Differences In Disease Occurrence Research Articles

Comparison of Organic and Conventional Food and Food Production

Comparison of Organic and Conventional Food and Food Production

917Stakeholder analysis to develop a national outbreak response plan for Q fever in Australia

917Stakeholder analysis to develop a national outbreak response plan for Q fever in Australia

392 Seasonal Presentation Patterns for Congestive Heart Failure Within a Cohort of Southern Coastal US Emergency Department Patients

Seasonal differences in disease occurrence may inform adjustments to therapeutic regimens. A previous study of emergency department (ED) visits in New Jersey for congestive heart failure (CHF), showed a marked increase in the colder months (35% higher in December compared to August). The authors speculated that this was due in part to increased catecholamine release in response to cold weather. We hypothesized that less harsh winter temperatures in the southern coastal U.S. region might blunt this effect, resulting in a smaller winter-summer difference than the authors observed in New Jersey. We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from 287 emergency departments within the southern coastal U.S. region. Patients with a primary diagnosis of CHF or pulmonary edema from 01/01/07 to 08/05/19 were included. We aggregated data electronically from medical records and tabulated the number of visits by month, correcting for the length of month. We utilized chi-square to assess for non-uniformity in distribution of visits by month. We calculated the relative difference between the month with the most and least visits along with the 95% confidence interval (CI). There were 285,561 visits for CHF during the study period. Of these, 52% were female and the mean age was 69 +/-16 years. Chi-square rejected uniformity for CHF visits by month (p<0.0001). There were more CHF visits in the colder months. There were 34% more visits in January the peak month versus August the month with the least (95% CI 32% to 36%, p < 0.0001). Contrary to our hypothesis we found a similar winter-summer difference in the southern coastal US region as that in New Jersey. It is unclear why this difference persists despite the fact that winters in the southern coastal region are less harsh than in New Jersey.

Incidence of spondyloarthritis and its subtypes: a systematic review

Several epidemiologic studies of spondylarthritis (SpA) and its subtypes have been reported during the last decades. The majority of these studies provided prevalence estimates and showed a considerable variation in the reported frequency of SpA subtypes. Most systematic reviews published in this field aimed to summarise the results of prevalence studies, however, incidence studies are important for an accurate picture of a disease occurrence in a defined population. We conducted a systematic review regarding the incidence of SpA subtypes on studies published during the last 25 years, to compare their methodology and summarise their results. A systematic literature search of PubMed was performed to identify all published studies on the incidence of SpA subtypes between 1/1/1995 and 31/12/2019. Studies were considered eligible if the incidence of one or more SpA subtypes was measured in the general population, and met concrete inclusion criteria. Incidence rates (IR) were summarised using a random effect model. A total of 24 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most of them included results for two or more SpA subtypes. Sixteen studies presented the incidence of psoriatic arthritis, which gave an overall IR estimate of 9.7 cases per 100.000 person-years. Thirteen studies presented the incidence of ankylosing spondylitis with an overall IR estimate of 4.8, and eight studies presented reactive arthritis incidence with an overall IR estimate of 3.4. A small number of studies referred to the incidence of enteropathic arthritis or undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. Incidence studies of SpAs differ considerably in their methods, and result in a wide variation of the IRs for all SpA subtypes. Methodological differences may only partly explain the differences in disease occurrence observed among studies. More studies from different populations based on specific classification criteria are needed for a more accurate picture of SpA epidemiology.

Why farmers deviate from recommended pesticide timing: the role of uncertainty and information.

Precise timing of pesticide applications, as recommended by decision-support systems, can ensure crop protection, while maintaining efficient use of pesticides, yet farmers often deviate from recommended timing strategies. Here, we assess and explain farmers' choices to follow or not follow recommendations for the timing of fungicide applications against potato late blight in Switzerland. Based on daily fungicide application records as well as regional application recommendations and disease pressure, we found that 36% of applications took place earlier than recommended. Using regression analysis, we identified the exposure to economic risks of infection, susceptibility of the planted potato varieties to late blight infections, as well as yearly differences in disease occurrence as the most important determinants of farmers' application decision. Our results indicate that decisions to not follow application recommendations and apply early are linked to available information and uncertainty with respect to disease predictions. Based on our results, we make recommendations on how to account for farmers' uncertainty with regard to the timing of pesticide applications in the design of pesticide policies and agricultural decision-support systems. These include the use of new technologies and data, mandatory reporting and tailor-made taxes and insurance solutions. Although the focus of this article is on late blight in Switzerland, our analysis can easily be extended to other countries and important plant diseases like powdery mildew in grapevines or Fusarium head blight in winter wheat. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Difference of Gray Mold Severity at Roses Caused by Botrytis cinerea Strains

