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Aim Methodology Results Conclusion To assess the occurrence of external cervical resorption (ECR) in relation to patient characteristics and potential predisposing factors.In total, 215 ECR lesions (194 patients) referred to the Endodontic postgraduate Unit at King's College London or Specialist Endodontic practice (London, UK) between September 2017 and January 2022. The clinical records were readily accessible for evaluation. At the time of initial presentation, patients diagnosed with ECR were interviewed regarding potential predisposing factors using a checklist based on existing literature of reported predisposing factors. Absolute and relative frequencies for all variables were computed. Inferential analysis was carried out to determine if there was any potential association between the type and location of tooth in the jaw as well as sex, age of the patient and potential predisposing factors.No identifiable predisposing factor were detected in 22.3% (48/215 teeth) of the cases, 57.7% (124/215 teeth) had a sole, identifiable predisposing factor and 20% (43/215 teeth) had combined (several) factors. The most common (sole or combined) potential predisposing factors were previous/existing history of orthodontic treatment (25.6%, 55/215 teeth), dental trauma injury (DTI) (20.9%, 45/215 teeth), domestic cat ownership (15.8%, 34/215 teeth) and parafunctional habits (10.2%, 22/215 teeth). The highest occurrence of sole predisposing factors was recorded for males (62%, 75/121 teeth), all other ethnic groups combined (non‐white) patients (58.5%, 24/41 teeth), incisor teeth (64.4%, 56/87 teeth) and maxillary teeth (62.4%, 68/109 teeth). While the highest occurrence of combined predisposing factors was found in females (22.3%, 21/94 teeth), white patients (20.1%, 35/174 teeth), premolars (29%, 9/31 teeth) and mandibular teeth (21.7%, 23/106 teeth). There were significant associations between tooth type and trauma (p < .001), cat ownership (p = .003) and parafunctional habits (p = .017). The association between trauma (p < .001), cat ownership (p = .002) and jaw location were found to be significant. Concerning parafunctional habits, female patients had significantly (p = .015) more ECR occurrence than male patients.Most cases had 1 (sole) identified predisposing factor; orthodontic treatment, dental trauma history and (previous) cat ownership were the most identified factors. The information may be helpful in diagnosing early stage ECR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and it is associated with significant number of metabolic and reproductive risk factors. Despite the overlap between hormonal and metabolic factors involved in the development of PCOS and many known risk factors for breast cancer, the relationship between PCOS and breast cancer, the most common type of cancer among women, remains unknown. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between breast cancer and clinical symptoms of PCOS. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 285 women with breast cancer and 285 healthy women referred to three centers in Tehran in 2023. Both the case and control groups were matched in terms of age and body mass index. The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made data registration form, that was completed in person by qualified individuals. A history of PCOS was identified according to the Rotterdam criteria. Women aged 15–49 years who were able to read and write were included in the study. The case group had a history of breast cancer, while the control group did not. Participants who did not consent to having their data use in the analysis were excluded. Data was analyzed using an independent t-test, a chi-square test and a logistic regression model. Results: The mean age of the participants in the case group was 43.05 ± 4.92 years and that of the control group was 42.78 ± 5.06 years. The two groups showed a statistically significant difference in terms of PCOS history (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, the logistic regression model showed that women with PCOS had a significantly higher chance of developing breast cancer (0R: 3.677, 95%CI: 1.529–8.840, P = 0.004). Among PCOS symptoms, women with a history of hirsutism had a higher chance of developing breast cancer (OR: 2.188, 95% CI: 1.014–4.720, P = 0.046). Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that PCOS is a risk factor for breast cancer. Well-designed further studies are highly recommended to determine the role of PCOS in predicting breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otomycosis is a chronic or subacute fungal infection of external ear accounting to 5 to 20% of external ear infection worldwide. Literature has suggested multiple local and environmental host factors associated with otomycosis, but their strength of association is not well established. We did this review to analyse otomycosis with respect to it's various common predisposing factors. Human studies reporting ototopical antibiotics with or without steroids as predisposing factors for otomycosis, or pooled data together with other predisposing factors were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the ISRCTN register, and Cochrane databases were searched for the data extraction. Critical appraisal was done using the standardized Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Appraisal checklist. Random effects were used to calculate pooled estimate prevalence with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Age varied in different studies with a mean age variation from 7 to 43.19. Most of the studies were conducted in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Aspergillus was the most common species isolated. The use of ototopical antibiotics with or without steroid drops [47% (95% CI, 0.38 - 0.56)] were found to be the commonest predisposing factor for otomycosis, followed by the use of a variety of oils and wax solvents [38% (95% CI,0.26 - 0.51)] and trauma to the External Auditory Canal (EAC) as a result of compulsive cleaning or instrumentation[37% (95% CI, 0.21 - 0.54)]. We suggest the need for caution and vigilance from clinicians treating patients with