scholarly journals Investigating Domestic Shower Settings as a Risk Factor for Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3493
Author(s):  
Binod Rayamajhee ◽  
Dinesh Subedi ◽  
Seoyoung Won ◽  
Jamie (Jung Yun) Kim ◽  
Ajay Vijay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Water Contamination ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Acanthamoeba Keratitis ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Acanthamoeba Species

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threatening infection of the cornea, which is caused by soil and the waterborne protist Acanthamoeba spp. AK most commonly occurs during contact lens (CL) wear. Risk factors for AK have been linked to non-optimal lens hygiene practices and Acanthamoeba contamination of domestic water. This study investigated the prevalence of Acanthamoeba species in domestic showers in the greater Sydney region, as well as the perception of water contamination of CL as being a risk factor for AK among previous AK patients and their family and friends. Samples from four locations of 13 participants’ shower areas were cultured and Acanthamoeba 18S rRNA was amplified by PCR, followed by sequencing. Twenty-six responses were received to the online questionnaire. Fifteen water samples (29%, 15/52) contained amoeba that were morphologically classified as Acanthamoeba spp. PCR amplification confirmed the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in four samples (8%, 4/52). Three isolates belonged to the T4, and one isolate to the T3 genotype. On the questionnaire survey, 96% (25/26) of respondents believed that water contamination was likely to be a risk factor for Acanthamoeba keratitis and 58% rated showering with CL as ‘extremely likely’ to be a risk factor for AK. Acanthamoeba pathogenic genotypes (T3 and T4) in the domestic bathroom water suggest that clinicians should remain vigilant in educating CL wearers about avoiding domestic water contamination of CL.

scholarly journals Sociodemographics and their impacts on risk factor awareness and beliefs about cancer and screening: results from a cross-sectional study in Newfoundland and Labrador

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuyan Shi ◽  
Lance Garrett Shaver ◽  
Yujia Kong ◽  
Yanqing Yi ◽  
Kris Aubrey-Bassler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Newfoundland And Labrador ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Excellent Health ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Cancer

Abstract Background Our objective was to examine cancer risk factor awareness and beliefs about cancer treatment, outcomes, and screening, and how these are mediated by sociodemographic variables, among Newfoundland and Labrador residents. Methods Participants aged 35 to 74 were recruited through Facebook advertising, and a self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, Spearman rank correlations, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Of the 1048 participants who responded and met the inclusion criteria for this study, 1019 were selected for this analysis. Risk factor recognition was generally good, though several risk factors had poor awareness: being over 70 years old (53.4% respondents aware), having a low-fiber diet (65.0%), and drinking more than 1 unit of alcohol per day (62.8%). Our results showed that the participants’ awareness of risk factors was significantly associated with higher income level (rs = 0.237, P <  0.001), higher education (rs = 0.231, P <  0.001), living in rural regions (rs = 0.163, P <  0.001), and having a regular healthcare provider (rs = 0.081, P = 0.010). Logistic regression showed that among NL residents in our sample, those with higher income, post-secondary education, those in very good or excellent health, and those with a history of cancer all had higher odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes. Those with a history of cancer, and those with very good or excellent health, also had higher odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer screening. Finally, compared to Caucasian/white participants, those who were non-Caucasian/white had lower odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer screening. Conclusion Among adults in NL, there was poor awareness that low-fiber diets, alcohol, and age are risk factors for cancer. Lower income and education, rural residence, and not having a health care provider were associated with lower risk factor awareness. We also found a few associations between sociodemographic factors and beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes or screening. We stress that while addressing awareness is necessary, so too is improving social circumstances of disadvantaged groups who lack the resources necessary to adopt healthy behaviours.

