scholarly journals Exploring the risk of hypospadias in children born from mothers living close to a vineyard

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249800
Author(s):  
Pierre Bougnères ◽  
Raphael Porcher ◽  
Laure Esterle ◽  
David Baker ◽  
Adrien de la Vaissière ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Classical Case ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Control Technique ◽  
Identification System ◽  
Agricultural Pesticides ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Residential Distance ◽  
Separate Estimate

Hypospadias (H) is a common birth defect affecting the male urinary tract. It has been suggested that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals might increase the risk of H by altering urethral development. However, whether H risk is increased in places heavily exposed to agricultural pesticides, such as vineyards, remains debated and difficult to ascertain. The objective of the work is to test the possible association of H with residential proximity to vineyards. Residential address at birth of 8,766 H cases born 1980–2011 was taken from 17 specialized surgery centers. The geographical distribution of vineyards was obtained from the European Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) and the distance of address to the nearest vineyard was computed. A first estimate of the variation of H relative risk with distance to vineyards was obtained using as controls 13,105 cryptorchidism (C) cases operated during the same period in the same centers. A separate estimate was obtained from a case-control study using “virtual controls” (VC) defined as points of the map sampled to match the demographic distribution of births within the recruitment territories of the study centers. Non-exposed patients were defined as those with a residence between 5,000 and 10,000 m from the closest vineyard. The residential distance to vineyard was smaller for H than for C cases (p<10−4). We found 42/8766 H cases (0.48%) and 50/13,105 C cases (0.38%) born to mothers living within 20 m of a vineyard. The odds ratios for H were 2.48 (CI: 1.0 to 5.1) and 2.4 (CI: 1.3 to 4.4), vs C or vs VC, respectively, when pregnant mothers lived 10–20 m from a vineyard. In conclusion, our study supports that children born to mothers living close to a vineyard have a two-fold increased risk of H. For environmental research, the use of VC provides an alternative to classical case control technique.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Its Symptoms’ Panoply: A Case-Control Study of 919 Suspected Cases in Locked-Down Ovar, Portugal

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Regina Sá ◽  
Tiago Pinho-Bandeira ◽  
Guilherme Queiroz ◽  
Joana Matos ◽  
João Duarte Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Risk Characteristics ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Control Study

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Ovar was the first Portuguese municipality to declare active community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, with total lockdown decreed on March 17, 2020. This context provided conditions for a large-scale testing strategy, allowing a referral system considering other symptoms besides the ones that were part of the case definition (fever, cough, and dyspnea). This study aims to identify other symptoms associated with COVID-19 since it may clarify the pre-test probability of the occurrence of the disease. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This case-control study uses primary care registers between March 29 and May 10, 2020 in Ovar municipality. Pre-test clinical and exposure-risk characteristics, reported by physicians, were collected through a form, and linked with their laboratory result. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study population included a total of 919 patients, of whom 226 (24.6%) were COVID-19 cases and 693 were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Only 27.1% of the patients reporting contact with a confirmed or suspected case tested positive. In the multivariate analysis, statistical significance was obtained for headaches (OR 0.558), odynophagia (OR 0.273), anosmia (OR 2.360), and other symptoms (OR 2.157). The interaction of anosmia and odynophagia appeared as possibly relevant with a borderline statistically significant OR of 3.375. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms. Of the myriad described, the present study highlights anosmia itself and calls for additional studies on the interaction between anosmia and odynophagia. Headaches and odynophagia by themselves are not associated with an increased risk for the disease. These findings may help clinicians in deciding when to test, especially when other diseases with similar symptoms are more prevalent, namely in winter.

scholarly journals Irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson’s disease risk: register-based studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bojing Liu ◽  
Arvid Sjölander ◽  
Nancy L. Pedersen ◽  
Jonas F. Ludvigsson ◽  
Honglei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Twin Registry ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Irritable Bowel ◽  
Nested Case Control ◽  
Control Study ◽  
Swedish Twin Registry

AbstractTo examine whether irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was related to the future risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we conducted a nested case-control study in the Swedish total population including 56,564 PD cases identified from the Swedish Patient Register and 30 controls per case individually matched by sex and year of birth. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for having a prior diagnosis of IBS were estimated using conditional logistic regression. We furthermore conducted a cohort study using the Swedish Twin Registry following 3046 IBS patients identified by self-reported abdominal symptoms and 41,179 non-IBS individuals. Through Cox proportional hazard models, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for PD risk. In the nested case-control study, 253 (0.4%) PD cases and 5204 (0.3%) controls had a previous IBS diagnosis. IBS diagnosis was associated with a 44% higher risk of PD (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.27–1.63). Temporal relationship analyses showed 53% and 38% increased risk of PD more than 5 and 10 years after IBS diagnosis, respectively. In the cohort analysis based on the Swedish Twin Registry, there was no statistically significantly increased risk of PD related to IBS (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.87–1.81). Our results suggest a higher risk of PD diagnosis after IBS. These results provide additional evidence supporting the importance of the gut–brain axis in PD.

