Hospital-based Case-control Study Research Articles

Maternal serum uric acid, creatinine and blood urea levels in the prediction of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women attending ANC and delivery services at Bahir Dar city public hospitals, northwest Ethiopia: A case-control study

BackgroundPre-eclampsia (PE) is a metabolic disorder that adversely affects the lives of mother and their infants. Even though, several studies have been conducted on PE, no effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents were developed so far. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate serum uric acid, blood urea and creatinine levels in the prediction of PE. MethodsA hospital-based case-control study was conducted among pregnant women. A simple random sampling technique was applied to select study participants. The socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using an interview-administered questionnaire. Serum samples were used to determine the maternal uric acid, urea and creatinine levels via an automated chemistry analyzer. Independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to check the association and diagnostic accuracy of variables to PE. ResultsThe mean ages (in years) of the case and control groups were 27.98 ± 5.64 and 27.33 ± 4.45, respectively. The mean serum uric acid and blood urea levels were significantly higher in pre-eclamptic women than in normotensive pregnant women (6.27 ± 0.20 vs 4.43 ± 0.15, and 8.50 ± 3.99 vs 5.67 ± 2.19), respectively but the serum creatinine level is non-significantly increased in cases as compared to controls (0.70 ± 0.05 vs 0.50 ± 0.01). The areas under the ROC curve of serum uric acid, creatinine and blood urea levels were 0.785, 0.735 and 0.764 (sensitivity: 69%, 60.7%, 67.9%; specificity: 73.8%, 75%, 71.4%) with the cutoff points of ≥5.25 mg/dL, ≥0.565 mg/dL and ≥6.5 mg/dL, respectively. ConclusionIn this study, we observed a significantly higher concentration of serum uric acid and blood urea values in pre-eclampsia as compared with normotensive pregnant women. Therefore, this suggested that serum uric acid; blood urea and creatinine values can be associated with PE. Moreover, serum uric acid, blood urea and creatinine levels could be carefully utilized as a diagnostic marker for PE, but their inclusion in routine diagnostic test to PE requires large-scale multi-center prospective studies that corroborate our findings.

Sodium concentrations in municipal drinking water are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia

Chronic ingestion of excess sodium has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Limited research has suggested a relationship between increased sodium intake and the development of preeclampsia. This study investigated the association between elevated sodium in drinking water with preeclampsia using a hospital-based case-control study of 10,114 pregnant women in Iowa in the United States. Health records of women who delivered at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, USA, between May 2009 and August 2020 were obtained from the Intergenerational Health Knowledgebase. Water quality data for community water systems from Safe Drinking Water Act compliance reporting and Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) were used to estimate maternal exposure to sodium in drinking water. Logistic regression models were calculated to estimate the odds of preeclampsia based on median sodium concentrations reported by public water systems from 2000 to 2019. Preeclampsia was associated with a 38% increased odds (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-1.69) when women were exposed to concentrations between 20-69 milligrams per liter (mg/L), above EPA's recommendation for individuals on a very low sodium diet. Increased odds of 5% and 16% were also found at concentrations between 70-102 mg/L and greater than 256 mg/L but were not statistically significant. The lower odds at higher sodium concentrations may be due to consumers using alternative drinking water sources due to taste issues that are noted to arise between 30-60 mg/L. Preeclampsia diagnosis was strongly associated with gestational age, parity, newborn count, and body mass index. Better data on individual exposure through drinking water is needed to account for factors like home softeners, which can greatly increase sodium levels at the tap, or those users seeking out alternative water supplies (like bottled water) due to taste issues arising from greater salinity.

Effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine against community-acquired pneumonia in older individuals after the introduction of childhood 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: A multicenter hospital-based case-control study in Japan

