Regular Medical Check-ups Research Articles

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness. We estimated the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among a diabetic population in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County in the Republic of Croatia and searched for potential risk factors. A prospective study was performed with 600 diabetic patients from different parts of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County who attended regular medical and ophthalmological check-ups at the General Hospital Dubrovnik from September 2014 to September 2015. Patients underwent a complete medical assessment by two ophthalmologists. Retinal examination included evaluation of the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Any retinopathy present was graded as mild non-proliferative retinopathy, moderate-severe non proliferative retinopathy or proliferative retinopathy. Retinopathy was present in 44.5% of the study sample. 20.7% had the mild form of diabetic retinopathy, 18.8% had the moderate-severe form, and 5.0% had proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The mean duration of diabetes was 12.94 years ± 6.85; 12.89 years ± 9.18 in men, 12.94 ± 6.54 in women. The mean BMI was 27.14 ± 2.98; for diabetics without diabetic retinopathy 26.19 ± 2.75; for those with the mild form 28.06 ± 3.01; for those with the moderate-severe form 28.49 ± 2.54; for those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy 28.79 ± 3.16. 168 (28%) patients were treated by laser and 22 (3.7%) by vitrectomy. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County is 44.5%. Regular screening to detect diabetic retinopathy is highly recommended as timely intervention can prevent most diabetic causes of blindness.

The Medical Education and Rehabilitation of Patients with Ischaemic Stroke

According to statistics, the incidence of ischaemic stroke is rising worldwide and it represents one of the main causes of infirmity and disability. Studies conducted in recent years argue that due to the evolution of the health system, the reorientation of medical education towards community health represents an alignment of the medical training centres with the needs of the general population. This type of education for health should be part of the cultural life in each country. Besides the functional deficit, patients with a stroke face depression and cognitive deficit, and this leads to the increase in the burden associated with this disorder. The questionnaire was applied on a sample of 153 subjects (73 female and 80 male) with ischaemic stroke, who were on their second admission at the Clinical Recovery Hospital Iași. From among them, 73 had an urban background and 80 had a rural background, each of them in the first 6 months from the stroke and all of them patients also diagnosed with primary arterial hypertension. The study highlights the informational shortcomings of patients with ischaemic stroke regarding the rehabilitation possibilities, the specific symptomatology and need to conduct personalized physical therapy programs. Lifestyle change, regular medical check-ups and blood pressure monitoring represent other aspects of which patients with a stroke are not very aware.

Physical Health Literacy and Health-related Behaviors in Patients with Psychosis.

ObjectiveThis study compared the levels of knowledge of physical illnesses and patterns of health behaviors between patients with psychosis and the general population.MethodsA total of 712 participants were included in the study; 292 patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder and 420 healthy controls matched for age and gender. Questionnaires were administered to study participants to determine the level of knowledge of chronic physical illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus and health-related behavior. Results from the two study groups were compared to identify differences in knowledge of physical illness and health-related behaviors.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, patients with psychosis were less likely to undergo regular medical check-ups and engage in exercise. Patients with psychosis had poorer knowledge of physical illnesses, and were more likely to smoke, be overweight, or have diabetes. Patients with psychosis were significantly less likely to acknowledge the importance of early detection of cancer and controlling hypertension and diabetes, independent of education and type of medical insurance. Patients who smoked were significantly less likely to agree with the statement on the relationship between smoking and physical illnesses. Patients not undergoing regular medical check-ups were significantly less likely to agree with statements concerning the need for cancer screening.ConclusionPatients with psychosis demonstrated lower levels of knowledge of physical illnesses and a lack of understanding of preventive behaviors. Low levels of knowledge were associated with poor health-related behaviors. Education of physical health should be provided to patients with psychosis.

