Intrinsic Risk Factors Research Articles

Subchondral fatigue fracture of the femoral head in young military recruits: Potential risk factors.

Subchondral fatigue fracture of the femoral head (SFFFH) mainly occurs in young military recruits and might be confused with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. However, less research focuses on the risk factor for SFFFH. To evaluate the intrinsic risk factors for SFFFH in young military recruits. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging data were used for analysis. Acetabular anteversion of the superior acetabulum, acetabular anteversion of the center of the acetabulum (AVcen), anterior acetabular sector angle (AASA), posterior acetabular sector angle, superior acetabular sector angle, neck-shaft angle (NSA), inferior iliac angle (IIA), and ischiopubic angle were calculated. Then, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and independent samples t-test were performed to identify the risk factors for SFFFH. Based on the results of logistic regression, age [odds ratio (OR): 1.33; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.12-1.65; P = 0.0031] and treatment timing (OR: 0.86; 95%CI: 0.75-0.96; P = 0.015) could be considered as the indicators for SFFFH. AVcen (P = 0.0334), AASA (P = 0.0002), NSA (P = 0.0007), and IIA (P = 0.0316) were considered to have statistical significance. Further, AVcen (OR: 1.41; 95%CI: 1.04-1.95) and AASA (OR: 1.44; 95%CI: 1.21-1.77), especially AASA (area under curve: 66.6%), should be paid much more attention due to the higher OR than other indicators. We have for the first time unveiled that AASA and age could be key risk factors for SFFFH, which further verifies that deficient anterior coverage of the acetabulum might be the main cause of SFFFH.

Clinical long-term outcome of hepatitis D compared to hepatitis B monoinfection

Background and aimsHepatitis D virus (HDV) infection causes the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. However, it is still unclear to what extent the underlying cirrhosis may contribute to disease progression. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of HDV infection with HBV monoinfection in a single-center cohort of both non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients.MethodWe retrospectively studied 175 patients with chronic hepatitis D (CHD) who were followed for at least 6 months (median of 6.3 (0.6–23.6) years). In addition, we selected 175 patients with HBV monoinfection (CHB) who were matched for gender, age, region of origin, HBeAg status, and bilirubin. Liver-related clinical end points were defined as hepatic decompensation (ascites, encephalopathy, variceal bleeding), liver transplantation, HCC, or liver-related death.ResultsClinical complications developed earlier (4.6 vs. 6.2 years) and more frequently (35.4% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.01) in CHD patients. In a multivariate Cox regression, HDV infection was independently associated with the development of end points (p < 0.01; HR: 3.0; 95% CI 1.4–6.4). However, in cirrhotic patients there were no significant differences between HBV and HDV in the development of end points. Besides, CHB patients with cirrhosis developed more frequently HCC (35.5%) than CHD patients with cirrhosis (18.5%).ConclusionOur results confirmed that HDV leads to a faster progression to cirrhosis compared to HBV. However, once cirrhosis is present, not HDV but the underlying cirrhosis is the dominate intrinsic risk factor for the development of liver-related end points and for the progression to HCC.

Difficulties encountered in testing, scoring, and interpreting balance performance in older adults using clinical evaluation tools: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Balance impairment is one of the primary intrinsic risk factors contributing to falls in older adults. Prior research has consolidated the prevalent clinical tools for detecting balance issues in this demographic. Nevertheless, only a few studies have recognized the constraints associated with current balance assessment methods. Materials and Methods: The current research was initiated due to a shortage of comprehensive knowledge concerning the hurdles clinicians faced when interpreting balance test results and the obstacles older adults encountered while undertaking these assessments. The methodology involved assessing the static and dynamic balance capabilities of 661 older individuals through tests including the four stage balance test (FSBT), star excursion balance test (SEBT), Four Square step test (FSST), timed up and go (TUG) test, and Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (TPOMA). Results: All older adults were able to complete the TUG and TPOMA tests. . Fifteen percent encountered difficulty completing the entire FSBT; however, they managed to execute the initial two stages of this test. Additionally, 5% of older adults who utilized walking aids could not complete the FSST. Thirty four percent of young-old individuals and 56.3% of old-old individuals were unable to execute the SEBT in posterior directions. Moreover, 1% of 60-64-year-old and 2% of &gt;/75-year-old individuals were unable to perform SET in all 8 directions. Conclusion: TPOMA and TUG emerged as the most suitable clinical assessment tool for older adults. Within the FSBT, maintaining tandem and one-leg stance positions posed challenges, whereas the SEBT proved to be the most demanding dynamic balance test for older adults. These current findings will aid clinicians in selecting the most suitable balance assessment tool for routine clinical evaluations of older adults.