ototopical drops for ear infections and use of other alternative treatment like 2% acetic acid for mild cases whenever feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Abstract A suboptimal diet is responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other risk. A dietary factor that needs more attention is whole-grain consumption because of its proven health, nutritional, and environmental benefits. Despite these benefits, the daily whole-grain and dietary fibre intake by Dutch residents is low and the reasons for this low consumption are unknown. This study analysed the facilitating and hindering factors associated with (non) oat consumption using the Integrated Change Model (ICM). It compared which factors distinguished oat consumers from moderate and low-oat consumers using a cross-sectional, quantitative study design. The questionnaire used in the quantitative study was based on the results a qualitative study that validated the findings identified in the literature and previous ICM studies. Data was collected using an online survey (Qualtrics). In both studies, the sample of participants included individuals age > 18, of both genders residents in the Netherlands without an allergy to oats, and who read or speak fluently Dutch or English. In total, 299 residents were included in the study. The results indicated that non-oat consumers were less health-conscious, had limited awareness of their dietary behaviours, possessed less knowledge, and were less aware of the severity and susceptibility to various health conditions, such as high cholesterol. They also received fewer prompts to consume oats, were less convinced of the rational and emotional benefits of oats, experienced less social support, reported more obstacles, and had lower self-efficacy regarding oat consumption. The Integrated Change Model (ICM) explained 55% of the variance in intention and 38% in behaviour. Consequently, efforts to promote oat consumption among Dutch adults should address these factors to enhance awareness, increase motivation, and facilitate actions to boost oat intake.

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and it is associated with significant number of metabolic and reproductive risk factors. Despite the overlap between hormonal and metabolic factors involved in the development of PCOS and many known risk factors for breast cancer, the relationship between PCOS and breast cancer, the most common type of cancer among women, remains unknown. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between breast cancer and clinical symptoms of PCOS. Methods This case-control study was conducted on 285 women with breast cancer and 285 healthy women referred to three centers in Tehran in 2023. Both the case and control groups were matched in terms of age and body mass index. The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made data registration form, that was completed in person by qualified individuals. A history of PCOS was identified according to the Rotterdam criteria. Women aged 15–49 years who were able to read and write were included in the study. The case group had a history of breast cancer, while the control group did not. Participants who did not consent to having their data use in the analysis were excluded. Data was analyzed using an independent t-test, a chi-square test and a logistic regression model. Results The mean age of the participants in the case group was 43.05 ± 4.92 years and that of the control group was 42.78 ± 5.06 years. The two groups showed a statistically significant difference in terms of PCOS history (p

Background: A ventral hernia is a protrusion of abdominal viscus through the anterior abdominal wall occurring at any site other than the inguinal and femoral areas and is a common problem encountered by surgeons. Objective: to know the clinical presentations of the ventral hernias, predisposing factors (risk factors) for the development of ventral hernias, different methods of surgical repair of the ventral hernias, complications following surgery and their follow-up. Methods: This was a prospective study was at Department of General Surgery, S S institute of Medical Sciences Davangere Karnataka between August 2020 and August 2021..Results: The youngest patient was 12 years old and the oldest was 76 years old. The mean age at presentation was 47 years. paraumbilical hernia (49%) was the most common variety followed by epigastric hernia (22%) and umbilical hernia (18%). Highest incidence is found in the 41-50 age group. Majority of the patients presented with swelling & Pain over& around the umbilicus or in the line of the scar of previous surgery. Paraumbilical hernia was the most common amongst the ventral hernias with an incidence of 46%. Of which, most occurred in infra-umbilical region. There is significant association between constipation smoking, obesity and occurrence of ventral hernia (p<0.001). 6% recurrence rate was observed after 1 year of follow up. Wound infection rate was 4%.3% with only repair and 1% with sublay repair. Conclusions: Apart from recurrence, other postoperative complications like seroma formation and wound infection attributed largely to extensive dissection and tissue handling during hernia repair.8 In present study, there was slightly more chance of seroma formation in onlay group, which may be due to extensive tissue dissection and increased blood loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall-triggered landslides pose a significant threat to both infrastructure and human lives, making it crucial to comprehend the factors that contribute to their occurrence. Specifically, understanding the relationship between these factors and the amount of rain that is necessary for triggering such events is essential for effective prediction and mitigation strategies. To address this issue, our study proposes a statistical modelling approach using machine learning, specifically the Random Forest algorithm, to investigate the connection between landslide predisposing factors and the daily rainfall intensity threshold necessary for the initiation of shallow landslides in Portugal. By leveraging a comprehensive dataset comprising historical landslide events, associated critical rainfall, and