Botrytis cinerea is the pathogen for a gray mold generating problems during the cultivation and transportation of roses. But there is little information about the difference of the symptom severity caused by gray mold on rose varieties and pathogen strains. 16 strains were collected from the rose cultivation area to confirm the degree of disease occurrence against strains and each variety. Collected 16 strains were identified based on the sequences analysis of ITS region of ribosomal DNA by using specific primers. The sequence analysis was performed by comparing the sequences to find a difference. To confirm the difference in disease occurrence for each strains, the difference was classified from 0 to 5 stages using charmant variety as a control. The data was confirmed through Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. The result showed the significant difference in the pathogenicity caused by strains. WNG6_5 showed the lowest pathogenicity with 0.24 and WNG6_3 showed the highest with 3.20. The difference between two strains were almost 3.0. In addition, nine varieties of roses were more investigated with three strains such as the strains of WNG6_5, Hwa_1, and WNG6_3. The result showed that the Love Letter variety showed resistance and the Ice Bear variety was sensitive to three strains. Taken together, this study showed the significant difference by the interactions of rose varieties and gray mold strains.

Measuring the impact of differences in risk factor distributions on cross-population differences in disease occurrence: a causal approach

In cross-population comparisons of disease occurrence (prevalence, incidence), a common public health question is the extent to which variations in the distribution of risk factors for the disease explain observed differences. Limited work has been done on formalizing this problem, which is conceptually tantamount to quantifying the degree of confounding for the 'population effect' induced by different factors. A common approach is to compare 'unadjusted' and 'adjusted' regression-based estimates of that parameter, but the interpretation of the resulting 'contribution' measures may be hindered by other confounding sources and non-collapsibility issues. Interactions also raise interpretational challenges. We formalized this problem using directed acyclic graphs and the potential outcomes framework, on the basis of which we defined a series of estimands that address specific questions and are identifiable under certain causal assumptions. We subsequently determined possible estimators. A study of regional differences in egg allergy prevalence in 1-year-olds was used for illustration. The main estimands defined were: the change in the prevalence or incidence difference induced by compositional variations in measured risk factors, all at once and individually, relative to a reference population; and the proportion of the crude difference that remains unexplained by measured factors. Standardization (g-computation), inverse probability weighted (IPW) and doubly robust IPW estimators of these estimands were considered. This work provides a causal theoretical basis for studying disease occurrence differences between populations. The proposed measures can be used to answer the questions that arise in this context under a set of clearly stated assumptions.

POLYMORPHISMS OF DRUG-METABOLIZING ENZYMES CYP1A2, CYP2D6, GST, NAT2 AND TRANSPORTER MDR1 IN POPULATION OF BELARUS: COMPARISON WITH SELECTED EUROPEAN AND ASIAN POPULATIONS

Drug therapeutic efficiency and development of unfavorable pharmacologic responses as well as the disease predisposition are caused first of all by patient’s genetic features. Genetic variations in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporter proteins are essential to understand the ethnic differences in disease occurrence, development, prognosis, therapeutic response and toxicity of drugs. For that reason, it is necessary to establish the normative frequency distribution of genotypes and alleles of these genes in a particular population. Data on frequency of pharmacogenetic polymorphisms in the of Belarus population are limited. The goal of our investigation was to analyze the frequency distribution of genotypes and alleles of genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYP1А2, CYP2D6 – I phase; GSTs, NAT2 – II phase) and transporter protein MDR1 in the population of Belarus and comparisons with other ethnic populations. Our results indicate that clinically important genes are genetically highly variable and differ considerably between populations. Differences in allele frequencies across continents should be considered when designing clinical trials of new drugs continents should be considered when designing clinical trials of new drugs.

