26 research outputs found

    Structural, Spectroscopic, and Computational Insights from Canavanine-Bound and Two Catalytically Compromised Variants of the Ethylene-Forming Enzyme

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    The ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE) is an Fe(II), 2-oxoglutarate (2OG), and l-arginine (l-Arg)-dependent oxygenase that either forms ethylene and three CO2/bicarbonate from 2OG or couples the decarboxylation of 2OG to C5 hydroxylation of l-Arg. l-Arg binds with C5 toward the metal center, causing 2OG to change from monodentate to chelate metal interaction and OD1 to OD2 switch of D191 metal coordination. We applied anaerobic UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and computational approaches to three EFE systems with high-resolution structures. The ineffective l-Arg analogue l-canavanine binds to the EFE with O5 pointing away from the metal center while promoting chelate formation by 2OG but fails to switch the D191 metal coordination from OD1 to OD2. Substituting alanine for R171 that interacts with 2OG and l-Arg inactivates the protein, prevents metal chelation by 2OG, and weakens l-Arg binding. The R171A EFE had electron density at the 2OG binding site that was identified by mass spectrometry as benzoic acid. The substitution by alanine of Y306 in the EFE, a residue 12 Å away from the catalytic metal center, generates an interior cavity that leads to multiple local and distal structural changes that reduce l-Arg binding and significantly reduce the enzyme activity. Flexibility analyses revealed correlated and anticorrelated motions in each system, with important distinctions from the wild-type enzyme. In combination, the results are congruent with the currently proposed enzyme mechanism, reinforce the importance of metal coordination by OD2 of D191, and highlight the importance of the second coordination sphere and longer range interactions in promoting EFE activity

    Airborne observations of peroxy radicals during the EMeRGe campaign in Europe

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    In this study, airborne measurements of the sum of hydroperoxyl (HO2_2) and organic peroxy (RO2_2) radicals that react with nitrogen monoxide (NO) to produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2_2), coupled with actinometry and other key trace gases measurements, have been used to test the current understanding of the fast photochemistry in the outflow of major population centres. The measurements were made during the airborne campaign of the EMeRGe (Effect of Megacities on the transport and transformation of pollutants on the Regional to Global scales) project in Europe on board the High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO). The measurements of RO2^∗_2 on HALO were made using the in situ instrument Peroxy Radical Chemical Enhancement and Absorption Spectrometer (PeRCEAS). RO2^∗_2 is to a good approximation the sum of peroxy radicals reacting with NO to produce NO2_2. RO2^∗_2 mixing ratios up to 120 pptv were observed in air masses of different origins and composition under different local actinometric conditions during seven HALO research flights in July 2017 over Europe. Radical production rates were estimated using knowledge of the photolysis frequencies and the RO2^∗_2 precursor concentrations measured on board, as well as the relevant rate coefficients. Generally, high RO2^∗_2 concentrations were measured in air masses with high production rates. In the air masses investigated, RO2^∗_2 is primarily produced by the reaction of O1^1D with water vapour and the photolysis of nitrous acid (HONO) and of the oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs, e.g. formaldehyde (HCHO) and glyoxal (CHOCHO)). Due to their short lifetime in most environments, the RO2^∗_2 concentrations are expected to be in a photostationary steady state (PSS), i.e. a balance between production and loss rates is assumed. The RO2^∗_2 production and loss rates and the suitability of PSS assumptions to estimate the RO2^∗_2 mixing ratios and variability during the airborne observations are discussed. The PSS assumption for RO2^∗_2 is considered robust enough to calculate RO2^∗_2 mixing ratios for most conditions encountered in the air masses measured. The similarities and discrepancies between measured and PSS calculated RO2^∗_2 mixing ratios are discussed. The dominant terminating processes for RO2^∗_2 in the pollution plumes measured up to 2000 m are the formation of nitrous acid, nitric acid, and organic nitrates. Above2000 m, HO2_2–HO2_2 and HO2_2–RO2_2 reactions dominate the RO2^∗_2 removal. RO2^∗_2 calculations by the PSS analytical expression inside the pollution plumes probed often underestimated the measurements. The underestimation is attributed to the limitations of the PSS equation used for the analysis. In particular, this expression does not account for the yields of RO2^∗_2 from the oxidation and photolysis of volatile organic compounds, VOCs, and OVOCs other than those measured during the EMeRGe research flights in Europe. In air masses with NO mixing ratios ≤ 50 pptv and low VOC/NO ratios, the RO2^∗_2 measured is overestimated by the analytical expression. This may be caused by the formation of H2_2O and O2_2 from OH and HO2_2, being about 4 times faster than the rate of the OH oxidation reaction of the dominant OVOCs considered