Genotyping of Acanthamoeba Species Isolated from Keratitis Patients by PCR Sequencing Methods in Tehran, Iran

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tooran Nayeri Chegeni ◽  
Fatemeh Ghaffarifar ◽  
Majid Pirestani ◽  
Fariba Khoshzaban ◽  
Abdolhosein Dalimi Asl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contact Lenses ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Acanthamoeba Keratitis ◽  
Local Alignment ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Search Tool ◽  
Skin Nodules ◽  
Acanthamoeba Species ◽  
Eye Clinic

  Background and Aims: Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are unicellular amphizoic opportunistic pathogens that may cause fatal granulomatous encephalitis, eye keratitis, amebic pneumonitis and skin nodules as well as abscesses in humans and animals. Acanthamoeba keratitis is caused by trauma to the eye, contaminated cleaning solutions and the use of contact lenses. The aim of the present study was to identify the genotypes of Acanthamoeba in all patients with a clinical diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis referring to eye clinic in Tehran using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).  Materials and Methods: In this study, samples were collected from 35 patients who had referred to the eye clinic and were cultured on 1.5% non-nutrient agar. DNA was extracted, and then PCR amplification was performed using genus specific primers. Sequencing analysis and basic local alignment search tool search were conducted to determine the genotypes. Phylogenetic tree was generated using maximum likely algorithm in phylogenetic program MEGA version 6.  Results: Eight cases were positive for Acanthamoeba using genus specific primer pairs. All specimens were reported as genotype T4. Conclusions: Determination of genotypes showed all isolates belonging to genotype T4; this abundance may be due to its higher prevalence in the environment or its greater virulence. However, further analysis of clinical and environmental samples is necessary to clarify this property.   

scholarly journals Genotyping of Acanthamoeba isolates and clinical characteristicsof patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis in China

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 462-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ge Zhao ◽  
Shiying Sun ◽  
Jing Zhao ◽  
Lixin Xie
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
Acanthamoeba Keratitis ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Main Risk Factor ◽  
Corneal Ulcers ◽  
Eye Pain ◽  
Pr China

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threatening cornealinfection, the epidemiology of which is related to the specific genotype of Acanthamoeba. In this study, the genotypes of 14 Acanthamoebaisolates, each from a patient with AK, were identified according to the highlyvariable DF3 region in the 18S rRNA gene at Shandong Eye Institute, PR China,from 2000 to 2009, and the clinical characteristics of these patients wereanalysed. All 14 amoebae were genotype T4, representing nine different DF3sequence types, seven of which were newly identified. Cornea infestation wasthe main risk factor for these 14 AK patients. Amoebic cysts could be detectedin all corneal scrapes. Corneal ulcers were located mainly at the cornealcentre, accompanied by eye pain, and some appeared with a Wessely ring. Surgerywas carried out on all patients. Acanthamoeba genotypes T4/26and T4/27 were found to cause a more severe keratitis, whilst the othersshowed no significant differences in clinical characteristics. In conclusion,the majority of the keratitis-causing Acanthamoeba isolates weregenotype T4, with Acanthamoeba genotypes T4/26 and T4/27from PR China causing a more severe keratitis.

scholarly journals Healthcare institutions’ recommendation regarding the use of FFP-2 masks and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers: a multicenter longitudinal cohort study

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Szajek ◽  
Felix Fleisch ◽  
Sandra Hutter ◽  
Martin Risch ◽  
Theresa Bechmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Seroconversion Rate ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Pandemic Wave

Abstract Background Health care workers (HCW) are heavily exposed to SARS-CoV-2 from the beginning of the pandemic. We aimed to analyze risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among HCW with a special emphasis on the respective healthcare institutions’ recommendation regarding the use of FFP-2 masks. Methods We recruited HCW from 13 health care institutions (HCI) with different mask policies (type IIR surgical face masks vs. FFP-2 masks) in Southeastern Switzerland (canton of Grisons). Sera of participants were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 6 months apart, after the first and during the second pandemic wave using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA, Roche Diagnostics). We captured risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection by using an online questionnaire at both time points. The effects of individual COVID-19 exposure, regional incidence and FFP-2 mask policy on the probability of seroconversion were evaluated with univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 99 of 2794 (3.5%) HCW at baseline and in 376 of 2315 (16.2%) participants 6 months later. In multivariable analyses the strongest association for seroconversion was exposure to a household member with known COVID-19 (aOR: 19.82, 95% CI 8.11–48.43, p < 0.001 at baseline and aOR: 8.68, 95% CI 6.13–12.29, p < 0.001 at follow-up). Significant occupational risk factors at baseline included exposure to COVID-19 patients (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI 1.28–6.09, p = 0.010) and to SARS-CoV-2 infected co-workers (aOR: 2.50, 95% CI 1.52–4.12, p < 0.001). At follow up 6 months later, non-occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals (aOR: 2.54, 95% CI 1.66–3.89 p < 0.001) and the local COVID-19 incidence of the corresponding HCI (aOR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.30–3.02, p = 0.001) were associated with seroconversion. The healthcare institutions’ mask policy (surgical masks during usual exposure vs. general use of FFP-2 masks) did not affect seroconversion rates of HCW during the first and the second pandemic wave. Conclusion Contact with SARS-CoV-2 infected household members was the most important risk factor for seroconversion among HCW. The strongest occupational risk factor was exposure to COVID-19 patients. During this pandemic, with heavy non-occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the mask policy of HCIs did not affect the seroconversion rate of HCWs.

