Hospital-based Case-control Study Research Articles

The role of CRHR1 and FKBP5 genes in juvenile delinquency among children aged between 12 and 18 years: a case–control study

ABSTRACT Juvenile delinquency, where young people engage in criminal behavior, is a serious concern for society due to high arrest rates among minors. Delinquent behavior is a serious concern due to its devastating effect on the well-being of society. The relationship between genetics and violent behavior is complex and not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the correlation between specific genetic traits, particularly CRHR1 and FKBP5 genes, and sociodemographic characteristics in the context of their age, gender, socioeconomic status, and crime history of delinquent behavior in adolescents. The study was designed as a single-center hospital-based case–control study involving 45 adolescents for each study group: control and those showing delinquent behavior, case group. Findings revealed an abnormal CRHR1 expression in male teenagers is a strong indicator and presents the risk for violent and delinquent behavior. Understanding specific genetic markers, like abnormal CRHR1 expression, helps target assessments and interventions. Additionally, recognizing sociodemographic factors associated with delinquency allows for a more comprehensive approach, considering the various influences on adolescent behavior. This study provides important insights to address and reduce the complex issue of juvenile delinquency.

A proteome-wide analysis unveils a core Epstein-Barr virus antibody signature of classic Hodgkin lymphoma across ethnically diverse populations.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus associated with various malignancies, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Despite its known association, the specific role of humoral immune response to EBV remains poorly characterized in cHL. To address this, we conducted a study using a custom protein microarray to measure the antibody responses in cHL patients and matched healthy controls recruited from an East-Asian hospital-based case-control study. We identified 16 IgG antibodies significantly elevated in EBV-positive cHL compared with controls, defining an "East-Asian antibody signature of EBV-positive cHL." We evaluated responses against these 16 antibodies in a distinct European population, leveraging data from our previous European cHL case-control study from the UK, Denmark, and Sweden. A subset of antibodies (14/16, 87.5%) from the "East-Asian antibody signature of EBV-positive cHL" exhibited significant associations with cHL in the European population. Conversely, we assessed the "European antibody signature of EBV-positive cHL" identified in our prior study which consisted of 18 EBV antibodies (2 IgA, 16 IgG), in the East-Asian population. A subset of these antibodies (15/18, 83.3%) maintained significant associations with cHL in the East-Asian population. This cross-comparison of antibody signatures underscores the robust generalizability of EBV antibodies across populations. Five anti-EBV IgG antibodies (LMP-1, TK, BALF2, BDLF3, and BBLF1), found in both population-specific antibody signatures, represent a "core signature of EBV-positive cHL." Our findings suggest that the antibody responses targeting these core EBV proteins reflect a specific EBV gene expression pattern, serving as potential biomarkers for EBV-positive cHL independent of population-specific factors.

Association of body composition indicators with colorectal cancer: a hospital-based case-control study

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy that affects adults worldwide, causing a high disease burden. Few studies have examined the relationship between body composition (BC) measures and the prevalence of CRC. Our purpose was to investigate the relationship between pertinent BC indicators and CRC.MethodsBioelectrical impedance analysis, laboratory test results, face-to-face questionnaire investigation, and nutritional risk assessment (Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment) were used in this case-control study. Bioelectrical impedance analysis in the case group was performed prior to antitumor therapy/surgery.ResultsFrom June 2018 to January 2019, a total of 303 cases and 286 controls were included. The results showed that low body fat percentage (BFP) and high visceral adiposity index (VAI) groups had a higher risk of developing CRC in comparison to the normal BFP and normal VAI groups. The risk of CRC decreased with the increase of BFP. The group with a normal BC had a lower risk of developing CRC compared to those with a greater VAI and a lower BFP, as indicated by the results of the pairwise and total combinations of VAI, fat-free mass index (FFMI), and BFP. Additionally, FFMI and VAI had positive correlations with prealbumin, serum albumin, and nutritional risk scores.ConclusionLow BFP and high VAI are associated with higher CRC risk. FFMI and VAI are positively correlated with prealbumin, serum albumin, and nutritional risk scores in CRC patients.

