scholarly journals The Golden Years: Men From The Forbes 400 Have Much Younger Wives When Remarrying Than the General US Population.

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas V Pollet ◽  
Sophia E Pratt ◽  
Gracia Edwards ◽  
Gert Stulp

A common stereotype is that richer men have wives who are substantially younger than themselves. However, some research suggests that large age gaps are actually more common with low male income, at least in the general population. Here, we examine spousal age differences among the super wealthy (Forbes 400 list – the richest 400 individuals in the US). Men from the Forbes 400 on average had a spouse who was seven years younger, which is significantly different from the mean age difference between spouses in the US population. Furthermore when these men remarried, their subsequent spouse was substantially younger, twenty-two years younger on average, again markedly different from the general population. Wealthy women did not differ from the general population in terms of spousal age differences. We conclude that based on these data the stereotype that rich men (re)marry younger wives holds a kernel of truth, at least for a sample of the super wealthy.

2000 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis M. Hsu ◽  
Judy Hayman ◽  
Judith Koch ◽  
Debbie Mandell

Summary: In the United States' normative population for the WAIS-R, differences (Ds) between persons' verbal and performance IQs (VIQs and PIQs) tend to increase with an increase in full scale IQs (FSIQs). This suggests that norm-referenced interpretations of Ds should take FSIQs into account. Two new graphs are presented to facilitate this type of interpretation. One of these graphs estimates the mean of absolute values of D (called typical D) at each FSIQ level of the US normative population. The other graph estimates the absolute value of D that is exceeded only 5% of the time (called abnormal D) at each FSIQ level of this population. A graph for the identification of conventional “statistically significant Ds” (also called “reliable Ds”) is also presented. A reliable D is defined in the context of classical true score theory as an absolute D that is unlikely (p < .05) to be exceeded by a person whose true VIQ and PIQ are equal. As conventionally defined reliable Ds do not depend on the FSIQ. The graphs of typical and abnormal Ds are based on quadratic models of the relation of sizes of Ds to FSIQs. These models are generalizations of models described in Hsu (1996) . The new graphical method of identifying Abnormal Ds is compared to the conventional Payne-Jones method of identifying these Ds. Implications of the three juxtaposed graphs for the interpretation of VIQ-PIQ differences are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 483-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin Zimmerman ◽  
Bobby May ◽  
Katherine Barnes ◽  
Anastasia Arynchyna ◽  
Elizabeth N. Alford ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEChildhood hydrocephalus is a common chronic medical condition. However, little is known about the burden of headache and psychological comorbidities in children living with hydrocephalus. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of these conditions among the pediatric hydrocephalus population.METHODSDuring routine neurosurgery clinic visits from July 2017 to February 2018, the authors administered four surveys to children ages 7 years and older: Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety, PROMIS Depression, and PROMIS Fatigue. The PedMIDAS is an assessment of headache disability in pediatric and adolescent patients. The PROMIS measures are pediatric self-reported instruments to assess social and emotional health. PROMIS measures utilize T-scores (mean 50, SD 10) to compare anxiety, depression, and fatigue in specific populations to those in the US general population. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the medical record (hydrocephalus etiology, shunt infection, race, etc.) and tested for associations with survey measure scores.RESULTSForty children completed the PedMIDAS. Ten percent of them were in the severe headache range, 5% were in the moderate range, and 5% were in the mild range. There was a statistically significant association between undergoing a cluster of shunt operations and headache burden (p = 0.003).Forty children completed all three PROMIS measures. The mean anxiety score was 45.8 (SD 11.7), and 2.5% of children scored in the severe anxiety range, 17.5% in the moderate range, and 20% in the mild range. The mean depression score was 42.7 (SD 10.0), with 2.5% of children scoring in the severe depression range, 5% in the moderate range, and 12.5% in the mild range. The mean fatigue score was 45.1 (SD 16.4), with 15% percent of children scoring in the severe fatigue range, 10% in the moderate range, and 7.5% in the mild range. There were no statistically significant associations between child anxiety, depression, or fatigue and clinical or demographic variables.CONCLUSIONSChildren with hydrocephalus have an average burden of headache, anxiety, depression, and fatigue as compared to the general population overall. Having a cluster of shunt operations correlates with a higher headache burden, but no clinical or demographic variable is associated with anxiety, depression, or fatigue.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1278.1-1278
Author(s):  
H. Ferjani ◽  
M. Yasmine ◽  
K. Maatallah ◽  
E. Labbene ◽  
H. Riahi ◽  
...  