BackgroundIn the era of childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) immunization, especially 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) immunization, serotype replacement of Streptococcus pneumoniae and herd immunity in adults have been reported worldwide. Therefore, continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of the pneumococcal vaccine in adults is crucial because vaccine effectiveness may change owing to these factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) against all-cause pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia in older individuals with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) after the introduction of childhood PCV13 in Japan, a topic that has remained largely unexplored. MethodsWe evaluated pneumococcal vaccine effectiveness in this multicenter, matched case-control study conducted in hospitals and clinics. Cases included patients (aged ≥ 65 years) newly diagnosed with CAP between October 2016 and September 2019. A maximum of five non-pneumonia control patients matched for sex, school grade, date of outpatient visit, and medical institution were selected for each case. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of pneumococcal vaccines for the occurrence of all-cause CAP and pneumococcal CAP. ResultsThe analysis included 740 individuals (142 patients and 598 controls). The median age of participants was 75 years (men: 54%). The adjusted OR for pneumococcal vaccination against all-cause CAP was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.84–2.06), while that for PPSV23 vaccination in the previous 5 years was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.85–2.09). The adjusted OR for PPSV23 vaccination in the previous 5 years against pneumococcal CAP was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.35–2.50). ConclusionsThis study was unable to demonstrate the effectiveness of PPSV23 against all-cause and pneumococcal pneumonia after the introduction of childhood PCV13 in Japan. Nonetheless, additional studies are needed to validate these results.

325. THE ASSOCIATED RISK BETWEEN SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS OF AP1S1 AND ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN CHINESE POPULATION

Abstract The σ1A subunit of the adaptor protein 1 (AP1S1) participates in intracellular transport pathways, which is pivotal in carcinogenesis. It is therefore rational to presume that AP1S1 might also be involved in carcinogenesis. In this hospital-based case–control study, we investigated the genetic susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in relation to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of AP1S1 among Chinese population and made a preparation for the subsequent esophageal SNP risk model building. A database containing a total of 1143 controls and 1043 ESCC patients were retrospectively studied. The AP1S1 SNPs were analyzed based on ligation detection reaction (LDR) method. Then the relationship between ESCC and SNPs of AP1S1 was determined with a significant crude P < 0.05. Then the logistic regression analysis was used for the calculation for adjusted P in the demographic stratification comparison if a significant difference was observed in the previous step. AP1S1 rs77387752 C > T mutated homozygous TT was an independent risk factor for ESCC, while SNP rs4729666 C > T and rs35208462 C > T mutated heterozygote TC were associated with a lower risk for ESCC, especially in co-dominant model and allelic test for younger, male subjects who are not alcohol-drinkers nor cigarette smokers. These three AP1S1 SNP sites could be incorporated into subsequent SNPs risk models for ESCC in specific populations. AP1S1 rs77387752, rs4729666 and rs35208462 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to ESCC in Chinese individuals. AP1S1 SNPs may exert an important role in esophageal carcinogenesis and could serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers. These SNP sites might be added into the building of risk model and then the early diagnosis of ESCC. Besides, further mechanical exploration is required. Table. Logistic regression analyses of associations between AP1S1 SNPs rs77387752 C > T, rs4729666 C > T, rs35208462 C > T and risk of ESCC.

Factors associated with 5-min APGAR score, death and survival in neonatal intensive care: a case-control study

BackgroundThe 5-minute APGAR score is clinically used as a screening tool to assess how the newborn has reacted to previous care, remaining relevant for predicting neonatal survival. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of the 5th minute APGAR score, and the factors associated with the death and survival of newborns with low APGAR scores hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a referral public hospital in North Brazil.MethodsThis was a hospital-based retrospective case-control study with 277 medical records. Newborns who presented with a 1-minute APGAR score < 7 followed by a 5-minute APGAR score < 7 were considered cases, while a score ≥ 7 was categorized as controls. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to establish the determinant factors of the low APGAR score and death outcome in this group. Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier estimator, and then univariate and multivariate Cox regression was performed.ResultsAfter adjusted analysis, the factor associated with low APGAR scores was vaginal delivery (OR = 3.25, 95%CI = 1.60–6.62, p = 0.001). Birth injury (OR = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.19–0.83, p = 0.014) was associated with upper APGAR scores. No significant independent associations were observed between the variables analyzed and death in the low APGAR score group. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that individuals who presented Cesarean delivery had a shorter survival time in the ICU.ConclusionIn this setting, a 5-minute Apgar score < 7 was associated with the occurrence of vaginal delivery and birth injury with a 5-minute Apgar score ≥ 7. Survival in ICU was lower in newborns that were delivered via cesarean section.