Association of body composition indicators with colorectal cancer: a hospital-based case-control study

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy that affects adults worldwide, causing a high disease burden. Few studies have examined the relationship between body composition (BC) measures and the prevalence of CRC. Our purpose was to investigate the relationship between pertinent BC indicators and CRC.MethodsBioelectrical impedance analysis, laboratory test results, face-to-face questionnaire investigation, and nutritional risk assessment (Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment) were used in this case-control study. Bioelectrical impedance analysis in the case group was performed prior to antitumor therapy/surgery.ResultsFrom June 2018 to January 2019, a total of 303 cases and 286 controls were included. The results showed that low body fat percentage (BFP) and high visceral adiposity index (VAI) groups had a higher risk of developing CRC in comparison to the normal BFP and normal VAI groups. The risk of CRC decreased with the increase of BFP. The group with a normal BC had a lower risk of developing CRC compared to those with a greater VAI and a lower BFP, as indicated by the results of the pairwise and total combinations of VAI, fat-free mass index (FFMI), and BFP. Additionally, FFMI and VAI had positive correlations with prealbumin, serum albumin, and nutritional risk scores.ConclusionLow BFP and high VAI are associated with higher CRC risk. FFMI and VAI are positively correlated with prealbumin, serum albumin, and nutritional risk scores in CRC patients.

Association of pre-pregnancy anthropometric factors and mediterranean diet score with hyperemesis gravidarum: Results from a hospital-based case-control study

BackgroundHyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the most widespread reason for admission to the hospital during the first half of pregnancy. HG etiology is not clear in many cases. However, maternal body composition and pre-pregnancy diet are suggested as possible factors. This hospital-based case-control study aims to determine the link between the Mediterranean diet score (MDS) and pre-pregnancy anthropometric indicators with Hyperemesis gravidarum. MethodsA total of 45 women with incident HG and 126 controls were entered into this case-control study between April 2020 and June 2021. A repeatable and accurate 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to define the MDS. The association between MDS and HG odds was examined through adjustment by possible confounders by the estimation of multivariate regression models. ResultsThe median (interquartile range) pre-pregnancy body mass index of participants was 22.7 (21.7-25.9) and 22.9 (21.4-25) Kg/m2 in cases and controls, respectively (P=0.284). The adjusted analyses found that the MDS was associated with a 25% reduced odds of HG (odds ratio (OR): 0.75, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.24-0.91). Body mass index and waist circumference before pregnancy were not significantly associated with HG odds in both regression models. ConclusionsThe odds of HG during pregnancy are lower in women with a higher MDS before pregnancy. Also, a high intake of fruits and nuts, vegetables, legumes, and fish before pregnancy is liked with a lower HG odds.

Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Genotypes to Endometriosis Risk in Taiwan.

The activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7) have been found to be upregulated in the late stages of endometriosis. However, the contribution of MMP7 genotype to endometriosis has seldom been examined. This study aimed to investigate the role of MMP7 promoter A-181G (rs11568818) and C-153T (rs11568819) genotypes in determining personal susceptibility to endometriosis in a Taiwanese cohort. In this hospital-based case-control study, MMP7 genotypes were analyzed in 153 endometriosis and 636 individuals without endometriosis using typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. The statistical analysis revealed that MMP7 rs11568818 genotypes were differentially distributed between the endometriosis and control groups (p for trend=0.0048). Specifically, the MMP7 rs11568818 homozygous variant GG was associated with endometriosis risk compared to the wild-type AA genotype (OR=4.59, 95% CI=1.46-14.48, p=0.0136). However, the MMP7 rs11568818 heterozygous variant AG was not associated with endometriosis risk (OR=1.57, 95% CI=0.97-2.53, p=0.0854). The frequency of than variant allele G of MMP7 rs11568818 was 12.7% in the endometriosis group, significantly higher than the 7.2% observed in the control group (OR=1.90, 95% CI=1.27-2.82, p=0.0021). MMP7 rs11568818 GG genotype was found to be a novel marker for endometriosis risk in Taiwanese.