Background:Enthesitis is the clinical hallmark of spondylarthritis. It refers to the inflammation of joint attach in the bone. Several sites enthesitis may be affected, and a wide variety of scoring systems were available.Objectives:We aimed to determine the prevalence of axial enthesitis in the anterior chest wall (ACW), and its correlation with peripheral sites especially, the Achilles tendon (AT).Methods:We conducted a prospective study including patients with SpA according to the ASAS criteria. Sociodemographic data, as well as disease characteristics, were recorded. The Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES) was used to assess clinical entheses (first and seventh costochondral joints, posterior superior iliac spine, anterior superior iliac spine, iliac crest, and Achilles tendon insertion). The presence of enthesitis on the US was then assessed in the right and left sternoclavicular (SCJ), manubriosternal (MSJ) joints, as well as in the AT, using Esaote My Lab 50.Results:The study included 47 patients with SpA: axial (n=26), axial and peripheral (n=21). There was a female predominance (sex ratio: 0.2). The mean age was 42.2 years ± 12.6 [11-70]. The age of onset of the disease was <40 years in 59.6% of cases. Tenderness in entheseal sites was found in 63.8% of patients, especially in the plantar fascia and AT (32.7%, 6%, respectively). The mean MASES score was 2.9 [0-13]. Clinical ACW involvement (29.1%) was at follows: 1st right chondro-sternal joint (CSJ) (19.1%), 1st left CSJ (25.5%), 7th right CSJ (27.7%) and 7th left CSJ (31.9%).US involvement of the ACW was 14.3%. Enthesitis of the AT was found in 70% of cases on US examination. ACW US involvement was correlated neither to the BMI nor to MASES score (p=0.16, p=0.6 respectively). Similarly, there was no correlation between the presence of US ACW enthesitis and clinical nor the US AT enthesitis (p=0.09, p=0.209, respectively).Conclusion:Our study showed that ACW enthesitis is frequent in SpA, especially by US screening. This axial enthesitis, don’t necessarily reflect a simultaneous clinical or US involvement of the peripheral entheses. Further studies are needed to characterize this subtype of SpA.References:[1]Verhoeven F, Guillot X, Godfrin-Valnet M, Prati C, Wendling D. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the anterior chest wall in spondyloarthritis: a prospective and controlled study. J Rheumatol. 2015;42(1):87-92Disclosure of Interests:None declared.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marziyeh Rajabi ◽  
Afshin Ostovar ◽  
Ali Akbari Sari ◽  
Sayed Mahmoud Sajjadi-Jazi ◽  
Noushin Fahimfar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Osteoporotic fractures impose significant costs on society. The objective of this study was to estimate the direct costs of the hip, vertebral, and forearm fractures in the first year after fracture incidence in Iran. Methods We surveyed a sample of 300 patients aged over 50 years with osteoporotic fractures (hip, vertebral, and forearm) admitted to four hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, during 2017 and were alive six months after the fracture. Inpatient cost data were obtained from the hospital patient records. Using a questionnaire, the data regarding outpatient costs were collected through a phone interview with patients at least six months after the fracture incidence. Direct medical and non-medical costs were estimated from a societal perspective. All costs were converted to the US dollar using the average exchange rate in 2017 (1USD = IRR 34,214) Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the patient was 69.83 ± 11.25 years, and 68% were female. One hundred and seventeen (39%) patients had hip fractures, 56 (18.67%) patients had vertebral fractures, and 127 (42.33%) ones had forearm fractures. The mean direct cost (medical and non-medical) during the year after hip, vertebral and forearm fractures were estimated at USD5,381, USD2,981, and USD1,209, respectively. Conclusion The direct cost of osteoporotic fracture in Iran is high. Our findings might be useful for the economic evaluation of preventive and treatment interventions for osteoporotic fractures as well as estimating the economic burden of osteoporotic fractures in Iran.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 442.2-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Rainey ◽  
H. S. B. Baraf ◽  
A. Yeo ◽  
P. Lipsky

