Search

With an explosive population growth of older adults, the incidence rates of neuropsychiatric syndromes, particularly delirium, are increasing in the community and hospital settings. Delirium is an acute disturbance in cognition and attention that may signify a serious medical, life-threatening condition and may mimic psychiatric–mental health issues. Although its prevalence rate is lower in the community, delirium affects up to 87% of hospitalized older adults and can cost up to $152 billion each year. Despite its common occurrence, delirium is often undetected in 50% to 60% across all care settings, delaying treatment and resulting in poor patient outcomes, such as increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, cognitive and functional impairment, decreased quality of life, and institutionalization. The current article addresses strategies to recognize delirium and presents evidence-based approaches and future considerations for delirium management. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(11), 11–18.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cirugía y Cirujanos is the property of Publicidad Permanyer SLU and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The clinical and economic impact of heart failure (HF) is immense and will continue to rise due to the increasing prevalence of the disease. Despite the availability of guideline-recommended medications that improve mortality, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance quality of life, there are major gaps in the implementation of such care. Quality improvement interventions have generally focused on clinicians. While certain interventions have had modest success in improving the use of heart failure medications, they remain insufficient in optimizing HF care. Here, we discuss how patient-facing interventions can add value and supplement clinician-centered interventions. We discuss how digital health can be leveraged to create patient activation tools that create a larger, sustainable impact. Small studies have suggested the promise of digital tools for patient engagement and self-care, but there are also important barriers to the adoption of such interventions that we describe. We share key principles and strategies around the design and implementation of digital health innovations to maximize patient participation and engagement. By uniquely activating patients in their own care, digital health can unlock the full potential of both existing and new quality improvement initiatives to drive forward high-quality and equitable heart failure care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders are the conditions that most contribute to incapacity worldwide. While many healthcare professionals adapt in dealing with various demands, others do not. How much of these conditions is associated with affective experience needs to be studied. OBJECTIVE: Assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress while investigating the relationship between the presence of positive and negative affect in healthcare professionals. METHODS: This study's convenience sample consisted of 975 providers (including nursing, physicians, and multidisciplinary team) and administrative professionals (service and supervision teams) working at a general private hospital in Brazil. Data were collected in 2019 through a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS-X). The results are shown through multinomial regression with odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and P-value. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 49.4%, 46.1%, and 49.8%, respectively, showing high prevalence. It was observed that a high presence of negative affect is associated with a greater likelihood of developing anxiety, depression, and stress, while a high presence of positive affect is associated with a lower likelihood of depression and stress prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress in healthcare professionals is associated with the presence of negative affects. Mental disorders should be measured, and practices adopted to ensure well-being and job performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of dementia is increasing globally, with an estimated 139 million people expected to be living with dementia by 2050. Across numerous countries, substandard care for people with dementia is evident, with quality improvement needed. Recently, a focus on patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) has been utilised in healthcare services as a method of evaluating the care experiences provided and determining areas of improvement. The literature is scarce regarding the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PREMs with people with moderate to advanced dementia. This scoping review aimed to identify PREMs that have been used with vulnerable populations including people with cognitive impairment, mental health concerns, and children, outline dimensions included, and determine adaptions made to the PREMs to improve acceptability of the instruments for vulnerable populations. A database search of Medline was conducted to identify 36 studies including 32 PREMs. The PREMs identified covered a range of dimensions, most frequently care effectiveness, care environment, and patient involvement. The most common adaption to the PREMs was simplification of wording and sentence structure. Several measures conflated patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with patient experience, limiting utility for improving patient experience specifically. While several PREMs have been used with people with dementia, challenges in their implementation and their applicability to specific settings limit their use more broadly. Evidently, there is a need for development of a PREM for people with moderate to advanced dementia that is applicable across healthcare settings and is appropriately adapted for varying cognitive and communicative barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognising sex differences in disease prevalence can lead to clues as to its pathogenesis, for example the role of hormonal factors and related influences such as body composition, as well as forming the basis for new treatments. However, if different methods are used to define the disorder it can be difficult to explore differences in prevalence, making it necessary to draw on multiple sources of evidence. This narrative review addresses sex differences in the prevalence of knee and hip osteoarthritis, which are the most common forms of large joint osteoarthritis. Females appear to have a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis across a wide range of disease definitions, while findings for the hip vary depending on how the disease is defined. Clinically or symptomatically defined hip osteoarthritis is more common in females, whereas radiographically defined hip osteoarthritis is more common in males. Therefore, understanding sex differences in large joint arthritis requires consideration that osteoarthritis, as defined structurally, more commonly affects females at the knee, whereas the opposite is true at the hip. Furthermore, despite structural changes in hip osteoarthritis being more common in males, symptomatic hip osteoarthritis is more common in females. The basis for these disparities is currently unclear, but may reflect a combination of hormonal, biomechanical and behavioural factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early marriage, the formal or informal union before age 18, remains a critical challenge in several low-and middle-income countries. It has adverse health and education-related implications on child brides. This study examined the regional distribution of early marriage and its associated factors in Ghana. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data extracted from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Our study comprised 10,098 ever married/cohabiting aged 15 to 49. Regional variations in the prevalence of child marriage were visualised using a spatial map. A mixed-effect multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with early marriage. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The prevalence of early marriage was 29.2% [27.9, 30.6] in Ghana. Women in the North East 38.2% [33.4, 43.2], Western North 36.7% [32.1, 41.5] and Ahafo regions 35.8% [32.0, 39.8] had the highest prevalence of early marriage, whilst women in the Western 22.2% [18.4, 26.5] and Greater Accra 19.7% [15.8, 24.3 regions] had the lowest prevalence of early marriage in Ghana. The odds of early marriage was lower among women aged 20-49 compared to those aged 15-19. Women with secondary [aOR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.33, 0.48] and higher education [aOR = 0.07; 95% CI 0.04, 0.12], those who belonged to the Gurma ethnic group [aOR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.41, 0.84], and women from richer [aOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.87] and richest [aOR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.28, 0.64] households were less likely to be married early compared to those with no education, those belonging to the Akan ethnic group, and those from the poorest wealth quintile households, respectively. The odds of early marriage was higher among women whose family size was five or more [aOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.31, 1.72] and women living in the Central [aOR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.16, 2.54], Volta [aOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.17, 3.30], Eastern [aOR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.01, 2.29], Ashanti [aOR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.33, 2.97], Western North [aOR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.18, 2.65], and Ahafo regions [aOR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.18, 2.56]. Conclusion: About one in three marriages were early in Ghana, with variations across the regions. Age, wealth index, ethnicity, level of education, family size, and region were identified as factors associated with early marriages. The government and policymakers in Ghana should increase access to and completion of secondary education for girls, as it is crucial in reducing early marriage. Providing programmes that economically empower women and girls can decrease their vulnerability to early marriage. More vigorous enforcement of laws against early marriage is necessary. Engaging with communities, including tribal leaders, is essential to shift cultural attitudes toward early marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mortality from physical inactivity-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is projected to surpass deaths from communicable diseases by 2030 in Africa. Monitoring physical activity (PA) is important for planning public health interventions addressing NCDS and planetary health, but there is a dearth of evidence on PA trends in Africa. This study explored the secular trends in overall and domains of PA (leisure, occupation, and transport), and examined the gender, age, and education disparities in PA trends across African countries. Methods: We utilized data from the STEPwise approach to NCDs risk factor surveillance in eleven African countries (Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Eritrea, Eswatini, Malawi, Mali, Central Africa Republic, Sao Tome and Principe, and Zambia) with at least two surveys conducted between 2003/2010 (first-wave) and 2010/2020 (second-waves). A total of 29,282 and 40,147 adults (18–69 years) in the first and second waves, respectively, completed PA interviews using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Gender, age, and education status were self-reported. Weighted individual-country PA prevalence and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were obtained. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to assess pooled estimates of PA trends across countries. Gender, age, and education disparities in PA trends were also investigated. Results: Country-specific results showed significant upward trends in total PA in eight countries. Seven countries showed significant increasing trends in some leisure-time PA (2.0% − 13.9% increase) and ≥ 150 min/week transport PA (4.0% − 24.5% increase), while five countries recorded significant increasing trends in occupational PA (6.6% − 56.9% increase). Gender, age and education disparities in meeting the WHO PA guidelines remained relatively stable over time, but disparities in leisure, transport and occupational PA increased in most countries. Conclusions: The prevalence of overall PA among African adults has marginally increased over 17 years. There are still many adults, especially women and people with lower education, not doing well in domain specific PA. Policy and environmental interventions are needed to improve PA and to reduce gender, age, and education disparities in leisure, transport, and occupational PA in African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Obesity is a prominent feature of Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS), which represents a major and growing public health problem. More than half of BBS patients carry mutations in one of eight genes that encode subunits of a protein complex known as the BBSome, which has emerged as a key regulator of energy and glucose homeostasis. However, the mechanisms underlying obesity in BBS are complex. Numerous studies have identified a high prevalence of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome among individuals with BBS. However, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. This review summarized evidence from experiments using mouse and cell models, focusing on the energy imbalance that leads to obesity in patients with BBS. The studies discussed in this review contribute to understanding the functional role of the BBSome in the obesity associated with BBS, laying the foundation for developing new preventive or therapeutic strategies for obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate comorbidities in Japanese testicular cancer (TC) survivors in a multi‐institutional, cross‐sectional study.This study enrolled TC survivors who visited any of the eight high‐volume institutions in Japan from 2018 to 2019. After obtaining informed consent, participants answered questionnaires about their comorbidities. We analyzed the impact of treatment on comorbidities rate in TC survivors.A total of 509 TC survivors responded to the comorbidity questionnaires. Median age at the time of response was 43 years (IQR 35–51 years) and median follow‐up period after treatment was 5.1 years (IQR 2.1–9.2 years). TC survivors were divided according to the number of cycles of chemotherapy into the following groups: None (n = 153); 1–2 cycles (n = 34); 3–4 cycles (n = 234); or ≥5 cycles (n = 88). The prevalence of kidney disease increased significantly with increasing number of cycles of chemotherapy (p < 0.05). The relative risk of cardiovascular disease in the groups with three or more cycles was 2.6 compared to the group without chemotherapy.The present study showed that the prevalence of kidney disease in TC survivors was increased with increasing number of cycles of chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to infer phenotypic responses and genetic parameters of the F1 calf diseases diarrhoea (DIAR) and pneumonia (PNEU) in dependency of the prenatal maternal health status (PMHS) of the dam and of the herd‐calving year. The PMHS considered diagnoses for the cow disease mastitis (MAST) and claw disorders (CD) during gestation of F0 dams. Furthermore, 305‐d milk production traits of F1 offspring from either healthy or diseased dam groups were compared. The study comprised 20,045 female calves (F1 = generation 1) and their corresponding dams (F0 = parental generation 0), kept in 41 large‐scale herds. All F1 calves were from their dams' 2nd parity, implying that all dam (maternal) diseases were recorded during the first lactation and dry period of the dams. The F1 calves were phenotyped for DIAR up to 30 days post‐partum, and for PNEU up to 180 days of age. At least one entry for the respective disease implied a score = 1 = sick, otherwise, a score = 0 = healthy, was assigned. Production records of the 10,129 F1 cows comprised 305‐d records in first lactation for milk yield (MY), protein yield (PY) and fat yield (FY). Linear and generalised linear mixed models were applied to infer phenotypic responses of F1 traits in dependency of the PMHS for CD and MAST. A diagnosis for MAST or CD in F0 cows during gestation was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with an increased prevalence for DIAR and PNEU, with pairwise differences of least‐squares‐means between calves from healthy and diseased cow groups up to 3.61%. The effects of PMHS on 305‐d production traits in offspring were non‐significant (p > 0.05). In bivariate genetic analyses, DIAR and PNEU were defined as different traits according to the PMHS, i.e., DIAR‐MASThealthy and DIAR‐MASTdiseased, DIAR‐CDhealthy and DIAR‐CDdiseased, PNEU‐MASThealthy and PNEU‐MASTdiseased, and PNEU‐CDhealthy and PNEU‐CDdiseased. The direct heritabilities for DIAR and PNEU were quite similar in the healthy and respective diseased dam group. Slightly larger direct heritabilities in the diseased dam groups were due to increased genetic variances. Maternal heritabilities were quite stable and smaller than the direct heritabilities. In random regression models, genetic parameters for DIAR and PNEU were estimated along the continuous herd‐calving‐year prevalence scale, considering a prevalence for MAST and CD (based on the 20,045 dam records plus 16,193 herd contemporary records) in the range from 0% to 30%. Direct heritabilities for PNEU were quite stable along the herd‐calving‐year gradient for MAST and CD. For DIAR, we observed stronger estimate fluctuations, especially increasing direct heritabilities in dependency of the herd‐calving‐year prevalence for MAST from 0.13 (at a MAST prevalence of 0%) to 0.30 (at a MAST prevalence of 30%). Consequently, obvious genotype x herd‐calving‐year PMHS interactions were observed for DIAR on the prenatal MAST scale, with a minimal correlation of 0.48 between direct genetic effects at 0% MAST prevalence and at 30% MAST prevalence. The correlations between direct genetic and maternal genetic effects were antagonistic at all herd‐calving‐year prevalence levels, displaying strongest fluctuations for “DIAR‐MAST.” The genotype x herd‐calving‐year PMHS interactions for DIAR suggest consideration of specific sires according to the herd health status for CD and for MAST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often occurs following mass casualty events, yet the connection between the number of individuals injured in an event and PTSD risk in smaller‐scale events (i.e., involving one or several injured persons) remains unclear. We conducted a registries‐based study cross‐referencing three databases across the continuum of care for military trauma patients hospitalized for traumatic injuries. The study population was categorized into three groups based on the number of injured individuals involved (i.e., single injured person, two to four [2–4] injured people, and five or more [≥ 5] injured people), and PTSD prevalence was assessed using long‐term disability claim diagnoses. Overall, 4,030 military personnel were included (age at injury: Mdn = 20 years), and 18.3% were subsequently diagnosed with PTSD, with the highest prevalence in events involving ≥ 5 injured individuals (35.8%). Regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders revealed that being injured in an event with 2–4 injured persons, OR = 1.68, 95% CI [1.31, 2.15], or ≥ 5 injured persons, OR = 2.36, 95% CI [1.79, 3.13], was associated with increased odds of developing PTSD compared to being the sole injured person. The findings suggest a direct association between the number of injured individuals in an event and PTSD prevalence among traumatic injury survivors. The results underscore the importance of early diagnosis and interventions to prevent PTSD in individuals injured in multicasualty and mass casualty events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pullorum disease and fowl typhoid are caused by the Salmonella serovars Gallinarum biovars Pullorum and Gallinarum, respectively. The prevalence of these diseases varies across regions and is affected by different risk factors that remain insufficiently documented. To fill this knowledge gap, we have compiled a global dataset for its prevalence, drawing upon a collection of literature from the last seven decades obtained from bilingual databases. However, a more interactive and dynamic platform is still needed for both academics and policymakers to improve biosecurity measures, limit disease transmission, and prevent future outbreaks at the global and local levels. Here, we developed an advanced visualization platform to depict the prevalence of Salmonella Pullorum and Gallinarum, especially in China, which is categorized by geographical region and temporal span. The platform offers a user-friendly, efficient, and visually engaging tool to explore the prevalence of pullorum disease and fowl typhoid between 1945 and 2021 in different regions. Additionally, this platform allows users to understand the influence of various factors, such as breed, farm mode, economic usage and even the sex of the primary host, chickens, on the prevalence of this disease. We further provided a detailed overview of individual province within China. In particular, by selecting two different provinces on the interface, users can quickly visualize and grasp the disparities in disease prevalence between the chosen regions. This interactive toolkit enables a dynamic exploration of the patterns and factors contributing to the prevalence of Salmonella Pullorum and Gallinarum. This interactive platform is freely available open source at http://139.9.85.208/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite increases in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in Canada, evidence suggests utilization of chiropractic services has remained relatively stable over time. Understanding the extent to which chiropractors are consulted and factors associated with their utilization may suggest factors related to accessing care. We assessed the change in prevalence and characteristics of Canadians seeking chiropractic care across two time periods 2001–2010 and 2015–2018. Methods: We used national cross-sectional data from seven cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey between 2001 and 2018. The survey included Canadians aged 12 years and older living in private dwellings in all provinces and territories. National annual weighted prevalence and age-standardized weighted prevalence (and 95% confidence intervals) of chiropractic utilization were calculated. We calculated prevalence of chiropractic utilization stratified by demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and health-related variables. Crude linear trends and change in prevalence from 2001 to 2010 were assessed using linear regression models. Results: The national annual prevalence of Canadians consulting a chiropractor in the previous 12 months slightly increased from 11.0% (95% CI 10.8, 11.3) in 2001 to 11.4% (95%CI 11.1, 11.7) in 2010, and in those reporting receiving regular health care from a chiropractor from 7.5% (95%CI 7.2, 7.7) in 2015 to 7.9% (95%CI 7.7, 8.2) in 2018. Prevalence of utilization varied by province, highest in the Western provinces but lowest in Atlantic provinces. The age-specific prevalence of chiropractic utilization was highest in those aged 35–49 years and remained stable over time, except for slight increase in those aged 65–79 years. A higher percentage of Canadians identifying as white, Canadian-born, in the highest quintile of household income, overweight, physically active and in excellent health reported seeking chiropractic