Anaplasma bovis infection in a horse: First clinical report and molecular analysis

A 23-year-old male Thoroughbred horse at the Korean Military Academy appeared thin with visible rib bones and presented clinical signs of fever, anorexia, lethargy, and severe dehydration. To determine the presence of various febrile disease-causing agents, the 23 cohabiting horses at the academy, including this horse, were subjected to hematology, blood chemistry, and molecular analysis using whole blood samples collected during regular medical check-ups. On the basis of clinical history, physical examination, hematology, blood chemistry, and fecal examination, differential diagnosis using molecular analyses was performed for various febrile disease-causing agents, including Lyme borreliae, Coxiella, piroplasms (Babesia and Theileria), Rickettsiales (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia), equine herpesvirus, equine infectious anemia virus, and equine arteritis virus. While other pathogens were not detected, PCR and phylogenetic analysis targeting the Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene revealed that the horse was infected with Anaplasma bovis. Although PCR targeting the groEL and gltA genes of A. bovis was not successful, the restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism assay for differential diagnosis and determination of coinfectivity between Anaplasma phagocytophilum and A. bovis confirmed the pathogen as A. bovis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical report of A. bovis infection in a horse, suggesting a new reservoir host.

Medical survey on Cardiovascular Disorders

Recent studies in India indicate raising trends of cardiovascular disorders like hyper tension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia. Even in rural areas continuous monitoring of the cardio vascular disorders situation is required by repeated cross sectional studies in both urban, rural to plan control measures. Aim of the study to make a survey on cardio vascular disorders in local hospitals of aroghya and spandana hosipital in khammam. A cross sectional study was carried out in khammam region in the rural field practice area of Mother Teresa Pharmacy College in Sathupally, India. All adults and olders of both genders were included and screened for cardio vascular disorders by hosipital survey. Conclusion: It was observed that cardiovascular disorders can be treated within time and proper medication. Awareness should be created among the population regarding prevention of cardiovascular disorders. Even though proper medication are there, in some cases like heart attack and congestive heart failure the death rate is very high. This is because the patient is not able to reach the hospitals in time, not changing their life style modifications, continuing their habits like smoking and alcohol consumption and lack of frequent medical checkups. Hence the sincere advise to all the patients those are in the risk of cardiovascular disorders must have to keep the corresponding medicines like nitroglycerine tablets (Isosorbide dinitrate) with them of their pocket every time, avoiding of their habits of smoking and alcohol consumption, intake of low calorie diet and maintain their regular medical checkups. Keywords: Cross sectional study, Cardiovascular Disorders, Smoking and Alcohol consumption

The relationship between occupational stress, health status, and temporary and permanent work disability among security guards in Serbia

Purpose. This study aimed to examine the influence of occupational stress on health status and work disability among security guards in Serbia. Methods. Three hundred and ninty nine male security guards (aged 25–65 years) were examined during regular medical preventive check-ups at the Institute of Occupational Health. Data on their health status and permanent and temporary work disability were obtained, and correlations with the levels of occupational stress (measured by occupational stress index [OSI] questionnaire) were analysed. Results. A high prevalence of health impairments, including diabetes (38.8%), dyslipidaemia (82.7%), hypertension (69.9%) and metabolic syndrome (77.7%), was found. Highly significant correlations were shown between reported levels of total stress at work (total OSI score) and measured values of glucose, lipids, blood pressure, heart rate, Framingham cardiovascular risk scale, occurrence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular insults, degenerative eye-fundus changes, and temporary and permanent work disability. All of these correlations remained significant even after adjustments for age, body mass index and smoking status. Regression analysis confirmed the independent effect of occupational stress on the analysed parameters. Conclusions. There is a significant independent impact of occupational stress on development of health impairments and work disability among security guards.