ten distinct landslide predisposing factors, we developed several models and used cross-validation technique to evaluate their performance. Our findings demonstrate that the Random Forest model effectively captures a relationship among landslide predisposing factors, critical daily rainfall intensity, and landslide occurrences. The models exhibit a satisfactory accuracy in assessing the spatial variation of critical daily rainfall intensity based on the predisposing factors, with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of around 17%. Furthermore, the models provide valuable insights into the relative importance of various predisposing factors in landslide triggering, highlighting the significance of each factor. It was found that it takes higher rainfall intensity to trigger shallow landslides in the north region of Portugal when considering critical rainfall events of 3 and 13 days. Slope aspect, slope angle, and clay content in the soil are among the main predisposing factors used for defining the spatial variation of the daily rainfall intensity threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a severe gastrointestinal disease that poses a significant threat to the poultry industry. It leads to progressive damage to the small intestine, reduced performance, increased mortality rates, and substantial economic losses. With the removal of antimicrobial agents from chicken feed, there is an urgent need to find alternative approaches for NE control. Various approaches, including vaccination, prebiotics, probiotics, and plant-derived products, have been utilized to address NE in poultry management. To evaluate the efficacy of these preventive measures against NE, successful induction of NE is crucial to observe effects of these approaches in related studies. This study presents a comprehensive overview of the methods and approaches utilized for NE reproduction in related studies from 2004 to 2023. These considerations are the careful selection of a virulent Clostridium perfringens strain, preparation of challenge inoculum, choice of time and the route for challenge inoculum administration, and utilization of one or more predisposing factors to increase the rate of NE occurrence in birds under experiment. We also reviewed the different systems used for lesion scoring of NE-challenged birds. By gaining clarity on these fundamental parameters, researchers can make informed decisions regarding the selection of the most appropriate NE experimental design in their respective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rhinosinusitis is a prevalent disease in children that can cause many substantial physical symptoms and have a detrimental influence on their quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the predisposing factors, and management of pediatric rhinosinusitis patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study using retrospective data from 324 pediatric rhinosinusitis patients was conducted. Demographics, predisposing factors, and management were recorded. Results: Many of the affected patients (50.3%) were between 6 and 11 years old. The predisposing factors were allergic rhinitis (97.2%), asthma (27.2%), upper respiratory tract infection (24.4%), adenoid hypertrophy (17.9%), and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (0.6%). A significant association was found between the age group with upper respiratory infection as a predisposing factor in pediatric rhinosinusitis (P-value .000). Most of our patients (99.7%) responded well to medical treatment, and 8.6% of them underwent surgical therapy, mainly adenotonsillectomy. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that allergic rhinitis was the most established predisposing factor for pediatric rhinosinusitis, followed by asthma, upper respiratory tract infection, and adenoid hypertrophy. Medical therapy was the mainstay of treatment for pediatric rhinosinusitis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty • This study provides insights into the epidemiology of Tinea capitis among primary school children in a rural community in Gombe, Nigeria, highlighting the prevalence, causative agents, and predisposing factors of the infection. • By identifying a diverse array of dermatophytes, including Trichophyton mentagrophyte and Microsporum canis, the research underscores the significant role of poor hygiene, socioeconomic status, and environmental factors in the transmission of Tinea capitis. • The findings advocate for targeted health promotion and educational interventions to mitigate the infection, emphasizing the necessity of improving personal hygiene and living conditions in affected communities. Full Abstract Tinea capitis, an infection of the scalp and hair shaft, is increasingly prevalent worldwide among children aged between six months and pre-pubertal age. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence, identify causative agents, and the predisposing factors for Tinea capitis infection among primary school children of a rural community in Gombe, Nigeria. Scalp and hair scrapings were collected from school children with a clinical diagnosis of T. capitis for microscopic examination and fungal culture. Relevant information for investigating predisposing factors was collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Out of the 60 samples collected, the mycological analysis of 58 samples revealed dermatophyte presence, while 2 samples were contaminated with Aspergillus niger. The prevalent fungi included Trichophyton mentagrophyte (25%), Microsporum canis (20%), Trichophyton rubrum (13.3%), Microsporum gypseum (11.6%), Trichophyton schoenleinii (10%), Trichophyton verrucusum (8.3%), Trichophyton tonsurans (8.3%) and Aspergillus niger (3%). Common predisposing factors identified were sharing combs, towels, bed sheets and close contact with household pets. Additionally, low socioeconomic status, overcrowding in mud houses, and poor hygiene practices emerged as determinants of Tinea capitis transmission among children. In light of these findings, the study underscores the need for comprehensive health promotion and educational interventions, emphasizing personal hygiene and the importance of proper living conditions.

