General Health Check-up Research Articles

Association between serum uric acid levels and cardio-ankle vascular index stratified by circulating level of CD34-positive cells among elderly Japanese men: a cross-sectional study

Although serum uric acid (UA) has been reported to be positively associated with increased arterial stiffness as evaluated by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), UA also has an antioxidative effect that prevents endothelial damage. Therefore, the status of endothelial repair induced by endothelial damage might affect the correlation between UA and CAVI. To clarify the correlation between UA and CAVI in relation to endothelial repair activity, we performed a cross-sectional study with 246 Japanese men aged 60–69 years undergoing a general health check-up. The analysis was stratified by the median circulating level of CD34-positive cells because circulating levels of CD34-positive cells could indicate the degree of endothelial repair activity. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, among participants with high circulating levels of CD34-positive cells (0.95 cells/μL ≤), UA was significantly positively correlated with CAVI (standardized parameter estimate β = 0.23, p = 0.009), but not among participants with low circulating levels of CD34-positive cells (< 0.95 cells/μL) (β = 0.07, p = 0.445). Independent of established cardiovascular risk factors, UA levels were significantly positively correlated with increased arterial stiffness only among participants with aggressive endothelial repair as evaluated by circulating levels of CD34-positive cells. These results might help clarify some background mechanisms related to endothelial activity.

Breast Health Perceptions and Screening Behaviors Among Myanmar American Immigrant Women.

To understand and describe attitudes toward general health checkups, breast health knowledge, cultural beliefs, and health-promoting behaviors among Myanmar American immigrant women in the United States. 267 women participated in the study. 10 women were excluded because of missing data, so the total sample size was 257 participants. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used to describe and investigate breast health perceptions and behaviors. Nearly 75% of the study sample reported having negative attitudes toward general health checkups and were found to have less accurate breast health knowledge and more fatalistic views about breast cancer. Only 29% of older women adhered to mammogram recommendations. Younger women reported more barriers to mammograms, and older women reported fewer barriers to mammograms. This study demonstrated the need for additional research focusing on unique perspectives when investigating breast health practices among Myanmar American immigrant women. The findings highlight the essential need to build a strong partnership with stakeholders to combat breast health disparities and address the complex nature of acculturation.

The Importance of Religion for Human Health

Religion and health science have the potential to support each other, for example, people who want to carry out the Hajj pilgrimage (Islam) need the role of medical personnel to carry out general health check-ups so that the Hajj pilgrimage can run well. If you remember the code of ethics that applies in the field of medicine or nursing, to provide health services without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion and customs. This means that medical personnel must not act in discrimination against patients. Religion has a strategic function to be a source of moral strength for both patients in the healing process and health workers. For religious people, they hold the belief that God's treatment is in accordance with human expectations of Him.

Automated Opportunistic Osteoporosis Screening Using Low-Dose Chest CT among Individuals Undergoing Lung Cancer Screening in a Korean Population.

Opportunistic osteoporosis screening using deep learning (DL) analysis of low-dose chest CT (LDCT) scans is a potentially promising approach for the early diagnosis of this condition. We explored bone mineral density (BMD) profiles across all adult ages and prevalence of osteoporosis using LDCT with DL in a Korean population. This retrospective study included 1915 participants from two hospitals who underwent LDCT during general health checkups between 2018 and 2021. Trabecular volumetric BMD of L1-2 was automatically calculated using DL and categorized according to the American College of Radiology quantitative computed tomography diagnostic criteria. BMD decreased with age in both men and women. Women had a higher peak BMD in their twenties, but lower BMD than men after 50. Among adults aged 50 and older, the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 26.3% and 42.0%, respectively. Osteoporosis prevalence was 18.0% in men and 34.9% in women, increasing with age. Compared to previous data obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, the prevalence of osteoporosis, particularly in men, was more than double. The automated opportunistic BMD measurements using LDCT can effectively predict osteoporosis for opportunistic screening and identify high-risk patients. Patients undergoing lung cancer screening may especially profit from this procedure requiring no additional imaging or radiation exposure.