Combined genetic effects of EGLN1 and VWF modulate thrombotic outcome in hypoxia revealed by Ayurgenomics approach.

BackgroundExtreme constitution “Prakriti” types of Ayurveda exhibit systemic physiological attributes. Our earlier genetic study has revealed differences in EGLN1, key modulator of hypoxia axis between Prakriti types. This was associated with differences in high altitude adaptation and susceptibility to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). In this study we investigate other molecular differences that contribute to systemic attributes of Prakriti that would be relevant in predictive marker discovery.MethodsGenotyping of 96 individuals of the earlier cohort was carried out in a panel of 2,800 common genic SNPs represented in Indian Genomic Variation Consortium (IGVC) panel from 24 diverse populations. Frequency distribution patterns of Prakriti differentiating variations (FDR correction P < 0.05) was studied in IGVC and 55 global populations (HGDP–CEPH) panels. Genotypic interactions between VWF, identified from the present analysis, and EGLN1 was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression in Prakriti and Indian populations from contrasting altitudes. Spearman’s Rank correlation was used to study this genotypic interaction with respect to altitude in HGDP–CEPH panel. Validation of functional link between EGLN1 and VWF was carried out in a mouse model using chemical inhibition and siRNA studies.ResultSignificant differences in allele frequencies were observed in seven genes (SPTA1, VWF, OLR1, UCP2, OR6K3, LEPR, and OR10Z1) after FDR correction (P < 0.05). A non synonymous variation (C/T, rs1063856) associated with thrombosis/bleeding susceptibility respectively, differed significantly between Kapha (C-allele) and Pitta (T-allele) constitution types. A combination of derived EGLN1 allele (HAPE associated) and ancestral VWF allele (thrombosis associated) was significantly high in Kapha group compared to Pitta (p < 10–5). The combination of risk-associated Kapha alleles was nearly absent in natives of high altitude. Inhibition of EGLN1 using (DHB) and an EGLN1 specific siRNA in a mouse model lead to a marked increase in vWF levels as well as pro-thrombotic phenotype viz. reduced bleeding time and enhanced platelet count and activation.ConclusionWe demonstrate for the first time a genetic link between EGLN1 and VWF in a constitution specific manner which could modulate thrombosis/bleeding susceptibility and outcomes of hypoxia. Integration of Prakriti in population stratification may help assemble common variations in key physiological axes that confers differences in disease occurrence and patho-phenotypic outcomes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0542-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cross-border surveillance differences: tick-borne encephalitis and lyme borreliosis in the Czech Republic and Poland, 1999-2008.

We compared neighbouring regions of the Czech Republic (CZ) and Poland (PL) situated within 100 km of the country border, in order to compare surveillance systems performance in measuring the burden of tick-borne diseases in both countries. We used routine surveillance notifications from 1999-2008 on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis (LB). We assessed the crude risk ratio (RR) across the country border, and its estimates adjusted for both population density and the expected epidemiological gradient across the region, using negative binomial regression. The crude RR between CZ and PL was 7.43 (95% Cl 6.20-8.90) for TBE, and 1.80 (1.76-1.83) for LB. The adjusted RR for TBE increased from 4.47 in 1999-2001 to 10.01 in 2005-2008, but for LB decreased from 9.30 to 2.51 during the respective periods. Those results reflect possible differences in surveillance systems performance between the two countries, as the administrative boundaries cannot constitute a barrier for zoonotic diseases and no biological processes alone can explain such large differences in disease occurrence.