Bronchial asthma (BA) continues to be a difficult disease to diagnose. Various factors have been described in the development of BA, but to date, there is no clear evidence for the etiology of this chronic disease. The emergence of COVID-19 has contributed to the pandemic course of asthma and immunologic features. However, there are no unambiguous data on asthma on the background and after COVID-19. There is correlation between various trigger factors that provoke the development of bronchial asthma. It is now obvious that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is one of the provoking factors. COVID-19 has affected the course of asthma. Currently, there is no clear understanding of whether asthma progresses during or after COVID-19 infection. According to the results of some studies, a significant difference was identified between the development of asthma in people after COVID-19. Mild asthma and moderate asthma do not increase the severity of COVID-19 infection. Nevertheless, oral steroid treatment and hospitalization for severe BA were associated with higher COVID-19 severity. The influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection is one of the protective factors. It causes the development of severe bronchial asthma. The accumulated experience with omalizumab in patients with severe asthma during COVID-19, who received omalizumab during the pandemic, has strongly suggested that continued treatment with omalizumab is safe and may help prevent the severe course of COVID-19. Targeted therapy for asthma with the use of omalizumab may also help to reduce severe asthma associated with COVID-19. However, further studies are needed to prove the effect of omalizumab. Data analysis should persist, based on the results of the course of asthma after COVID-19 with varying degrees of severity.

Introduction: With a progressive rise in the number of total hip arthroplasties (THA) over the past decades, the proportion of patients sustaining peri-prosthetic fractures (PPF) has been substantially increasing. In this context, the need for clearly understanding the factors predisposing patients to PPF following THA and the impact of these adverse complications on the overall healthcare burden cannot be understated. Materials and methods: Based upon the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, the patients who underwent THA in the United States between 2016 and2019 (with ICD-10 CMP code) were identified. The patients were divided into 2 groups; group A – patients who sustained PPF and group B – those who did not. The information about the patients' demographic profile, medical comorbidities; and hospital admission (including length of stay and expenditure incurred) were analysed; and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Overall, 367,890 patients underwent THA, among whom 4,425 (1.2%) sustained PPF (group A). The remaining patients were classified under group B (363,465 patients). On the basis of multi-variate analysis (MVA), there was a significantly greater proportion of females, elderly patients, and emergent admissions (p < 0.001) in group A. The length of hospital stay, expenditure incurred and mortality were also significantly higher (p = 0.001) in group A. Based on MVA, Down's syndrome (odd's ratio 3.15, p = 0.01), H/O colostomy (odd's ratio 2.09, p = 0.008), liver cirrhosis (odd's ratio 2.01, p < 0.001), Parkinson's disease (odd's ratio 1.49, p = 0.004), morbid obesity (odd's ratio 1.44, p < 0.001), super obesity (odd's ratio 1.49, p = 0.03), and H/O CABG (coronary artery bypass graft; odd's ratio 1.21, p = 0.03) demonstrated significant association with PPF (group A). Conclusion: Patients with PPF require higher rates of emergent admission, longer hospital stay and greater admission-related expenditure. Female sex, advanced age, morbid or super obesity, and presence of medical comorbidities (such as Down's syndrome, cirrhosis, Parkinson's disease, previous colostomy, and previous CABG) significantly enhance the risk of PPF after THA. These medical conditions must be kept in clinicians' minds and close follow-up needs to be implemented in such situations so as to mitigate these complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It has long been accepted that trauma is one of the most important and frequent predisposing factors for onychomycoses. However, the role of direct trauma in the pathogenesis of fungal nail infections has only recently been elucidated in a series of 32 cases of post-traumatic single-digit onychomycosis. The importance of repeated trauma due to foot and toe abnormalities was rarely investigated. Aimof the study: This is a multicenter single-author observational study over a period of 6 years performed at specialized nail clinics in three countries. All patient photographs taken by the author during this period were screened for toenail alterations, and all toe onychomycosis cases were checked for whether they contained enough information to evaluate potential foot and toe abnormalities. Particular attention was paid to the presence of hallux valgus, hallux valgus interphalangeus, hallux erectus, inward rotation of the big toe, and outward rotation of the little toe, as well as splay foot. Only cases with unequivocal proof of fungal nail infection by either histopathology, mycologic culture, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were accepted. Results: Of 1653 cases, 185 were onychomycoses, proven by mycologic culture, PCR, or histopathology. Of these, 179 involved at least one big toenail, and 6 affected one or more lesser toenails. Three patients consulted us for another toenail disease, and onychomycosis was diagnosed as a second disease. Eight patients had a pronounced tinea pedum. Relatively few patients had a normal big toe position (n = 9). Most of the cases had a mild to marked hallux valgus (HV) (105) and a hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) (143), while hallux erectus was observed in 43 patients, and the combination of HV and HVI was observed 83 times. Discussion: The very high percentage of foot and toe deformations was surprising. It may be hypothesized that this is not only a pathogenetically important factor but may also play an important role in the localization of the fungal infection, as no marked hallux deviation was noted in onychomycoses that affected the lesser