A cross sectional study on health status and prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases among auto rickshaw drivers of Hyderabad, Telangana

Background: Auto rickshaws form 10-20% of daily motorized urban transport and ensure connectivity and easy access throughout congested Indian cities. Harmful lifestyles practiced by auto rickshaw drivers like irregularity of meals, bad posture while driving, sedentary lifestyle predisposes them to many gastrointestinal, respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular diseases. This study was taken to assess the risk factors of non-communicable diseases among of auto rickshaw drivers. Objectives of the study were to estimate the proportion of various non-communicable diseases among study population and to assess various risk factors for non- communicable diseases among study population.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 100 auto rickshaw drivers, aged above 20 years commuting at bus terminus and railway station in Hyderabad, Telangana using a predesigned questionnaire from May to July 2018.Results: The mean age of the study population was found to be 41.58±10.9 years. Around 14% of study subjects had history of diabetes mellitus and 15% hypertension. About 69% were overweight or obese, 41% had refractive errors and majority had musculoskeletal problems. The mean duration of physical activity was found to be 35±7 minutes/day.Conclusions: The prevalence of cardio vascular disease risk factors i.e. tobacco smoking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity was found to be quite high among auto rickshaw drivers. Early precautionary measures, regular medical check-up and prompt interventions are necessary for managing risk factors.

Morbidity pattern and treatment seeking behaviour of geriatric population in Jamnagar city

Background: Ageing of a population is a matter of great concern for the health sector. The elderly are, on the whole less healthy than the non-elderly. The aged population has special health problems that are basically different from those of adult or young. Aims: The present study aimed to assess the pattern of morbidity, co-morbidity, and treatment-seeking behaviour of the elderly in urban population of Jamnagar, delineate the common health conditions affecting the elderly. Material and methods: This community based cross sectional study was carried out in urban area of Jamnagar city. In this study five wards were randomly selected, out of which total 200 samples were selected by simple random method during November 2012 to December 2012. Results: Majority of the elderly were in the age group of 71-75 years of age (28%) followed by 60-65 years of age (21%) and males constituted 57 percent of the respondents. Most common geriatric problems reported by the study population were visual problems (65%), hypertension (40%), dental problems (34%), diabetes (26%), joint complain (26%) and hearing problems (22%). Treatment seeking behaviour was more prevalent for hypertension (90%) and diabetes (92%) as compared to others. Conclusion: Awareness among the elderly population should be created for regular medical check-ups to ensure prevention and early detection of the chronic diseases. There is a necessity in the modification of strategy towards the wellbeing of elderly is a priority at this juncture. Key word: Elderly, morbidity pattern, treatment seeking behaviour

COMPARISON OF CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETERS IN OBESE AND NORMAL WEIGHT PEOPLE

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, and at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer that are some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death.
 Aim: comparison of cardiovascular parameters between obese and normal individual.
 Material and Methods: His prospective study was carried out in the Dept. of Medicine (Cardiology) at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of medical Sciences, Sawangi Meghe Wardha.
 Results: A total of 400 participants were included in the study of which 200 were obese and 200 were non obese subject.
 Conclusion: The present paper has shown the correlation between body mass index and cardiovascular parameters among obese and non-obese. The mean body mass index is greater in obese male than obese female. The strong association of obesity with cardiovascular disease necessitates the importance of prevention and control of obesity and it should begin in early child hood also proper diet and regular medical check-up should be carried out to cope up with the problem of obesity.
 Keywords: cardiovascular diseases, Obese, BMI.

Survey and analysis of the prophylactic and medical activity of the elderly and the old people.

Health prophylaxis is a strategic priority in every health care system. This research aims at surveying the prophylactic and medical activity of the elderly and the old. An anonymous survey of 340 people aged 60 and over was conducted in "Haskovo Hospital" for a period of one year. The collected data provide grounds for concluding that health prophylaxis as a direct reflection of health education, and health awareness is not adequately utilized or offered medical activity, which is fundamental to achieving better health, preventing diseases and premature ageing. The percentage of elderly and old people who go through regular preventive medical check-ups is highly unsatisfactory. This puts forward significant problems connected with the organization of prophylaxis, the lack of health motivation, negligence towards prophylaxis, passive and irresponsible attitude.