scholarly journals Maternal Vitamin B12 Status and Risk of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Birth Defects in Tamil Nadu State, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 567-576
Author(s):  
Ronald G. Munger ◽  
Rajarajeswari Kuppuswamy ◽  
Jyotsna Murthy ◽  
Kalpana Balakrishnan ◽  
Gurusamy Thangavel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Plasma Vitamin ◽  
Maternal Vitamin ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Tamil Nadu State

Background and Objective: The causal role of maternal nutrition in orofacial clefts is uncertain. We tested hypotheses that low maternal vitamin B12 and low folate status are each associated with an increased risk of isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL±P) in a case–control study in Tamil Nadu state, India. Methods: Case-mothers of CL±P children (n = 47) and control-mothers of unaffected children (n = 50) were recruited an average of 1.4 years after birth of the index child and plasma vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid (MMA), total homocysteine (tHcy), and folate were measured at that time. Logistic regression analyses estimated associations between nutrient biomarkers and case–control status. Results: Odds ratios (ORs) contrasting biomarker levels showed associations between case-mothers and low versus high plasma vitamin B12 (OR = 2.48, 95% CI, 1.02-6.01) and high versus low plasma MMA, an indicator of poor B12 status (OR = 3.65 95% CI, 1.21-11.05). Case–control status was not consistently associated with folate or tHcy levels. Low vitamin B12 status, when defined by a combination of both plasma vitamin B12 and MMA levels, had an even stronger association with case-mothers (OR = 6.54, 95% CI, 1.33-32.09). Conclusions: Mothers of CL±P children in southern India were 6.5 times more likely to have poor vitamin B12 status, defined by multiple biomarkers, compared to control-mothers. Further studies in populations with diverse nutritional backgrounds are required to determine whether poor maternal vitamin B12 or folate levels or their interactions are causally related to CL±P.

scholarly journals Relation of severe COVID-19 to polypharmacy and prescribing of psychotropic drugs: the REACT-SCOT case-control study

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. McKeigue ◽  
◽  
Sharon Kennedy ◽  
Amanda Weir ◽  
Jen Bishop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Rate Ratio ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Drug Classes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to investigate the relation of severe COVID-19 to prior drug prescribing. Methods Severe cases were defined by entry to critical care or fatal outcome. For this matched case-control study (REACT-SCOT), all 4251 cases of severe COVID-19 in Scotland since the start of the epidemic were matched for age, sex and primary care practice to 36,738 controls from the population register. Records were linked to hospital discharges since June 2015 and dispensed prescriptions issued in primary care during the last 240 days. Results Severe COVID-19 was strongly associated with the number of non-cardiovascular drug classes dispensed. This association was strongest in those not resident in a care home, in whom the rate ratio (95% CI) associated with dispensing of 12 or more drug classes versus none was 10.8 (8.8, 13.3), and in those without any of the conditions designated as conferring increased risk of COVID-19. Of 17 drug classes postulated at the start of the epidemic to be “medications compromising COVID”, all were associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19 and these associations were present in those without any of the designated risk conditions. The fraction of cases in the population attributable to exposure to these drug classes was 38%. The largest effect was for antipsychotic agents: rate ratio 4.18 (3.42, 5.11). Other drug classes with large effects included proton pump inhibitors (rate ratio 2.20 (1.72, 2.83) for = 2 defined daily doses/day), opioids (3.66 (2.68, 5.01) for = 50 mg morphine equivalent/day) and gabapentinoids. These associations persisted after adjusting for covariates and were stronger with recent than with non-recent exposure. Conclusions Severe COVID-19 is associated with polypharmacy and with drugs that cause sedation, respiratory depression, or dyskinesia; have anticholinergic effects; or affect the gastrointestinal system. These associations are not easily explained by co-morbidity. Measures to reduce the burden of mortality and morbidity from COVID-19 should include reinforcing existing guidance on reducing overprescribing of these drug classes and limiting inappropriate polypharmacy. Registration ENCEPP number https://EUPAS35558