toes only. As the management of onychomycoses is a complex procedure involving the exact diagnosis with a determination of the pathogenic fungus, the nail growth rate, the type of onychomycosis, its duration, and predisposing factors, anomalies of the toe position may be important. Among the most commonly mentioned predisposing factors are peripheral circulatory insufficiency, venous stasis, peripheral neuropathy, immune deficiency, and iatrogenic immunosuppression, whereas foot problems are not given enough attention. Unfortunately, many of these predisposing and aggravating factors are difficult to treat or correct. Generally, when explaining the treatment of onychomycoses to patients, the importance of these orthopedic alterations is not or only insufficiently discussed. In view of the problems encountered with the treatment of toenail mycoses, this attitude should be changed in order to make the patient understand why there is such a low cure rate despite excellent minimal inhibitory drug concentrations in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchial asthma (BA) continues to be a difficult disease to diagnose. Various factors have been described in the development of BA, but to date, there is no clear evidence for the etiology of this chronic disease. The emergence of COVID-19 has contributed to the pandemic course of asthma and immunologic features. However, there are no unambiguous data on asthma on the background and after COVID-19. There is correlation between various trigger factors that provoke the development of bronchial asthma. It is now obvious that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is one of the provoking factors. COVID-19 has affected the course of asthma. Currently, there is no clear understanding of whether asthma progresses during or after COVID-19 infection. According to the results of some studies, a significant difference was identified between the development of asthma in people after COVID-19. Mild asthma and moderate asthma do not increase the severity of COVID-19 infection. Nevertheless, oral steroid treatment and hospitalization for severe BA were associated with higher COVID-19 severity. The influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection is one of the protective factors. It causes the development of severe bronchial asthma. The accumulated experience with omalizumab in patients with severe asthma during COVID-19, who received omalizumab during the pandemic, has strongly suggested that continued treatment with omalizumab is safe and may help prevent the severe course of COVID-19. Targeted therapy for asthma with the use of omalizumab may also help to reduce severe asthma associated with COVID-19. However, further studies are needed to prove the effect of omalizumab. Data analysis should persist, based on the results of the course of asthma after COVID-19 with varying degrees of severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), China, the TGR region has developed numerous landslides, most of which exhibited episodic movement behavior. As a representative example, the Baijiabao landslide in the TGR region is considered herein to investigate the causes of the episodic movement behavior based on multiple-time scale analysis. The cumulative displacements recorded at four manual monitoring sites from 2007 to 2020 and three automatic monitoring sites from 1 November 2017 to 30 August 2020 are collected for the statistical analysis, and multiple-term field investigations are conducted to give insights into the episodic movement of the Baijiabao landslide. Based on geographical detectors, the key individual and combined predisposing factors for the episodic movement corresponding to the monthly, weekly, and daily scales are determined, respectively. The results indicate that the continuous deformation for a dozen of days induces the episodic movement of the landslide at the monthly scale. At the short-time scale, the reservoir water level is a much more significant predisposing factor than rainfall in inducing the deformation of the landslide. At the long-time scale, the episodic movement is greatly affected by both reservoir level and rainfall conditions. In addition, combined predisposing factors consisting of one rainfall-related and one reservoir level–related factor could nonlinearly enhance each other to be better correlated with the landslide deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denture stomatitis (DS) is a very common disease in wearers of removable complete and partial dentures with a worldwide prevalence in the range of 20–67%. Both industrially developed and impoverished nations are affected by the illness. DS is often associated with ill-fitting dentures or a fungal infection with Candida spp. Candida is normally found in the oral cavity microbiota, but it can be harmful to the health of elderly people with underlying diseases. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to offer the most recent information about the epidemiology, etiology, and global distribution of Candida species associated with DS through a systematic review. Several databases, including Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus, were used to conduct an extensive search of the literature published in the previous 20 years. The selection of studies was performed by two authors. The extracted data were as follows: author, year of publication, country, sample, frequency of DS, method of diagnosing stomatitis, species of Candida, risk factors, and etiology of the disease. The JBI Critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the studies. Eventually, twenty-eight studies were included in the systematic review. Twenty-one studies investigated DS, while seven studies examined Candida colonization in patients using removable dentures. The results show that the main causes of DS include the type of dentures, continuous wearing of dentures, and the formation of a Candida biofilm, which is facilitated by poor dental hygiene. Additionally, previous studies have pinpointed the significance of the salivary flow, saliva composition, and salivary pH. The findings of the current review indicate that it is crucial to monitor denture wearers for the appearance of DS, especially the patients whose immunity has been impaired due to a systemic condition. Finally, frequent follow-ups should include a