BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that exposure to paraben (Pb) and triclosan (TCS) is associated with allergies. However, Pb and TCS exposure in the Japanese population is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to examine such exposure among Japanese individuals with allergic diseases. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire survey to evaluate allergic outcomes and the collection of urine samples to examine Pb and TCS exposure. RESULTS: Pb containing daily commodities was used in 84.8% children. Pb use was positively associated with current atopic dermatitis (adjusted odds ratio, 4.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–17.3). Urinary Pb concentrations were increased significantly in those with current atopic dermatitis (AD) (median, 4.58 vs. 0; p < 0.0001), and showed an increased tendency in those with current wheeze (median, 3.45 vs. 1.81; p = 0.0535) in participants ≤15 years old. Urinary TCS concentration was under the limit of detection in all children. CONCLUSION: Urinary levels of Pb were associated with current AD in children. We should pay more attention about Pb and TCS.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Asthma ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Limit of Detection ; Odds Ratio ; Respiratory Sounds ; Triclosan

Background: The management of medical student examinations has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating measures to prevent overcrowding at the entry/exit flow line of the examination room. Specifically, one method to mitigate congestion at the examination room exit is to allow students to leave early after completing their exams.Methods: This study utilized the regular final examination in emergency medicine for fourth-year medical students at Hirosaki University. Students were permitted to leave the room early, up until 20 minutes before the 60-minute examination period concluded. We included 130 participants in the study and conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis with the test score (higher (1) or lower (0) than the average score) as the dependent variable and the presence or absence of early withdrawal, gender, bachelor transfer status, and regional quota student status as independent variables.Results: Of the 130 fourth-year medical students included in the study, 14 (10.8%) left the exam room early. The multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that bachelor transfer students (odds ratio (OR) = 4.20, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.24-14.18) and female students (OR = 2.56, 95%CI 1.24-5.25) tended to achieve statistically significantly higher scores. However, early leavers (OR = 1.78, 95%CI 0.53-5.95) and regional quota students (OR = 1.72, 95%CI 0.78-3.78) did not exhibit a significant association with the highest scores.Discussion: We found that there is no significant association between early exit of medical students and exam scores in our emergency medicine examinations. Therefore, implementing early dismissal can be justified as a measure to ensure a smooth flow of students when leaving the room.