The presence of risk factors in the home environment that influences the fall of people of the third age

Introduction: Aging is a natural, irreversible physiological process that depends on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Many physiological, biological, psychological, and other factors play a major role. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the world and represent a major global public health problem. Falls are most commonly caused by intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. A comprehensive assessment of fall risk is critical to the development of effective fall prevention programs. The screening protocol is brief, easy to use, and multifactorial and allows the identification of risk factors for falls. The aim of this study is to investigate the importance of the presence of risk factors in the home environment and the impact on increasing the risk of falls in people in the third age. Methods: The study was conducted in the municipality of Podgorica. 109 elderly people from urban and rural areas were included in the study using the snowball method. The instruments used in our study are a standardized checklist for assessing risk factors in the home environment, inside and outside the home (HASSAT), and a self-assessment scale of one’s own concern about a possible falls efficacy scale international. The survey was conducted from the end of October to the end of November 2023. Results: There is a statistically significant difference in social and physical activities of daily living in the area of concern about falling. When analyzing the overall result of the fear of falling scale in relation to gender, a significant statistical difference is found. The analysis of the individual rooms in relation to the age of the respondents shows that there is a significant statistical difference. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the high risk of falling is present in all rooms of the home environment for people in their 3rd year of life and that fear of falling increases with age.

Epizootiology and seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ruminant population of East Afghanistan

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne, zoonotic disease which is characterized by fever and hemorrhages in humans but is asymptomatic in livestock. In the present investigation, research was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of CCHF virus IgG antibodies, intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with the distribution of the disease in cattle, goats, and sheep in two provinces (Nangarhar and Kunar) of Afghanistan. The blood samples (n ​= ​768), and data related to intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors were collected, and the seroprevalence was determined using double antigen (DA) ELISA. Based on the ELISA S/P% value (sample to positive control ratio percent), the overall seroprevalence of CCHF virus IgG antibodies among the animal species screened in the two provinces was 19% (146 out of 768). A non-significant association was observed in the seropositivity of CCHF in the study regions (p ​> ​0.05). The intrinsic (animal species, sex, age, and breed) and extrinsic (husbandry practices, animal body condition score, and tick infestation) potential risk factors were found to be significantly (p ​< ​0.05) correlated with the frequency distribution of CCHF virus IgG antibodies. The early detection of this lethal virus in the animal host will aid in marking the areas where the CCHF virus infection is endemic and in developing control strategies for public safety.

Achilles tendon pathologies

Achilles tendon pathologies are afrequent problem in the clinical practice. Adistinction must be made between insertional and noninsertional tendinopathies. In addition to intrinsic risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, there are also extrinsic risk factors, such as overuse and running. Sonography, X‑ray imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are established imaging methods, depending on the question. The primary treatment includes aconservative approach. First-line treatment includes administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), physical rest and the use of assistive devices. Established conservative treatment procedures include eccentric stretching, shockwave therapy and infiltration with, e.g., platelet-rich plasma. There are numerous other conservative treatment options. After exhausting the conservative treatment options, asurgical approach can be considered. The surgical procedure depends on the clinical symptoms and findings. Established procedures are minimally invasive or endoscopic procedures or even open debridement.