Breast cancer screening in Lebanon: Understanding knowledge, attitudes and barriers

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) has been increasing in both prevalence and incidence in Lebanon. Knowing the positive impact mammographic screening has on reducing mortality rates, we sought to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and barriers towards BC screening amongst Lebanese women across all districts. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with 400 Lebanese women aged 35–75, with no prior or current diagnosis of BC, employing an online questionnaire filled face-to-face with participants to gather sociodemographic data and assess BC history and screening practices. We utilized the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire (BCSBQ) and Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and barriers. ResultsFindings revealed inadequate attitudes towards general health check-ups (77.5 %) and insufficient BC screening knowledge (56.4 %). Furthermore, 38.5 % encountered obstacles to mammography screening. Education significantly affected BC knowledge. Interestingly, increased knowledge of BC reduced barriers to mammographic screening. Participants with healthcare connections or background exhibited better attitudes towards health check-ups and encountered fewer screening obstacles. ConclusionThis is the first study that endeavors to comprehensively investigate Lebanese women's knowledge, attitudes, and barriers concerning BC screening, encompassing all demographics and regions using validated scales (BCSBQ and CHBMS). Our data highlight the crucial role of education in advocating for early BC screening and the necessity to reevaluate national campaigns, particularly in communication methods, to ensure equitable access to screening across Lebanon.

Health status of the Ex-British Nepalese army men who underwent General health check-up in TUTH

Health status of the Ex-British Nepalese army men who underwent General health check-up in TUTH

Case Series of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Detected via Endoscopic Examination in General Health Check-up

Case Series of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Detected via Endoscopic Examination in General Health Check-up

Association between weight loss and cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in Korea: A nationwide cohort study

AimsWhile the benefit of weight loss in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognized, its association with CVD mortality remains controversial. This study investigates the association between weight loss and the incidence of CVD outcomes. MethodsThis was a 7.2-year retrospective cohort study of 1,020,533 adults aged 40–80 years who underwent at least two general health checkups within a 2-year interval in Korea. Weight was measured by trained examiners at certified hospitals. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the association between weight loss and the incidence of CVD outcomes. ResultsWeight loss of more than 3 % was associated with an increased risk of combined CVD events (hazard ratio [HR] for moderate weight loss: 1.24, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–1.28; HR for severe weight loss: 1.45, 95 % CI: 1.33–1.57). Weight loss was significantly associated with an increased risk of both nonfatal CVD events and CVD mortality, but regular exercise mitigated the adverse effects on CVD mortality. ConclusionsWeight loss of more than 3% is associated with an increased risk of a combined CVD events, consistent across most risk factors. However, regular exercise may reduce the adverse effects on CVD mortality, suggesting a potential protective role of physical activity.

Hypovitaminosis D among Adult Patients Visiting for General Health Check-up in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Vitamin D deficiency presents a notable public health concern, with reported prevalence rising in hospital and community settings. It's linked to various chronic health issues and most often remains undiagnosed in developing nations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among adults attending general health check-ups at a tertiary care hospital. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients visiting for general health checkups in a tertiary care centre. The patients' data from 16 April 2023 to 24 November 2023 was retrieved from the hospital record. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by using the chemiluminescence micro particles immunoassay technique and classified as deficient, insufficient, and sufficient with values <20 ng/ml, 20-29 ng/ml, and 30-100 ng/ml, respectively. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Out of 357 adult patients, 291 (81.51%; 95% CI: 77.49%-85.54%) Confidence Interval) had hypovitaminosis D. Among them 124 (42.61%) were categorised as vitamin D insufficient and 167 (57.39%) as deficient. The mean age of patients was 43.25±12.99 years, with 205 (70.45%) female and 86 (29.55%) male. A total of 169 (58.08%) individuals were classified as obese. Dyslipidemia was observed in 249 (85.57%) patients, with 94 (32.30%) exhibiting hypercholesterolemia. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was higher than other studies done in similar settings. This higher prevalence necessitates public awareness of vitamin D's importance, urging proactive screening and management by physicians and implementation of cost-effective guidelines by policymakers.

Regular dental check-up status and related factors among Thai residents in Japan.

The objectives of this online study were to determine the status of regular dental check-ups among Thai nationals living in Japan and to identify barriers to regular dental check-ups by comparing them with general health check-ups. We conducted the online survey twice, in 2021 and 2022, among Thai nationals aged 18years and older living in Japan via social networking services by an organization that supports Thai nationals living in Japan. Respondents between the ages of 30 and 59 were included in this study. Independent factors included gender, age, length of stay in Japan, family economic status, confidence in Japanese and stay for work purposes. Dependent factors were regular dental check-ups and general health check-ups in the past year. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used for analysis. 56.6% of respondents had regular dental check-ups. The adjusted odds ratio for the proportion of people with regular dental check-ups was significantly higher for those with high economic status, 2.15 (1.06-4.33), compared with those with low economic status. It was also significantly higher 1.88 (1.10-3.21) for those with confidence in the Japanese language compared with those without. The study suggested the need for Japanese language support in addition to financial support for dental health prevention programs for foreigners living in Japan.