Current Health Status and Care Practices among the Retired Elderly Professors of Tribhuvan University

This study tries to find out the current health status and the care practices of the retired elderly Professors of Kathmandu. Descriptive research design has been followed and all together 30 male and 10 female retired professors were selected conveniently. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and information. This study reveals that, most of the respondents (around 50%) were from 60-69 years young-old age group. In most cases, economic condition (around 90% have their own pension), marital life (around 62.5% are currently married) and family support (more than 90%) of the respondents were satisfactory about their current health status. Their physical health seems good but they were still suffering from the backache (100%), poor eye sight (80%), pain around the waist (60%), gastritis (60%) and headache (40%) which was often in elderly age due to auto immune and wear and tear theory. It was found that some of them were suffering from different chronic and acute diseases but they were cared and supported by their family members in their hard time. They had practiced regular medical checkups due to satisfactory family life and economic status.

Disparities in the utilisation of preventive health services by the employment status: An analysis of 2007-2012 South Korean national survey.

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the differences in the utilisation of preventive health services among standard, nonstandard workers, the self-employed, and unpaid family workers.MethodsWe used the 4th and 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationwide survey conducted from the year 2007 to 2012. Economically active workers between the ages of 25 and 64 were grouped into standard, nonstandard, the self-employed, and the unpaid family workers (N = 16,964). Outcome variables are the uptake of preventive health services including influenza vaccination, regular medical check-up, and four types of cancer screenings. We used multivariate logistic models.ResultsOverall, non-standard workers, the self-employed, and unpaid family workers were less likely to use the preventive health care compared to the standard workers. In particular, the self-employed were less likely to use all the six services compared to the standard workers and showed the lowest level of uptakes among the four working groups. Moreover, the service uptake of the non-standard workers was lower than that of standard workers in all services; except the colon cancer screening. On the other hand, unpaid family workers showed mixed results. While the uptake of influenza vaccination and regular health screening were lower, participation to the cancer screening was not lower compared to that of standard workers.ConclusionThere were gaps in the utilisation of preventive services among workers depending on their employment types. Access to preventive health care services of nonstandard workers, the self-employed, and unpaid family workers should be prioritised.

The Relationship Between Premature Ventricular Contractions and Lifestyle-Related Habits among the Japanese Working Population (FUJITSU Cardiovascular and Respiratory Observational Study-1; FACT-1).

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are often found in healthy workers at medical checkups. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of PVCs recorded during medical checkups in Japanese office workers without heart disease or other known contributing factors. Participants in this study were 17,641 office workers, who underwent an electrocardiogram examination during a regular medical checkup between April 1 2015 and March 31 2016 and had no known heart disease. The frequency of PVCs was recorded. Participants with PVCs were included in the PVC group and a control group of participants without PVCs was set in a nested case-control study to calculate the rate of complications for lifestyle-related diseases and the risk rate of PVCs for lifestyle-related habits. Within the participant group, PVCs were observed in 303 individuals (1.7%). When compared with the control group, the occurrence of regularly drinking alcohol (P=0.009) and insomnia (P=0.006) were significantly higher in the PVC group. Factors related to the onset of PVCs were examined using univariate analysis. The odds ratio (OR) was 1.731 in participants who regularly drank alcohol (95% CI: 1.146-2.633, P=0.009) when compared with participants who did not regularly drink alcohol, and 1.569 in participants with insomnia (95% CI: 1.023-2.422, P=0.040) when compared with participants without insomnia. The frequency of PVCs recorded at regular medical checkups in Japanese office workers without heart disease was 1.7%. Within our group of participants, the factors related to the onset of PVCs were a history of regularly drinking alcohol and sleep disorders.