Serum Total Bilirubin and Oxidative Stress Status in Diabetic Retinopathy – A Hospital-Based Observational Study

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the common microvascular complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). As an antioxidant, the serum total bilirubin is associated with vaso-occlusive disorders. Oxidative stress parameters such as Erythrocyte Glutathione (GSH) as an antioxidant and Malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidant are critical in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. This study aimed to explore the possibilities of the endogenous protective role of serum total bilirubin on the retinal vasculature in DR patients by estimating and correlating the levels of serum total bilirubin, GSH, and MDA in DR cases. In this hospital-based case-control study, 288 participants were selected from R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar, divided into three groups with 96 subjects per group. Group I: Controls, Group II: T2DM, and Group III: DR subjects. The fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, liver function test, and lipid profiles were estimated by standard methods. Oxidative stress parameters viz, GSH and MDA were assayed by chromogen 5,5'- di thiobis 2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) methods, respectively. The prevalence of DR was significantly lower among subjects with the highest bilirubin quartile than those with the lowest. There was a significant mean difference with p<0.001 between the groups for total bilirubin, FBS, HbA1c, GGT, TC, TG, LDL, GSH, and MDA. A Negative correlation of serum total bilirubin with FBS (r = - 0.375), HbA1c (r = -0.351), and MDA(r=-0.323), and a positive correlation with GSH (r = 0.335) was observed in DR group with a significant p-value. T2DM subjects with higher levels of bilirubin within biological reference intervals were less likely to develop retinopathy. The severity of DR was inversely proportional to the total bilirubin levels. Therefore, serum total bilirubin levels could be a biomarker to predict the risk of developing retinopathy in people with T2DM.

Feeding modes and persistent diarrhea: A comparative case–control study in infants in Hodeida, Yemen

Objectives: Diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among infants globally. Infant feeding practices influence diarrhea risk, but its relationship requires further investigation, especially in Yemen. This study aims to identify associations between feeding modes (breastfeeding, mixed feeding, formula, and goat milk) and persistent diarrhea in Yemeni infants. Material and Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted from January to June 2020 in Hodeidah, Yemen. The cases were 240 infants aged 2–24 months with persistent diarrhea. Controls were 120 age-matched healthy infants. Caregiver interviews collected data on feeding practices. Odds ratios (OR) estimate relationships between exposures and persistent diarrhea. Results: We observed a protective effect of breastfeeding against persistent diarrhea, with breastfed infants having a significantly lower risk of developing persistent diarrhea compared to non-breastfed infants (OR: 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27–0.68, P = 0.037). In addition, we found a significant association between goat milk consumption and persistent diarrhea, with infants who consumed goat milk having a higher risk of persistent diarrhea (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 1.15–19.01, P = 0.009). While mixed feeding showed a potential increased risk of persistent diarrhea compared to exclusive breastfeeding, the wide CI indicated that this association was not statistically significant and required further research (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.09–3.18). In contrast, the association between formula feeding and persistent diarrhea was inconclusive and not statistically significant (P = 0.938; OR: 0.867, 95% CI: 0.353–2.128), suggesting no significant relationship. These results highlight the protective effect of breastfeeding and the potential risks of goat milk consumption, while relationships between mixed/formula feeding and persistent diarrhea require more evidence. Conclusion: Certain feeding practices increase the risk of persistent diarrhoea in Yemeni infants. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding guidance alongside tailored behavior change strategies, especially in rural communities can help address these modifiable risk factors.

Arsenic modifies the effect of folic acid in spina bifida prevention, a large hospital-based case-control study in Bangladesh

BackgroundSpina bifida, a developmental malformation of the spinal cord, is associated with high rates of mortality and disability. Although folic acid-based preventive strategies have been successful in reducing rates of spina bifida, some areas continue to be at higher risk because of chemical exposures. Bangladesh has high arsenic exposures through contaminated drinking water and high rates of spina bifida. This study examines the relationships between mother’s arsenic exposure, folic acid, and spina bifida risk in Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a hospital-based case-control study at the National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital (NINS&H) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between December 2016 and December 2022. Cases were infants under age one year with spina bifida and further classified by a neurosurgeon and imaging. Controls were drawn from children seen at NINS&H and nearby Dhaka Shishu Hospital. Mothers reported folic acid use during pregnancy, and we assessed folate status with serum assays. Arsenic exposure was estimated in drinking water using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GF-AAS) and in toenails using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We used logistic regression to examine the associations between arsenic and spina bifida. We used stratified models to examine the associations between folic acid and spina bifida at different levels of arsenic exposure.ResultsWe evaluated data from 294 cases of spina bifida and 163 controls. We did not find a main effect of mother’s arsenic exposure on spina bifida risk. However, in stratified analyses, folic acid use was associated with lower odds of spina bifida (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25-1.00, p = 0.05) among women with toenail arsenic concentrations below the median value of 0.46 µg/g, and no association was seen among mothers with toenail arsenic concentrations higher than 0.46 µg/g (adjusted OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.52–2.29, p = 0.82).ConclusionsMother’s arsenic exposure modified the protective association of folic acid with spina bifida. Increased surveillance and additional preventive strategies, such as folic acid fortification and reduction of arsenic, are needed in areas of high arsenic exposure.