Data Resource Profile: The Cancer Public Library Database in South Korea.

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the Cancer Public Library Database (CPLD), established under the Korean Clinical Data Utilization for Research Excellence project (K-CURE). The CPLD links data from four major population-based public sources: the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database in the Korea Central Cancer Registry, cause-of-death data in Statistics Korea, the National Health Information Database in the National Health Insurance Service, and the National Health Insurance Research Database in the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service. These databases are linked using an encrypted resident registration number. The CPLD, established in 2022 and updated annually, comprises 1,983,499 men and women newly diagnosed with cancer between 2012 and 2019. It contains data on cancer registration and death, demographics, medical claims, general health checkups, and national cancer screening. The most common cancers among men in the CPLD were stomach (16.1%), lung (14.0%), colorectal (13.3%), prostate (9.6%), and liver (9.3%) cancers. The most common cancers among women were thyroid (20.4%), breast (16.6%), colorectal (9.0%), stomach (7.8%), and lung (6.2%) cancers. Among them, 571,285 died between 2012 and 2020 owing to cancer (89.2%) or other causes (10.8%). Upon approval, the CPLD is accessible to researchers through the K-CURE portal. The CPLD is a unique resource for diverse cancer research to investigate medical use before a cancer diagnosis, during initial diagnosis and treatment, and long-term follow-up. This offers expanded insight into healthcare delivery across the cancer continuum, from screening to end-of-life care.

The status of national and global hepatitisC elimination

In 2016, the World Health Organization propagated the elimination of hepatitisC virus (HCV) by 2030 in order to address the public health threat posed by viral hepatitis. This article looks at the progress that has been made globally and in Germany since 2016. Aselective literature search was conducted, with particular focus on studies and reviews relating to the elimination of hepatitisC infection both globally and in Germany. In 2020, 56.8 million HCV infections were counted worldwide, which corresponds to a decline of 6.8 million since 2015. Countries that made asignificant contribution to the elimination figures during this period included Egypt, Georgia, and Iceland, which were able to drastically reduce the number of HCV infections by means of national commitment in politics and healthcare. With regard to the status of elimination in Germany, the inclusion of screening for viral hepatitis in the general health check-up ("Check-up35") in 2022/2023 has led to asignificant increase in HCV case numbers. Globally and in Germany, men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, migrants, and prison inmates are particularly vulnerable groups with regard to HCV infection. In order to sustainably eliminate HCV, it is necessary to optimize education and prevention strategies in risk groups. With regard to the subgroup of prison inmates, political measures must be used to create a standardized approach in prison medicine. At a global level, elimination in low- and middle-income countries needs to be promoted in the future.

Interesting case report on Chiari network

The Chiari network is a congenital remnant that is typically found in the right atrium and is generally not associated with significant pathophysiological implications. Usually, this is detected on general routine health checkup screening or casual examination. But, occasionally in certain cases, it is possible for this condition to results in diagnostic ambiguity when assessing right atrial disorders. Additionally, it has potential to contribute to the development of thromboembolism by inducing flow blockage. The Chiari network can be accurately diagnosed by echocardiography. This network appear as a highly mobile, highly reflectant echo target at many regions in the right atrium during transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. In this study, we provide a case involving an 18 year old male students studying cardiac technology who was diagnosed incidentally during echocardiography practical classes with Chiari network, mild TR and mild PR. The value and precision of echocardiography are becoming more widely recognized and being used more frequently. The potential for finding normal anatomical variations and their potential incorrect interpretation as pathological states coincides with the wider implementation of this imaging method.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a Possible Predictor of Decline in Kidney Function in Older People.

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is associated with morbidity and mortality in older individuals. Our study explored the relationship between GNRI, decline in kidney function, and all-cause mortality in older individuals. This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from participants aged ≥60 years who underwent a general health checkup between 2002 and 2018. The primary exposure was the GNRI, divided into quartiles. The primary and secondary outcomes were a decline in kidney function assessed using the 5-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality, respectively. The analysis included a total of 1,599 participants (median age, 63 years; interquartile range [IQR], 61-67; 54% males). The mean±standard deviation of GNRI was 114±7. Compared with the highest GNRI quartile, the lower GNRI quartiles were associated with steeper 5-year slopes in eGFR, with a fully adjusted beta coefficient and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of -0.50 (-0.86, -0.14), -0.29 (-0.63, 0.05), and -0.19 (-0.53, 0.14) for the first, second, and third GNRI quartiles, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 7.4 years (IQR, 4.6-12.4). During this period, we identified 108 deaths (7.8 per 1,000 person-years). The first GNRI quartile was associated with all-cause mortality compared to the highest GNRI quartile (hazard ratio of 2.20; 95% CI 1.23, 3.95). Nutritional status, as evaluated using the GNRI, was associated with 5-year changes in kidney function and all-cause mortality in older individuals.