Background:Pegloticase is a mammalian recombinant uricase coupled to monomethoxy polyethylene glycol that is approved in the US for treatment of patients with chronic refractory gout and causes profound reductions in serum urate. However, treatment with pegloticase is limited by the induction of anti-drug antibodies and loss of responsiveness in nearly half of treated patients.Objectives:The goal of this study was to determine whether co-therapy with azathioprine (AZA) would increase the frequency of chronic refractory gout patients who had persistent urate lowering from pegloticase therapy.Methods:This open label multicenter study enrolled subjects with chronic gout who failed to lower serum urate to <6 mg/dL despite medically indicated doses of urate lowering therapy (NCT02598596). Patients were screened for adequate levels of the AZA metabolizing enzyme thiopurine methyl transferase and then started on daily oral AZA 1.25 mg/kg for 1 week and then 2.5 mg/kg for the remainder of the trial. Blood levels of AZA metabolites 6-thioguanine and 6-methylmercaptopurine were measured biweekly. After receiving 2 weeks of AZA, patients were started on pegloticase (8 mg IV) and were treated biweekly for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the persistent lowering of serum urate to <6 mg/dL at the last three consecutive study visits. Patients who had an increase in serum urate to >6 mg/dL while on therapy did not receive additional pegloticase. All patients received infusion prophylaxis with hydrocortisone as well as gout flare prophylaxis.Results:To date, 12 patients have been enrolled. All patients were male, 75% white and 25% African American. Mean age was 62.4 ± 14.7 years, the mean BMI was 31.1 ± 4.5 and the mean duration of gout was 13.8 ± 9.2 years. At baseline, all patients had visible tophi; 58.3% suffered from gout flares; 81.8% had hypertension; 45.5% had dyslipidemia and 9.0% had coronary artery disease. Of the 12 patients, 6 have completed the full course of treatment with persistent urate lowering and 2 remain on treatment also with persistent urate lowering (figure). 2 patients lost the urate lowering effect, both after 2 doses of pegloticase, and did not receive additional therapy. 1 patient experienced an infusion reaction during the first dose (1 infusion reaction in 90 infusions [1.1%] in the entire trial to date) and 1 subject had subjective symptoms of AZA intolerance with no laboratory abnormalities; these subjects discontinued the study and were not evaluable for the endpoint. No adverse events related to AZA were reported and gout flares were noted in 6 subjects (mean 1.5 flares/patient with flares).Conclusion:AZA can be used safely in subjects with chronic refractory gout and appears to increase the frequency of subjects experiencing long term lowering of serum urate.References:Disclosure of Interests: :Hope Rainey: None declared, Herbert S.B. Baraf Grant/research support from: Horizon; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Pfizer; Janssen; AbbVie, Consultant of: Horizon; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Merck; AbbVie, Speakers bureau: Horizon, Anthony Yeo Employee of: Horizon, Peter Lipsky Consultant of: Horizon Therapeutics


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Abdel Hameed Shahin ◽  
Rasha Mohammed Hussien