clinical examination and microbial swabs of the palatal mucosa and the mucosal surface of the denture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the most common consequence of diabetes mellitus. DFUs result from a combination of multiple causes including peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. It is preventable if the risk factors are identified and treated early. Objectives: The aim of present study is to evaluate the predisposing factors, clinical profile and outcome of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Methods: All DFU patients who were aged >18 years and admitted during the study period were enrolled in this study. The socio-demographic characteristic, predisposing factors, clinical profile, examination of foot lesion, microbiological profile and outcome were recorded. Results: A total of 300 patients with DFU were evaluated in this study. Most of the patients were 45-60 years age group, predominantly male. 95.3% were type 2 DM. A significant association between duration of diabetes, glycemic control, peripheral neuropathy, and ulcer size were found with diabetic foot ulcer healing. The most common isolates from culture were monomicrobial and Gram-negative bacteria. DFU outcomes (healing & amputation) were statistically significantly associated with the severity of the Diabetic foot infections. Conclusion: Modifiable factors like good glycemic control, early management of ulcers and early treatment of peripheral neuropathy can influence Diabetic foot ulcer outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of sand and dust pollution on the sensitive structures of flow sensors in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is a hot issue in current MEMS reliability research. However, previous studies on sand and dust contamination have only searched for sensor accuracy degradation due to heat conduction in sand and dust cover and have yet to search for other failure-inducing factors. This paper aims to discover the other inducing factors for the accuracy failure of MEMS flow sensors under sand and dust pollution by using a combined model simulation and sample test method. The accuracy of a flow sensor is mainly reflected by the size of its thermistor, so in this study, the output value of the thermistor value was chosen as an electrical characterization parameter to verify the change in the sensor's accuracy side by side. The results show that after excluding the influence of heat conduction, when sand particles fall on the device, the mutual friction between the sand particles will produce an electrostatic current; through the principle of electrostatic dissipation into the thermistor, the principle of measurement leads to the resistance value becoming smaller, and when the sand dust is stationary for some time, the resistance value returns to the expected level. This finding provides theoretical guidance for finding failure-inducing factors in MEMS failure modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a severe gastrointestinal disease that poses a significant threat to the poultry industry. It leads to progressive damage to the small intestine, reduced performance, increased mortality rates, and substantial economic losses. With the removal of antimicrobial agents from chicken feed, there is an urgent need to find alternative approaches for NE control. Various approaches, including vaccination, prebiotics, probiotics, and plant-derived products, have been utilized to address NE in poultry management. To evaluate the efficacy of these preventive measures against NE, successful induction of NE is crucial to observe effects of these approaches in related studies. This study presents a comprehensive overview of the methods and approaches utilized for NE reproduction in related studies from 2004 to 2023. These considerations are the careful selection of a virulent Clostridium perfringens strain, preparation of challenge inoculum, choice of time and the route for challenge inoculum administration, and utilization of one or more predisposing factors to increase the rate of NE occurrence in birds under experiment. We also reviewed the different systems used for lesion scoring of NE-challenged birds. By gaining clarity on these fundamental parameters, researchers can make informed decisions regarding the selection of the most appropriate NE experimental design in their respective studies.

Although infectious diseases have emerged in various periods of history, the outbreaks seen worldwide due to globalization have started to increase in recent years. Epidemics had significant effects on the psychological health of individuals. The most important effect of COVID-19 pandemic on individuals was anxiety. In the days when other pandemic diseases are at the door, the understanding of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals is a very important issue. In the COVID-19 outbreak, the general sample, university students, those diagnosed with COVID-19, and healthcare workers were the groups most affected by anxiety. In different countries, moderate anxiety symptoms in different waves of the epidemic ranged from 6.3% to 66.8% in the general sample, between 18.6% and 87.7% in university students, between 13.0-60.3% in people diagnosed with COVID-19, and between 13.0-51.6% in healthcare workers. In the follow-up studies, it was noted that the anxiety symptoms did not regress to the pre-pandemic level for a long time in these samples. According to the findings, anxiety associated with COVID-19 is associated with psychological health. As COVID-19-related anxiety increased, negative emotions, dysfunctional behaviors, sleep problems and depressive symptoms increased.The fact that anxiety is common, persistent and associated with other psychological symptoms during the epidemic made it necessary to understand the underlying factors of anxiety. Findings indicate that anxiety sensitivity, disgust susceptibility/sensitivity, intolerance to uncertainty, and health anxiety play a role in explaining anxiety symptoms associated with COVID-19. These susceptibility factors may contribute to the development of cognitive-behavioral oriented therapeutic and preventive intervention programs both during/after epidemic and future epidemics especially in the general sample, university students, those diagnosed with COVID-19, and healthcare workers.