services. The most common reported chronic conditions measured in the survey among Canadians consulting chiropractors were chronic back problems, arthritis, fibromyalgia and headaches. Conclusion: The national prevalence of utilization of chiropractic services among Canadians slightly increased over time but varied by province and respondents' socioeconomic and health characteristics. Chronic back problems were the most common reported chronic condition. This comprehensive population-based study on chiropractic utilization in Canada can be used to inform decisions concerning health human resources and access to rehabilitation care for MSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: On October 7th, 2023, a mass terror attack was launched by Hamas militants, which was followed by the Israel-Hamas war. These events constitute a nationwide trauma with major ramifications for public mental health. This article presents an evidence-based model for the prediction of the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the terrorist attack and the war. Main body: The creation of the model consisted of several steps. Firstly, the Israeli population was divided into six groups based on the intensity, context, and type of traumatic exposure (direct exposure to terror, close proximity to terror, soldiers in combat and support units, intense exposure to rocket attacks, moderate exposure to rocket attacks, and indirectly affected communities), and the population size of each group was assessed using official national databases. Secondly, an estimation of the expected prevalence of PTSD in each of the exposure groups was based on a review of the relevant literature. A random-effects meta-analysis of the prevalence rates was conducted separately per each exposure group. Finally, the predicted number of PTSD causalities in the population was calculated by multiplying the group size and the PTSD prevalence estimation. Based on population size and estimated PTSD prevalence within each exposure category, the model predicts that approximately 5.3% (N = 519,923) of the Israeli population (95% confidence interval, 1.64–9%), may develop PTSD as a result of the terrorist attack and the war. Conclusions: The predicted number of individuals with PTSD following mass trauma is expected to be considerable. The presented model can assist policymakers, clinicians, and researchers in preparing and devising adequate interventions for the mental health needs of large populations. Moreover, this model can be applied in other instances of mass-trauma exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malocclusion is one of the three major oral diseases and may cause deterioration in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study aims to determine the prevalence of malocclusion by gender and its impact on quality of life among 12- and 15-year-old children in Shanghai. Methods: This study summarizes the data obtained in the Shanghai Oral Health Epidemiological Survey conducted in 2019. Random cluster sampling was used to select students in Shanghai. A total of 1591 12-year-old children and 747 15-year-old children were included. Each student underwent an oral examination and completed a questionnaire. The Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) was adopted to measure the objective severity of malocclusion and Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) was applied to evaluate quality of life of schoolchildren. Comparisons of COHIP scores were performed among different treatment needs and difficulties by t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: No significant difference was found between genders except that the prevalence of deep overbite in 12-year-old boys (1.11 ± 0.95) was significantly higher than that in girls (0.93 ± 0.88) while the prevalence of crossbite among 12-year-old girls (26%) is significantly higher than boys (20%). Malocclusion in 15-year-old children was descended compared with 12-year-old. 15-year-old students demonstrates larger impact of malocclusion on oral health than 12-year-old group except self-image. Health impacts (COHIP) increase significantly as the malocclusion becomes severer except self-image in 12-year-old group. Conclusions: In Shanghai, the severity of malocclusion in 15-year-old children was less than 12-year-old children. Malocclusion has greater influence on oral health of 15-year-old children than 12-year-old children. Severer malocclusion generally correlates with higher level of oral health impacts in schoolchildren. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent disease among preschoolers in Sri Lanka, with stagnated prevalence over the decades. Therefore, it is important to determine the socio-behavioural associations of ECC among preschoolers to reduce the country's ECC burden. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 3 to 4 year-old preschoolers/mothers dyads in Gampaha district in 2019. Preschoolers who completed third birthday and had not completed fifth birthday on the day of data collection were selected. The dependent variable was the presence (dmft ≥ 1) or absence (dmft = 0) of ECC. Independent variables were sex, monthly family income, mother's educational and occupational status, child's birth order, family type, frequency of consumption of sweets and sweetened drinks, time of sweet consumption during the last 24 h, toothbrushing frequency, supervision of toothbrushing, dental visit, and maternal dental caries. A pre-tested validated questionnaire was used. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used. Results: Total of 1038 preschoolers were selected. There were 529 females (51.0%) and 509 males (49.0%). The prevalence of ECC was 56.3% (95% CI: 53.1–59.3). Consuming sweets between meals had a higher odds ratio than consuming sweets after main meals (OR = 1.72, 95% CI:1.25–2.35), consumption of sweets every day had a higher odds ratio than consumption of sweets several times a week or less (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.02–4.13), consumption of sweetened drinks every day had a higher odds ratio than consumption of sweetened drinks several times a week or less (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07–2.79), and the presence of maternal caries had a higher odds ratio than the absence of maternal caries (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.12–2.69). The use of adult fluoridated toothpaste than not using adult fluoridated toothpaste (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.48–0.85), tooth brushing twice per day than not brushing twice per day (OR = 0.67, 95% CI:0.51–0.89), and supervised toothbrushing than unsupervised toothbrushing (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93) was negatively associated with ECC. Conclusions: ECC is highly associated with sweet consumption and oral hygiene behaviours among preschoolers in Gampaha District. Interventions should focus on the oral health behaviours of preschoolers to reduce ECC burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of postpartum depression in teenage mothers is higher than that in adult mothers. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression, distress, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) following childbirth and its resultant risk factors among teenage mothers. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 167 teenage women aged 11–19 years, 8-week after giving birth, in Tabriz, Iran. The data were collected using by socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and Postpartum Distress Measure scale. Results. The study results revealed that 12.6% and 7.2% of the participants had postpartum depression and PTSD, respectively. The results showed that the variables of the number of children, dissatisfaction with marriage, and history of preconception depression were among the risk factors associated with postpartum depression. The results indicated that unwanted pregnancy, lack of spousal support, insufficient income, and infant restlessness variables were predictors of PTSD. Conclusion. Based on our findings, it is crucial to identify teenage mothers with predisposing factors for postpartum depression and PTSD. Providing family planning counseling to reduce unwanted pregnancies, training fathers to support their spouses, and ensuring timely referral of high-risk individuals are essential interventions to address the mental health challenges faced by teenage mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Material and Methods Results Conclusions The prevalence of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy (cardiovascular disease diagnosed before, during or up to 6 months after childbirth) and the risk of adverse outcomes associated with it have not been previously described in Sweden. This study examined trends in prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its association with maternal and perinatal outcomes, overall and by timing of diagnosis in relation to pregnancy.This population‐based observational retrospective cohort study consisted of women aged 15–49 years who were registered in the Swedish Medical Birth Register 2000–2019. Prevalence was defined as annual diagnosis of cardiovascular disease per pregnant woman as numerator and all pregnant women per year as denominator. Adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were analyzed using time‐dependent Cox regression and Poisson regression models. Outcomes were obtained during and after childbirth up to 1 year postpartum, depending on the outcome.There were 2 069 107 births to 1 186 137 women (911 101 primiparous). The prevalence of cardiovascular disease among pregnant women in Sweden during 2000–2019 increased from 0.31% to 1.34%, for non‐congenital cardiovascular disease, this was primarily driven by arrythmia (0.11%–0.58%). Primiparous women with cardiovascular disease had a higher risk of eclampsia over‐all (aHR 4.50, 95% CI 2.01–10.05) and when diagnosed during pregnancy (aHR 3.22, 95% CI 1.21–8.61); admission to psychiatric ward overall (aHR 2.51, 95% CI 1.30–4.83), and when diagnosed during pregnancy (aHR 2.54, 95% CI 1.21–5.34); and one‐year mortality when diagnosed before pregnancy (aHR 1.67, 95% CI 1.16–2.42) and when diagnosed postpartum (aHR 6.59, 95% CI 3.38–12.84), compared to those without cardiovascular disease. Children born to women with cardiovascular disease diagnosed both overall and in relation to timing of diagnosis had an increased risk of being born preterm and small for gestational age.Cardiovascular disease prevalence among pregnant women in Sweden increased during 2000–2019, primarily driven by arrhythmias. In primiparous women, the timing of diagnosis of cardiovascular disease is important for maternal and perinatal outcomes, including when diagnosed postpartum. This calls for awareness among all staff when planning pregnancy and monitoring women with cardiovascular disease throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders represent a major public health problem, contributing significantly to the global burden of disability-adjusted life years and affecting the quality of life of all population groups. The main problem in most musculoskeletal disorders is low back pain. Therefore, our study aims to identify the overall prevalence of work-related low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Research published between 2010 and 2023 in English, conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa was included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Using Boolean logic operators and targeted keywords, we searched for publications on a number of electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Science Direct). The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal techniques were utilized to conduct a quality assessment of the papers and ascertain their relevance to the study. The degree of heterogeneity among the included studies, the 95% confidence interval, and the pooled prevalence were estimated using a random effects model. Sensitivity studies were carried out to determine the causes of heterogeneity and the impact of outliers. Results: In this study, a total of 970 articles were retrieved, and 35 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa was (55.05% [95% CI: 49.34, 60.76]). Based on a sub-group analysis by countries, the higher pooled prevalence of low back pain was found in Uganda at (61.48% [95% CI: 40.39, 82.57]), while the lower pooled prevalence of low back pain was in Ghana at (34.48% [95% CI: 17.96, 51.01]). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 55.05% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous years. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers incorporate and enhance strategies for the prevention and management of low back pain within the health system management guidelines of each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite decades of a call to action to engage men in reproductive health, men are often left out of programs and interventions. In India, where half of pregnancies are reported as unintended, patriarchal gender norms and still dominant patterns of arranged marriages make engaging men in family planning and strengthening couples communication critical in increasing reproductive autonomy and helping young couples meet their reproductive goals. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability from the men's perspective of the pilot of a gender transformative intervention for newly married couples in India. Methods: A pilot study was conducted of TARANG, a 4 month intervention for newly married women, with light touch engagement of husbands (4 sessions). A total of 41 husbands participated in the pilot, and we collected baseline knowledge and endline feasibility and acceptability data from them, along with in depth qualitative interviews with 13 men. The study was conducted in June 2023-January 2024. Results: Men had low levels of knowledge about biology, family planning, with the majority of men reporting that no one had provided them information about these topics. Most men wanted to delay the first birth by at least 2 years, yet less than a quarter had discussed childbearing plans with their partner or engaged in family planning methods. While all men reported high acceptability (satisfaction and usefulness), feasibility (participation) was low, with only 43% attending 2 or more sessions. Main barriers to participation included commitments due to work and migration. Men reported that the intervention led to improvements in their relationships with their wives, gave them a sense of empowerment, and led them to become resources for other men in their community. Conclusions: Men in these rural communities are not receiving the information that they need to meet their reproductive goals, however, they greatly desire this information and ways to improve relationships with their new wives. Such an intervention appears to have the potential to help change norms and spread information in the community and provide men with positive, life affirming feelings. Providing information through technology could address barriers to in-person engagement. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov : 03/13/24.NCT06320964 Plain language summary: Despite many years of calls to engage men in reproductive health programming, there are still a paucity of interventions that engage men. In the Indian context, with high prevalence of arranged marriages, strict gender norms, and patrilocal marriage patterns where women move into their husbands family's home, engaging men is especially important as they are critical decision-makers. With this in mind, we designed an intervention for newly married women, with an add on component for their husbands, to help young couples meet their reproductive goals. In this paper we report on the feasibility and acceptability of a 6 month pilot of this intervention with 40 newly married men in Rajasthan, India using mixed methods. We find that the intervention was highly feasibility and acceptable, and men felt that the intervention had value and should be considered. However, attendance was low due to work commitments and migration. The intervention appeared to change norms and increase knowledge about family planning and communication about childbearing. Men reported that the intervention led to improvements in their relationships with their wives, gave them a sense of empowerment, and led them to become resources for other men in their community. This suggests that engaging newly married men is possible, but interventions must be designed carefully to be sure to be able increase participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies investigating the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and central adiposity are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus stratified by central adiposity using waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus were examined by central adiposity, using WHtR, with data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2022). Individuals aged 30 years and over who participated in the survey were selected. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was identified based on serum glucose or HbA1c levels, the use of diabetes medications, or a prior diagnosis by a physician. Weighted β-coefficients or odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess changes in disease prevalence. A total of 79,368 participants were included in the database (female: 45,163 [56.9%]). from 2005 to 2022, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus increased from 3.3 to 5.8% in the healthy central adiposity group, from 11.2 to 17.1% in the increased central adiposity group, and from 18.0 to 26.7% in the high central adiposity group. Males, older population, lower education level, lower household income, and smoking are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. In the high central adiposity group, overweight and obese individuals had higher susceptibility than underweight or normal-weight individuals, with ORs of 5.85 (95% CI, 2.54–13.47) and 8.24 (3.79–17.94), respectively. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased in all central adiposity groups in the past decade. This underscores the need for tailored interventions to address disparities and improve diabetes management in at-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worldwide, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults. Given that suicide in this age group is common within vocational students, this study aims to provide insights into the prevalence, course, and risk factors of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) among students in vocational education over the past 10 years. Methods: This study has a repeated cross-sectional design, utilizing data from 2013 to 2023 provided by the 'Testjeleefstijl' foundation in the Netherlands ('Test Your Lifestyle'). In total, 101,182 students in vocational education completed a web-based standardized questionnaire. Univariate logistic regression was used to test the predictive value of risk factors separately (anxiety and depression, gender, age and school year) on SI and SA. In addition, a machine learning model (Berkelmans et al., 2023) ​was used for high-risk identification of combined risk factors (multivariate models). Results: Within vocational students, 12-month SI and SA prevalence increased from respectively 17.7% and 2.3% in schoolyear 2013–2014 to 23% and 3.2% in 2022–2023. Although female gender significantly predicted SI and SA in the univariate analyses, the multivariate models revealed that female gender decreased the likelihood of both SI (OR 0.9) and SA (OR 0.7). A high risk for anxiety and depression was the strongest predictor in the multivariate models for SI (OR 42.8) and SA (OR 19.0). Conclusion: Over the past decade, the prevalence of SI and SA increased in students in vocational education, with the risk of anxiety and depression being the strongest contributing factor. While females had a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression, the results suggest these conditions tend to lead to SI and SA more quickly among male students. Early intervention in suicide prevention is crucial, highlighting the need to identify and address anxiety and depression. Vocational education schools have a critical role in this, emphasizing early screening and intervention, with specific attention to gender-specific factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Dry eye disease is a leading cause of ophthalmologic consultations worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life. While global prevalence rates vary widely, data specific to South America are limited. This systematic review aims to describe and analyze the prevalence and associated factors of dry eye disease-related symptoms in South American populations. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS. Primary studies in English and Spanish that examined the prevalence of dry eye disease-related symptoms in South American populations and its associated factors were included without date restrictions. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the final inclusion of 16 studies from six South American countries. Results: This review identified significant variability in the prevalence of dry eye disease-related symptoms in South American populations in the region, ranging from 4% to 77.5%, with a mean prevalence of 39.3%. Higher prevalence rates were observed among specific groups, such as university students (58.6%) and administrative workers (57.9%). Factors associated with dry eye disease-related symptoms in South American populations included female sex, older age, prolonged screen time, insufficient sleep, and medical conditions such as hypertension, connective tissue disorders, and the use of medications like antihypertensives and antidepressants. Conclusions: The prevalence of dry eye disease-related symptoms in South American populations is notably higher than global averages, highlighting regional challenges. This study emphasizes the need for standardized diagnostic tools and comprehensive epidemiological research across South America, particularly in underrepresented countries, to inform public health strategies tailored to the specific needs of these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Obesity is on the rise globally in adults and children, including in tropical areas where diseases such as dengue have a substantial burden, particularly in children. Obesity impacts risk of severe dengue disease; however, the impact on dengue virus (DENV) infection and dengue cases remains an open question. Methods We used 9 years of data from 5940 children in the Pediatric Dengue Cohort Study in Nicaragua to determine whether pediatric obesity is associated with increased susceptibility to DENV infection and symptomatic presentation. Analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations adjusted for age, sex, and preinfection DENV antibody titers. Results From 2011 to 2019, children contributed 26 273 person-years of observation, and we observed an increase in prevalence of overweight (from 12% to 17%) and obesity (from 7% to 13%). There were 1682 DENV infections and 476 dengue cases in the study population. Compared with participants with normal weight, participants with obesity had higher odds of DENV infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.42) and higher odds of dengue in DENV-infected individuals (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI: 1.15–2.19). Children with obesity infected with DENV showed increased odds of presenting fever (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.05–2.02), headache (aOR, 1.51; 95% CI: 1.07–2.14), and rash (aOR, 2.26; 95% CI: 1.49–3.44) when compared with children with normal weight. Conclusions Our results indicate that obesity is associated with increased susceptibility to DENV infection and dengue cases in children, independent of