Association of serum ferritin with chronic diffuse alopecia in female patient

Background: Diffuse alopecia is a psycho-social stressor on human life. As iron is involved in crucial physiological processes within the hair follicle, iron deficiency is suspected to disrupt hair growth. Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) are the most common causes of chronic diffuse alopecia in females. In both conditions, low iron store have been considered as a possible contributing factor. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based case control study, conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) to evaluate the association of serum ferritin with chronic diffuse alopecia in female patient. Results: The mean age of the females with chronic diffuse hair loss was 26.83±7.78 year and 92.9% females had serum ferritin level <30 ng/ml. The mean serum ferritin level in females with chronic diffuse hair loss, CTE and FPHL were 16.3±11.61 ng/ml,12.35±7.15 ng/ml and 20.25±16.07 ng/ml respectively, which were lower than control 54.37±26.07 ng/ml. A highly significant (p<0.001) difference found in the mean serum ferritin level between the groups. In females with CTE, 42.5% had serum ferritin level < 12ng/ml (iron deficient) and 37.5% had 12-20 ng/ml (iron depletion). In females with FPHL, 23.3% and 30% patients had serum ferritin level <12 ng/ml and 12-20ng/ml respectively. Conclusion: This study found the level of serum ferritin were significantly low in females with chronic diffuse hair loss both in chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL), indicating there is a definite association of decreased iron store and diffuse hair loss.

Examining the relationship between land use and childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Tehran

We conducted a hospital-based case–control study to explore the association between proximity to various land use types and childhood leukemia and lymphoma. This research involved 428 cases of childhood leukemia and lymphoma (2016–2021), along with a control group of 428 children aged 1–15 in Tehran. We analyzed the risk of childhood cancer associated with land use by employing logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors such as parental smoking and family history. The odds ratio (OR) for children with leukemia and lymphoma residing within 100 m of the nearest highway was 1.87 (95% CI = 1.00–3.49) and 1.71 (95% CI = 1.00–2.93), respectively, in comparison to those living at a distance of 1000 m or more from a highway. The OR for leukemia with exposure to petrol stations within 100 m was 2.15 (95% CI = 1.00–4.63), and for lymphoma it was 1.09 (95% CI = 0.47–2.50). A significant association was observed near power lines (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 0.97–9.55) within < 100 m for leukemia. However, no significant association was observed between power lines and the incidence of childhood lymphoma. There was no association between bus stations, major road class 2, and the incidence of childhood leukemia and lymphoma. In conclusion, our results suggest a possible association between the incidence of childhood leukemia and proximity to different urban land uses (i.e., highways and petrol stations). This study is the first step in understanding how urban land use affects childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Tehran. However, comprehensive studies considering individual-level data and specific pollutants are essential for a more nuanced understanding of these associations.