    Overview: On the transport and transformation of pollutants in the outflow of major population centres – observational data from the EMeRGe European intensive operational period in summer 2017

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    Megacities and other major population centres (MPCs) worldwide are major sources of air pollution, both locally as well as downwind. The overall assessment and prediction of the impact of MPC pollution on tropospheric chemistry are challenging. The present work provides an overview of the highlights of a major new contribution to the understanding of this issue based on the data and analysis of the EMeRGe (Effect of Megacities on the transport and transformation of pollutants on the Regional to Global scales) international project. EMeRGe focuses on atmospheric chemistry, dynamics, and transport of local and regional pollution originating in MPCs. Airborne measurements, taking advantage of the long range capabilities of the High Altitude and LOng Range Research Aircraft (HALO, https://www.halo-spp.de, last access: 22 March 2022), are a central part of the project. The synergistic use and consistent interpretation of observational data sets of different spatial and temporal resolution (e.g. from ground-based networks, airborne campaigns, and satellite measurements) supported by modelling within EMeRGe provide unique insight to test the current understanding of MPC pollution outflows. In order to obtain an adequate set of measurements at different spatial scales, two field experiments were positioned in time and space to contrast situations when the photochemical transformation of plumes emerging from MPCs is large. These experiments were conducted in summer 2017 over Europe and in the inter-monsoon period over Asia in spring 2018. The intensive observational periods (IOPs) involved HALO airborne measurements of ozone and its precursors, volatile organic compounds, aerosol particles, and related species as well as coordinated ground-based ancillary observations at different sites. Perfluorocarbon (PFC) tracer releases and model forecasts supported the flight planning, the identification of pollution plumes, and the analysis of chemical transformations during transport. This paper describes the experimental deployment and scientific questions of the IOP in Europe. The MPC targets – London (United Kingdom; UK), the Benelux/Ruhr area (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany), Paris (France), Rome and the Po Valley (Italy), and Madrid and Barcelona (Spain) – were investigated during seven HALO research flights with an aircraft base in Germany for a total of 53 flight hours. An in-flight comparison of HALO with the collaborating UK-airborne platform Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) took place to assure accuracy and comparability of the instrumentation on board. Overall, EMeRGe unites measurements of near- and far-field emissions and hence deals with complex air masses of local and distant sources. Regional transport of several European MPC outflows was successfully identified and measured. Chemical processing of the MPC emissions was inferred from airborne observations of primary and secondary pollutants and the ratios between species having different chemical lifetimes. Photochemical processing of aerosol and secondary formation or organic acids was evident during the transport of MPC plumes. Urban plumes mix efficiently with natural sources as mineral dust and with biomass burning emissions from vegetation and forest fires. This confirms the importance of wildland fire emissions in Europe and indicates an important but discontinuous contribution to the European emission budget that might be of relevance in the design of efficient mitigation strategies. The present work provides an overview of the most salient results in the European context, with these being addressed in more detail within additional dedicated EMeRGe studies. The deployment and results obtained in Asia will be the subject of separate publications

    Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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    BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

    Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

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    Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

    Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

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    Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

    Prospective, multicentre study of screening, investigation and management of hyponatraemia after subarachnoid haemorrhage in the UK and Ireland