age, sex, and preinfection DENV antibody titers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Data on the true prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among medically attended acute respiratory illnesses (MAARI) has been limited by the lack of regular clinical testing of mild to moderate illnesses. Here we present a prospective evaluation of the epidemiology of RSV-associated MAARI across age groups and multimorbidity status over 3 seasons, which is informative in light of the recommendations for shared decision making for vaccination in older adults. Methods Ambulatory patients ≥6 months of age meeting a common MAARI case definition were prospectively enrolled in the Michigan Ford Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness (MFIVE) study, a subsite of the US Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network. All participants were tested by nasal-throat swab for RSV and influenza, including subtype, independently from clinician-directed testing. Participant illness characteristics and calculated multimorbidity-weighted index (MWI) were collected by in-person survey and electronic medical record review. Results Over 3 surveillance seasons (fall 2017 to spring 2020), 9.9% (n = 441) of 4442 participants had RSV detected. RSV-associated MAARI was more prevalent than influenza for participants 6 months to 4 years of age. Adults with RSV-MAARI had higher median MWI scores overall compared to influenza-MAARI and controls with neither virus (1.62, 0.40, and 0.64, respectively). Conclusions RSV is a significant, underrecognized cause of MAARI in both children and adults presenting for ambulatory care. Multimorbidity is an important contributor to RSV-associated MAARI in outpatient adults, providing information to support shared clinical decision making for vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Data supporting routine infectious diseases (ID) consultation in gram-negative bloodstream infection (GN-BSI) are limited. We evaluated the association between ID consultation and mortality in patients with GN-BSI in a retrospective population-wide cohort study in Ontario using linked health administrative databases. Methods Hospitalized adult patients with GN-BSI between April 2017 and December 2021 were included. The primary outcome was time to all-cause mortality censored at 30 days, analyzed using a mixed effects Cox proportional hazards model with hospital as a random effect. ID consultation 1–10 days after the first positive blood culture was treated as a time-varying exposure. Results Of 30 159 patients with GN-BSI across 53 hospitals, 11 013 (36.5%) received ID consultation. Median prevalence of ID consultation for patients with GN-BSI across hospitals was 35.0% with wide variability (range 2.7%–76.1%, interquartile range 19.6%–41.1%). In total, 1041 (9.5%) patients who received ID consultation died within 30 days, compared to 1797 (9.4%) patients without ID consultation. In the fully adjusted multivariable model, ID consultation was associated with mortality benefit (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI].77–.88, P <.0001; translating to absolute risk reduction of −3.8% or number needed to treat [NNT] of 27). Exploratory subgroup analyses of the primary outcome showed that ID consultation could have greater benefit in patients with high-risk features (nosocomial infection, polymicrobial or non-Enterobacterales infection, antimicrobial resistance, or non-urinary tract source). Conclusions Early ID consultation was associated with reduced mortality in patients with GN-BSI. If resources permit, routine ID consultation for this patient population should be considered to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is characterized by difficulties that interfere with achieving satisfying sexual activity, affecting desire, arousal, orgasm, and overall satisfaction. A recent study in Ethiopia identified heart failure as one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in the country. Sexual dysfunction significantly affects the quality of life in individuals with heart failure, yet it often goes underdiagnosed and underreported. Understanding the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the factors influencing sexuality in these patients is essential. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients with heart failure in Gondar City and the northern and western zones of Gondar public hospitals. Method: This study included 423 participants diagnosed with heart failure, selected through simple random sampling from January 3 to February 30, 2024. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical information. Sexual dysfunction in males was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5, while the Female Sexual Function Index-6 was used for females. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.6 and later exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Result: A total of 423 heart failure patients participated in the study, achieving a 100% response rate. The results indicated a significant prevalence of sexual dysfunction, affecting 57.92% of participants (95% CI 54.76%–63.76%). Female participants reported a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with 63% of the 138 female heart failure patients affected. Among the 285 male participants, 55.4% (158 patients) were identified as having erectile dysfunction. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as body mass index, age, insufficient physical activity, and smoking were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction in females. In males, erectile dysfunction was significantly linked to diabetes mellitus, heart failure classification, age, and insufficient physical activity. Conclusion and recommendation: This study identified a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with females being more affected than males. Additionally, the research identified several factors influencing sexual dysfunction among patients with heart failure, including BMI, age, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, and the classification of heart failure. The study recommends that healthcare providers and other stakeholders take proactive measures to alleviate the burden of sexual dysfunction in patients with heart failure. Strategies should focus on controlling the severity of heart failure symptoms, effectively managing comorbidities, and addressing factors such as body weight, psychological well-being, and behavioral patterns. By targeting these areas, healthcare providers can work toward minimizing the risk of sexual dysfunction and improving the overall quality of life for patients with heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The challenges in culturing Treponema pallidum have hindered molecular-biological analysis. This study aims to establish a molecular epidemiological analysis of syphilis among Japanese men who have sex with men (MSM) and to investigate the relationship between bacteremia and associated pathophysiology. Methods: We used whole blood specimens from syphilis-diagnosed individuals in Tokyo, collected between February 2019 and June 2022. All individuals were MSM, and most were people with HIV (97.2%). We used a multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for epidemiological analysis. Sequences for MLST (TP0136, TP0548, and TP0705) were obtained. Results: Out of 71 whole blood samples, 26 samples (36.6%) were positive for TP0136, and we sequenced three loci for MLST in 22 samples (31.0%). The most frequently detected sequence type (ST) was ST3 (n = 9), followed by ST6 (n = 6). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 12 samples belonged to the SS14-like group (60%), and 8 samples belonged to the Nichols-like group (40%). Treponema pallidum subsp. endemicum (TEN), the cause of bejel was detected in three samples (12%). There was a significant association between TP0136 detection rate and C- reactive protein (CRP) (77.0% at a cut-off:0.5 mg/dL). Conclusion: Both SS14-like and Nichols-like strains were circulating concurrently, and TEN could have been sexually transmitted among MSM with HIV. Elevated CRP may indicate the presence of the pathogen in the blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases cause a heavy burden in developing countries. Although studies have described the seasonality of diarrhoeal diseases, the association of weather variables with diarrhoeal diseases has not been well characterized in resource-limited settings where the burden remains high. We examined short-term associations between ambient temperature, precipitation and hospital visits due to diarrhoea among children in seven low- and middle-income countries. Methodology: Hospital visits due to diarrhoeal diseases under 5 years old were collected from seven sites in The Gambia, Mali, Mozambique, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan via the Global Enteric Multicenter Study from December 2007 to March 2011. Daily weather data during the same period were downloaded from the ERA5-Land. We fitted time-series regression models to examine the relationships of daily diarrhoea cases with daily ambient temperature and precipitation. Then, we used meta-analytic tools to examine the heterogeneity between the site-specific estimates. Principal findings: The cumulative relative risk (RR) of diarrhoea for temperature exposure (95th percentile vs. 1st percentile) ranged from 0.24 to 8.07, with Mozambique and Bangladesh showing positive associations, while Mali and Pakistan showed negative associations. The RR for precipitation (95th percentile vs. 1st percentile) ranged from 0.77 to 1.55, with Mali and India showing positive associations, while the only negative association was observed in Pakistan. Meta-analysis showed substantial heterogeneity in the association between temperature–diarrhoea and precipitation–diarrhoea across sites, with I2 of 84.2% and 67.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Child diarrhoea and weather factors have diverse and complex associations across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Diarrhoeal surveillance system settings should be conceptualized based on the observed pattern of climate change in these locations. Author summary: Diarrhoeal diseases remain a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, and understanding the environmental factors that influence their occurrence is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies. Here, we study the weather factors, such as temperature and precipitation, that could influence the prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases in children. We found that higher temperatures were associated with an increased risk of diarrhoea in some regions. Increased precipitation was associated with a higher incidence of diarrhoea in some sites. In certain sites, diarrhoeal cases decreased with rising temperatures and precipitation. These findings offer insights into the climate and geographic patterns of childhood diarrhoea, which are essential for developing targeted and efficient public health interventions. Recognizing the significant role of weather-related variables in driving child diarrhoea, it is imperative to identify the conditions associated with these patterns to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between environmental factors and disease prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of liver cancer across the world. In Australia, hepatitis B is largely endemic in migrant communities, particularly amongst the Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Negative attitudes towards hepatitis B can be a major barrier to hepatitis B testing and linkage to care. This mixed-methods research explores the attitudes and beliefs, including stigma, about hepatitis B among students of Vietnamese and Chinese background in Australia. Students were chosen as participants as there is little research examining hepatitis B among university students in Australia and they provide a point of entry to communities