Exploring Serum Vitamin D, Sex Hormones, and Lipid Profile Disparities in Women With and Without Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by dyslipidemia, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic dysfunctions.Vitamin D deficiency may be implicated in the pathogenesis of PCOS, potentially exacerbating its metabolic syndrome. However, the exact interplay between these factors remains underexplored. Aim This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of vitamin D and its association with modalities of PCOS among women with PCOS and healthy controls. Methods This was a hospital-based case-control study where 60 women newly diagnosed with PCOS and 56 non-PCOS controls were consecutively recruited within a 10-month period. The women aged 20-40 were recruited at the gynecology clinics of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. PCOS was diagnosed using the Rotterdam's criteria. The biodata, anthropometry, clinical features, serum vitamin D, cortisol, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels of PCOS-diagnosed women were assessed and compared with those of women without PCOS. The exclusion criteria comprised known diabetics, women with gynecological pathologies such as fibroids, and womenon medications affecting the study analytes or hormones. Statistical analyses included chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables, student t-test for continuous variables, and Pearson's correlation for assessing relationships between continuous variables. The significance level was set at p<0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Results Individuals with PCOS exhibited a younger mean age (26.90±3.73 versus 29.95±5.00 years, p=0.001) and a higher prevalence of irregular menstrual patterns (46.7% versus 14.3%, p=0.0001) and acne (58.3% versus 37.5%, p=0.025). Moreover, PCOS was associated with elevated levels of TC (p = 0.03), TG (p = 0.03), LDL-C (p = 0.014), FBG (p = 0.001), LH:FSH ratio (p = 0.002), AMH (p = 0.0001), and testosterone (p = 0.003), but low progesterone (p = 0.001) and vitamin D (p = 0.033), alongside a higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency (33.3% versus 26.1%) and insufficiency (66.7% versus 56.5%). Additionally, significant but weak correlations were observed between serum vitamin D levels and waist-hip ratio (r = 0.4, p = 0.016) and FBG (r = -0.4, p = 0.036) in the PCOS group, suggesting potential metabolic implications. Conclusion The PCOS subjects in this study had decreased vitamin D and progesterone levels, with elevated concentrations of testosterone, AMH, lipid profile (TC, LDL, and TG), FBG, and LH:FSHratio. Studies on the therapeutic effect of vitamin D administration in managing PCOS will need to be further evaluated.

Dietary mercury intake, the IL23R rs10889677 polymorphism, and the risk of gastric cancer: a hospital-based case-control study.

Mercury can stimulate immune responses through T helper 17 (Th17). The gene IL23R is a key factor in Th17 function, which may also contribute to digestive tract diseases. The aim of this study was to observe the associations between dietary mercury and gastric cancer (GC) and to investigate whether the IL23R rs10889677 polymorphism modifies those associations. This case-control study included 377 patients with GC and 756 healthy controls. Dietary mercury intake (total mercury and methylmercury) was assessed using a dietary heavy metal database incorporated into the food frequency questionnaire. IL23R genetic polymorphism rs10889677 (A>C) was genotyped. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression models with adjustments for potential confounders. A higher dietary methylmercury intake was associated with an elevated risk of GC (OR for the highest versus lowest tertile [T3 vs. T1]=2.02; 95% CI, 1.41-2.91; p for trend <0.001). The IL23R rs10889677 reduced the risk of GC in individuals who carried at least 1 minor allele (OR=0.62; 95% CI, 0.46-0.83; p=0.001; AC/CC vs. AA). Individuals with a C allele exhibited a lower susceptibility to GC through methylmercury intake than those with the AA genotype (OR for the T3 of methylmercury and AA carriers=2.93; 95% CI, 1.77-4.87; and OR for the T3 of methylmercury and AC/CC genotype=1.30; 95% CI, 0.76-2.21; p-interaction=0.013). Our findings suggest that a genetic polymorphism, rs10889677 in IL23R, plays a role in modifying the association between dietary methylmercury intake and the risk of GC.

Tuberculosis is Associated with Chronic Hypoxemia among Kenyan Adults (CHAKA): A Case-Control Study.

Data on risk factors for chronic hypoxemia in low and middle-income countries are lacking. We aimed to quantify the association between potential risk factors and chronic hypoxemia among adults hospitalized in Kenya. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Adult inpatients were screened on admission and enrolled in a 1:2 case to control ratio. Cases were patients with chronic hypoxemia, defined as a resting oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 88% on admission and either a one-month post discharge SpO2 < 88% or, if they died prior to follow-up, a documented SpO2 < 88% in the 6 months prior to enrollment. Controls were randomly selected, stratified by sex, among non-hypoxemic inpatients. Data were collected via questionnaires and structured chart review. Regression was used to assess the association between chronic hypoxemia and age, sex, smoking status, biomass fuel use, elevation, and self-reported history of tuberculosis and HIV diagnosis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. The study enrolled 108 chronically hypoxemic cases and 240 non-hypoxemic controls. In multivariable analysis, as compared to controls, chronically hypoxemic cases had significantly higher odds of older age (OR 1.2 per 5-year increase; 95% CI: 1.1-1.3), female sex (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.8-7.2), current or former tobacco use (OR 4.7, 95% CI: 2.3-9.6) and prior tuberculosis (OR 11.8, 95% CI: 4.7-29.6), but no increase in odds of HIV diagnosis and biomass fuel use. These findings highlight the potential impact of prior tuberculosis on chronic lung disease in Kenya and the need for further studies on post-tuberculosis lung disease.