Hamstring Strain Injury Prevention: Current Beliefs and Practices of Practitioners Working in Major League Baseball.

Hamstring strain injury (HSI) is the most frequently sustained injury in Major League Baseball (MLB). However, the beliefs and practices of practitioners working in MLB regarding HSI risk factors and prevention strategies in baseball athletes have not been documented. To document the current beliefs and practices of practitioners working in MLB regarding HSI prevention. Cross-sectional study. Major League Baseball via an online survey. Athletic trainers, physical therapists, and strength and conditioning coaches working in MLB during the 2021 season. An online survey was conducted, with participants completing the survey once. Questions pertained to risk factor identification, the use and perceived effectiveness of prevention strategies, and barriers to implementation. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each question. A total of 91 responses were received featuring respondents from 28 of 30 MLB organizations. The perceived most important intrinsic risk factors were tolerance to high-speed running for first-time HSI and previous HSI for recurrent injury. The perceived most important extrinsic risk factor for both first-time and recurrent HSI was internal communication between staff. The perceived most effective prevention strategies were managing overall workload, regular exposure to high-speed running, and periodization. The most used prevention strategies were core or lumbopelvic strengthening, traditional resistance-training exercises, and managing overall workload. Approximately half (53%) of respondents reported barriers to effective implementation of HSI prevention strategies, including player and coach buy-in, compliance, workload management, and scheduling. This was the first survey to investigate MLB practitioner beliefs and practices regarding HSI prevention. Responses from practitioners regarding their beliefs about risk factors and appropriate prevention strategies varied, and discrepancies existed between the perceived most effective strategies and those most frequently used.

Economic strategic plans with supply chain risk management (SCRM) for organizational growth and development

One of the most fascinating and important research areas in recent years is supply chain risk management (SCRM), which helps to boost customer support, high-profit revenues, and organizational growth. The main goal of this effort is to carry out a thorough case study on the top 5 businesses that use the SCRM model globally. The following reasons are why organizations use the SCRM model: risk identification and assessment, risk analysis, environmental monitoring, and risk management. The organization's SCRM is more complicated and constantly changing, and numerous teams, including those for quality, resilience, security (both cyber and physical), compliance, and sustainability, support its implementation. Additionally, a system based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Adaptive Logistic Regression Classifier (ALRC) is employed to determine the right choices for risk identification. They calculated the supply base throughout the risk assessment process using the intrinsic risk factors of the production, social, and environmental processes. Here, the effectiveness of organizations is evaluated in light of their success rate, resilience, and value to their customers.

Impact of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors on early-onset lung disease in cystic fibrosis.

Although respiratory pathology is known to develop in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF), the determinants of early-onset lung disease have not been elucidated. We aimed to determine the impact of potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors during the first 3 years of life, testing the hypothesis that both contribute significantly to early-onset CF lung disease. We studied 104 infants born during 2012-2017, diagnosed through newborn screening by age 3 months, and evaluated comprehensively to 36 months of age. Lung disease manifestations were quantified with a new scoring system known as CFELD for Cystic Fibrosis Early-onset Lung Disease. The variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene were determined and categorized. Whole genome sequencing was performed on each subject and the data transformed to polygenic risk scores (PRS) that aggregate variants associated with lung function. Extrinsic factors included socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and environmental experiences such as exposures to smoking, pets, and daycare. We found by univariate analysis that CFTR genotype and genetic modifiers aggregated by the PRS method were significantly associated with early-onset CF lung disease. Ordinal logistic regression analysis demonstrated that high and stable SES (maternal education ≥community college, stable 2-parent home, and not receiving Medicaid) and better growth (weight-for-age and height-for-age z-scores) reduced risks, while exposure to smoking and daycare ≥20 h/week increased the risk of CFELD severity. Extrinsic, modifiable determinants are influential early and potentially as important as the intrinsic risk factors in the onset of CF lung disease.

Phenome-wide association study and precision medicine of cardiovascular diseases in the post-COVID-19 era.