scholarly journals Healthcare Institutions’ Recommendation Regarding the Use of FFP-2 Masks and SARS-Cov-2 Seropositivity Among Healthcare Workers – A Multicenter Longitudinal Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Szajek ◽  
Felix Fleisch ◽  
Sandra Hutter ◽  
Martin Risch ◽  
Theresa Bechmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Seroconversion Rate ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Pandemic Wave

Abstract BackgroundHealth care workers (HCW) are heavily exposed to SARS-CoV-2 from the beginning of the pandemic. We aimed to analyze risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among HCW with a special emphasis on the respective healthcare institutions’ recommendation regarding the use of FFP-2 masks. MethodsWe recruited HCW from 13 health care institutions (HCI) with different mask policies (type IIR surgical face masks vs. FFP-2 masks) in Southeastern Switzerland (canton of Grisons). Sera of participants were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies six months apart, after the first and during the second pandemic wave using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA, Roche Diagnostics). We captured risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection by using an online questionnaire at both time points. The effects of individual COVID-19 exposure, regional incidence and FFP-2 mask policy on the probability of seroconversion were evaluated with univariable and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 99 of 2794 (3.5%) HCW at baseline and in 376 of 2315 (16.2%) participants six months later. In multivariable analyses the strongest association for seroconversion was exposure to a household member with known COVID-19 (aOR: 19.82, 95% CI: 8.11-48.43, p<0.001 at baseline and aOR: 8.68, 95% CI: 6.13-12.29, p<0.001 at follow-up). Significant occupational risk factors at baseline included exposure to COVID-19 patients (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.28-6.09, p=0.010) and to SARS-CoV-2 infected co-workers (aOR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.52-4.12, p<0.001). At follow up six months later, non-occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals (aOR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.66-3.89 p<0.001) and the local COVID-19 incidence of the corresponding HCI (aOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.30-3.02, p=0.001) were associated with seroconversion. The healthcare institutions’ mask policy (surgical masks vs. FFP-2 masks) did not affect seroconversion rates of HCW during the first and the second pandemic wave. ConclusionContact with SARS-CoV-2 infected household members was the most important risk factor for seroconversion among HCW. The strongest occupational risk factor was exposure to COVID-19 patients. During this pandemic, with heavy non-occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the mask policy of HCIs did not affect the seroconversion rate of HCWs.

Hemmkörperentwicklung bei Hämophilie-Patienten nach Präparate wechsel

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S39-S42 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Kocher ◽  
G. Asmelash ◽  
V. Makki ◽  
S. Müller ◽  
S. Krekeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Retrospective Observational Study ◽  
Frequent Change ◽  
Patient Age ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Patient Âgé ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Observation Period

SummaryThe retrospective observational study surveys the relationship between development of inhibitors in the treatment of haemophilia patients and risk factors such as changing FVIII products. A total of 119 patients were included in this study, 198 changes of FVIII products were evaluated. Results: During the observation period of 12 months none of the patients developed an inhibitor, which was temporally associated with a change of FVIII products. A frequent change of FVIII products didn’t lead to an increase in inhibitor risk. The change between plasmatic and recombinant preparations could not be confirmed as a risk factor. Furthermore, no correlation between treatment regimens, severity, patient age and comorbidities of the patients could be found.