Cryptosporidium in Calves, Lambs and Kids at Haramaya, eastern Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was carried out from November 2010 to April 2011 to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in calves, lambs and kids and to assess potential risk factors in Haramaya, eastern Ethiopia. Hence, fecal samples from a total of 237 study animals (133 calves, 63 lambs and 41 kids) were tested with Sheather’s flotation technique and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining. Accordingly, the overall prevalence was found to be 23.6% (56/237) with the prevalence of 27.8% (37/133) in calves, 22.2% (14/63) in lambs and 12.2% (5/41) in kids. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium significantly (p = 0.047) varied with species of study animals being three times higher likelihood of occurrence in calves compared to its chance of occurrence in kids (OR = 2.8, 95%CI = 1.0, 7.6). No significant difference in prevalence was observed between kids and lambs. The occurrence of the disease was also assessed among the species of animals by taking into consideration different demographic characteristic of the animals including breed, age and sex. For caprine, the prevalence was higher in the cross breed animals (28.6%) followed by the breed of Hararge highland (25%) with no report of the disease in Boer and Ogaden breeds. In ovine, no association was observed between the infection occurrence and the potential risk factors. Analysis of the risk factors in bovine revealed a significant (p = 0.044) difference in disease occurrence among age groups with almost three times more likelihood of the disease occurrence in calves under 3 months than older age category(OR = 2.9, 95%CI = 1.0, 8.2). In conclusion, this study demonstrated the importance of Cryptosporidium in young ruminants with a higher prevalence among calves than lambs and kids. Key words : Cryptosporidium; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Calves, Lambs, Kids, Haramaya, Ethiopia

Food- and water-borne disease: Using case control studies to estimate the force of infection that accounts for primary, sporadic cases

Disease models which take explicit account of heterogeneities in the risk of infection offer significant advantages over models in which the risk of infection is assumed to be uniform across all hosts. However, estimating the incidence rate (force of infection) in the different at-risk (exposure) groups is no easy matter. Classically, epidemiologists differentiate groups of hosts with different infection-risks according to their exposure to putative explanatory risk factors. The importance of these risk factors is assessed by case-control studies, in which the measure of effect (the difference in disease occurrence between one population and another) is the odds ratio. This paper describes for the first time how – and under what circumstances – the incidence in these different exposure groups can be estimated from odds ratios derived from case control studies in which controls have been selected by density sampling. This new estimation technique can be applied to any transmission modality but is especially useful in the case of models of food- and water-borne disease for which the case control literature represents a vast and, as yet, untapped resource. The paper finishes with a worked example using one of the most common of all food- and water-borne pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii.

Differential effect of delayed planting on soybean cultivars varying in susceptibility to bacterial pustule and wildfire in Korea

In 2009 and 2010, the effect of delayed planting on bacterial pustule (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines) and wildfire (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci) in four soybean cultivars was evaluated in fields in Suwon and Naju, Korea. Soybean was planted on 15 May as the first (traditional) planting date; then, planting was delayed at approximately 15-day intervals (three times) after the first planting. In plots planted approximately 15 or 30 days after the traditional planting date, the disease incidence in highly (Saeolkong and Taegwangkong) and moderately (Pungsannamulkong) susceptible cultivars was significantly reduced under moderate disease pressure, but disease reduction in highly susceptible cultivars was sometimes diminished especially against bacterial pustule under high disease pressure. Altered planting date had no effect on disease incidence in the least susceptible (resistant) cultivar (Cheongja-3-ho), regardless of disease pressure. Consistent differences in disease occurrence were not observed between planting locations. The results from this study indicate that delayed soybean planting reduced the bacterial disease incidence and differentially affected resistant and susceptible cultivars. Thus, planting resistant cultivars at the optimal planting date is desirable, but in the case of susceptible cultivars, delayed planting could be considered along with application of other control measures such as agrochemicals.

Hearing Impairment and Other Health Conditions in Older Adults: Chance Associations or Opportunities for Prevention?

The prevalence of hearing impairment, as well as many other medical conditions, increases with age. Epidemiological evidence also suggests that the prevalence of hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease, and possibly dementia have declined during the 20th century. Differences in disease occurrence by birth year indicate that modifiable risk factors contribute to these diseases and that exposure to these risk factors changed over time. This article discusses the co-occurrence of chronic conditions at older ages, along with their shared risk factors and similar temporal trends. Recognition of these patterns is important for audiologists and other health care professionalswho treat these complex patients, as well as for researchers investigating the underlying causes of these diseases. Various lines of evidence linking hearing impairment to otherconditionsandmedicationusepointtotheneedforhearinghealth care to be better integrated with the broader health care system.

Outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Peninsular Malaysia from 2001 to 2007

This is a retrospective study of the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Peninsular Malaysia between 2001 and May 2007. In total, 270 outbreaks of FMD were recorded. Serotype O virus (89.95 %) and serotype A (7.7 %) had caused the outbreaks. Significant differences on the occurrence of FMD were found between the years (t = 5.73, P = 0.000, df = 11), months (t = 4.7, P = 0.000, df = 11), monsoon season (t = 2.63, P = 0.025, df = 10) and states (t = 4.84, P = 0.001, df = 10). A peak of outbreaks observed in 2003 could be due to increased animal movement and the other peak in 2006 could be due to a compromised FMD control activities due to activities on the eradication of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Cattle (86 % of outbreaks) suffered the most. However, no difference in disease occurrence between species was observed. The populations of cattle (r = 0.672, P = 0.023) and sheep (r = 0.678, P = 0.022) were significantly correlated with occurrence of FMD. Movement of animals (66 % of outbreaks) was the main source for outbreaks. A combination of control measures were implemented during outbreaks. In conclusion, the findings of this study show that FMD is endemic in Peninsular Malaysia, and information gained could be used to improve the existing control strategy.

Completeness of metabolic disease recordings in Nordic national databases for dairy cows

The four Nordic countries Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE) all have national databases where diagnostic events in dairy cows are recorded. Comparing and looking at differences in disease occurrence between countries may give information on factors that influence disease occurrence, optimal diseases control and treatment strategies. For such comparisons to be valid, the data in these databases should be standardised and of good quality.The objective of the study presented here was to assess the quality of metabolic disease recordings, primarily milk fever and ketosis, in four Nordic national databases. Completeness of recording figures of database registrations at two different levels was chosen as a measure of data quality. Firstly, completeness of recording of all disease events on a farm regardless of veterinary involvement, called ‘Farmer observed completeness’, was determined. Secondly, completeness of recording of veterinary treated disease events only, called ‘Veterinary treated completeness’, was determined. To collect data for calculating these completeness levels a simple random sample of herds was obtained in each country. Farmers who were willing to participate, recorded for 4 months in 2008, on a purpose made registration form, any observed illness in cows, regardless of veterinary involvement. The number of participating herds was 105, 167, 179 and 129 in DK, FI, NO and SE respectively. In total these herds registered 247, 248, 177 and 218 metabolic events for analysis in DK, FI, NO and SE, respectively. Data from national databases were subsequently extracted, and the two sources of data were matched to find the proportion, or completeness, of diagnostic events registered by farmers that also existed in national databases. Matching was done using a common diagnostic code system and allowed for a discrepancy of 7 days for registered date of the event. For milk fever, the Farmer observed completeness was 77%, 67%, 79% and 79%, and for Veterinary treated completeness 88%, 71%, 80% and 82%, in DK, FI, NO and SE, respectively. For ketosis, the Farmer observed completeness was 77%, 55%, 70% and 46%, and for Veterinary treated completeness 84%, 75%, 79% and 56%, in DK, FI, NO and SE, respectively. The differences observed in some of these completeness figures indicate that metabolic disease frequency measures when calculated from these four national databases do not accurately reflect the true difference in metabolic disease occurrence in dairy cows between countries. Further standardisation of disease registrations is necessary for valid between-country assessments.

One in four people may develop symptomatic hip osteoarthritis in his or her lifetime

To estimate the lifetime risk of symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA). We analyzed data from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project [a longitudinal population-based study of OA in North Carolina, United States (n=3068)]. The weighted baseline sample comprised 18% blacks and 54% women, and the mean age was 63 years (range=45-93). Symptomatic hip OA was defined as a Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) radiographic score of ≥ 2 (anterior-posterior pelvis X-rays) and pain, aching or stiffness on most days, or groin pain, in the same hip. Lifetime risk, defined as the proportion who developed symptomatic hip OA in at least one hip by age 85, among people who live to age 85, was modeled using logistic regression with repeated measures (through generalized estimating equations). Lifetime risk of symptomatic hip OA was 25.3% [95% confidence interval (CI)=21.3-29.3]. Lifetime risk was similar by sex, race, highest educational attainment, and hip injury history. We studied lifetime risk by body mass index (BMI) in three forms: at age 18; at baseline and follow-up; and at age 18, baseline and follow-up and found no differences in estimates. The burden of symptomatic hip OA is substantial with one in four people developing this condition by age 85. The similar race-specific estimates suggest that racial disparities in total hip replacements are not attributable to differences in disease occurrence. Despite increasing evidence that obesity predicts an increased risk of both hip OA and joint replacement, we found no association between BMI and lifetime risk.