scholarly journals Perceived major experiences of discrimination, ethnic group, and risk of psychosis in a six-country case−control study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Supriya Misra ◽  
Bizu Gelaye ◽  
David R. Williams ◽  
Karestan C. Koenen ◽  
Christina P.C. Borba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Perceived Discrimination ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Excess Risk ◽  
Minority Ethnic Groups ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Minority Ethnic ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background Perceived discrimination is associated with worse mental health. Few studies have assessed whether perceived discrimination (i) is associated with the risk of psychotic disorders and (ii) contributes to an increased risk among minority ethnic groups relative to the ethnic majority. Methods We used data from the European Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions Work Package 2, a population-based case−control study of incident psychotic disorders in 17 catchment sites across six countries. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the associations between perceived discrimination and psychosis using mixed-effects logistic regression models. We used stratified and mediation analyses to explore differences for minority ethnic groups. Results Reporting any perceived experience of major discrimination (e.g. unfair treatment by police, not getting hired) was higher in cases than controls (41.8% v. 34.2%). Pervasive experiences of discrimination (≥3 types) were also higher in cases than controls (11.3% v. 5.5%). In fully adjusted models, the odds of psychosis were 1.20 (95% CI 0.91–1.59) for any discrimination and 1.79 (95% CI 1.19–1.59) for pervasive discrimination compared with no discrimination. In stratified analyses, the magnitude of association for pervasive experiences of discrimination appeared stronger for minority ethnic groups (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.12–2.68) than the ethnic majority (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 0.65–3.10). In exploratory mediation analysis, pervasive discrimination minimally explained excess risk among minority ethnic groups (5.1%). Conclusions Pervasive experiences of discrimination are associated with slightly increased odds of psychotic disorders and may minimally help explain excess risk for minority ethnic groups.

scholarly journals 745 Risk Factors of Incident Renal Stones in Indian Population: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Singh ◽  
S Gupta ◽  
T S Mishra ◽  
B D Banerjee ◽  
T Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Renal Stones ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Case Control ◽  
The Body ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Introduction Nephrolithiasis is pathological calcification in the excretory passages of the body and is prevalent among 7.6% of Indians. We aimed to study the various risk factors associated with renal stones from India. Method It was a hospital-based case-control study conducted over 18 months in a tertiary hospital in Delhi. Cases were defined as patients with renal stones diagnosed on the basis of history and radiological examination. Controls were similar to cases in all respects except for the diagnosis and selected from the hospital. A total of 18 risk factors, including age, gender, heavy metals, stress, metabolic factors, alcohol intake, dietary habits, co-morbidities, etc. were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the strength of the risk associations. Results In the analysis of 60 cases and controls, we found 6 times, 5.5 times, and 2.4 times increased odds of renal stones in patients with increased arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations in blood, respectively. Similarly, there are 3 times increased odds of renal stones in patients suffering from stress. Conclusions Exposure to smoke, occupation dust, and contaminated water may lead to an increased ingestion/inhalation of heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and predisposing people to an increased risk of renal stones.

scholarly journals Association of proton pump inhibitors and concomitant drugs with risk of acute kidney injury: a nested case–control study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041543
Author(s):  
Keiko Ikuta ◽  
Shunsaku Nakagawa ◽  
Kenji Momo ◽  
Atsushi Yonezawa ◽  
Kotaro Itohara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Proton Pump Inhibitors ◽  
Proton Pump ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Renal Diseases ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Nested Case Control ◽  
Control Study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess whether the combined use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antibiotics (penicillins, macrolides, cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones) was associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI).DesignA nested case–control study.SettingA health insurance claims database constructed by the Japan Medical Data Center.ParticipantsPatients were eligible if they were prescribed a PPI, NSAID and antibiotic at least once between January 2005 and June 2017. The patients who were new PPI users and did not have any history of renal diseases before cohort entry were included (n=219 082). The mean age was 45 and 44% were women.InterventionsCurrent use of PPIs, NSAIDs, or antibiotics.Primary outcome measuresAcute kidney injury.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 2.4 (SD, 1.7) years, 317 cases of AKI were identified (incidence rate of 6.1/10 000 person-years). The current use of PPIs was associated with a higher risk of AKI compared with past PPI use (unadjusted OR, 4.09; 95% CI, 3.09 to 5.44). The unadjusted ORs of AKI for the current use of PPIs with NSAIDs, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, compared with the current use of PPIs alone, were 3.92 (95% CI, 2.40 to 6.52), 2.57 (1.43 to 4.62) and 3.08 (1.50 to 6.38), respectively. The effects of concurrent use of PPIs with NSAIDs, cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones remain significant in the adjusted model. The analyses on absolute risk of AKI confirmed the results from the nested case–control study.ConclusionsConcomitant use of NSAIDs with PPIs significantly increased the risk for AKI. Moreover, the results suggested that concomitant use of cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones with PPIs was associated with increased risk of incident AKI.

scholarly journals Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Thyroid Cancer: An Overview

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Mathilda Alsen ◽  
Catherine Sinclair ◽  
Peter Cooke ◽  
Kimia Ziadkhanpour ◽  
Eric Genden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
National Library ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Carcinogenic Effect ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDC) are known to alter thyroid function and have been associated with increased risk of certain cancers. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of available studies on the association between EDC exposure and thyroid cancer. Relevant studies were identified via a literature search in the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health PubMed as well as a review of reference lists of all retrieved articles and of previously published relevant reviews. Overall, the current literature suggests that exposure to certain congeners of flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phthalates as well as certain pesticides may potentially be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, future research is urgently needed to evaluate the different EDCs and their potential carcinogenic effect on the thyroid gland in humans as most EDCs have been studied sporadically and results are not consistent.

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