine headaches are considered as a debilitating disease worldwide that can adversely affect the quality of life of children and adults. Various factors can play a critical role in the development of migraine headache attacks. The food allergens are considered as important factors. This study aimed to determine the frequency of food allergy in children with migraine headaches. Methods: Forty patients aged <16 years with a migraine headache were entered into the study. A questionnaire was provided in which data on demographic information and skin test results for various allergens were recorded. Dietary allergies were defined based on a positive skin test plus a patient's history of food allergies. The severity of migraine was evaluated using the Migraine disability assessment score (MIDAS) questionnaire. Results: The present study showed 32.5% of our participants had a food allergy. No significant association was detected between sex (p=58) and age (p=0.14) with food allergy. However, the frequency of food allergy was significantly higher in patients aged ≥12 years old (44.4%) than those aged <12 (22.7%). A significant relationship was found between the number of attacks after prophylaxis and the frequency of food allergies (p=0.032). Individuals with lower attacks had a lower food allergy. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that about one-third of children with a migraine headache had a food allergy. This frequency was significantly higher in children with migraines than that of the general population based on the results of previous studies. It is recommended that these patients receive a skin allergy test while preparing a strong history of food allergies or when the frequency of migraine attacks does not decrease significantly despite proper prophylaxis.

scholarly journals RISK FACTORS FOR HEPATITIS;

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (05) ◽  
pp. 661-666
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD ASHRAF CHAUDHRY ◽  
BUSHRA GHULAM ◽  
LAILA KHALID ◽  
Marryam Shaheen Ahmed ◽  
Amnah -
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Large Reservoir ◽  
Different Types ◽  
History Of

Background: Infections with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are worldwide public health problem. Thisis related to the continued occurrence of new infections and the presence of a large reservoir of chronically infected persons. Objective:To determine the frequency of risk factors (causes of transmission) for HBV and HCV infections in hospitalized patients of CMH, Lahoreand Sheikh Zayed hospital, Lahore. Design: Descriptive (cross sectional). Setting: The study was carried out in CMH, Lahore and SheikhZayed hospital, Lahore from January, 2012 to July, 2012. Methods: The patients were selected by consecutive (non-probability)sampling technique. The data was collected through questionnaire. Informed written consent was obtained SPSS version 16.0 was usedto calculate the descriptive statistics. Results: Out of total of 100 subjects, 50 were cases and 50 were controls. Out of 50 cases, 26%were HBV positive and 74% were HCV positive with female preponderance. The history of injections was very high in both the groups,making a total of 64% (14% HBV; 16% HCV) the important contributors for different types of hepatitis were blood transfusion (HBV =10%; HCV = 28%; controls = 14%). Surgical procedures (4% HBV, 28% HCV; 8% controls). History of piercing in the last six months(HBV = 6%; HCV = 22% and control = 8%). History of dental procedures in the last six months was higher in HCV patients (18% HCV and4% HBV). History of HBV or HCV positive patients or relatives at home. (HBV 18%; HCV 36%; control 30%). Conclusions: In Pakistan thereis an urgent need to raise the public awareness about importance of properly screened blood transfusion, use of disposable needles andusing new blades for shaving and haircuts especially at barber shops. In our study, the important contributors for different types ofhepatitis were blood transfusion, surgical procedures and history piercing in the last 6months.

scholarly journals A New Features of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Wenzhou, China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao Hongjun ◽  
Xiaoxiao Lu ◽  
Tiegang Li ◽  
Boqi Rao ◽  
Dedong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Intimate Contact ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Epidemic Area ◽  
History Of ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Abstract BACKGROUND: An outbreak of pneumonia associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) was initially emerged in Wuhan city, and subsequently spread throughout China. Then the epidemic is rapidly circulating in a few other countries at present. So it is very urgent to delineate the clinical characteristics of these affected patients. METHODS: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of this new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a cross-sectional study was executed with 459 patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Wenzhou, China, from January 27 to February 12, 2020. RESULTS: The median age of all patients was 48.0 years, and 46.8% were females. 37.5% of patients had a history of residence in Wuhan. Fever (72.1%) and cough (43.6%) were the most frequent symptoms. We also found that there were three kinds of unconventional patients including 4.4% of total confirmed patients who were asymptomatic, 7.8% patients who had no link to Wuhan city but contact with individuals from Wuhan without any symptoms at the time of contact, and 10.7% who had no link to Wuhan city nor a history of intimate contact with patients or individuals from Wuhan without any symptoms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings presented the possibility of asymptomatic carriers affected with SARS-CoV-2, and this phenomenon suggested that chances of uncontrollable transmission in the larger population might be higher than formerly estimated, and transmission by these three kinds of unconventional patients in Wenzhou may be one of the characteristics of infection in other Chinese cities outside the Wuhan epidemic area.

