Search

Objectives: To determine the clinical, laboratory, and hospital factors associated with preoperative complications in older adults with hip fractures. Methodology: Analytical observational retrospective cohort study, whose population was older adults with a diagnosis of hip fracture treated in a hospital in northern Peru, during 2017–2019. Results: 432 patients with a median age of 83 years (RIC: 77–88) were evaluated, with the female gender being the most prevalent (60.9%). The most common comorbidities included cardiovascular disease (68%) and diabetes (17.6%), and multimorbidity was observed in 47.2% of cases. The median number of geriatric syndromes was 2 (RIC: 1–5). The overall mortality rate was 3.2% (1.7–5.3). Analysis with the Poisson regression model found a significant association with MRC scale 3–5 degree (RR = 1.60), glucose on admission (RR = 1.01), and minimally significantly female sex (RR = 2.41). Conclusions: The most commonly observed complications were infectious in nature, including pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. The MRC scale from 3 to 5 degrees increases the risk of developing a preoperative complication; the glucose levels upon admission show a clinically irrelevant association; and in females, there is a minimally significant association in older adults with hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a chronic protozoan parasitic infection that affects nearly one-third of the global population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cases were observed in patients with COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii exposure in patients with COVID-19. Methods: A literature search was conducted in six databases or search tools (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) until March 3, 2024. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by three investigators. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3, applying a random-effects model. The quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the "JBI-MAStARI". Results: A total of 5,936 studies were retrieved, 13 of which were included in the final meta-analysis. The sample included a total of 2,947 patients with COVID-19 from four countries, of whom approximately 43.3% were men and 49.4% were women. Among the patients, 1,323 showed evidence of exposure to T. gondii through IgG detection, while 1,302 COVID-19 patients were explicitly examined for T. gondii by IgM detection, and 36 positive cases were identified. The frequency of exposure to T. gondii, determined by the presence of IgG in patients with COVID-19, reached 49% (95% CI: 34–63%; 2,947 participants; 13 studies; I2 = 98%, p < 0.01). In addition, the frequency of exposure to T. gondii, evaluated by IgM presence in patients with COVID-19, was 2% (95% CI: 0–6%; 1,302 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 94%, p < 0.01). Conclusion: It was shown that almost half of COVID-19 patients had previous exposure to T. gondii through the presence of IgG, and a small percentage, 2%, showed active infection through IgM detection. Although the results indicate a possible correlation between exposure to T. gondii and the presence of COVID-19, it is essential to note that this study is based on observational research, which precludes establishing a causal relationship. Consequently, further research is required to deepen understanding of the interaction between the two conditions. Terms used: The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increase in mpox incidence underscores the crucial need to understand and effectively address prevention, early detection, and agile response to this disease. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the knowledge and attitude towards mpox. Methods: A systematic review and comprehensive literature meta-analysis were conducted using prominent databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect, with an updated search until June 25, 2023. The quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Statistical Meta-Analysis Review Instrument. The collected data were recorded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and analyses were conducted using R software version 4.2.3. Additionally, Cochran's Q statistics were applied to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: A total of 299 articles were retrieved from 5 databases. This study included 27 cross-sectional articles with a total sample of 22,327 participants, of which 57.13% were women. The studies were conducted in 15 countries through an online survey. All studies had a moderate level of quality. The combined prevalence of a good level of knowledge about mpox was 33% (95% CI: 22%-45%; 22,327 participants; 27 studies; I2 = 100%), and the combined prevalence of a positive attitude towards mpox was 40% (95% CI: 19%-62%; 2,979 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 99%). Additionally, as a secondary outcome, the combined prevalence of the intention to vaccinate against mpox was 58% (95% CI: 37%-78%; 2,932 participants; 7 studies; I2 = 99%). Conclusion: Good knowledge and a positive attitude towards mpox were found to be low. The findings of this study highlight the need to identify gaps and focus on implementing educational programs on mpox. Terms used: Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Computer vision syndrome has become a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to identify the prevalence of computer vision syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to February 22, 2023, using the search terms "Computer Vision Syndrome" and "COVID-19". Three authors independently performed study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used to evaluate study quality. Heterogeneity was assessed using the statistical test I2, and the R version 4.2.3 program was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 192 studies were retrieved, of which 18 were included in the final meta-analysis. The