Assessing Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Symptoms among Outpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Hospital in Vietnam

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent cancer globally, including in Vietnam where its incidence is rapidly increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of signs, symptoms, and risk factors of colorectal cancer among outpatients at Hoa Hao Medic Company Limited, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a total of 441 people who visited Hoa Hao Medic Company Limited for a general health check-up and voluntarily agreed to participate in this study were recruited through the convenience sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face structured interviews using the Bowel CAM questionnaire. According to the results, the highest percentage of well-recalled warning signs were “change in bowel habit” (36.7%) followed by abdominal pain (35.4%). Other warning signs such as weight loss and rectal bleeding were reported by 19.0% and 18.1% of participants, respectively. Over 42% of participants stated that they were unaware of any signs or symptoms. The most commonly identified risk factors for CRC were pollution (66.9%), genetics (50.6%), and an unhealthy/poor diet (53.7%) for unprompted questions. The overall awareness score of participants was 3.46/9 (SD ± 2.91) for signs and symptoms of CRC and 5.90/10 (SD ± 1.62) for risk factors. Univariate linear regression identified education level and occupation as predictors of higher CRC awareness. In conclusion, this study highlights that overall awareness of CRC is low among outpatients at Hoa Hao Medic Company Limited. Strategies to increase awareness, knowledge, and education programs are necessary to promote early detection of CRC and reduce its burden in Vietnam.

Temporal Trend in Uptake of the National General Health Checkups and Cancer Screening Program among Korean Women with Breast Cancer.

This study assessed the temporal trends of uptake of national general health and cancer screening among women with breast cancer in Korea between 2009 and 2016. We retrospectively analyzed the claims data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Participants included 101,403 breast cancer patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2016. Information on participation in national screening programs, including breast cancer screening, general health, and gastric, colorectal, and cervical cancers, up to 2020 was collected. Screening participation rates within the first 2 and 5 years postdiagnosis were calculated by diagnosis year and fitted with joinpoint regression models to assess temporal trends. Overall, the participation rate in breast cancer screening within 2 years postdiagnosis increased from 10.9% to 14.0% from 2009-2016, with an annual percentage change (APC) of 3.7% (p < 0.05). The participation rate in breast cancer screening was lower than that in general health checkup and screening for other cancers within 2 and 5 years postdiagnosis. A steady increase in screening trends was also observed for general health, gastric, colorectal, and cervical cancers, with APC of 5.3%, 5.7%, 6.9%, and 7.6% in the 2-year postdiagnosis rate, and APC of 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.7%, and 4.4% in 5-year postdiagnosis rate, respectively. The screening rate was highest among age groups 50-59 and 60-69 in 2009 and significant upward trends were observed in all age groups for general health checkup and gastric, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening. Among female breast cancer survivors in Korea, the uptake rate of screenings for general health and various cancers, including breast, gastric, colorectal, and cervical cancers, has shown a gradual increase in recent years.

Association of serum uric acid levels with blood pressure and the incidence of hypertension in the middle-aged and elderly populations.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and hypertension in the middle-aged and elderly populations. The cross-sectional analysis included 13 349 middle-aged and elderly general health checkup examinees without cardiovascular disease. The retrospective cohort analysis included 6659 normotensive participants (mean age: 64.6 years). Participants were divided into three groups based on their SBP/DBP levels: normal (<120/<80 mmHg), high normal (120-129/<80 mmHg), and elevated (130-139/80-89 mmHg), and were classified into three groups based on the results of 75 g oral glucose tolerance test: normoglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes. SUA levels were significantly associated with SBP and DBP in this cross-sectional study. Over a mean 6.5-year follow-up period, 2038 participants developed hypertension. According to the SUA quartiles, the incidence of hypertension increased [26.1% in quartile (Q1) (≤4.1 mg/dl), 28.6% in Q2 (4.2-4.9 mg/dl), 32.6% in Q3 (5.0-5.8 mg/dl), 34.9% in Q4 (≥5.9 mg/dl); P for trend <0.001]. In multivariable analyses, SUA levels were positively associated with hypertension incidence only in the normal BP group [Q4 vs. Q1 odds ratio (OR): 1.64, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.11-2.44; Q3 vs. Q1 OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.19-2.42] and in the normoglycemic group (Q4 vs. Q1 OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.02-1.76; Q3 vs. Q1 OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.07-1.74). In the middle-aged and elderly populations, normotensive or normoglycemic individuals with SUA levels at least 5 mg/dl may be potential targets for SUA management to prevent hypertension.