Abstract Background People’s perceptions of pandemic-associated risk are key factors contributing to increased public participation in disease preventive measures. The aim of the study was to investigate risk perceptions regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, among the general population. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 723 participants, recruited from the general population of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Data collection was performed using a standardized risk perception assessment questionnaire, in April 2020. Results The mean score for the perception of COVID-19 seriousness was significantly higher and the mean scores for the perception of disease susceptibility and extent of anxiety were also higher among Saudi Arabian participants than participants from Egypt and Jordan. Participants from Egypt had significantly lower mean scores for the perception of efficacy and self-efficacy to cope with COVID-19, and significantly lower intention to comply with COVID-19 precautionary measures than the other populations. A significant positive correlation was detected between the perception of COVID-19 seriousness and self-efficacy to handle COVID-19, for the entire sample. The primary reasons reported by participants driving their willingness to perform certain preventive measures against COVID-19 was a feeling of responsibility toward their own health, followed by preventing transmission to other people and the feeling that COVID-19 can be serious. Most of the study sample reported a desire to receive information about COVID-19 treatment, ways to prevent disease contraction, and the incubation period for the novel coronavirus. Also, most of the study sample reported that they prefer receiving COVID-19 updates from national authorities. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, communications designed to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors should focus on increasing the perception of seriousness, the risk perception, self-efficacy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of the adopted behavioral measures for reducing risk. Health education programs that are tailored to various sociodemographic categories, to improve public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes, are vital for increasing the adoption of outbreak preventive measures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1563.3-1563
Author(s):  
H. Tamaki ◽  
S. Fukui ◽  
T. Nakai ◽  
G. Kidoguchi ◽  
S. Kawaai ◽  
...  

Background:Currently it is hypothesized that many systemic autoimmune diseases occur due to environmental risk factors in addition to genetic risk factors. Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) is mainly associated with three systemic autoimmune disease including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). It is known that ANCA can be positive before clinical symptoms in patients with known diagnosis of GPA and ANCA titers rise before clinical manifestations appear. However, prevalence of ANCA among general population is not well known. It has not been described as well how many of people with positive ANCA eventually develop clinical manifestations of ANCA associated Vasculitis.Objectives:This study aims to estimate prevalence of ANCA in general population without ANCA associated Vasculitis. It also describes natural disease course of people with positive ANCA without ANCA associated Vasculitis. Risk factors for positive ANCA are also analyzed.Methods:This is a single center retrospective study at Center for Preventive Medicine of St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo. ANCA was checked among the patients who wished to between 2018 and 2019. St. Luke’s Health Check-up Database (SLHCD) was utilized to collect the data. The patients whose serum was measured for ANCA were identified. The data for basic demographics, social habits, dietary habits and laboratory data were extracted. The charts of the patients with positive ANCA were reviewed.Results:Sera of total 1204 people were checked for ANCA. Of these 1204 people, 587 (48.8%) are male and the mean age was 55.8 years (32.6 to 79). There were total 11 patients with positive ANCA. Myeloperoxidase ANCA (MPO-ANCA) was positive for 3 patients and proteinase 3 ANCA (PR3-ANCA) was positive for 8 patients. Of these 11 patients, 5 were male (45.5%) and the mean age was 54.6 years. Two patients had history of autoimmune disease (primary biliary cirrhosis and ulcerative colitis). Five patients were evaluated by rheumatologists with the median follow-up period of 274 days. None of them developed clinical signs and symptoms of ANCA associated Vasculitis. Four out of five patients had ANCA checked later, two of which turned negative. The prevalence of ANCA in this cohort was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.5% to 1.6%). Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors of positive ANCA. The variables analyzed include age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, alcohol intake, dietary habits (fruits, fish, red meat), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and laboratory data. None of these variables demonstrated statistically significant differences except for positive rheumatoid factor (ANCA positive group: 33 % vs ANCA negative group: 9.1%, p value = 0.044).Conclusion:The prevalence of ANCA in this cohort was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5% to 1.6%). None of them who had a follow-up developed ANCA associated Vasculitis during the follow-up period. Longer follow-up and more patients are necessary to determine natural course of people with positive ANCA.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Author(s):  
M.K. Sreelakshmi ◽  
Suneesh Kuruvilla ◽  
Ramanarayanan Subramaniam ◽  
Pooja Latti ◽  
Ramanarayanan Venkitachalam