with high prevalence of hepatitis B, that otherwise may be hard to access. Methods: Online surveys were distributed in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English via social media and completed by 112 students of Chinese and 95 students of Vietnamese backgrounds. In-depth interviews were also conducted with 13 Vietnamese and 10 Chinese participants to further explore the survey results. Results: Survey findings suggest that students have varied attitudes towards people living with hepatitis B. Around half of the participants reported they would behave negatively towards other people with hepatitis B and that they would expect to experience stigma or discrimination if they had hepatitis B. While over 70% in both samples reported that people who have hepatitis B should not be isolated by family and friends, 47.6% of the Chinese sample and 28.3% of the Vietnamese sample reported they would avoid close contact with someone with hepatitis B. The qualitative data expands on the quantitative data. Four key themes were identified: (1) Caution not discrimination (2) Hepatitis B as a sign of immoral behaviour (3) Discriminatory behaviour based on perceived effects of hepatitis B and (4) Shifting attitudes. Conclusion: This research provides insights that could inform culturally sensitive health promotion programs to address negative attitudes towards hepatitis B among the broader Chinese and Vietnamese communities living in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgery that is commonly performed on older adults to improve their quality of life. However, the increasing use of knee joint prostheses has led to a rise in the incidence of Prosthetic Joint Infections (PJI) in patients after TKA. Different clinical studies have looked at the occurrence of PJI after TKA in different regions, but they have drawn varying conclusions. To better understand this topic, we conducted a meta-analysis and bibliometric study using data from multiple databases. Our research found that the estimated prevalence of PJI after TKA is approximately 1.08% across different regions, but there is still considerable variation. Additionally, our regression analysis of sub-groups shows significant differences in follow-up periods. Furthermore, our comprehensive bibliometric analysis identifies current research trends, "hotspots" related to TKA-related PJI, influential nations, organizations, and noteworthy publications. Our analysis provides valuable insights to guide future research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) is a vital healthcare indicator among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHA). Assessing the effects of comorbidities on QoL among PLWHA is of clinical and public health importance. This study compared the QoL of comorbid and non-comorbid PLWHA at St. Gerard's Catholic Hospital (SGCH), Kaduna. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 178 conveniently selected and stratified comorbid PLWHA and 172 non-comorbid PLWHA receiving care at the facility. Data was collected using a structured, interviewer-administered instrument. The QoL scores were statistically compared using the Mann‒Whitney U test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant for all the analyses. Results: Most respondents were aged 35 – 54 years (65.2% and 66.4% for comorbid and non-comorbid patients respectively), were female (70.8% and 69.2% for comorbid and non-comorbid patients respectively) and married (67.4% and 59.3% for comorbid and non-comorbid patients respectively). For all QoL domains (perception of QoL and general health, physical health, psychological health, level of independence, social relationship, environment, and spirituality/religion/personal beliefs), there was evidence the distribution of values was significantly lower in the comorbid PLWHA compared to the non-comorbid PLWHA (p<0.001), with the largest difference seen for physical health. The mean physical health (interquartile range) was 9 (7-10) and 17 (15-19) for comorbid and non-comorbid PLWHA respectively. The most prevalent comorbidities among the PLWHA were hypertension 97 (54.49%) and diabetes 36 (20.22%). Conclusion: Non-comorbid PLWHA had better QoL than comorbid PLWHA in all the QoL domains and the greatest difference was observed in physical health. Special efforts should be made to improve the QoL of comorbid PLWHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research exists on the health and injuries of South African senior netball players. Senior netball players may be at greater risk of injuries and chronic disease due to their age. To treat these conditions, they may use prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and, therefore, may be more vulnerable to unintentional doping. The primary aim of this study was to determine the health status, medication use and attitudes towards doping of South African senior netball players. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed to collect data by means of an online survey. The validated 8-item Performance Enhancement Attitudes Scale (PEAS) was used to gather information on the netball player's attitudes towards doping. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data using proportions (categorical), means (normally distributed, continuous) and medians (non-normal distributed, continuous). Doping prevalence and accompanying 95% confidence interval were calculated. Sixty senior netball players consented and completed the self-report questionnaire. The prevalence of chronic disease was 11.67%. Asthma and other conditions such as depression and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) had the highest prevalence of 3.33%. The prevalence of chronic prescription medication use was 8.33% and 66.67% of the netball players reported receiving prescription injections, medications or utilizing OTC medications for treating injury or illness suffered 1-6 weeks before or during competition. The netball players do not have a lenient attitude towards doping. The prescription and OTC medication use could put this cohort of netball players at risk of unintentional doping. Anti-doping education aimed at senior athletes may be beneficial to reduce the risk of unintentional doping due to prescription and OTC medication use for injury or illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study aims to map the trends in obesity prevalence over the past four years and to describe the health, behavior, and psychological factors of people living with obesity in Saudi. Method: This is a secondary data analysis using the Sharik Health Indicators Surveillance System (SHISS) from 2020 to 2023. The SHISS dataset comprises cross-sectional telephone interviews carried out quarterly across all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Recruitment of participants was restricted to Saudi resident adults only. Results: The study analyzed data from 92,137 participants, with a balanced region and gender distribution. The average age of participants was 36.83 ± 13.68 years. The prevalence of obesity showed minor fluctuations over four years, with the highest at 22.2% in 2020 and lowest at 21.4% in 2023. This study showed that a slight decline in daily smoking rates was observed from 2020 to 2023 across all categories. Participants living with obesity reported a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables compared to their not with obesity counterparts. In addition, participants living with obesity engaged less frequently in physical activities compared to those without obesity. Moreover, people living with obesity have higher incidence rates of depression and anxiety, as well as various of chronic diseases. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex factors affecting obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Despite progress, ongoing health promotion and disease prevention are crucial to address the persistent challenges driven by behavioral and socio-economic factors. Continued surveillance and longitudinal studies are essential to track trends in obesity, smoking, and physical activity, ensuring that health initiatives align with population needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate (1) the association of tobacco and e-cigarette use with sexual orientation (LGBTQ and heterosexual individuals) and (2) the difference in the association of tobacco and e-cigarette use with self-reported depression by sexual orientation. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 4). Sample participants included 3583 adults (93.87% heterosexuals). We used multinomial regression to measure the relative risk ratios (RRRs) of being a former and current user versus never a user of tobacco and e-cigarettes and binomial regression to measure the odds ratios of depression between the LGBTQ and heterosexuals. Results: Current smoking prevalence is higher among LGBTQ participants (17.3%) compared to heterosexuals (11.0%). The disparity is even greater for e-cigarette use, with 7.3% of LGBTQ participants being current users versus 2.8% of heterosexuals and 24.5% of LGBTQ participants being former users compared to 9.3% of heterosexuals. Compared to heterosexuals, the relative risk ratio of being a current tobacco user among the LGBTQ participants was about 1.75 times higher [RRR = 1.75, 95%CI = 1.16, 2.64], and that of e-cigarette use was about 2.8 times higher [RRR = 2.81, 95%CI = 1.57, 5.05]. Among current e-cigarette users, heterosexual participants had 1.9 percentage points [risk difference = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.20, 3.13] higher probability of depression, whereas among the LGBTQ participants, the risk was about 3.7 times higher [OR = 3.67, 95%CI = 1.06, 12.74]. Conclusions: Our findings conclude that the LGBTQ are more likely to use tobacco and e-cigarettes compared to heterosexuals and that the risk of depression from e-cigarette smoking is more pronounced among the LGBTQ participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: MRI is the gold standard for detecting meniscal tears; however, ultrasound may readily detect meniscal changes, obviating the need for MRI. We aim to (1) determine ultrasound sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy in detecting meniscal changes, and (2) describe characteristic meniscal changes in US and their prevalence. Methods: A retrospective analysis of knee ultrasound scans for the presence of medial and lateral meniscal tears was conducted. Meniscal changes were characterized into five US appearances (cleft, diminutive, cyst, displaced fragment, and extrusion) by the consensus of two musculoskeletal radiologists. Ultrasound findings were then compared to MRI results. Results: In total, 249 patients were included. Ultrasound sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for medial meniscal tears were 79%, 97.3%, 95.3%, 86.6%, and 90%, respectively, and for lateral meniscal tears the ultrasound sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 63%, 99.5%, 96%, 93%, and 93.6%, respectively. The false negative and false positive rates for medial meniscal tears were 13.4% and 4.7%, respectively, and for the lateral meniscus, the false negative and false positive rates were 6.7% and 3.8%, respectively. Meniscal clefts were the most prevalent appearance in the medial meniscus followed by extrusions. Meniscal extrusions were the most prevalent appearance in the lateral meniscus followed by clefts. Conclusions: Community-based US is highly accurate in the detection of meniscal tears when compared with MRI, making it a valuable diagnostic imaging tool for detecting meniscal tears in a community setting where accessibility to MRI is limited or if there are MRI contraindications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is a common health problem in older adults and is associated with negative health outcomes such as the occurrence of adverse drug events. Several studies have been conducted in different countries and settings to assess the prevalence of PIP, including in Home Care