한우 송아지 이유시기가 증체, 사료섭취량, 질병발생 및 어미소의 번식효율에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 한우 송아지의 이유시기별 발육, 사료섭취량, 질병발생 및 어미소의 번식효율에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위하여 수행되었다. 시험축은 축산연구소에서 자체 생산된 한우 송아지 60두를 공시하여 이유시기별로 조기이유(EW, 생후 3개월령)와 관행이유(NW, 생후 4개월령)에 각각 29 및 31두씩 배치하여 두 개의 시험구를 두었다. 송아지의 포유기 및 이유후 체중과 일당증체량은 이유시기에 따른 차이는 없었다(p>0.05). 또한 인공유, 목건초, 건물, 조단백질 및 TDN 섭취량도 이유시기에 의한 영향은 없었다(p>0.05). 어미소의 분만간격은 관행이유 시험구에 비해 조기이유 시험구에서 23일 정도 단축되는 경향을 보였다(p>0.05). 한편 이유시기에 따른 발생 질병의 종류와 발병율은 시험구간 차이가 없는 것으로 조사되었다. 따라서 이유시기 단축이 한우 송아지의 성장, 사료섭취량 및 질병 발생에 미치는 부의 영향은 없었을 뿐만 아니라 어미소의 분만간격을 단축시키는데 효과가 있는 것으로 사료된다. This study was conducted to investigate effects of weaning age on growth perforance, feed intake, disease occurrence and maternal reproductive efficiency in Hanwoo. Sixty experimental calves were allocated into two groups, early weaned (n=29, calf age 90 d, EW) and normally weaned (n=31, calf age 120 d, NW). Body weights and average daily gains during nursing and post-weaning periods were similar between two groups (p>0.05). Weaning age had no effect on calf starter, grass hay, dry matter, crude protein and TDN intakes of calves (p>0.05). Maternal calving interval in EW was shortened by 23 days compared to NW (p>0.05). Any difference in occurrence of disease was not observed between groups. Present results indicate that early weaning age has no negative effects on growth performance, feed intake or on disease occurrence in Hanwoo calves. And it has positive influence on maternal calving interval.

The risky gene: epidemiology and the evolution of race

ABSTRACT Alcabes examines how modern epidemiology views race, including a historical review and a critique of methods. Race occupies a central place in health discourse partly because of two misapprehensions. First, contemporary epidemiologic research focuses on individual behaviour as a determinant of disease risk, despite the fact that risk as predicted from epidemiologic data is solely interpretable for large populations, not for individuals. Historically and today, connections between behaviour and disease have been used to fortify racial discrimination, with reprobate behaviours imputed to unwanted races. Second, the advent of evolutionary theory and the recognition that genetics provides a mechanism by which evolution proceeds together have allowed for the social concept of ‘race’ to be imbued fallaciously with biological determinants. With an epidemiology based on behaviour, a behavioural indexing of race and a racial interpretation of evolutionary theory and genomics, the circle closes: society can ascribe differences in disease occurrence to the genetic make-up of the sufferers or to their behaviour, or both—that is, to race—and avoid having to address social problems that typically underlie disease risk.

Surveillance Study about the Use Actual of the Prescription Drugs from the Viewpoint of Gender

In recent years, the concept of gender-specific medicine has become generalized in Japan. We need to understand gender differences in the pattern of use prescription drugs for the appropriate use of medications. We therefore investigated gender differences in the use of prescription drugs based on data form nine hospitals in Japan. The data were extracted from their drug ordering systems in the month from March 1 to 31, 2003. We analyzed the data from the viewpoints of sex and age. The frequency of prescriptions for central nervous system drugs and Kampo medicines was higher for women than for men. The same trend was seen for hormones and vitamins. On the other hand, the frequency of prescriptions for cardiovascular drugs for men was higher than that for women. The same trend was found for unclassified metabolic drugs such as arthrifuges. As a result of detailed analysis by age-group, it is suggested that a correlation exists between the age specificity of prescription drugs and gender differences in disease occurrence. This information had not previously been investigated in Japan. Since the results appear useful, we to improve perform more detailed analyses and accumulate evidence to improve drug therapy.