Older Adults' Reasons for Participating in an eHealth Prevention Trial: A Cross-Country, Mixed-Methods Comparison

ObjectivesTo explore older adults' reasons for participating in a multinational eHealth prevention trial, and compare motivations between countries. DesignCross-sectional mixed methods research using quantitative and qualitative approaches (the ACCEPT-HATICE study). Setting and ParticipantsSubstudy conducted during the recruitment phase of an 18-month RCT testing the efficacy of an eHealth intervention for self-management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive decline in older adults in Finland, France, and the Netherlands. Participants were 343 dementia-free community dwellers aged 65+ with basic computer literacy and either ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors or a history of CVD/diabetes. MeasuresOnline questionnaire (quantitative data) and semistructured interviews (qualitative data). ResultsContributing to scientific progress, wanting to improve one's lifestyle, and benefiting from additional medical monitoring were the predominant reasons for participating. Altruistic reasons were particularly relevant among the French, whereas Finnish and Dutch participants mainly emphasized the benefits of lifestyle changes and regular medical checkups. During interviews, preventing functional dependency emerged as a key underlying motivation. Although some trial design features influenced the decision to participate, the use of an eHealth intervention was not an important motivator in this population. Conclusions/ImplicationsAltruism and personal benefits motivated older adults to participate in the trial; emphasizing such aspects could facilitate recruitment in future RCTs. Additional medical monitoring may be particularly appealing when access to public health care is considered limited. Furthermore, maintaining autonomy and preventing functional dependency emerged as a key concern in this population of young older adults.

Awareness and Practice of Proper Health Seeking Behaviour and Determinant of Self-Medication among Physicians and Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria

Background: There is generally a lack of good health-seeking practices among health professionals due to a variety of factors, including the intensity of the medical practice itself. Doctors and nurses are perceived to have a good knowledge of ideal health-seeking behaviors and as such, it is important to determine the level of their awareness and estimate whether this knowledge is put into practice. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the level of awareness and practices of proper health-seeking behavior and to identify the factors responsible for self-medication among doctors and nurses in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between April and may 2018 among 106 doctors and 164 nurses in a tertiary health facility in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique by balloting was performed from the list of doctors and nurses in the hospital to select doctors and nurses that participated in the study. A pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was designed and used to collect data. The data were entered into the computer software and analyzed using SPSS version 20. P ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant. Result: Out of 106 doctors and 164 nurses recruited, only 102 doctors and 143 nurses filled the questionnaire completely and returned for analysis. One hundred and four respondents (42.4%) fall within the ages of 31 - 40 years with a male to female ratio of 1:1.23. Awareness of proper health seeking behavior among both doctors and nurses was high among the two groups with no statistically significant difference between them. Twenty-nine (28.0%) doctors compared with thirty-four (23.8%) nurses go for a regular medical check-up with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.411). Out of these, 5 (17.2%) doctors and 7 (23.8%) nurses visit at an interval of less than 6 month (p = 0.736). There is a statistically significant difference in the number of doctors (60.8%) compared with nurses (41.3%) that have consulted a doctor in the last one year (p = 0.003). More than half (51.6%) of this consultation among doctors was over the phone whereas 64.4% of such among nurses were via clinic appointment (p = 0.008). More doctors (90.2%) comply with their treatment prescription from physicians compared with nurses (77.6%) (p = 0.010). More nurses compared with doctors self-medicate when ill [Doctor 61.8% (63), Nurses 78.3% (112)] (p = 0.005) and had also self-medicated in the last one year [Doctor 34.3% (35), Nurses 42.7% (61)] (p = 0.187). Decreasing age, decreasing years of experience, increasing working hours, lack of health insurance, fear of confidentiality and lack of satisfaction with health services are factors that significantly increased the likelihood of self-medication among doctors and nurses within the last one year. Conclusion: Awareness of proper health seeking behavior was high but this did not translate into proper health-seeking practices among doctors and nurses. There is apathy for regular medical check-up and self-medication was also high among this group of health workers. Decreasing age and years of experience, increasing working hours, lack of health insurance, fear of confidentiality and lack of satisfaction with health services were factors were identified to significantly increase the likelihood of self-medication.