Abstract Background: Chengannur, a town in the south Indian state of Kerala, was 1 of the worst affected towns during the floods of 2018. Post-flood, Kerala state was under the threat of many infectious diseases including leptospirosis, but did not report any leptospirosis infections. Objectives: This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) Assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the prevention of leptospirosis among the flood affected population and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) of Chengannur; and (2) Analyze the factors responsible for and contributing to leptospirosis control in the area post flood. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire based observational study was conducted among 2 groups: the flood affected population, and ASHA. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts. Part A contained the socio-demographic information. Part B contained questions on assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the prevention, and control of leptospirosis. Part C was only for the ASHA involved. Results: The final sample size was 331 (244 from the general population and 87 ASHAs). With respect to knowledge, attitude, and practice, the responses were dichotomized into correct and wrong responses. The mean knowledge score was 9.01 ± 1.08 (maximum score of 10), mean attitude score was of 3.61 ± 0.55 (maximum score of 4) and the mean practice score was 4.12 ± 1.05 (maximum score of 5). Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude scores did not significantly differ between the general population and ASHA, but the practice score showed a higher score among the ASHA, all of which could have probably contributed to the prevention of a leptospirosis outbreak in the region.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 282
Author(s):  
Hui-Ju Tsai ◽  
Chih-Hsing Hung ◽  
Chih-Wen Wang ◽  
Hung-Pin Tu ◽  
Chiu-Hui Li ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing annually in Taiwan. In addition to traditional risk factors, heavy metals contribute to the development of CKD. The aim of this study was to investigate associations among heavy metals and proteinuria and CKD in the general population in Southern Taiwan. We also explored the interaction and synergetic effects among heavy metals on proteinuria. Methods: We conducted a health survey in the general population living in Southern Taiwan between June 2016 and September 2018. Seven heavy metals were measured: blood lead (Pb) and urine nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd). Proteinuria was measured using reagent strips. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results: The mean age of the 2447 participants was 55.1 ± 13.2 years and included 977 males and 1470 females. Participants with high blood Pb and high urine Ni, Mn, Cu, and Cd were significantly associated with proteinuria. Interactions between blood Pb and urine Cr, and between urine Cd and Cu, had significant effects on proteinuria. The participants with high blood Pb and high urine Cu were significantly associated with an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: High blood Pb and high urine Cu may be associated with proteinuria and an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. High urine Ni, Mn, and Cd were significantly associated with proteinuria. Co-exposure to Cd and Cu, and Pb and Cr, may have synergistic effects on proteinuria.


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110645
Author(s):  
Makenzie Huguet ◽  
Angela Beliveau ◽  
Sandra L. Taylor ◽  
Debbie A. Aizenberg

Objective This study sought to determine childbearing patterns and decision making among female otolaryngologists. Study Design Anonymous survey. Setting An anonymous survey was sent in 2020 to female otolaryngologists identified through their membership with the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Methods Data were analyzed concerning individual fertility and childbearing history, reflections regarding decision making, perceptions of workplace support, and estimations of objective childbearing potential. Results There were 398 responses. The mean age at first pregnancy was 32.3 years. Almost one-third of respondents who attempted to conceive (30.4%) were diagnosed with infertility. Of those who had their first pregnancy during training, 55% reported having substantial workplace support, as opposed to 70% of those whose first pregnancies followed completion of training ( P = .01). When asked what they would do differently in retrospect, most women with infertility (65.0%) would have attempted conception earlier; 41 (41.0%) would have used cryopreservation to extend fertility; and 14 (14.0%) would have gone into a different specialty. Conclusion Female otolaryngologist respondents have children later in life than the general population, and a substantial proportion face infertility or have regrets about family planning decisions and career decision making. Increased awareness, further investigation, and targeted programs are needed to support the growing number of female otolaryngologists who desire both a career and a family.


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