Services. However, data on the prevalence of PIP in home-care services in Saudi Arabia are limited. This study aimed to evaluate PIP use among older patients receiving home healthcare services in Saudi Arabia and to identify the predictors and commonly implicated medications.; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over an 8-month period between January and August 2023. Data were collected from the medical records of patients older than 65 years who were currently receiving home health care services at King Faisal Hospital in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. PIPs were identified using the 2019 updated Beers Criteria.; Results: A total of 375 patients were included. Out of these, 285 PIPs were identified, of which 219 patients (58.4%) received at least one PIP. The most common therapeutic class associated with the PIPs was gastrointestinal medications (66.3%). Patient age and number of medications were significant predictors of PIP.; Conclusions: Our study found a high prevalence of PIP among elderly patients receiving home health care in Taif, Saudi Arabia. This study highlights the need for improved patient data automation and implementation of the Beers criteria to prevent PIPs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kerala is a state in south India, appreciated for its education, better health indicators and quality of life. However, there is a proportionately high prevalence of mental health illnesses and suicides reported in the state. It is unclear if there is any disparity in the gender categories in this. With this systematic review, we aim to systematically study the gender disparity in the prevalence of mental health (MH) issues among adolescents, younger and older adults in Kerala. Methods: A search strategy was built and several databases like Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and ProQuest were used alongside grey literature to identify relevant articles. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines following a prespecified protocol. After relevant data extraction, the estimates were pooled using random effects model due to the high heterogeneity assessed by tau-squared, Cochran Q, and prediction interval. Subgroup analyses, and meta-regression were used to reduce heterogeneity. We also identified the influence and heterogeneity contributed by individual studies using influence plots, Baujat plot, clustering, and performed several sensitivity analyses. Results: Twenty articles were included in the review and meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio of mental health illnesses amongst females compared to males in Kerala was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.0 − 1.73) and falls within a prediction interval of 0.38 to 4.53. The individual studies showed high heterogeneity (I2 = 92%, p = p < 0.01) and hence, subgroup analysis was done for several prespecified subgroups based on etiology, geography, demography, study settings, and age groups. Heterogeneity was significantly reduced by subgrouping based on etiology, study setting and age (p, 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001). In etiologic subgrouping the highest pooled odds was in comorbidities associated MH issues (2.54) and least in non-specific (0.97). In age subgrouping, the highest pooled odds was in elderly (2.53) and least in adolescents (0.63). The odds was highest in health care facility (2.21) and least in educational institution (0.78) based studies. Meta-regression based on the size of the study failed to reduce heterogeneity. Interpretations: A gender disparity was evident in the prevalence of mental health issues, with a higher Odds in females especially among the elderly and adults. A Gender transformative approach in legislative, health systems and policy frameworks will be the answer to this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of hepatopancreatic diseases in cultured shrimp has increased in recent years. Decapod Hepanhamaparvovirus 1 (DHPV) infection was identified by histology in samples that could not be detected by PCR-based assay for this virus. Employing Laser Microdissection (LMD), we dissected cells containing intranuclear inclusion bodies pathognomonic for DHPV infection from histological sections. Whole Genome Amplification and NGS were used to generate five complete genomes of the novel DHPV isolate that showed identities ranging from 77% to 98% to previously reported isolates. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the DHPV isolate represents a novel genotype, Genotype V. We developed PCR and in situ hybridization methods tailored for the specific detection of this genotype. Our approach of combining LMD with NGS opens avenues for rapid identification of emerging viral pathogens and retrospective studies to understand origin and evolution of viruses showcasing the transformative potential of the innovative approach used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease with high health and economic damage. In this study, we developed a deterministic mathematical model that describes the dynamics of leptospirosis transmission within a cattle herd, incorporating asymptomatic infected and vaccinated compartments. The study examined the transmission role of asymptomatic cattle that contaminate herds without farmers' knowledge. We proved the well-posedness of the proposed model and found the basic reproduction number using the next-generation matrix. Analytically, we demonstrated that the disease-free equilibrium point is locally and globally asymptotically stable when R 0 is less than unity and is otherwise unstable. Graphically, we further established the local asymptotic stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria. Sensitivity analysis showed that the contact rate with asymptomatic infected cattle, β A , is the most sensitive parameter in the stated model, followed by the recovery rate of asymptomatic infected cattle, σ , and the vaccination rate of susceptible cattle, τ . Numerical simulations revealed that a reduction in contact rate with asymptomatic infected cattle significantly reduced pathogen Leptospira transmission in the herd. In addition, fostering the recovery rate of asymptomatic infected cattle can significantly reduce new infections in the herd. Furthermore, augmenting the vaccination rate among susceptible cattle resulted in a notable decrease in disease prevalence within the herd. Findings of this study underscore the remarkable importance of targeted interventions, such as reducing contact rates with asymptomatic infected cattle, increasing recovery rates using proper treatments, and enhancing vaccination efforts to manage leptospirosis transmission in cattle herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Uterine cancer (UC) is one of the prevalent malignancies in the female reproductive system. Estimating the burden trends of UC is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies at the national level. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the UC burden in China. We focused on the evaluation of the burden trends of UC in China over the past 32 years to provide a 15-year projection, comparing it with global levels. Methods: Data on incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were extracted from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to describe the burden of UC in China. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to describe the temporal trends of UC in China and globally over the past 32 years. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was utilized to predict the trends of UC in the next 15 years. Spearman correlation analysis was used to compare the relationship between ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, ASDR, and SDI in UC in China and globally. Changes in ASMR and ASDR in UC caused by high BMI in China and globally from 1990 to 2021 were explored. Results: In 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of UC in China were 6.65, 46.52, 1.24, and 37.86 (per 100,000 population) respectively. Compared to 1990, the ASMR and ASDR decreased by 48.63% and 48.15% respectively, while the ASIR and ASPR increased by 17.79% and 37.67% respectively. Globally, the burden of UC followed a similar trend in China, with increasing ASIR and ASPR, and decreasing ASMR and ASDR, although the magnitude of increase and decrease was smaller than in China. Joinpoint regression analysis results showed an overall upward trend in ASIR and ASPR for both China and global UC, while an overall downward trend was observed in ASMR and ASDR. Age-specific analysis revealed that during the period from 1990 to 2021, the age groups with the highest incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs for UC in China generally occurred at earlier ages compared to the global pattern. It is projected that over the next 15 years, the burden of UC in China will continue to increase at a higher rate than the global level. Spearman correlation analysis showed that ASIR and ASPR of UC in China and the world were significantly positively correlated with SDI (p < 0.05), and ASMR and ASDR were significantly negatively correlated with SDI (p < 0.001). High BMI is a risk factor affecting the mortality rate and DALYs of UC in both China and globally, with the increase in ASMR and ASDR due to high BMI being greater in China than globally. Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence burden of UC among Chinese and global women have shown an increasing trend over the past 32 years, while the mortality and DALYs have decreased. The projected burden of UC in China is anticipated to continue rising at a higher rate than the global level over the next 15 years. Given the large population in China, the government needs to strengthen screening and prevention strategies to mitigate the burden of UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives Material and Methods Results Conclusions The primary aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases in a randomly selected Norwegian population. The secondary aims were to explore risk indicators for peri‐implant diseases and to validate self‐reported outcome measures from a survey with clinical parameters.Patients (n = 3083) rehabilitated with dental implants in 2014 were mailed a questionnaire and invited to a clinical examination. A randomly selected subset of responders underwent a clinical examination (n = 242). Full mouth clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess patient‐related risk indicators for peri‐implantitis. Self‐reported data were compared with data from the clinical examination using Spearman correlation and binary logistic regression.The prevalence of peri‐implantitis was 17.0% at patient level and 8.6% at implant level, according to the 2018 classification. Risk indicators for peri‐implantitis included smoking and periodontitis in the adjusted model. The correlation was strong (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) between number of self‐reported implants and clinical counts, whereas self‐reported peri‐implant inflammation was associated with peri‐implantitis (OR 6.4 [95% CI 3.0, 13.7]).Smoking and periodontitis were identified as key risk indicators for peri‐implantitis. Questionnaire data rendered clinically valid estimates of implant number, and self‐reported peri‐implant inflammation was associated with clinical peri‐implantitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Application of data-driven strategies may support veterinarians' decision-making, benefitting pig disease prevention and control. However, little is known about veterinarians' need for data utilisation to support their decision-making process. The current study used qualitative methods, specifically focus group discussions, to explore veterinarians' views on data utilisation and their need for data tools in relation to pig health and welfare management in Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Results: Generally, veterinarians pointed out the