total sample included 10,337 participants from 12 countries. The combined prevalence of computer vision syndrome was 74% (95% CI: 66, 81). Subgroup analysis based on country revealed a higher prevalence of computer vision syndrome in Pakistan (99%, 95% CI: 97, 100) and a lower prevalence in Turkey (48%, 95% CI: 44, 52). In addition, subgroup analysis based on study subjects showed a prevalence of 82% (95% CI: 74, 89) for computer vision syndrome in non-students and 70% (95% CI: 60, 80) among students. Conclusion: According to the study, 74% of the participants experienced computer vision syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this finding, it is essential to implement preventive and therapeutic measures to reduce the risk of developing computer vision syndrome and improve the quality of life of those affected. Trial registration: The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the international registry of systematic reviews, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with registration number CRD42022345965. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monkeypox (Mpox) virus infection is a topic of growing interest today because of its potential public health impact and concern about possible outbreaks. Reliable and up-to-date sources of information that provide accurate data on its transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment are essential for understanding and effectively addressing this disease. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of sources of information on Mpox virus infection. Methods: An exhaustive systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out using the information available in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases up to August 3, 2023. The data were analyzed using R software version 4.2.3. The quality of the cross-sectional studies that formed part of this review was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) tool. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed based on the study populations. Results: Through electronic searches of five databases, a total of 1833 studies were identified. Twenty-four cross-sectional articles were included, with a total sample of 35,959 participants from 34 countries. The pooled prevalence of each of the included information sources was: social networks reached 59% (95% CI: 50–68%; 29,146 participants; 22 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01); the Internet was 61% (95% CI: 44–77%; 14,002 participants; 5 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), radio reached 10% (95% CI: 07–13%; 8917 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 93%; p < 0.01), television accounted for 24% (95% CI: 09–43%; 14,896 participants; 8 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), and the combination of radio and television accounted for 45% (95% CI: 31–60%; 4207 participants; 7 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01); for newspapers, it was 15% (95% CI: 05–27%; 2841 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01), friends and relatives accounted for 19% (95% CI: 12–28%; 28,470 participants; 19 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), the World Health Organization (WHO) accounted for 17% (95% CI: 07–29%; 1656 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 97%; p < 0.01), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) accounted for 10% (95% CI: 03–21%; 2378 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 98%; p < 0.01), and the combination of WHO and CDC websites accounted for 60% (95% CI: 48–72%; 1828 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 96%; p < 0.01), and finally, scientific articles and journals accounted for 24% (95% CI: 16–33%; 16,775 participants; 13 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The study suggests that people access a variety of information sources to gain knowledge about Mpox virus infection, with a strong emphasis on online sources such as social networks and the Internet. However, it is important to note that the quality and accuracy of information available from these sources can vary, underscoring the need to promote access to reliable and up-to-date information about this disease to ensure public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunization, as a preventive strategy against infectious diseases, has consolidated its position as a fundamental pillar in the field of public health. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of the intention to receive the monkeypox (Mpox) vaccine. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence was performed using five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect) with a search strategy until July 24, 2023. Data analysis was performed in R software version 4.2.3. The quality of the included cross-sectional studies was assessed using the "JBI-MAStARI". In addition, a subgroup analysis by population and continent was developed. Results: Twenty-nine cross-sectional articles with a total sample of 52 658 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of intention to vaccinate against Mpox was 61% (95% CI: 53–69%; 52,658 participants; 29 studies; I2 = 100%). In the subgroup analysis, the intention to be vaccinated against Mpox according to continents was 64% (95% CI: 53–74%; 13,883 participants; 17 studies; I2 = 99%) in Asian countries, 43% (95% CI: 39–47%; 1538 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 53%) in African countries, 62% (95% CI: 45–78%; 35,811 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 99%) in European countries, and 63% (95% CI: 32–89%; 1426 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 99%) in American countries. In the subgroup analysis on the intention to be vaccinated against Mpox, according to study subjects, it was 54% (95% CI: 45–62%; 10,296 participants; 11 studies; I2 = 99%) in the general population, 57% (95% CI: 33–79%; 3333 participants; 10 studies; I2 = 99%) in health care workers, and 76% (95% CI: 70–82%; 39,029 participants; 8 studies; I2 = 98%) in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) community. In addition, as a secondary outcome, a prevalence of refusal of Mpox vaccination was found to be 22% (95% CI: 16–30%; 45,577 participants; 21 studies; I2 = 99%). Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of recognizing regional and subgroup disparities in Mpox vaccine willingness and refusal. It emphasizes the importance of employing strategies to achieve widespread vaccination coverage and safeguard public health worldwide. Terms used: Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide, becoming a long-term pandemic. Objectives: To analyze the factors associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital in the Lambayeque region of Peru. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19, hospitalized in a hospital in northern Peru, was conducted from March to September 2020. Results: Of the 297 patients studied, 69% were women, the mean age was 63.99 years (SD = ±15.33 years). Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (36.67%), followed by diabetes mellitus (24.67%) and obesity (8.33%). The probability of survival at 3 days of ICU stay was 65.3%, at 7 days 24.2%, and 0% on day 14. Risk factors associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 are age, male sex, tachypnea, low systolic blood pressure, low peripheral oxygen saturation, impaired renal function, elevated IL-6 and elevated D-dimer. Conclusions: Mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was 51.18 per 100 persons, Mortality was found to be associated with hypertension, type of infiltrating, and sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has reached pandemic proportions worldwide, persisting over time. In this context, this study aims to analyze the factors associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a third-level hospital in the Lambayeque region. Material and metodo: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients diagnosed with COVID-19, hospitalized at the National Hospital Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo (HNAAA) during the months of March to September 2020. Results: Forty patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were examined, of whom twenty-two required mechanical ventilation (MV). Overall mortality in the ICU was 68.7%, while mortality among patients who required mechanical ventilation was 91.6%. A statistical association was found between death and vital signs on admission to the ICU, as well as with the waiting time for admission. The probability of survival at 2 and 7 days was 90.1% and 45.5%, respectively. Conclusions: In this cohort, a mortality rate of 68.7% was observed in the ICU, with a survival rate of 45.5% at 7 days and less than 10% at 18 days. No associations were found between survival and any of the variables of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study is based on determine whether the use of empirical antibiotic therapy increases the risk of death in adult patients older than 18 years hospitalized with COVID-19. Material and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed, taking into account retrospective and prospective studies. The electronic databases Medline/PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and CINAHL were used for the systematic search in the period from December 2019 to May 2021. Odds Ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random effect, depending on whether or not heterogeneity exists, the Funnel Plot graph was elaborated to assess the risk of bias. Results: 528 articles were located, which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the eligibility of the full texts of 90 studies was evaluated, resulting in 10 articles. The Odds Ratio of the 10 studies is 1.55 (1.20-2.01), in favor of the non-use of antibiotics, with an I2 of heterogeneity between studies of 50%, and the empirical antibiotic therapy guided with procalcitonin < 0.5 ng/dl the Odds Ratio was 28.99 (10.17-82.64) with an I2 of heterogeneity of 0%. Conclusion: The results indicate that administering antibiotics without evidence of microbiological data increases mortality in these patients and, on the contrary, not using empirical antibiotic therapy reduces mortality in patients infected with severe COVID-19 who arrived at the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A significant antibiotic prescribing pattern associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has been described. Multiple protocols included empirical antimicrobials, leading to a substantial increase in antimicrobial consumption in medical care. A higher mortality rate is described among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who received antibiotics. Objectives: To determine the association between the use of antibiotics and the development of acute renal injury in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in patients treated at the Hospital II EsSalud de Ucayali, 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted, evaluating the medical records of patients admitted to the intensive care unit between July 2020 and July 2021. For the statistical analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion, statistical hypothesis contrast tests were used in relation to acute kidney injury (AKI), antibiotic use and associated factors, derived from linear regression models. Results: The factors that were positively associated with the development of AKI were sepsis (aPR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.26–6.43), shock (aPR:2.49; 95% CI: 1.28–4.86), mechanical ventilation (aPR:9.11; 95% CI: 1.23–67.57), and use of vancomycin (aPR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.19–8.27). Conclusions: In the Peruvian Amazon, there is a high consumption and inadequate prescription of antibiotics. The drugs most commonly used for the treatment of COVID-19 were: aminoglycosides, vancomycin, ivermectin, azithromycin, tocilizumab, and corticosteroids. The development of AKI among hospitalized patients was found to be related to vancomycin administration. In addition, an association was found with the use of mechanical ventilation, a high body mass index, and the presence of complications such as sepsis or shock. Therefore, inappropriate antibiotic use for COVID-19 has been associated with multiple negative outcomes and consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally, becoming a long-lasting pandemic. Dengue is the most common arboviral disease in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. COVID-19 and dengue coinfections have been reported, associated with worse outcomes with significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aims to determine the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 and dengue coinfection in Latin America. A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, and BVS databases from January 1, 2020, to September 4, 2021. The key search terms used were "dengue" and "COVID-19". Nineteen published articles were included. The studies were case reports with a detailed description of the coinfection's clinical, laboratory, diagnostic, and treatment features. Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus is associated with worse outcomes with significant morbidity and mortality. The similar clinical and laboratory features of each infection are a challenge in accurately diagnosing and treating cases. Establishing an early diagnosis could be the answer to reducing the estimated significant burden of these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment programs for cyberaddiction in children and adolescents. Material and Methods: Five databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies that evaluated the efficacy of treatment programs for cyberaddiction in children and adolescents were selected. The primary outcome was a decrease in hours of Internet use. For the meta-analysis, the random effects model with inverse variance method was used. Results: Seven articles were identified and included in the systematic review (3 randomized controlled trials and 4 retrospective cohorts), with a total of 2396 participants. The mean age was 14 years (SD 1.96). The duration of treatment among all published studies ranged from 4 days to 3 months. Cyberaddiction treatments were found to reduce hours of internet connection by 1.18 hours per week compared to any control treatment (MD 1.18; 95%CI -2.1825 to -0.1754; p= 0.02). Conclusions: Treatments for cyberaddiction, regardless of the type of intervention reduce hours of internet connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoimmune diseases (AD) are severe pathophysiological ailments that are stimulated by an exaggerated immunogenic response towards self‐antigens, which can cause systemic or site‐specific organ damage. An array of complex genetic and epigenetic facets majorly contributes to the progression of AD, thus providing significant insight into the regulatory mechanism of microRNA (miRNA). miRNAs are short, non‐coding RNAs that have been identified as essential contributors to the post‐transcriptional regulation of host genome expression and as crucial regulators of a myriad of biological processes such as immune homeostasis, T helper cell differentiation, central and peripheral tolerance, and immune cell development. Aims: This article tends to deliberate and conceptualize the brief pathogenesis and pertinent epigenetic regulatory mechanism as well as miRNA networks majorly affecting five different ADs namely rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) thereby providing novel miRNA‐based theranostic interventions. Results & Discussion: Pertaining to the differential expression of miRNA attributed in target tissues and cellular bodies of innate and adaptive immunity, a paradigm of scientific expeditions suggests an optimistic correlation between immunogenic dysfunction and miRNA alterations. Conclusion: Therefore, it is not astonishing that dysregulations in miRNA expression patterns are now recognized in a wide spectrum of disorders, establishing themselves as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Owing to its theranostic potencies, miRNA targets have been widely utilized in the development of biosensors and other therapeutic molecules originating from the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is essential to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients infected with COVID-19 associated with disease progression leading to ICU admission. The objective was to systematically review the models or scores for predicting admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) available to date for patients with COVID-19. Methods: The study is a systematic review. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid-Medline, and Embase were searched until July 13, 2022. We included studies that have developed and validated a model or scoring system to predict ICU admission in patients with COVID-19. The primary outcome was ICU admission. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the PROBAST tool which is based on four domains: participants, predictors, outcome and analysis. Results: Two studies were included for data extraction and critical appraisal. Predictive models of ICU admission and performance were obtained as primary outcomes. Common predictors for both models were associated with pulmonary compromise (respiratory rate or pulmonary ventilation) and systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein). Conclusions: It is feasible to determine predictor variables for ICU admission in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. However, the studies do not determine a clearly defined score and present a high risk of bias, so it is not feasible to recommend the application of any of these models in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]