scholarly journals Atrial Fibrillation – An Orchestra of Classic and Modern Risk Factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-86
Author(s):  
Alkora Ioana Balan ◽  
Alina Scridon

AbstractOver the past years, prevention and control of risk factors has begun to play an important role in the management of patients prone to develop atrial fibrillation (AF). A considerable number of risk factors that contribute to the creation of a predisposing substrate for AF has been identified over the years. Although certain AF risk factors such as age, gender, genetic predisposition, or race are unmodifiable, controlling modifiable risk factors may represent an invaluable tool in the management of AF patients. In the recent decades, numerous studies have evaluated the mechanisms linking different risk factors to AF, but the exact degree of atrial remodeling induced by each factor remains unknown. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for initiating personalized therapies in patients prone to develop AF. The present review aims to provide an overview of the most relevant modifiable risk factors involved in AF occurrence, with a focus on the mechanisms by which these factors lead to AF initiation and perpetuation.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thang Nguyen-Tien ◽  
Duy Cuong Do ◽  
Xuan Luat Le ◽  
Thi Hai Dinh ◽  
Mats Lindeborg ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Dengue is a mosquito-borne flavivirus present in many metropolitan cities of tropical countries. Methods During and after the dengue season (September 2018 to January 2019), we conducted a case-control study in order to determine the risk factors for dengue fever in Hanoi city, Vietnam. 98 dengue patients and 99 patients with other acute infections, such as Hepatitis B virus infection, were recruited at Department of Infectious Disease of Bach Mai national hospital in Hanoi. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire covering demographic, housing, environmental factors and knowledge, attitude, and practice on dengue prevention and control. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine the risk factors of dengue status. Results The mean score of knowledge items and practice items was only 7.9 out of total 19 points and 3.9 out of total 17 points, respectively. While the mean score of attitude items was 4.8 out of total 6 points. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that older patients had lesser risk of getting dengue infection as compared to younger adults aged 16–30, and patients living in peri-urban districts were less likely to suffer of dengue fever than patients living in central urban districts (OR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.13–0.75). This study could not find any association with occupation, water storage habit, knowledge, attitude, or practice on dengue prevention. Conclusions All patients had a relatively low level of knowledge and practice on dengue prevention and control. However, the attitude of the participants was good. We found that age group and living district were the risk factors correlated with the dengue status. Communication programs on raising dengue awareness should be repeated all year round and target particular groups of adolescents, younger adults, landlords and migrants from other provinces to improve their knowledge and encourage them to implement preventive measures against dengue fever.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Sharif S. Aly ◽  
Betsy M. Karle ◽  
Deniece R. Williams ◽  
Gabriele U. Maier ◽  
Sasha Dubrovsky

Abstract Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading natural cause of death in US beef and dairy cattle, causing the annual loss of more than 1 million animals and financial losses in excess of $700 million. The multiple etiologies of BRD and its complex web of risk factors necessitate a herd-specific intervention plan for its prevention and control on dairies. Hence, a risk assessment is an important tool that producers and veterinarians can utilize for a comprehensive assessment of the management and host factors that predispose calves to BRD. The current study identifies the steps taken to develop the first BRD risk assessment tool and its components, namely the BRD risk factor questionnaire, the BRD scoring system, and a herd-specific BRD control and prevention plan. The risk factor questionnaire was designed to inquire on aspects of calf-rearing including management practices that affect calf health generally, and BRD specifically. The risk scores associated with each risk factor investigated in the questionnaire were estimated based on data from two observational studies. Producers can also estimate the prevalence of BRD in their calf herds using a smart phone or tablet application that facilitates selection of a true random sample of calves for scoring using the California BRD scoring system. Based on the risk factors identified, producers and herd veterinarians can then decide the management changes needed to mitigate the calf herd's risk for BRD. A follow-up risk assessment after a duration of time sufficient for exposure of a new cohort of calves to the management changes introduced in response to the risk assessment is recommended to monitor the prevalence of BRD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijie Zhang ◽  
Yu Cao ◽  
Yanjian Li ◽  
Xufang Chen ◽  
Chen Ding ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Candida pelliculosa is an ecological fungal species that can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Numerous studies globally have shown that C. pelliculosa infects neonates. An outbreak recently occurred in our neonatal intensive care unit; therefore, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors in this hospital-acquired fungal infection. Methods We performed a case-control study, analysing the potential risk factors for neonatal infections of C. pelliculosa so that infection prevention and control could be implemented in our units. Isolated strains were tested for drug resistance and biofilm formation, important factors for fungal transmission that give rise to hospital-acquired infections. Results The use of three or more broad-spectrum antimicrobials or long hospital stays were associated with higher likelihoods of infection with C. pelliculosa. The fungus was not identified on the hands of healthcare workers or in the environment. All fungal isolates were susceptible to anti-fungal medications, and after anti-fungal treatment, all infected patients recovered. Strict infection prevention and control procedures efficiently suppressed infection transmission. Intact adhesin-encoding genes, shown by genome analysis, indicated possible routes for fungal transmission. Conclusions The use of three or more broad-spectrum antimicrobials or a lengthy hospital stay is theoretically associated with the risk of infection with C. pelliculosa. Strains that we isolated are susceptible to anti-fungal medications, and these were eliminated by treating all patients with an antifungal. Transmission is likely via adhesion to the cell surface and biofilm formation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (55) ◽  
pp. 14-19
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Wojdyła-Hordyńska ◽  
Grzegorz Hordyński