Risk Factors of Collateralized Loan Obligations and Corporate Bonds

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 347-355
Author(s):  
Mark Wahrenburg ◽  
Andreas Barth ◽  
Mohammad Izadi ◽  
Anas Rahhal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Asset Pricing ◽  
Systemic Risk ◽  
Corporate Bonds ◽  
Risk Exposure ◽  
Expected Returns ◽  
Yield Spreads ◽  
Pricing Factors ◽  
Return Difference

AbstractStructured products like collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) tend to offer significantly higher yield spreads than corporate bonds (CBs) with the same rating. At the same time, empirical evidence does not indicate that this higher yield is reduced by higher default losses of CLOs. The evidence thus suggests that CLOs offer higher expected returns compared to CB with similar credit risk. This study aims to analyze whether this return difference is captured by asset pricing factors. We show that market risk is the predominant risk factor for both CBs and CLOs. CLO investors, however, additionally demand a premium for their risk exposure towards systemic risk. This premium is inversely related to the rating class of the CLO.

Cardiovascular Risk in Perimenopausal Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 591-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Stevenson ◽  
Sophia Tsiligiannis ◽  
Nick Panay
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Additional Risk Factor ◽  
Chd Risk ◽  
Perimenopausal Women ◽  
Chd Risk Factors

Cardiovascular disease, and particularly coronary heart disease (CHD), has a low incidence in premenopausal women. Loss of ovarian hormones during the perimenopause and menopause leads to a sharp increase in incidence. Although most CHD risk factors are common to both men and women, the menopause is a unique additional risk factor for women. Sex steroids have profound effects on many CHD risk factors. Their loss leads to adverse changes in lipids and lipoproteins, with increases being seen in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, and decreases in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. There is a reduction in insulin secretion and elimination, but increases in insulin resistance eventually result in increasing circulating insulin levels. There are changes in body fat distribution with accumulation in central and visceral fat which links to the other adverse metabolic changes. There is an increase in the incidence of hypertension and of type 2 diabetes mellitus, both major risk factors for CHD. Oestrogens have potent effects on blood vessels and their loss leads to dysfunction of the vascular endothelium. All of these changes result from loss of ovarian function contributing to the increased development of CHD. Risk factor assessment in perimenopausal women is recommended, thereby permitting the timely introduction of lifestyle, hormonal and therapeutic interventions to modify or reverse these adverse changes.

Surviving “Risk Factor Frenzy”: The Perils of Incorrectly Applying Epidemiological Research in Health Education and Promotion

2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan I. Robison ◽  
Gregory Kline
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Epidemiological Research ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Health Education And Promotion

In health education and promotion, “risk factors” for disease gathered from epidemiological research form the basis from which the majority of recommendations to individuals for lifestyle change are made. Unfortunately, many health practitioners are unaware that this type of research was never intended to be applied to individuals. The result is ongoing public confusion and anxiety concerning health recommendations and a loss of credibility for health professionals. This article: 1) briefly reviews the most commonly encountered limitations inherent in epidemiological research; 2) explores the problems and potential negative consequences of incorrectly applying epidemiological research in health education and promotion; and 3) makes recommendations to help health practitioners more skillfully interpret and incorporate into their work findings from epidemiological research.

Knowledge, awareness and perceptions of diabetes mellitus among the Saudi population

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 413-422
Author(s):  
Muhammad H Mujammami ◽  
Abdulaziz A Alodhayani ◽  
Mohammad Ibrahim AlJabri ◽  
Ahmad Alhumaidi Alanazi ◽  
Sultan Sayyaf Alanazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Saudi Population ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Background: High prevalence of undiagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus (DM) has increased over the last two decades, most patients with DM only become aware of their condition once they develop a complication. Limited data are available regarding the knowledge and awareness about DM and the associated risk factors, complications and management in Saudi society. Aim: This study aimed to assess knowledge of DM in general Saudi society and among Saudi healthcare workers. Results: Only 37.3% of the participants were aware of the current DM prevalence. Obesity was the most frequently identified risk factor for DM. Most comparisons indicated better awareness among health workers. Conclusion: A significant lack of knowledge about DM in Saudi society was identified. Social media and educational curriculum can improve knowledge and awareness of DM.

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