Association between serum albumin levels and height loss in Japanese workers: a retrospective study

BackgroundHeight loss starting in middle age was previously shown to be associated with high cardiovascular mortality in later life. However, the factors associated with height loss remain unknown. Since low serum albumin levels are reported to be associated with high mortality caused by cardiovascular disease, they may also contribute to height loss.MethodsTo clarify the association between serum albumin and height loss, we conducted a retrospective study of 7637 Japanese workers who participated in general health check-ups from 2008 to 2019. Height loss was defined as the highest quartile of height loss per year.ResultsIndividual with high serum concentration of albumin possess beneficial influence on preventing incidence of height loss. In both men and women, serum albumin level was significantly inversely associated with height loss. After adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors, the adjusted odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for height loss per 1 standard deviation of albumin (0.2 g/dL for both men and women) were 0.92 (0.86, 0.98) in men and 0.86 (0.79, 0.95) in women. Even when the analysis was limited to participants without hypoalbuminemia, essentially same association was observed, with fully adjusted corresponding ORs (95%CI) of 0.92 (0.86, 0.98) in men and 0.86 (0.78, 0.94) in women.ConclusionIndependent of known cardiovascular risk factors, higher serum albumin levels may prevent height loss among Japanese workers. While several different diseases cause hypoalbuminemia, they may not be the main reasons for the association between serum albumin and height loss. Though further research is necessary, this finding may help clarify the mechanisms underlying the association between height loss and higher mortality in later life.

Chromophobe: A rare histological variant of renal cell carcinoma

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an adenocarcima of the kidney. It is a highly heterogeneous disease with sixteen known subtypes out of which five predominate. The most common subtype is clear cell RCC which accounts for 75-85%. The chromophobe subtype of RCC is rarely seen. It is reported to constitute 4-5% of RCC subtype. This study was aimed at reporting the first case of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma in our community a rare histological subtype of RCC which was discovered incidentally. Our objective was to describe the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of a case of chromophobe RCC.&#x0D; Case report: We present a 60-year-old man who was seen at the surgical outpatient department of our center with a request for general health check-up. He had basic laboratory and imaging investigations. These were essentially normal except for an incidental finding of a left renal mass on abdominopelvic sonogram. Computed tomography urography showed a suspected clinically localized malignant left renal mass. Histological and immunohistochemistry are consistent with a chromophobe RCC. His clinic follow-up remains unremarkable.&#x0D; Conclusion: We reported the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of a rare case of chromophobe RCC. This was discovered incidentally following general health check. He had open radical nephrectomy and clinic follow-up 1 year after discharge has been uneventful.

German mammography screening program: adherence, characteristics of (non-)participants and utilization of non-screening mammography—a longitudinal analysis

BackgroundIn Germany, all women aged 50–69 have been invited to biennial mammography screening since 2009. We aimed to assess longitudinal adherence over ten years in women aged 50 in 2009 and characterize the different adherence groups.MethodsUsing the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD, ~ 20% of the German population), we included women aged 50 in 2009 (baseline) with continuous health insurance coverage and without breast cancer or in-situ-carcinoma. We followed them until age 59 and categorized them according to mammography screening participation into the following groups: never, 1–2, 3–4, 5–6 times. We characterized these groups, inter alia, regarding the use of other preventive measures, non-screening mammography (i.e., mammography outside the organized screening program) and menopausal hormone therapy.ResultsOverall, 82,666 women were included. Of these, 27.6% never participated in the screening program, 15.1% participated 1–2 times, 31.7% participated 3–4 times and 25.6% participated regularly (5–6 times). Among regular participants, 91% utilized other preventive measures (e.g., cervical cancer screening, general health checkup) before baseline as compared to 66% among non-participants. Menopausal hormone therapy was least common among non-participants (11% vs. 18% among regular participants). Among non-participants, the proportions using ≥ 1, ≥ 2, and ≥ 3 non-screening mammographies between age 50–59 were 25%, 18%, and 15%, respectively.ConclusionsUsing a large cohort based on claims data, this study provides novel insights into longitudinal adherence to the mammography screening program and the use of mammography outside of the program in Germany. Between age 50–59, 57% of eligible women participated at least three times in the German mammography screening program and 28% (~ 3 in 10 women) never participated. Among non-participants, 15% had at least three non-screening mammographies during this period, indicating potential gray screening. Participants more often utilized other preventive measures as compared to non-participants.