Rs10737680 polymorphism in complement factor H and neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the main causes of blindness in developed countries. Complement factor H (CFH) is one of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of nAMD. This study investigated the rs10737680 polymorphism in CFH and its conferred susceptibility to nAMD in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This case-control hospital-based study recruited participants consisting of 96 patients with nAMD and 101 controls without nAMD from the Eye Polyclinic of Sardjito Hospital, YAP Eye Hospital, and Hardjolukito Hospital Yogyakarta. nAMD was diagnosed when fundus examination, fundus photographs, and optical coherence tomography revealed hard or soft drusen in the macular area measuring > 63 µm that appeared below the retinal pigment epithelium, with or without macular hypo- or hyperpigmentation, and was accompanied by choroidal neovascularization. Genomic DNA was extracted using a commercial DNA isolation kit. The restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used to identify the rs10737680 polymorphism in CFH. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the nAMD group was not homogeneous with that of the control group (P < 0.05); 65.41 (9.74) years versus 68.24 (7.82) years. The number of patients with hypertension in the nAMD group was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). In the nAMD group, the genotype distribution indicated homozygous risk allele in 34.38%, heterozygous risk allele in 57.29%, and homozygous non-risk allele in 8.33%. In the control group, the genotype distribution indicated homozygous risk allele in 21.78%, heterozygous risk allele in 36.63%, and homozygous non-risk allele in 41.58%. Statistical analysis between the two study groups according to homozygous risk allele genotype (odds ratio [OR], 7.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.88-22.79) and heterozygous genotype (OR, 7.80; 95% CI, 3.11-21.19) showed a significant difference (both P < 0.01). Homozygous risk allele was less frequent than heterogeneous risk allele in patients with nAMD; however, both increased the risk for nAMD. Although the homozygous or heterozygous risk-alleles were detected in most patients, yet other important genetic or environmental factors could be involved in the pathogenesis of nAMD. Overall, we found a significant association between rs10737680 polymorphism in CFH and the susceptibility to nAMD in Yogyakarta, Indonesia; however, future studies are needed to fully delineate the mechanism.

Lung Cancer Risk in Relation to Jobs Held in a Nationwide Case-Control Study in Iran

Background: Globally, lung cancer is the most frequent occupational cancer, but the risk of lung cancer related to the occupations in Iran is not clear. We aimed to assess whether workers in various occupational groups would experience an increased lung cancer risk. Methods: We used the IROPICAN nationwide hospital-based case-control study including 658 incident lung cancer cases and 3477 controls. We assessed the risk of cancer in relation to ever working in major International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-68) groups and specific jobs, while controlling for individual potential confounders including cigarette smoking and opium consumption. Results: We observed elevated odds ratio (OR) for lung cancer in male construction workers (OR=1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0- 1.8), and petroleum industry workers (3.2; CI, 1.1- 9.8), and in female farmers (2.6; CI, 1.3- 5.3), and female bakers (5.5; CI, 1.0, 29.8). The positive trend has been observed for the duration of employment as a construction worker in men (p trend &amp;#x3c; 0.004), and farming in women (p trend &amp;#x3c; 0.5). Increase risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was associated with ever construction industry workers for males (1.9; CI, 1.2- 3.0), whilst both SCC and adenocarcinoma subtypes were associated with working as farmers for females (3.8; CI, 1.4- 9.9), even more pronounced for adenocarcinoma (4.3; CI, 1.1- 17.2). Conclusion: Although we did observe association between some occupations and lung cancer, we recommend developing an occupational exposure assessment tool specific for working conditions in Iran to allow the study of specific occupational agents. Keywords: Occupational cancer, Lung cancer, Exposure, Carcinogen, Iran

Determinants of late presentation of glaucoma in Hong Kong.

Glaucoma is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. As it is typically asymptomatic until advanced, the risk of blindness from late presentation is higher than other eye diseases. This study aims to investigate the risk factors for late presentation of primary glaucoma patients. We undertook a hospital-based case-control study of a random sample of glaucoma patients from a hospital in Hong Kong. Structured questionnaires and existing information from the electronic patient record were used, and the odds of presenting late were analysed by logistic regression. Of 210 recruited participants, 83 (39.5%) presented with advanced glaucoma unilaterally or bilaterally. The mean age of participants was 61.1 ± 11.9 years, with 110 males (52.4%). Univariate analysis revealed that male sex and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) have 3.06 (CI95:1.71-5.48; P < 0.001) and 2.47 (CI95:1.11-5.49; P = 0.03) times higher odds of late presentation, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed late presenters were 3.54 (CI95:1.35-9.35; P = 0.01) times more likely to have PACG than primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Patients with elevated baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) also had 1.06 times higher odds of presenting with advanced glaucoma (CI95:1.02-1.11; P = 0.002). Linear regression revealed that PACG patients present with 7.12 mmHg higher IOP than POAG patients (CI95:4.23-10.0; P < 0.001). In conclusion, a high proportion of glaucoma patients present late in Hong Kong, with gender and type of glaucoma being significant determinants. Our study shows that PACG presents with higher IOP and, along with male gender, are more likely to have advanced disease than POAG.

Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research recommendations and endometrial cancer risk: a multicentric case-control study.

The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) published evidence-based recommendations for cancer prevention focusing on body weight, physical activity, and diet. Our aim is to evaluate whether adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations could reduce endometrial cancer risk. We used data from a multicentric, Italian hospital-based case-control study (1992-2006) including 454 endometrial cancer cases and 908 age-matched controls. Adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations was measured using a score (range: 0-7) based on seven components: body mass index (BMI), physical activity and five dietary items; higher scores indicated higher adherence. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated by multiple (adjusted) conditional logistic regression models including terms for major confounders and energy intake. Adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations was inversely related to endometrial cancer risk (OR = 0·42, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0·30, 0·61 for the highest compared with the lowest score quartile), with a significant trend of decreasing risk with increasing adherence. An inverse association was also observed for a score including only dietary recommendations (OR = 0·67, 95 % CI 0·46, 0·96 for the highest compared with the lowest score tertile). In stratified analyses, the association was stronger among women with a normal weight, those who were older, and consequently those in post-menopause, and those with ≥ 2 children. In conclusion, high adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations has a favourable role in endometrial cancer risk, which is not fully explained by body weight.

Hospital-based cross-sectional study to assess Vitamin D levels in patients of chronic spontaneous urticaria and its relation to severity of disease activity

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate Vitamin D levels in CSU cases and compare with controls and to determine a correlation if any between Vitamin D levels and severity of CSU. Material and Methods: A hospital-based case–control study of 130 cases and 130 controls was done. The assessment of severity of CSU was done using Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7). Laboratory investigations including Vitamin D levels were done in both groups. Results: Mean serum Vitamin D levels in cases and controls were 14.29 ng/ml and 28.8 ng/ml, respectively. Ninety-nine (76.2%) cases had deficient levels, 25 had insufficient levels, and six had normal levels. In controls, 63 had normal serum Vitamin D levels, 46 had insufficient, and 21 (16.1%) had deficient levels (t = −13.2340; P &lt; 0.001). Cases with Vitamin D levels &lt;10 ng/ml, 10–20 ng/ml, 20–30 ng/ml, and &gt;30 ng/ml had mean UAS score of 18, 15.17, 7.28, and 6.67, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, deficient Vitamin D levels were more commonly seen in cases as compared to controls and correlated inversely with the severity of disease as measured by UAS7. Vitamin D might be one among the multiple factors involved in etiopathogenesis/exacerbation of CSU or may be an outcome of the disease process. Adding Vitamin D supplements may improve clinical outcome in patients of CSU and reduce use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive.

GARP Polymorphisms Associated with Susceptibility to House Dust Mite-Sensitized Persistent Allergic Rhinitis in a Chinese Population.

BackgroundGenetic variants in GARP (also known as LRRC32) have been reported to have significant associations with asthma and eczema in special populations, but little is known about allergic rhinitis. This study purposes to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GARP with house dust mite (HDM)-sensitized persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) in a population of Han Chinese.MethodsIn this hospital-based case–control study, 534 HDM-sensitized PER patients and 451 healthy controls were recruited from East China. In this population, six SNPs in GARP were identified. Serum total and specific IgE levels were measured with ImmunoCAP. Secondary structure and minimum free energy were predicted by RNAfold.Resultsrs79525962 was associated with the risk of HDM-sensitized PER (P < 0.05). The individuals with CT+TT genotype demonstrated a higher risk of HDM-sensitized PER than those with CC genotype (adjusted OR = 1.393, 95% CI = 1.019–1.904). The homozygous genotype CC of rs3781699 rendered a lower risk of HDM-sensitized PER than the wild-type genotype AA (adjusted OR = 0.646, 95% CI = 0.427–0.976); however, the genotype and allele frequencies of rs3781699 demonstrated no associations with HDM-sensitized PER (P > 0.05). rs79525962 increased the risk of HDM-sensitized PER in the subgroup aged ≥16 years (adjusted OR = 1.745, 95% CI = 1.103–2.760), and this high risk was also found in the females (adjusted OR = 1.708, 95% CI = 1.021–2.856). The G-C haplotype of rs1320646-rs3781699 rendered a lower risk of HDM-sensitized PER than the common haplotype G-A (adjusted OR = 0.819, 95% CI = 0.676–0.993). The secondary structure of GARP altered in response to different genotypes of rs79525962 and rs3781699.ConclusionSNP rs79525962 in the GARP gene marks a risk locus of HDM-sensitized PER in Chinese Hans.