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias, with a significant increase in incidence in recent years. AF is a major cause of stroke, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, and cardiovascular disease. Timely intervention and modification of risk factors increase chance to stop the disease. Aggressive, multilevel prevention tactics are a component of combined treatment, including – in addition to lifestyle changes, anticoagulant therapy, pharmacotherapy and invasive anti-arrhythmic treatment – prevention of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, ischemia, valvular disease and heart failure.


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masayuki Shimano ◽  
Rei Shibata ◽  
Yukiomi Tsuji ◽  
Noriyuki Ouchi ◽  
Yasuya Inden ◽  
...  

The occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) are associated with changes in electrical properties and cardiac structure, known as electrical and structural atrial remodeling. AF characterized by atrial remodeling also occurs with obesity-related conditions. Adiponectin, an adipose tissue-derived hormone, exerts beneficial effects on the heart in various pathological conditions. These observations led us to speculate that adiponectin levels affect the development and prevalence of AF. Here, we investigated a potential association between circulating adiponectin levels and atrial remodeling in patients with AF. We measured plasma adiponectin levels, serum carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP) levels, as a collagen type I degradation marker, and serum type III procollagen-N-peptide (PIIINP) levels, as a collagen type III synthesis marker in consecutive 414 patients; 225 paroxysmal AF, 81 persistent AF and 108 paroxysmal supra-ventricular tachycardia without AF history (control) patients, who admitted for scheduled radiofrequency catheter ablation. Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly higher in patients with persistent AF compared to paroxysmal AF and control patients (p<0.05). Serum CITP levels, but not serum PIIINP levels, were also higher in patients with persistent AF compared to paroxysmal AF and control patients (p<0.05). In addition, a positive correlation was observed between adiponectin levels and CITP levels (r=0.39, p<0.005) or the P wave duration (r=−0.31, p<0.05) in patients with persistent AF. High plasma adiponectin levels are associated with the presence of persistent AF, which is accompanied by increased CITP levels. Hyperadiponectinemia might also attenuate atrial conduction disturbance. Thus, measurement of plasma adiponectin could be useful for assessment of AF.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 565
Author(s):  
Husni Husni ◽  
Th. B Rahayujati ◽  
S Supargiyono

Evaluation of malaria risk factors prevention and control program in Kulon Progo RegencyPurposeThe purpose of this research was to evaluate the program of prevention and control of malaria risk factors in Kulon Progo District in 2016 based on system approach.MethodThis research was evaluation program used mixed methods (sequential explanatory design). Data collected from 7 public health center of active focus malaria and district health office. Respondents were program managers and head of public health center, district program managers, head of control and eradication of communicable diseases, and head of district health offices. The instruments used structured questionnaires and in-depth interview guides. Quantitative data analysis was descriptive and qualitative data used Miles and Huberman model.Results Most of the availability of human resources, funds, facilities, materials, and methods already meet implementation needs except entomologists, allocation of funds activities other than IRS, time of the implementation of larval fish deployment. Most of the processes that started from the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation have gone well except for planning other than IRS, preparation vector control without entomology database, implementation of environmental management, larviciding, and larval fish deployment. Coverage of LLINs, coverage of IRS, control of LLINs efficacy, and test of vector resistance have met the target, except coverage of larviciding and larval fish deployment was not available.ConclusionPrevention and control program of malaria risk factors has implemented but wasn’t based on entomological data. District health offices should recruit entomologist to support vector control activities.