potential benefits of using technology for pig health and welfare management, but data is not yet structurally available to support their decision-making. Veterinarians pointed out the challenge of collecting, recording, and accessing data in a consistent and timely manner. Besides, the reliability, standardisation, and the context of data were identified as important factors affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of data utilisation by veterinarians. A user-friendly, adaptable, and integrated data tool was regarded as potentially helpful for veterinarians' daily work and supporting their decision-making. Specifically, veterinarians, particularly independent veterinary practitioners, noted a need for easy access to pig information. Veterinarians such as those working for integrated companies, corporate veterinarians, and independent veterinary practitioners expressed their need for data tools that provide useful information to monitor pig health and welfare in real-time, to visualise the prevalence of endemic disease based on a shared report between farmers, veterinarians, and other professional parties, to support decision-making, and to receive early warnings for disease prevention and control. Conclusions: It is concluded that the management of pig health and welfare may benefit from data utilisation if the quality of data can be assured, the data tools can meet veterinarians' needs for decision-making, and the collaboration of sharing data and using data between farmers, veterinarians, and other professional parties can be enhanced. Nevertheless, several notable technical and institutional barriers still exist, which need to be overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of many chronic noncommunicable diseases has been steadily rising over the past six decades. During this time, over 350,000 new chemical substances have been introduced to the lives of humans. In recent years, the epithelial barrier theory came to light explaining the growing prevalence and exacerbations of these diseases worldwide. It attributes their onset to a functionally impaired epithelial barrier triggered by the toxicity of the exposed substances, associated with microbial dysbiosis, immune system activation, and inflammation. Diseases encompassed by the epithelial barrier theory share common features such as an increased prevalence after the 1960s or 2000s that cannot (solely) be accounted for by the emergence of improved diagnostic methods. Other common traits include epithelial barrier defects, microbial dysbiosis with loss of commensals and colonization of opportunistic pathogens, and circulating inflammatory cells and cytokines. In addition, practically unrelated diseases that fulfill these criteria have started to emerge as multimorbidities during the last decades. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of diseases encompassed by the epithelial barrier theory and discuss evidence and similarities for their epidemiology, genetic susceptibility, epithelial barrier dysfunction, microbial dysbiosis, and tissue inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common illnesses that adversely influence human health globally are gastrointestinal malignancies. The prevalence of gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) is relatively high, and the majority of patients receive ineffective care since they are discovered at an advanced stage of the disease. A major component of the human body is thought to be the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract and the genes that make up the microbiome. The gut microbiota includes more than 3000 diverse species and billions of microbes. Each of them has benefits and drawbacks and been demonstrated to alter anticancer medication efficacy. Treatment of GIC with the help of the gut bacteria is effective while changes in the gut microbiome which is linked to resistance immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Despite significant studies and findings in this field, more research on the interactions between microbiota and response to treatment in GIC are needed to help researchers provide more effective therapeutic strategies with fewer treatment complication. In this review, we examine the effect of the human microbiota on anti-cancer management, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Discrimination may further impede access to medical care for individuals in socially disadvantaged positions. Sociodemographic information and perceived discrimination intersect and define multiple contexts or strata that condition the risk of refraining from seeking physician's care. By applying analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA) we aimed to improve the mapping of risk by considering both strata average risk differences and the accuracy of such strata risks for distinguishing between individuals who did or did not refrain from seeking physician's care. Methods: We analysed nine annual National Public Health Surveys (2004, 2007–2014) in Sweden including 73,815 participants. We investigated the risk of refraining from seeking physician's care across 64 intersectional strata defined by sex, education, age, country of birth, and perceived discrimination. We calculated strata-specific prevalences and prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to evaluate the discriminatory accuracy (DA). Results: Discriminated foreign-born women aged 35–49 with a low educational level show a six times higher risk (PR = 6.07, 95% CI 5.05–7.30) than non-discriminated native men with a high educational level aged 35–49. However, the DA of the intersectional strata was small (AUC = 0.64). Overall, discrimination increased the absolute risk of refraining from seeking physician's care, over and above age, sex, and educational level. Conclusions: AIHDA disclosed complex intersectional inequalities in the average risk of refraining from seeking physician's care. This risk was rather high in some strata, which is relevant from an individual perspective. However, from a population perspective, the low DA of the intersectional strata suggests that potential interventions to reduce such inequalities should be universal but tailored to the specific contextual characteristics of the strata. Discrimination impairs access to healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaginal noise (VN) is a natural phenomenon that arises when air is forced into the vagina and then expelled as the vaginal wall muscles naturally contract. It has been described as involuntarily passing gas from the vagina. VN is a symptom of pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction and can cause social and psychological issues. Data on it is limited, and women rarely voluntarily report it. So, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence, bother, and relation between VN and PF muscle dysfunction. Material and methods: It was a cross-sectional study that included females with age ranges from 30 to 60 years old, body mass index (BMI) ranges from 18 to 30 kg/m2, married, single, virgin, nulliparous, and multiparous women; those with previous one or more vaginal deliveries or cesarean sections (CS) or history of anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall prolapses; and those who had undergone medical interventions such as vaginal surgeries (e.g., pelvic floor reconstruction, hysterectomy), stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, and fecal incontinence. The Vaginal Wind Questionnaire, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7), and Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire were used as methods of evaluating the VN prevalence and bother and its relation to PF dysfunction. Results: It was noted that there was a 76.3% prevalence of VN and 75% bother among the study population. Eighty-eight percent of them did not seek any treatment, and VN occurred in 84.3% of females with pelvic floor muscle weakness. Conclusion: VN is common in middle-aged Egyptian women, most frequently occurring with sexual intercourse, vaginal delivery, and pelvic floor muscle weakness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plaque biofilm is a major etiologic factor of periodontitis, and its effective removal prevents or ameliorates the disease. However, toothbrushing alone does not sufficiently clean the interdental area, and additional interdental cleaning is required to completely remove the plaque from this locale. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association of interdental cleaning on the prevalence of periodontitis in a large urban Thai adult cohort. Methods: Interdental cleaning data were retrieved from a dental survey of 1,743 employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Association of Periodontology (CDC/AAP) periodontal case definitions were applied. The participants were subdivided into two groups as those with or without periodontitis depending on their oral health status assessed by calibrated professional examiners. The proportion of subjects who performed interdental cleaning was assessed through a self-reported questionnaire by frequency (daily/ ≥ 1 per week/ none) and profile (correct/ incorrect) of interdental cleaning. Then, the association between interdental cleaning and periodontitis was calculated using logistic regression analysis controlling for the common risk factors of periodontitis such as age, sex, education, smoking, and diabetes. Results: Participants who performed interdental cleaning on a daily basis and ≥ 1 per week were 27.5% (95% CI: 25.4, 29.6) and 29.1% (95% CI: 27.0, 31.3), respectively while the remainder did not practice. Of those who used interdental cleaning, about one-half focused on sites with food impaction. There was a significant 44% lower prevalence of periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio of 0.56 (95%CI: 0.40, 0.79) in the cohort with a frequent and correct group. Conclusions: Our data indicate an inverse association between interdental cleaning and periodontitis, particularly in those who routinely adhered to it. Regular interdental cleaning is likely to have a salutary effect on oral health. Trial registration: The study was registered retrospectively in Thai Clinical Trials Registry, Registration number: TCTR20240817005, on 17 Aug 2024 (https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence-based information is essential for effective mental health care, yet the extent and accessibility of the scientific literature are critical barriers for professionals and policymakers. To map the necessities and make validated resources accessible, we undertook a systematic review of scientific evidence on child and adolescent mental health in Greece encompassing three research topics: prevalence estimates, assessment instruments, and interventions. We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and IATPOTEK from inception to December 16th, 2021. We included studies assessing the prevalence of conditions, reporting data on assessment tools, and experimental interventions. For each area, manuals informed data extraction and the methodological quality were ascertained using validated tools. This review was registered in protocols.io [68583]. We included 104 studies reporting 533 prevalence estimates, 223 studies informing data on 261 assessment instruments, and 34 intervention studies. We report the prevalence of conditions according to regions within the country. A repository of locally validated instruments and their psychometrics was compiled. An overview of interventions provided data on their effectiveness. The outcomes are made available in an interactive resource online [https://rpubs.com/camhi/sysrev%5ftable]. Scientific evidence on child and adolescent mental health in Greece has now been cataloged and appraised. This timely and accessible compendium of up-to-date evidence offers valuable resources for clinical practice and policymaking in Greece and may encourage similar assessments in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]