Association between migraine and pre-eclampsia among pregnant women: a single hospital-based case–control study in India

BackgroundPre-eclampsia and migraine share some similar aspects of pathophysiology such as vascular function, platelet activation, and enhanced clotting. A few observational studies from different demographics showed that pregnant women with a history of migraine were at higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia. However, there is no such evidence available from the Indian context. Hence, a hospital-based case–control study was conducted among Indian women to determine the association between migraine and pre-eclampsia.MethodIt was a single-centre case-control study in a tertiary care hospital in India. Cases were pregnant women with clinically diagnosed pre-eclampsia, and controls were normotensive pregnant women. Migraine was diagnosed with a questionnaire adapted from the “International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), 3rd Edition” by the International Headache Society, (IHS). We performed logistic regression to explore the association between migraine and pre-eclampsia.ResultOne hundred sixty-four women (82 women per group) were enrolled. The mean age among the cases (24.5 years, standard deviation of 2.4 years) was slightly higher than the mean age of the controls (23.5 years, standard deviation of 2.5 years) with a p-value of 0.006. We found that women with a history of migraine were more likely to develop pre-eclampsia (Adjusted Odds Ratio 6.17; p-value < 0.001, 95% Confidence Interval of 2.85 to 13.62).ConclusionThe current findings suggest a significant association between migraine and pre-eclampsia aligning with previous study findings; nevertheless, larger follow-up studies including women from different states in India are needed.

Evaluation of Some Liver Enzymes in HIV/AIDS Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Hepatoxicity is a major complication and side effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Unfortunately, such studies in this area of evaluating the adverse drug reaction of ART on the liver hepatocytes are only few in number in Nigeria.Objective: To determine the levels of some liver enzymes in HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and as well evaluate their impact on liver hepatocytes.Methods: This is a hospital-based case-control study. A total of 153 subjects were recruited in the study, and they were divided into three groups: the control group (which consist of apparently healthy subjects), the study group 1 (consist of HIV positive subject not on ART), and study group 2 (consist of HIV/AIDS patients on ART). The liver enzymes Alanine amino Transferase (ALT), Asparate amino Transfarase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were determined using enzyme linked spectrophotometric assay methods, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.Results: The mean standard deviation (SD) of ALT and AST activity of the study group 1 showed significant differences when compared with that of the control group P&lt;0.001, but the ALP has no significant differences P&gt;0.05. In Study group 2, (HIV/AIDS patients on ART) showed significant differences of P&lt;0.001 in ALT, AST and ALP.Conclusion: Some liver enzymes were elevated in subjects on antiretroviral therapy; this elevation could be due to hepatotoxicity of the (ART) used by the HIV/AIDS patients on the liver hepatocytes.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 08 No. 02 Apr’24 Page: 126-131

Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Characteristics Associated with Maternal Dietary Patterns in Mexico.

There is scarce evidence on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics that may explain adherence to different dietary patterns (DPs) during pregnancy. Our aims were to identify dietary patterns in a sample of pregnant Mexican women and to describe their association with selected sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. This is a secondary cross-sectional analysis of 252 mothers of children that participated as controls in a hospital-based case-control study of childhood leukemia. We obtained parents' information about selected sociodemographic characteristics, as well as alcohol and tobacco consumption. We also obtained dietary information during pregnancy. We identified DPs using cluster and factor analyses and we estimated their association with characteristics of interest. We identified two DPs using cluster analysis, which we called "Prudent" and "Non healthy", as well as three DPs through factor analysis, namely "Prudent", "Processed foods and fish", and "Chicken and vegetables". Characteristics associated with greater adherence to "Prudent" patterns were maternal education, older paternal age, not smoking, and being a government employee and/or uncovered population. Likewise, the "Processed foods and fish" pattern was associated with greater maternal and paternal education, as well as those with less household overcrowding. We did not identify sociodemographic variables related to the "Chicken and Vegetables" pattern. Our results may be useful to identify target populations that may benefit from interventions aimed to improve individual dietary decisions during pregnancy.