scholarly journals Mental health outcomes and associations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey of the US general population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bella Nichole Kantor ◽  
Jonathan Kantor
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Us ◽  
History Of ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Baseline Demographic

AbstractPandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may lead to significant mental health stresses, potentially with modifiable risk factors. To determine the presence of and magnitude of associations between baseline associations and anxiety and depression in the US general population, we performed an internet-based cross-sectional survey of an age-, sex-, and race-stratified representative sample from the US general population. Degrees of anxiety, depression, and loneliness were assessed using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the 8-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, respectively. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations with baseline demographic characteristics. A total of 1,005 finished surveys were returned of the 1,020 started, yielding a completion rate of 98.5% in the survey panel. The mean (SD) age of respondents was 45 (16), and 494 (48.8%) were male. Baseline demographic data were similar between those that were (n=663, 66.2%) and were not (n=339, 33.8%) under a shelter in place/ stay at home order, with the exception of sex and geographic location. Overall, 264 subjects (26.8%) met criteria for an anxiety disorder based on a GAD-7 cutoff of 10; a cutoff of 7 yielded 416 subjects (41.4%) meeting clinical criteria for anxiety. On multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 0.65, 95% CI [0.49, 0.87]) and living in a larger home (OR 0.46, 95% CI [0.24, 0.88]) were associated with a decreased odds of meeting anxiety criteria. Rural location (OR 1.39, 95% CI [1.03, 1.89]), loneliness (OR 4.92, 95% CI [3.18, 7.62]), and history of hospitalization (OR 2.04, 95% CI [1.38, 3.03]), were associated with increased odds of meeting anxiety criteria. 232 subjects (23.6%) met criteria for clinical depression. On multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 0.71, 95% CI [0.53, 0.95]), increased time outdoors (OR 0.51, 95% CI [0.29, 0.92]), and living in a larger home (OR 0.35, 95% CI [0.18, 0.69]), were associated with decreased odds of meeting depression criteria. Having lost a job (OR 1.64, 95% CI [1.05, 2.54]), loneliness (OR 10.42, 95% CI [6.26, 17.36]), and history of hospitalization (OR 2.42, 95% CI [1.62, 3.62]), were associated with an increased odds of meeting depression criteria. Income, media consumption, and religiosity were not associated with mental health outcomes. Anxiety and depression are common in the US general population in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are associated with potentially modifiable factors.

Prevalence and risk factors of airflow obstruction in a Caribbean population

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 512-519
Author(s):  
L. Conyette ◽  
F. Lutchmansingh ◽  
S. Sakhamuri ◽  
D. Simeon ◽  
M. A. Ivey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
General Population ◽  
Trinidad And Tobago ◽  
Airflow Obstruction ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of ◽  
Caribbean Population ◽  
Almost All

SETTING: The prevalence of airflow obstruction (AO) in the Caribbean population is unknown.OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of and risk factors for AO (post-bronchodilator ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec to forced vital capacity of <0.7) in the Trinidad and Tobago general population using the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease methodology.DESIGN: National cross-sectional, stratified, cluster sampling of adults aged ≥40 years.RESULTS: AO prevalence was 9.5% among 1104 participants, most of whom were unaware of this. Compared to those aged 40–49 years, the adjusted odds ratio of AO by age group was 2.73 (60–69 years) and 3.30 (≥70 years). Risk factors for AO were unemployment (OR 4.31), being retired (OR 2.17), smoking ≥20 pack-years (OR 1.88) and exposure to dusty jobs for more than 1 year (OR 2.06). Related symptoms were history of wheezing, unscheduled visits to the doctor or admission to hospital for breathing problems and in subjects with at least one respiratory symptom (OR 1.90), at least one risk factor (OR 2.81), either symptoms or risk factors (OR 3.71) and both symptoms and risk factors (OR 5.78) (P < 0.05 in all cases).CONCLUSION: AO prevalence in the general population of Trinidad and Tobago aged ≥40 years was 9.5%, almost all of which was undiagnosed. AO was associated with smoking, age >59 years, lack of employment and working in a dusty job.

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