It is well known that bacterial plaque is the main etiological factor that causes the appearance of periodontal diseases and carious disease. Periodontal diseases can affect children and adolescents and are manifested in the form of gingivitis, but also the early form of chronic periodontitis as well as aggressive marginal periodontitis associated with local or general factors. Early periodontitis is frequently undiagnosed by clinicians due to a lack of knowledge of the specific symptoms. Certain systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, can create favorable conditions for the appearance and progression of severe manifestations of periodontal disease; also, recent research highlights that individuals with periodontal disease present an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Children with congenital or acquired cardiovascular diseases are at increased risk for complications resulting from the growth of microorganisms in the oral cavity, presenting a risk of infective endocarditis. The specific aim was to highlight the existing differences between the periodontal health of children with cardiovascular diseases and that of children without these diseases. The analyzed group included 124 patients, represented by children and adolescents, aged between 7 and 17 years, who were divided into four subgroups depending on the presence or absence of cardiovascular diseases and periodontal disease. A specialized clinical examination was performed for each patient, and periodontal clinical parameters were quantified (plaque index, gingival bleeding index, gingival index, community periodontal index of treatment needs) and associated with the diagnosis of general condition. Patients diagnosed with periodontal disease underwent specialized treatment and were called to a control visit 3 months after treatment. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between subgroups with much higher values of clinical parameters for patients with cardiovascular disease. Also, the response to the treatment was better in the case of patients in the control subgroup without cardiovascular diseases. The present study highlighted the interaction of three factors in the progression of periodontal diseases: subgingival microbiota, immune system response and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) exacerbate the impact of droughts on the survival of cattle. The inadequacies of the conventional system make it increasingly important to explore indigenous knowledge (IK) to create drought-tolerant and GIN resilient herds. The objective of the study was to assess the indigenous strategies for controlling GIN during droughts. Face-to-face interviews with experts on IK were conducted to give insight into the importance, methods and ranking of GIN control. The experts identified 86 cattle that were used to test their assertions. The control methods used were identifying cattle that were susceptible to high GIN loads using predisposing factors, diagnosis of GIN burdens using faecal appearance, and treatment using phytotherapy. Experts ranked predisposing factors as the most critical control strategy and identified body condition, class, sex, coat colour, pregnancy status and lactation status as predisposing factors to high GIN burdens. Thin, older, dark-coloured cattle, as well as pregnant and lactating cows, were considered susceptible to GIN. However, pregnancy status, coat colour and sex were significantly associated with high GIN burdens. Cows were 2.6 times more likely to have high GIN burdens than bulls. Dark-coloured cattle were 3.5 times more likely to have high GIN burdens than light-coloured ones, and the likelihood of pregnant cows was 4.9 times higher than non-pregnant cows. A dark-coloured pregnant cow was extremely susceptible to high GIN burdens. In conclusion, knowledge of predisposing factors informs selection decisions when purchasing foundation stock. Cattle that are susceptible to high GIN loads are prioritised during droughts or culled where resources are scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine demographic and obstetrical factors that are associated with adhesion formation following cesarean delivery. Methods: We conducted a population‐based study that included all women over 18 years og age who underwent two cesarean deliveries between the years 1988 and 2016 in a large tertiary medical center. We excluded women with adhesions already diagnosed during the first cesarean delivery, history of other abdominal or pelvic surgery, history of pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, history of endometriosis and history of uterine Müllerian anomalies. In addition, women with a classical or T‐shaped uterine incision, non‐singleton pregnancies, and fetal chromosomal or structural abnormalities were excluded. Results: During the study period, 32.6% (n = 2283) of women were diagnosed with peritoneal adhesions during the second cesarean delivery. Factors found to be significantly associated with peritoneal adhesions were maternal age 35 years or older at the first cesarean delivery, Bedouin Arab ethnicity, composite of intrapartum and postpartum infectious morbidity, and cesarean deliveries that were performed after the onset of labor. In contrast, having a previous vaginal birth was found to be protective. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a woman's characteristics at her first cesarean delivery and her obstetrical history may be predictive of the likelihood of adhesion formation. Synopsis: A woman's characteristics at her first cesarean delivery and her obstetrical history may be predictive of the likelihood of adhesions formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the causes of clozapine treatment discontinuation and measure clozapine-induced myocarditis (CIM) rates in an Australian region, to compare the observed rates of CMI with reports from Australia and the world, and discuss factors related to CIM incidence rates in the region. The study is a retrospective clinical audit of 327 patients prescribed clozapine. All patients were monitored by the mandatory CIM monitoring protocol for the first six weeks of treatment. The validity of a diagnosis of CIM was assessed using six criteria. Socio-demographic and clinical factors and clozapine prescription practices were analysed for their association with CIM. The study could not examine co-existing medical illness, co-prescribed psychotropic medication, genetics, and environmental factors. CIM occurred in 9.8 % of the cohort after a mean treatment duration of 19.5 days. The diagnosis of CIM was considered valid in all cases. Gender, age at the start of treatment, ethnicity, cumulative clozapine dose, dose titration, and