Analyzing Factors Associated With Decisional Stage of Adoption for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Older Korean Americans Using Precaution Adoption Process Model.

Introduction: For Korean Americans (KAs), colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates remain lower than the national target. This study aimed to examine factors predicting decisional stage of CRC screening adoption among older KAs using the precaution adoption process model. Method: Convenience sampling was employed to recruit KAs aged 50 to 75 years from the Atlanta metropolitan area in the United States. A total of 433 KAs completed a cross-sectional survey that collects information on sociodemographics, CRC screening history, a physician's recommendation, knowledge, self-efficacy, and decisional balance pertaining CRC screening, and precaution adoption process model stage. Results: Higher scores of decisional balance (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34), having a physician's recommendation (OR = 8.61), and having regular annual medical checkups (OR = 4.44) were significantly associated with higher decisional stage compared with lower stage, controlling for other variables. Discussion: Intervention research should incorporate consideration of individuals' decisional stage to move KAs forward from not engaging the screening to maintaining regular participation in CRC screening.

Analyzing factors associated with decisional stage of adopting breast cancer screening among Korean American women using precaution adoption process model

ABSTRACT Background: Korean American (KA) women have experienced higher prevalence and lower survival rates of breast cancer (BC) than other ethnic groups in the United States. However, BC screening rates for KA women remain significantly lower than the national target (81.1%) specified by Healthy People 2020. Few studies have explained how the decision to adopt BC screening occurs and progresses and what factors contribute to this decision among KA women. This study used Weinstein’s Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) as a theoretical framework to examine characteristics and factors associated with the decisional stage of mammography adoption. Methods: A cross-sectional self-report survey was administered among KA women (N = 308) ages 50–80 from the Atlanta metropolitan area. A total of 281 KA women completed the survey, answering questions about socio-demographics, health-related information, mammography history, doctor recommendation, BC screening knowledge, self-efficacy for BC screening, decisional balance scores on attitudes and beliefs pertaining to mammography, and the seven-stage PAPM. Results: KA women reported a low rate of mammography uptake with about 24% and 35% of the participants undergoing mammography within the last year and two years, respectively. KA women in stages 5 (decided yes), 6 (action), and 7 (maintenance) were likely to have increased screening-related knowledge, positive decisional balance, and regular medical check-up compared to those in stages 1 (unaware), 2 (unengaged), and 3 (deciding). Conclusion: This study highlights important factors that could potentially facilitate BC screening among KA women in Georgia. The findings also provide implications for interventions and practice for increasing mammography screening among medically underserved populations.

Dietary intake as a cardiovascular risk factor: a cross-sectional study of bank employees in Accra

Objectives: To determine the dietary and nutrient intakes of bank employees in Accra in relation to recommended dietary intake for the control of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).Design: The study was a cross-sectional study.Methodology: A structured validated questionnaire was used to obtain demographics. A 3-day 24-hour dietary recall and usual food intake questionnaire were used to obtain information on food intakes and dietary pattern of the respondents. Food models, household measures and photos of common dishes as well as household cups and measures were used in order to obtain accurate information regarding the types and quantities of foods and beverages consumed.Subjects: Convenient sampling was used to select bank branches while simple random sampling by ballot without replacement was used to select 119 bank employees who consented to participate in the study.Outcome measures: Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Esha FPro software was used to analyse food nutrients. The nutrient intakes were compared with a standard dietary guideline for adults.Results: Findings showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in mean energy intake between males and females. Also, the bank employees were consuming more fat (32%) compared with the recommended intake. The average intake of dietary sodium and cholesterol was within the recommended intake levels. All the participants in the study had a mean intake of dietary potassium, fibre, fruits and vegetables below the recommended levels. The major cooking oils used in meal preparation were vegetable and palm oil (46%), followed by vegetable oil (31.9%) and palm oil (21.8%).Conclusions: The study evaluated the dietary intake of bank employees, which is an important risk factor for chronic diseases. There is a need to develop plans to provide nutrition education and counselling for adequate nutrient intake and prevention of chronic diseases among bank employees.Layman's summary: Obtaining an adequate diet and avoiding overconsumption of food helps to maintain health. Intake of foods containing high energy and fats without corresponding energy expenditure through physical activity could result in obesity, heart diseases, diabetes and other health challenges. Inadequate intake of micronutrients as well could result in deficiency diseases, and depresses the immune system and health of individuals. Bank employees and all other individuals need to pay attention to what they eat to live a healthy and longer life. Regular physical activity, following the dietary approaches to avoid hypertension and regular medical check-up are essential for cardiovascular health.Strong lay message: Inadequate or overconsumption of nutrients can cause chronic heart diseases.