Carotid Health in Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of stroke and shares common risk factors with arterial strokes such as hyperhomocysteinemia, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and hypercoagulable state. These risk factors can alter both arterial and venous health leading to the occurrence of atherosclerosis in CVT patients. To evaluate carotid hemodynamics in CVT patients. Prospective hospital-based case-control study. This study included 50 consecutive CVT patients and 50 healthy controls. The demographic data, vascular risk factors, clinical data, biochemical, and radiological parameters were recorded. Carotid sonography was performed in CVT patients within the first 24 h of admission. MedCalc 17. The age of the patients was 35.04 ± 9.48 years and the controls 38.88 ± 10.41 years with male preponderance in both groups. Risk factors for atherosclerosis among patients included hyperhomocysteinemia (40 patients), diabetes mellitus (4 patients), hypertension (9 patients), alcohol (17 patients), and tobacco (21 patients). Eight patients had abnormal carotid sonography. Six had nonflow-limiting plaques, one had carotid occlusion, two had increased intimal-medial thickness, and one had increased peak systolic velocity. Among the controls, three subjects had nonflow-limiting plaques. There was no difference in carotid hemodynamic parameters between controls and patients; and those with normal and elevated homocysteine. This is the first study to our knowledge looking at carotid health in venous strokes. The relative risk for carotid atherosclerosis in CVT patients is higher and requires long-term follow-up for the initiation of preventive measures.

Obstetrics mortality and associated factors in intensive care unit of Addis Ababa public hospital in, 2020/21: A hospital based case control study

BackgroundIn low-income nations like Ethiopia, the rate of obstetric death in intensive care units is significant. The indications of admission are Preeclampsia/Eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and puerperal sepsis but, patient outcomes subsequent to intensive care unit admission are sparse. The aim of this study is to assess factors associated with obstetrics mortality in Intensive Care unit. MethodsA hospital based unmatched case control study was conducted on obstetrics patients admitted to Addis Ababa Public hospital's intensive care unit from October 2018 to November 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done; Odds Ratio and Confidence Interval (OR and 95% CI) were computed using SPSS version 26. P value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. ResultObstetrics mortality in intensive care unit was high and accounts 27% from the total intensive care unit admission. Severe pre-eclampsia AOR: 6.33; 95% CI: 2.25–17.79, puerperal sepsis AOR: 4.51; 95% CI: 1.68–12.15, age ≥35 years AOR: 4.09; 95% CI: 1.42–11.77, absence of antenatal care: AOR: 3.74; 95% CI: 1.03–13.5, maternal coexisting diseases AOR: 5.2; 95% CI: 2.22–12.16, and severely decrease of consciousness at admission AOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.21–11.79 were significantly associated with obstetrics mortality in Addis Ababa Public Hospitals intensive care unit. Conclusionand Recommendation: Maternal age ≥35 years, loss of antenatal care, puerperal sepsis, severe pre-eclampsia, pre-existing medical comorbidities and severe decrease level of consciousness during ICU admission were the most significant factors associated with obstetrics mortality. It is recommended that all pregnant women should have antenatal care so that preeclampsia and maternal comorbidities will be early diagnosed and treated.

Systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with generalized stage III grade C periodontitis.

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a novel, inflammatory biomarker whose role in predicting several chronic systemic diseases has been recently identified. However, its association with generalized stage III grade C periodontitis in young adults remains unknown. The study is a multicentered, double-blind, hospital-based case-control clinical study. Periodontal examination comprised of recording plaque index, sites with bleeding on probing, pocket depth and clinical attachment loss for patients with generalized stage III grade C periodontitis and periodontally healthy group. Complete blood counts were obtained and used for calculating SII, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio. Collected data were then subjected to statistical analyses. SII was significantly higher in patients with generalized stage III grade C periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy individuals (723.87 vs. 537.74 × 109 /L, p < 0.0001). SII is associated with severe periodontitis in young adults (odds ratio [OR]:11.86, 95% CI 9.61-20.76, p < 0.0001) after adjusting for factors found significant in univariate analysis. Receiver operative curve analysis demonstrated a fair predictive validity of SII in detecting generalized stage III grade C periodontitis in young adults (AUC: 0.766, 95%CI 0.731-0.799, p < 0.0001, sensitivity 81.27%, specificity 76.50% and diagnostic accuracy 78.89%). SII did not exhibit superior predictive validity when compared with NLR in the context of generalized stage III grade C periodontitis (AUC for SII: 0.766, 95%CI 0.731-0.799, AUC for NLR: 0.788, 95% CI 0.754-0.819; p=0.28). SII is associated with generalized stage III grade C periodontitis in young adults.