2011 ◽  
Vol 139 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 304-310
Author(s):  
Dusica Rakic ◽  
Djordje Jakovljevic

Introduction. From 1984 to 2004, the city of Novi Sad participated in the international MONICA (Multinational MONItoring of trends and determinants in CArdiovascular disease) project, as one of the 38 research centres form 21 countries around the world and in CINDI (Countrywide Integrated Noncommunicable Disease Intervention Programme) programme. Objective. Objective was to indicate the advantages of the integrated approach to prevention and control of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) over mono-programmes and still present curative approach. Additional objective was the assessment of the vulnerability from the leading risk factors of the population of Novi Sad, based on the results and experience gained in realization of international projects. Methods. We analyzed the results obtained in the countries where MONICA project and CINDI programme have been applied. The results of their application in Novi Sad are analyzed (the trend of the prevalence of risk factors, the incidence of coronary and cerebrovascular events). Results. The prevalence of risk factors (except smoking), the incidence of coronary and cerebrovascular events are significantly increasing and are in positive correlation with the values of the linear trend. The decrease was only recorded in 1987 (the implementation of the intervention programme). Conclusion. The review of results and experiences in international projects and programs, clearly indicate the advantage of an integrated approach to prevention and control of CVD in relation to monoprograme. The great vulnerability of the population of Novi Sad of the risk factors of CVD points out the necessity of their reductions by the principles of integrated programmes of prevention and control.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Chunxia ◽  
Ai Zisheng

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are mainly transmitted by sexual contact or similar sexual contact, which can cause diseases of genitourinary organs ,accessory lymphatic system and major organs of the whole body. STIs include clinically symptomatic diseases and asymptomatic infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide.By analyzing the temporal trend of the sexually transmitted infections incidence in China in the past 20 years, we can provide a scientific basis for the further development of prevention and control measures related to sexually transmitted infections. Methods Joinpoint regression model is used to fit the incidence data of three sexually transmitted diseases in China from 1999 to 2018. Annual percentage change (APC) and Average annual percentage Change (AAPC) are calculated to evaluate the temporal trend changes of the incidence of three major sexually transmitted diseases. Results The overall incidence of AIDS/HIV has been on the rise for 20 years, rising by an average of 33.7% per year (P < 0.05). The most obvious increase is in 2002–2005, an average annual increase of 102.5%. The overall incidence of gonorrhea is on a downward trend, decreasing by 4.9% per year on average (P < 0.05).However, its incidence shows a slow rising trend from 2012 to 2018, with an average annual increase of 6.0%. The overall incidence of syphilis is also on the rise, increasing by an average of 9.1% per year (P < 0.05). Except 1999–2003, the incidence of syphilis shows a downward trend, and the other time stages shows a significant upward trend. Conclusions In the past 20 years, the corresponding measures have been taken in China for sexually transmitted infections and achieved remarkable results, but the three major sexually transmitted infections are still in the forefront of the reported notifiable infectious diseases incidence in China. At the same time, all sexually transmitted infections are beginning to shift from high-risk population to the general population, especially adolescents and the floating population.Therefore, China should still pay more attention to the prevention and control of STIs to hold back their further spread or epidemic.


Author(s):  
H. Fan ◽  
L. Ge ◽  
L. Song ◽  
Q. Zhao

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS) is a worldwide fulminant infectious disease. Since the first HFRS cases in Hubei Province were reported in 1957, the disease has spread across the province and Hubei has become one of seriously affected areas in China. However, the epidemic characteristics of HFRS are still not entirely clear. Therefore, a systematic investigation of spatial and temporal distribution pattern of HFRS system is needed. In order to facilitate better prevention and control of HFRS in Hubei Province, in this paper, a GIS spatiotemporal analysis and modeling tool was developed to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of the HFRS epidemic, as well as providinga comprehensive examination the dynamic pattern of HFRS in Hubei over the past 30 years (1980-2009), to determine spatiotemporal change trends and the causes of HFRS. This paper describes the experiments and their results.


Author(s):  
Satoshi Matsuoka ◽  
Hidehiro Kaneko ◽  
Akira Okada ◽  
Kojiro Morita ◽  
Hidetaka Itoh ◽  
...  

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