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes injuries of not only the lungs but also the heart and endothelial cells in vasculature of multiple organs, and induces systemic inflammation and immune over-reactions, which makes COVID-19 a disease phenome that simultaneously affects multiple systems. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are intrinsic risk and causative factors for severe COVID-19 comorbidities and death. The wide-spread infection and reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the long-COVID may become a new common threat to human health and propose unprecedented impact on the risk factors, pathophysiology, and pharmacology of many diseases including CVD for a long time. COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent demand for precision medicine which needs new knowledge network to innovate disease taxonomy for more precise diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of disease. A deeper understanding of CVD in the setting of COVID-19 phenome requires a paradigm shift from the current phenotypic study that focuses on the virus or individual symptoms to phenomics of COVID-19 that addresses the inter-connectedness of clinical phenotypes, i.e., clinical phenome. Here, we summarize the CVD manifestations in the full clinical spectrum of COVID-19, and the phenome-wide association study of CVD interrelated to COVID-19. We discuss the underlying biology for CVD in the COVID-19 phenome and the concept of precision medicine with new phenomic taxonomy that addresses the overall pathophysiological responses of the body to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also briefly discuss the unique taxonomy of disease as Zheng-hou patterns in traditional Chinese medicine, and their potential implications in precision medicine of CVD in the post-COVID-19 era.

Shoulder pain and injury risk factors in competitive swimmers: A systematic review.

To synthesize and assess the literature for shoulder pain and injury risk factors in competitive swimmers. Systematic review with best-evidence synthesis. CINHAL, SportDiscus, Scorpus, PubMed, and Embase databases from 1966 to April 30 2022. Cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies investigating shoulder pain or injury risk factors in competitive swimmers were included. Quality of eligible studies were assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Risk factors were divided into four categories: modifiable-intrinsic, modifiable-extrinsic, non-modifiable, and other/secondary. Of 1356 studies identified, 24 full texts were evaluated for methodological quality, 22 met the criteria and were included in best evidence synthesis. There was no strong evidence supporting or refuting the association between 80 assessed variables and shoulder injury or pain. The swimmers' competitive level (nondirectional), and shoulder muscle recruitment profiles (e.g., increased activity of serratus anterior) exhibited moderate evidence supporting an association. Conversely, internal and external range of motion, middle finger back scratch test, training frequency, specialty stroke, height/weight, sex, and age all had moderate evidence opposing an association. Limited evidence was found for 58 variables, and conflicting for 8. The highest quality study (n = 201) suggested high acute-to-chronic workload ratio and reduced posterior shoulder strength endurance are associated with injury. Due to the paucity of high-quality studies, future prospective studies are needed to reevaluate known risk factor associations over exploring additional potential risk factors. Swimming practitioners should be aware of the nondirectional association of a swimmer's competitive level and pain, as squad changes could impact injury incidence. Moreover, swimmers experiencing shoulder pain may show increased activity in shoulder stabilizers during specific movements. Importantly, shoulder strength-endurance may be the most clinically relevant modifiable intrinsic risk factor.

Distal Tibial Bone Properties and Bone Stress Injury Risk in Young Men Undergoing Arduous Physical Training