Evaluation of increased posterior tibial slope as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury

Individuals who sustain anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury have an increased risk of developing early onset post traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee despite treatment received [1]. An increase in the posterior tibial slope is postulated to increase the risk of ACL rupture [2]. Measurement of the posterior tibial slope in individuals would serve as a means of screening and identifying those at increased risk of developing ACL injuries to take measures towards prevention. The aim was to measure and compare the mean value of the posterior tibial slope in adult patients with or without ACL injury. This was a hospital-based case-control study comprising 80 patients divided into two matched groups. Posterior tibial slope was measured on the plain lateral radiograph of the knee using the proximal tibial anatomic axis measurement protocol in all participants. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the means of the measured posterior tibial lope between cases and controls. The difference in the measured mean posterior tibial slope between the ACL injured group and the non-ACL injured group was found to be statistically significant with those in the ACL injured group having higher mean values (12.71 ± 1.2° vs 10.25 ± 1.1°) with a P value of &lt; 0.001. Individuals with ACL injury have a significantly greater posterior tibial slope than those without ACL injury when measured on the lateral plain radiograph of the knee using the proximal tibial anatomic axis measurement protocol.

Association of Risk Factors with Female Pattern Hair Loss

Introduction: Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is one of the main causes of hair loss in adult women and has a major impact on individual’s quality of life. It evolves from the progressive miniaturization of follicles that lead to a subsequent decrease of the hair density, leading to a non-scarring diffuse alopecia. In spite of the high frequency of the disease and the relevance of its psychological impact, its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, being influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Objective: To evaluate etiological factors associated with female pattern hair loss. Materials &amp; Methods: This was a hospital-based case control study, conducted in the Department of Dermatology &amp; Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from March, 2021 to August, 2022. In this study, total 100 females aged 18 to 45 years were enrolled. Among them, 30 females had history of hair loss &gt;6 months, presented to outpatient department, BSMMU were included as case &amp; 70 healthy females who had no history of hair loss included as control according to inclusion &amp; exclusion criteria. Diagnosis of FPHL was made clinically &amp; Ludwig classifications were used to assess the degree of hair loss. Information on possible risk factors for FPHL was collected using a questionnaire interview. Result: The mean age of the patients with FPHL was 41.0±7.77 years with majority belongs to &gt;40 years of age group &amp; their mean duration of hair loss was 26.3±12.0 months. Among the patients of FPHL, 36.7% had history of inadequate intake of iron containing food, 66.7% had family history of alopecia, 36.7% had history of increased bleeding during their menstruation, 20.0% had multiple (&gt;3) childbirth &amp; 23.3% had hypertension. About 86.7% patients with FPHL had low serum ferritin (&lt;30ng/ml) with mean serum ferritin level was 20.25±16.07ng/ml and 66.7% patients of FPHL had low Hb (&lt;12 µg/l) with mean Hb was 11.47±1.52 µg/l. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis significant association found with FPHL were age (OR 2.013, 95% CI 0.672-3.714), family history of alopecia (OR1.231, 95% CI 0.162-1.991) and lower serum ferritin level (OR1.090, 95% CI 1.043-1.139). Conclusion: Age, family history of alopecia, lower serum ferritin may be implicated as risk factors for female pattern hair loss. Medicine Today 2023 Vol.36 (1): 7-11

Determinants of cardiovascular disease among type 2 diabetic patients attending diabetic follow-up clinic in Arba Minch general hospital, southern Ethiopia: an unmatched case-control study.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death and disability among patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients have a 2-4-fold increased risk of CVD. There is limited data about cardiovascular disease risks and its determinants among T2DM patients in Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify possible predictors of cardiovascular diseases among adults with T2DM in southern Ethiopia. A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted at southern Ethiopia Arbaminch Hospital on 196 randomly selected patients with type 2 diabetes on follow-up (98 cases and 98 controls). The authors collected data using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, laboratory checklist, and additional document review of T2DM patients. A multivariable binary logistic regression was fitted to identify cardiovascular disease determinants, and the findings were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI. The mean reported age (±SD) of the cases and the controls was 56.3.3 (±8.9) and 52.3 (±9.3) years, respectively. The two identified independent determinants of cardiovascular disease with AOR [95% CI] were hypertension [AOR=4.953, 95% CI (2.47, 9.93) and persistent urine albuminuria [AOR=12.9, 95% CI (3.98, 41.7)]. This study showed that having high blood pressure and persistent urine albuminuria are independent predictors of cardiovascular disease in T2DM patients. The current study setting needs an intervention for mitigating these cardiovascular disease determinants.