SELECTING THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE LONG-TERM ANTIVIRAL THERAPY

Study aims: The study purpose was to analyze the results of the clinical and laboratory monitoring of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients after discontinuation of longterm nucleosides analogues antiviral therapy in order to determine further management.Materials and methods: A retrospective-prospective investigation was performed in 106 patients with diagnosis of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B during the course of antiviral therapy using nucleosides analogues. Average treatment duration was 190,1±77,7 weeks. The therapy was discontinued for 29 patients in the period of time from two to five years of the treatment, they were followed up from 6 months to 6 years. The activity of aminotransferases, the levels of HBV DNA were evaluated, the liver elastometry was performed during the patients monitoring. The relapse of disease after the treatment discontinuation was considered when the viral load exceeded 2.0x103 IU / ml and/or alanine aminotransferase levels were above the reference values.Results:The viral load varied from 4,0х102 IU/ml to 2,87 х 107 IU/ml at 86,2% cases after the 6 months of discontinuation of the treatment. However median levels of viral load were not higher than 2,5 х 103 IU/ml at different timepoints of observation. The VL was higher than 2,0 х 103 IU/ml in 62,1% patients and it matched to relapse criterion. Clinical relapse was not revealed in 13,8% cases at observational period from 6 months to 2 years. The second course of antiviral therapy was not required for 37,9% patients, at the same time it was necessary to consider it for the rest ones.Conclusion: Regular medical checkups with periodical clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations after antiviral treatment discontinuation are required for timely detection of relapse and decision regarding the next course of antiviral therapy.

NADH Dehydrogenase Subunit-2 237 Leu/Met Polymorphism Influences the Association of Coffee Consumption with Serum Chloride Levels in Male Japanese Health Checkup Examinees: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit-2 237 leucine/methionine (ND2-237 Leu/Met) polymorphism has been shown to modify the association of coffee consumption with the risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and abnormal glucose tolerance, and low serum chloride levels have been shown to be associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism influences the association of coffee consumption with serum chloride levels in male Japanese health checkup examinees. Methods: From among individuals visiting the hospital for a regular medical checkup, 402 men (mean age ± standard deviation, 53.9 ± 7.8 years) were selected for inclusion in the study. After ND2-237 Leu/Met genotyping, we conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study to examine the combined association of ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism and coffee consumption with serum electrolyte levels. Results: After adjusting for age, body mass index, habitual smoking, alcohol consumption, green tea consumption, and antihypertensive medication, coffee consumption significantly increased serum chloride levels (p for trend = 0.001) in men with the ND2-237Leu genotype. After these adjustments, the odds ratios (ORs) for low levels of serum chloride, defined as <100 mEq/L, were found to be dependent on coffee consumption (p for trend = 0.001). In addition, the OR for low levels of serum chloride was significantly lower in men with the ND2-237Leu genotype who consumed ≥4 compared with <1 cup of coffee per day (OR = 0.096, 95% confidence interval = 0.010–0.934; p = 0.044). However, neither serum chloride levels nor risk of low levels of serum chloride appeared to be dependent on coffee consumption. Conclusions: The results suggest that ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism modifies the association of coffee consumption with serum chloride levels in middle-aged Japanese men.