RISK FACTORS FOR JAW OSTEORADIONECROSIS: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Objectives To identify factors that predispose to development of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw. Study Design A retrospective hospital-based case-control study was conducted with patients with head and neck cancer submitted to ≥60 Gy external radiotherapy with incidence over the jaws. A total of 19 cases of ORN and 43 controls were included. Patients’ demographic data, tumor type, staging, treatment and outcome information, and pretreatment oral status were collected. Results Univariate analysis showed that oral cavity/oropharynx was associated with a 9.77-fold increased risk of ORN development compared to other sites (P = .005). Being an active smoker was associated with a 3.95-fold increased risk of ORN development (P = .01). A tendency toward an increased risk for ORN was observed particularly when the extraction occurred after radiotherapy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.04; P = .08). On multivariate analysis, tumor site was the only significant risk factor in this analysis, with an OR of 21.03 (P = .01). Conclusions Oral and oropharyngeal primary site should be considered as an important risk factor for ORN. However, being an active smoker and being submitted to dental extraction after radiotherapy should be taken in account during the management of these patients. To identify factors that predispose to development of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw. A retrospective hospital-based case-control study was conducted with patients with head and neck cancer submitted to ≥60 Gy external radiotherapy with incidence over the jaws. A total of 19 cases of ORN and 43 controls were included. Patients’ demographic data, tumor type, staging, treatment and outcome information, and pretreatment oral status were collected. Univariate analysis showed that oral cavity/oropharynx was associated with a 9.77-fold increased risk of ORN development compared to other sites (P = .005). Being an active smoker was associated with a 3.95-fold increased risk of ORN development (P = .01). A tendency toward an increased risk for ORN was observed particularly when the extraction occurred after radiotherapy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.04; P = .08). On multivariate analysis, tumor site was the only significant risk factor in this analysis, with an OR of 21.03 (P = .01). Oral and oropharyngeal primary site should be considered as an important risk factor for ORN. However, being an active smoker and being submitted to dental extraction after radiotherapy should be taken in account during the management of these patients.

Cardiovascular risk markers in premature canities.

An elevated cardiovascular risk has been demonstrated in middle-aged individuals with onset of hair greying before the age of 30 years. Increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), indicate an ongoing state of chronic inflammation that is correlated with cardiovascular risk but have not been studied earlier in patients with early onset of hair greying. To study various cardiovascular risk markers including pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with premature canities. This was a hospital-based case-control study of 40 patients with premature canities (age between 19 and 25 years; >5 grey hair) and an equal number of age and gender-matched healthy controls. The blood pressure, pulse rate and body mass index were recorded, and investigations including fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, fasting lipid profile, high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-6 and TNF-α were performed. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated for all the participants. The mean blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR were all significantly elevated in patients with premature canities and the serum HDL levels were significantly lower. A greater number of patients with premature canities had significantly elevated IL-6 as compared with the controls. The sample size was small. A subjective scale was used for grading the severity of premature canities. Trichoscopic evaluation of severity of greying or modified phototrichogram could not be used in this study. Abnormalities in cardiovascular risk markers were found in patients with premature canities. Screening and counselling of patients with premature greying of hair is recommended in order to prevent future cardiovascular disease.

A Study of Correlates of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital.

BackgroundAge-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a dreadful vision disease mainly affecting older people and causing permanent blindness if it remains undiagnosed and untreated. This study is particularly carried out to fill the gaps in the literature regarding the association of various systemic and environmental factors with ARMD.ObjectiveWe aim to study the correlates of age-related macular degeneration in patients attending a tertiary hospital.MethodsThis study is a hospital-based observational case-control study by nature with 260 participants included of ages more than 45 years. The participants were evaluated for risk factors after proper consenting.ResultAge (56 years), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80 mmHg, smoking cigarette for more than 10 years, sedentary lifestyle, body mass index (BMI) > 29.9 kg/m2, sunlight exposure of more than eight hours, and higher lipid levels are determinants of ARMD.ConclusionSmoking is the strongest risk factor associated with ARMD, followed by diastolic blood pressure and body mass index. Lipid levels and a sedentary lifestyle have a weaker correlation with ARMD. However, age and gender are the most important determinants among non-modifiable factors.