Trabecular microarchitecture contributes to bone strength, but its role in bone stress injury (BSI) risk in young healthy adults is unclear. Tibial volumetric BMD (vBMD), geometry, and microarchitecture, whole-body areal BMD, lean and fat mass, biochemical markers of bone metabolism, aerobic fitness, and muscle strength and power were measured in 201 British Army male infantry recruits (age 20.7 [4.3] years, BMI 24.0 ± 2.7 kg·m2) in week one of basic training. Tibial scans were performed at the ultra-distal site, 22.5 mm from the distal endplate of the non-dominant leg using High Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (XtremeCT, Scanco Medical AG, Switzerland). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations with lower body BSI confirmed by MRI. 20 recruits (10.0%) were diagnosed with a lower body BSI. Pre-injured participants had lower cortical area, stiffness and estimated failure load (p = 0.029, 0.012 and 0.011 respectively) but tibial vBMD, geometry, and microarchitecture were not associated with BSI incidence when controlling for age, total body mass, lean body mass, height, total 25(OH)D, 2.4-km run time, peak power output and maximum dynamic lift strength. Infantry Regiment (OR 9.3 [95%CI, 2.6, 33.4]) Parachute versus Line Infantry, (p ≤ 0.001) and 2.4-km best effort run time (1.06 [95%CI, 1.02, 1.10], p < 0.033) were significant predictors. Intrinsic risk factors, including ultradistal tibial density, geometry, and microarchitecture, were not associated with lower body BSI during arduous infantry training. The ninefold increased risk of BSI in the Parachute Regiment compared with Line Infantry suggests that injury propensity is primarily a function of training load and risk factors are population-specific.

Multimorbidity Patterns and Associations with Gait, Balance and Lower Extremity Muscle Function in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northwest China.

Fall is a common geriatric syndrome leading to various adverse outcomes in the elderly. Gait and balance disorders and decreased lower extremity muscle function are the major intrinsic risk factors of falls, and studies suggested that they were closely related to the underlying chronic conditions. This study aimed to explore the patterns of multimorbidity and determine the associations of these multimorbidity patterns with gait, balance and lower extremity muscle function. A cross-sectional survey of 4803 participants aged ≥60 years in Shaanxi Province, China was conducted and the self-reported chronic conditions were investigated. The 6-m walk test, timed-up-and-go test (TUG) and 5-sit-to-stand test (5-STS) were conducted to evaluate gait, balance, and lower extremity muscle function respectively. Latent class analysis was used to explore patterns of multimorbidity, and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the associations of multimorbidity patterns with gait, balance, and lower extremity muscle function. Five multimorbidity patterns were identified: Degenerative Disease Class, Cardio-metabolic Class, Stroke-Respiratory-Depression Class, Gastrointestinal Class, and Very sick Class, and they were differently associated with gait and balance disorders and decreased lower extremity muscle function. In particular, the multimorbidity patterns of Degenerative Disease Class and Stroke-Respiratory-Depression Class were closely associated with all the three risk factors of falls. There are significant differences in the impact of different multimorbidity patterns on the major intrinsic risk factors of falls in the elderly population, and appropriate multimorbidity patterns are closely related to the prediction of falls and can help to develop fall prevention strategies in the elderly.

Prioritising patients for hospital occupational therapy to reduce inpatient falls: A retrospective case-control study to identify predictive patient falls risk factors

Introduction: Prompt identification of patients susceptible to falls is required by occupational therapists to initiate early falls prevention and management strategies. This study identified the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors of patients who experience early inpatient falls (within 48 hours of admission). Method: A retrospective case-control study was completed at a tertiary hospital. Data were extracted from medical records. Adults aged 18 years and older, admitted with any diagnosis, to any ward within the hospital between July 2019 and June 2020 were included. Cases were identified as those who fell within 48 hours of admission and controls did not experience a fall. Results: The study sample included 218 patients (109 cases and 109 control patients). Most falls occurred in the patient’s room ( n = 54) or bathroom ( n = 47), as a result of slipping ( n = 50) or while patients were toileting ( n = 32). Multivariate regression analysis identified significant predictors of inpatient falls, including unassisted mobilisation (odds ratio (OR) 5.25), impaired balance (OR 7.25), reduced muscle strength (OR 5.25) and impulsivity (OR 19.57). Receiving occupational therapy reduced risk of falling by 81%. Conclusion: Falls risk factors that are predictive of early inpatient falls should be identified at admission and used to prioritise patients for occupational therapy.