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    Background: Hyponatraemia often occurs after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). However, its clinical significance and optimal management are uncertain. We audited the screening, investigation and management of hyponatraemia after SAH. Methods: We prospectively identified consecutive patients with spontaneous SAH admitted to neurosurgical units in the United Kingdom or Ireland. We reviewed medical records daily from admission to discharge, 21 days or death and extracted all measurements of serum sodium to identify hyponatraemia (&lt;135 mmol/L). Main outcomes were death/dependency at discharge or 21 days and admission duration &gt;10 days. Associations of hyponatraemia with outcome were assessed using logistic regression with adjustment for predictors of outcome after SAH and admission duration. We assessed hyponatraemia-free survival using multivariable Cox regression. Results: 175/407 (43%) patients admitted to 24 neurosurgical units developed hyponatraemia. 5976 serum sodium measurements were made. Serum osmolality, urine osmolality and urine sodium were measured in 30/166 (18%) hyponatraemic patients with complete data. The most frequently target daily fluid intake was &gt;3 L and this did not differ during hyponatraemic or non-hyponatraemic episodes. 26% (n/N=42/164) patients with hyponatraemia received sodium supplementation. 133 (35%) patients were dead or dependent within the study period and 240 (68%) patients had hospital admission for over 10 days. In the multivariable analyses, hyponatraemia was associated with less dependency (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.35 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.69)) but longer admissions (aOR=3.2 (1.8 to 5.7)). World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade I–III, modified Fisher 2–4 and posterior circulation aneurysms were associated with greater hazards of hyponatraemia. Conclusions: In this comprehensive multicentre prospective-adjusted analysis of patients with SAH, hyponatraemia was investigated inconsistently and, for most patients, was not associated with changes in management or clinical outcome. This work establishes a basis for the development of evidence-based SAH-specific guidance for targeted screening, investigation and management of high-risk patients to minimise the impact of hyponatraemia on admission duration and to improve consistency of patient care

    Airborne measurement and interpretation of peroxy radical concentrations with a focus on the oxidation mechanisms in the Asian free troposphere

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    Hydroperoxyl (HO2) and organic peroxy (RO2, where R stands for any organic group) radicals are highly reactive molecules produced in the oxidation of many compounds in the troposphere. They participate in the catalytic cycle producing or destroying ozone (O3) in the troposphere. Thus, HO2 and RO2 measurements provide unique information about the chemical processing of an air mass. Over the last decades, the understanding of the role of HO2 and RO2 in the chemical processes in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) has improved through ground-based in-situ measurements. However, the number of unequivocal measurements of peroxy radicals in the free troposphere is still quite limited. Measurements from airborne platforms offer a unique opportunity to measure HO2 and RO2 together with other relevant trace gases to test and improve the understanding of their chemistry in the free troposphere. During this doctoral study, an extensive set of airborne RO2* (RO2* = HO2 + ∑RO2, where RO2 represents the organic peroxy radicals reacting with NO to produce NO2) measurements in the PBL and free troposphere was acquired, analysed and interpreted. The RO2* measurements were made using the Peroxy Radical Chemical Enhancement and Absorption Spectrometer (PeRCEAS) developed at the Institut für Umweltphysik (IUP) of the University of Bremen. PeRCEAS has successfully deployed onboard the High Altitude LOng range research aircraft (HALO) in three research campaigns: the Oxidation Mechanism Observations (OMO) Asia and the Effect of Megacities on the transport and transformation of pollutants on the Regional to Global scales (EMeRGe) field missions in Europe and Asia. The PeRCEAS instrument was characterised and calibrated under atmospherically representative conditions in the laboratory to assure data quality, reproducibility, accuracy and to define optimal operating conditions for the airborne measurements. PeRCEAS successfully measured RO2* in 33 HALO flights. RO2* mixing ratios of up to 120 pmole mole-1 were measured in air masses having different origins, chemical compositions and physical conditions in Europe and Asia. The RO2* measurements, the simultaneous measurements of other relevant trace gases, aerosol concentration, photolysis frequencies and other meteorological parameters were synergistically analysed to identify the chemical processes controlling the amount of RO2*. From the analysis, it was found that RO2* is primarily produced following the photolysis of ozone (O3), formaldehyde (HCHO), glyoxal (CHOCHO), and nitrous acid (HONO) in the air masses investigated. The estimate for the contribution of O3 photolysis to RO2* production rate is > 40 % in the PBL and < 40% in the free troposphere. This reduction is explained by the decrease in the water vapour concentration ([H2O]) as a function of altitude. Subsequently, the RO2* mixing ratios in the air masses measured during the EMeRGe in Asia and Europe campaigns were calculated assuming a photostationary steady-state (PSS) for RO2*. The RO2* production from precursor photolysis, the loss through HO2 – HO2, RO2 – RO2 and HO2 – RO2 reactions, the hydroxyl radical (OH) and organic oxy-radicals (RO) loss during the radical interconversion, and HO2 uptake on aerosol were considered for the calculation of RO2*. The calculations were constrained by the simultaneous measurements of photolysis frequencies, trace gas concentrations and aerosol particle number concentrations onboard HALO. Case studies confirmed the validity of the PSS assumption for air masses having different chemical compositions under different physical conditions. The RO2* calculated are generally in excellent agreement with the RO2* measurements. An experimental budget analysis was performed to estimate the main loss processes of RO2* by introducing the RO2* measurements in the PSS equation. Except for the measurements inside pollution plumes with NO > 800 pmole mole-1 or aerosol particle number concentration > 800 particles cm-3, the HO2 – RO2 and HO2 – HO2 were the dominant RO2* loss process during both EMeRGe Asia and Europe. The RO2* losses through HO2 uptake on aerosol were higher in the pollution outflows measured in Asia than in Europe. This is attributed to the higher aerosol concentrations observed in the air masses probed during EMeRGe in Asia. The contribution from the HO2 uptake on aerosol increases up to 60 % for an assumed aerosol uptake coefficient of 0.24 inside pollution plumes in Asia, where the aerosol particle number concentration is > 1000 particles cm-3. In Europe, the OH – NOx reactions were the dominant RO2* loss process in the pollution outflow. This finding is explained by the EMeRGe in Europe measurements being typically closer to anthropogenic emissions sources than in Asia, except for the case study of Taipei and Manila

    Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence among elderly women residing in Kochi corporation: A community-based cross-sectional study

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    Background: A study was done on the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment-seeking behavior of elderly women with urinary incontinence (UI) residing in Kochi Corporation, Kerala, India. The community-based cross-sectional study was done in Kochi on 525 elderly women aged 60 years and above, selected by cluster random sampling, after getting consent, using a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of UI was found to be 64% (95% confidence interval (CI) 59.5–67.6). The most common type of UI was found to be the urge type of incontinence (38.3%, 95% CI, 34.14–42.45). Chronic cough (odds ratio [OR] 1.754, 95% 1.170–2.631), chronic constipation (OR: 1.563, 95% CI: 1.030–2.373), obesity (OR: 1.591, 95% CI: 1.110–2.280), diabetes (OR: 1.517, 95% CI: 1.036–2.222), and taking medications for diabetes and hypertension (OR: 1.476, 95% 1.008–2.163) were found to be risk factors of UI. Multiparity (OR: 1.757, 95% CI: 1.073–2.876), delivery at home (OR: 1.761, 95% CI: 1.205–2.575), undergoing any pelvic surgery (OR: 1.504, 95% CI: 1.052–2.150) were the gynecological and obstetric factors associated with UI. Context: Very few community-based studies are available on UI among elderly women. Aim: The primary objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of UI among elderly women residing in the Kochi corporation. The secondary objective was to determine the risk factors of UI. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was done in the Kochi Corporation of Ernakulam district. Subjects and Methods: A pilot study was conducted and based on this, the sample size was computed to be 72.41. Data from 525 individuals were collected using cluster random sampling. A questionnaire for urinary incontinence diagnosis questionnaire was used for assessing the type of UI. Statistical Analysis Used: Percentage prevalence, Chi-square test. Results: The overall prevalence of UI was found to be 64%. The most common type of UI was found to be the urge type of incontinence. Chronic cough, chronic constipation, obesity, diabetes, taking medications for diabetes, and hypertension were found to be risk factors of UI. Multiparity, delivery at home, and undergoing any pelvic surgery were the gynecological and obstetric factors associated with UI. Conclusions: The prevalence of UI among elderly women in this study was found to be 63.9%. The most common type of UI was found to be urge type of incontinence 38.3%, followed by mixed incontinence 32.3%, and stress incontinence 29.3%. Chronic cough (OR: 1.754), chronic constipation (OR: 1.563), obesity (OR: 1.591), diabetes (OR: 1.517), and taking medications for diabetes and hypertension (OR: 1.476) were found to be risk factors for UI. Multiparity (OR: 1.757), delivery at home (OR: 1.761) and undergoing any pelvic surgery (OR: 1.504) were the gynecological and obstetric factors associated with UI among elderly women in this study. Chronic cough (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.64, 95% CI: 1.08–2.50), obesity (aOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13–2.39), pelvic surgery (aOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13–2.39), and delivery at home (aOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.27–2.82) were found to be independent risk factors for UI among elderly women
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