Bovine Foot-and-Mouth-Disease risk factors in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh

Background: A hospital-based case-control study was undertaken to identify the risk factors for bovine Foot-and-Mouth-Disease (FMD) in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Methods: Two hundred and eighteen FMD cases diagnosed between 2009 and 2018 at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (BAUVTH) were selected and three controls per case were then selected from BAUVTH (n=872). Data on age, breed, gender, location, and time of presentation were used for the analysis. A multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors. Location was considered random intercept, demographic variables, and season as fixed effects. Results: The lowest (10) and highest (43) cases were recorded in 2014 and 2015, respectively. There was a decreasing trend (τ = -0.07) in FMD occurrence but was inconsistent and statistically insignificant (P=0.85). The odds FMD was significantly higher in cattle aged &gt;1–3 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5; 3.6) and &gt;3–8 years (OR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3; 3.0) compared to those aged ≤ 1years. Indigenous cattle (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1; 2.8) were at higher risk of being an FMD case than Shahiwal cross. In addition FMD cases were significantly higher in pre-monsoon (OR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3; 2.9) and winter (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3; 3.7) than post-monsoon season. Conclusion: Indigenous cattle aged between &gt;1 year to 8 years should be prioritized for FMD vaccination, especially before pre-monsoon and winter seasons to prevent future FMD outbreaks and control FMD in Bangladesh.

Association of dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with breast cancer risk in pre- and postmenopausal Chinese women.

This study aimed to evaluate the associations between breast cancer risk and intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and/or n-3 PUFA subclasses in Chinese women, and determine whether these associations varied with menopausal status or clinical characteristics. A hospital-based case-control study including 1,589 cases and 1,621 age-frequency-matched controls was conducted. Dietary data were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were obtained using multiple unconditional logistic regression models after controlling for potential confounders. Higher intake of marine n-3 PUFAs and total n-3 PUFAs was associated with lower risk of breast cancer, with adjusted OR quartile 4 v.1 (95% confidence intervals) of 0.68 (0.55-0.84) and 0.56 (0.42-0.75), respectively. Dietary a-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid were also inversely associated with breast cancer risk, with adjusted ORs (95% confidence intervals) of 0.51 (0.38-0.70), 0.68 (0.55-0.84), 0.68 (0.55-0.85), and 0.76 (0.61-0.94), respectively. In stratified analyses, these inverse associations between risk and dietary n-3 PUFAs were more evident among premenopausal women and women with ER+, PR+ and ER+PR+ tumors. A decreased risk of breast cancer was significantly associated with increasing n-3 PUFA intake in obese/overweight women, but not in women of normal weight. There was a significant interaction between linoleic acid and marine n-3 PUFAs. High intake of n-3 PUFAs and n-3 PUFA subtypes was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, especially among premenopausal women and women with ER+ and/or PR+ subtype breast cancer.

Association between dietary patterns and bacterial vaginosis: a case–control study

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a predominant vaginal disturbance that affects about 25% of childbearing-aged women. Dietary consumption may have a crucial role in vaginal flora imbalances. This study was a hospital-based case–control study. In total, 144 incident BV cases and 151 healthy participants were recruited from the gynecology clinic in Tehran, Iran, between November 2020 and June 2021. Participants' typical diets were collected by a food frequency questionnaire. Vaginal flora was characterized based on the Amsel criteria. Factor analysis was used to pinpoint the principal dietary patterns. For logistic regression, the first tertile was assumed as a reference. Five principal dietary patterns emerged and were nominated as "Healthy diet," "Unhealthy diet," "Ovo-vegetarian diet," "Pseudo-Mediterranean diet," and "Western diet." The "Unhealthy diet" pattern were positively associated with BV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41, 7.94; ptrend: 0.006), while adherence to the "Ovo-vegetarian diet" pattern was associated with a reduced odds of BV (aOR = 0.16; 95% CI 0.07, 0.34; ptrend < 0.001). These results provide evidence that following the "unhealthy diet" pattern may lead to developing BV, and plant-based eating patterns may be associated with reduced BV odds.