Surveillance and Risk Analysis for Bovine Babesiosis in England and Wales to Inform Disease Distribution

Babesia divergens is a zoonotic piroplasm that infects both cattle and humans in Europe. Disease transmission occurs through Ixodes ricinus tick bites, a species that is increasing in abundance and distribution across Europe in response to climate and land-use changes. Developments in agri-environment policy and changing consumer demands may also have unintended consequences on tick-borne disease rates. Currently, B. divergens surveillance in British cattle is limited, rendering temporal trend analysis and the detection of potential zoonotic hotspots impossible. The objective of this study was to assess syndromic surveillance as a means of determining babesiosis distribution in British cattle, and to evaluate the intrinsic disease risk factors in order to respond to disease threats posed by changing environments. Samples from 95 clinically affected cattle on 70 unique holdings were screened for Babesia spp., using established blood smear examination techniques and a B. divergens-specific PCR method, between April and December 2021. B. divergens was detected in 45/95 animals (47.4%), with PCR offering the advantage of identification at species level. Infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 19/95 animals (20%). Co-infection was detected in five animals. The cases were recorded across multiple geographic regions and throughout the sampling period. Univariate logistic regression analysis failed to identify any statistically significant risk factors for B. divergens presence. This study demonstrates that bovine babesiosis is geographically widespread throughout England and Wales, placing a large proportion of the cattle population at risk of infection, with the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans.

Risk Factors and Clinical Course of Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Literature Review

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious health problem and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly and appropriately. There are several risk factors that can increase a person's chances of experiencing AKI. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review to explore the risk factors for acute kidney injury and the clinical course of acute kidney injury. The literature search process was carried out on various databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar) regarding risk factors and clinical overview of acute kidney injury. The search was performed using the terms: (1) " risk factors " OR " Clinical" OR" symptoms " OR" sign " AND (2) " acute kidney injury". There are several risk factors that can increase a person's chances of experiencing acute kidney injury (AKI). These factors can be intrinsic (inside the patient's body) or extrinsic (outside the patient's body). Patients with heart disease or other blood vessel diseases have a higher risk of developing AKI. Cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease can contribute to the development of AKI. In conclusion, acute kidney injury is caused by intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. While the clinical course of patients with acute kidney injury begins with the prerenal, intrinsic, oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases.

Risk factors and associated factors for calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease): a systematic review

ObjectivesThe aim of this review was to identify the potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors (RFs), associated factors (AFs) and consequences of developing calcaneal apophysitis (CA).DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesCochrane Library, Embase,...

A case-control study of 10,757 individuals to assess potentially modifiable risk factors, including stress, for breast cancer among Chinese patients in Hong Kong.

e22522 Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Both intrinsic and environmental factors contribute to the disparities in breast cancer incidence across different regions. In Hong Kong, the incidence has been increasing in the past decades. With over 4700 women diagnosed in 2019, breast cancer is responsible for 27% of all female cancers in Hong Kong. Apart from intrinsic non-modifiable risk factors, some risk factors are modifiable and may reduce cancer risk. Methods: We conducted a case-control study that involved breast cancer patients from the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Registry with matched healthy controls from the community between 2014 and 2017. A standardized written questionnaire was used through face-to-face interviews of all study participants. The questionnaire collected information on participants’ demographics, general health, smoking history and other lifestyle factors including physical activity, self-assessed dietary habits (balanced, vegetarian, meat and dairy-rich diets), self-perceived stress levels (measured with a 4-point Likert scale, and high stress level was defined as having over 50% of the participant’s time with stress being scored 3 or above out of a Likert scale of 4), body mass index, family history, menstrual and reproductive history, and history on the use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Multiple logistic regression was fitted to compare all risk factors. Results: A total of 5,186 breast cancer patients and 5,571 controls were recruited. Modifiable risk factors that were shown to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer included self-perceived high stress level (adjusted odd ratios [aOR] = 3.44; 95% CI = 3.13-3.78), meat-rich diet (aOR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.54-2.04), dairy-rich diet (aOR = 3.33; 95% CI = 2.01-5.52), overweight/obese status (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.10-1.32), delayed child-bearing (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.79-2.79), nulliparity (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.08-1.35) and ever use of oral contraceptives (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.22-1.47), while exercise (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.56-0.68) and breast-feeding (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.69-0.83) were associated with reduced risk. Conclusions: In Hong Kong, high stress level, meat- and dairy- rich diet, overweight/obese, reproductive history and use of oral contraceptives were identified to be modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Adjusting these factors through lifestyle modification may curb the increasing trend of breast cancer incidences in the coming decades.

Intrinsic risk factors associated with iliotibial band syndrome: A systematic review

Objectiveː Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is the second most common running injury and the leading cause of lateral knee pain. Despite the numerous investigations on the subject, the intrinsic risk factors that may be involved in the syndrome have still not been highlighted and no consensus has been established in the literature. The objective of this systematic review is to investigate intrinsic risk factors associated with iliotibial band syndrome in order to provide an algorithm for future research and clinical guidance. Material and Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines, in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases in order to identify studies investigating different parameters on patients with the syndrome since 2015; the date of the last systematic review on the subject. Resultsː Ten studies met the inclusion criteria of this review: cohort (n=1), cross-sectional study (n=8), case-control study (n=1). The results show that subjects with iliotibial band syndrome show atypical frontal plane kinematics in the hip and knee joint, a more prominent lateral femoral epicondyle, thickening of the iliotibial band, femoropatellar abnormalities and less resistance to fatigue of the gluteus medius muscle. Conclusionː This review offers opportunities in the management of ITBS. Some morphological, neuromuscular, muscle strength and biomechanical factors have been identified specific to ITBS patients. However, this work has several limitations; a small number of included studies, a lack of high-level studies, and methodological biases. Further studies, including randomized controlled trials and prospective studies are needed to reveal strong relationships between intrinsic risk factors and the onset of the syndrome.

Evaluating the Effect of Activity and Environment on Fall Risk in a Paradigm-Depending Laboratory Setting: Protocol for an Experimental Pilot Study

Knowledge about the causal factors leading to falls is still limited, and fall prevention interventions urgently need to be more effective to limit the otherwise increasing burden caused by falls in older people. To identify individual fall risk, it is important to understand the complex interplay of fall-related factors. Although fall events are common, they are seldom observed, and fall reports are often biased. Due to the rapid development of wearable inertial sensors, an objective approach to capture fall events and the corresponding circumstances is provided. The aim of this work is to operationalize a prototypical dynamic fall risk model regarding 4 ecologically valid real-world scenarios (opening a door, slipping, tripping, and usage of public transportation). We hypothesize that individual fall risk is associated with an interplay of intrinsic risk factors, activity, and environmental factors that can be estimated by using data measured within a laboratory simulation setting. We will recruit 30 community-dwelling people aged 60 years or older. To identify several fall-related intrinsic fall risk factors, appropriate clinical assessments will be selected. The experimental setup is adaptable so that the level of fall risk for each activity and each environmental factor is adjustable. By different levels of difficulty, the effect on the risk of falling will be investigated. An 8-camera motion tracking system will be used to record absolute body motions and limits of stability. All laboratory experiments will also be recorded by inertial sensors (L5, dominant leg) and video camera. Logistic regression analyses will be used to model the association between risk factors and falls. Continuous fall risk will be modeled by generalized linear regression models using margin of stability as outcome parameter. The results of this project will prove the concept and establish methods to further use the dynamic fall risk model. Recruitment and measurement initially began in October 2020 but were halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment and measurements recommenced in October 2022, and by February 2023, a total of 25 of the planned 30 subjects have been measured. In the field of fall prevention, a more precise fall risk model will have a significant impact on research leading to more effective prevention approaches. Given the described burden related to falls and the high prevalence, considerable improvements in fall prevention will have a significant impact on individual quality of life and also on society in general by reducing institutionalization and health care costs. The setup will enable the analysis of fall events and their circumstances ecologically valid in a laboratory setting and thereby will provide important information to estimate the individual instantaneous fall risk. DERR1-10.2196/46930.