clozapine/norclozapine ratio were unrelated to CIM. The CIM rate in the Hunter region was higher than in the rest of Australia and the world and increased after adopting the monitoring protocol. Over-diagnosis, patient's age and gender, ethnicity, cumulative clozapine dose, dosing titration, and clozapine metabolism rate were unrelated to the high occurrence rates. The possible role of comorbid illnesses, co-prescribed psychiatric medications, genetic, and environmental factors in the etiology of CIM requires further study. The reasons underlying the high rates of CIM in the Hunter region need further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Child survival remains a major public health challenge in the sub‐Saharan region of Africa, especially Nigeria. The Boko Haram crisis, which has aggravated this, has led to the displacement of many people in the north‐eastern region, including children under five. This study investigated the determinants of child survival practice among caregivers in internally displaced persons' (IDP) camps in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria. Methodology: A cross‐sectional design was used to collect data on determinants of child survival practice from 312 caregivers in five purposively selected IDP camps in AMAC using the snowball sampling technique. Data were analysed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of respondents was 29.6 ± 6.72 years. There was a significant (p < 0.05) relationship between the predisposing, reinforcing, enabling and environmental factors studied and child survival practice. Findings also indicated that all factors were significant (p < 0.05) predictors of child survival practice with the reinforcing factor being the major predictor (ß = 0.38; t = 6.08). Conclusion: Attention needs to be paid to all factors, particularly the reinforcing factor of social support in order to promote optimal child survival practice among caregivers in AMAC IDP camps. Collaboration with social work professionals would be an added benefit to enhance social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic autoinflammatory skin disorder that involves dysfunction of the follicular infundibulum and an abnormal immune response. It has a peak incidence between the second and third decades of life, and clinically presents as painful, chronic, and recurrent suppurative lesions in the intertriginous areas, which evolve into sinuous tracts and deforming scar bands with a remarkable impact on quality of life. This article is a comprehensive review of the state of the art of HS. This first part includes epidemiology, risk factors, comorbidities, and pathophysiology. Materials and methods: For this narrative review, a complete literature search was carried out in three databases (PubMed®, Science Direct®, and EMBASE®), from 2001 to 2023, including articles published both in English and Spanish. Results: A total of 107 articles published from 2001 to 2023 were included and reviewed in full text. Conclusion: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex dermatological disease with a significant prevalence worldwide. The risk factors and associated comorbidities are diverse and deserve full attention for a comprehensive approach. Advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis are relevant to achieving a greater comprehension of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with respiratory complications, especially during the acute phase. We report an unusual case of an adolescent boy who presented with cough, dyspnea and unilaterally absent breath sounds on auscultation. Two weeks prior to the admission, the patient reported lowgrade fever and mild cough. A rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test was positive. On admission, the child tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax was confirmed by a chest X-ray. A chest tube was inserted, and symptoms gradually resolved. This case report highlights that SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause serious respiratory complications in children, even after the resolution of acute infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ΟBJECTIVE The determination of socio-economic, demographic and environmental factors as well as the lifestyle of the Greek family, which possibly shape the degree of passive and active smoking among teenagers-students of vocational high schools. METHOD The sample consisted of 265 students from technical vocational high schools in the prefecture of Achaia, who were spirometrically (max % expiratory flow [PEF, pred79%], forced vital capacity [FVC] and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1.pred80%]) tested and answered a questionnaire which was based on the tools of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. RESULTS 61.2% of the sample were men, most aged 14-18 years and with a percentage of smokers reaching 81.1%. Age, smoking initiation, active or passive smoking, poor place of residence, and number of cigarettes (%pred) were assessed as independent predictors of PEF. Smokers and those in late adolescence also had lower FEV1 (%pred). It seems interesting that despite the impaired respiratory function, the generally not good physical condition and the overall low quality of life, the popularity and sociability of these students remains high. %max expiratory flow, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec were the respiratory function parameters that differed statistically significantly between smokers and non-smokers (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS It appears that young smokers-students of vocational high schools have their respiratory function reduced quite early in life, therefore immediate preventive interventions in secondary education are necessary. Thus, through participation in interactive programs, students will acquire supplement or revise their knowledge and perceptions, developing and strengthening anti-smoking attitudes, and cultivating health positive values and attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss and the grieving process are a natural part of life for everyone, but they can become pathological without supportive conditions. Loss is painful and causes the person to experience deep grief. Individuals who cannot complete the mourning process healthily are forced to live with a loss they cannot resolve. The loss and mourning process, especially in childhood, significantly affects the person's life from childhood to adulthood. Different theories explain the grief process in the literature on the subject. Among these theories, the attachment theory developed by John Bowlby provides information about the grief process experienced, especially in childhood. In this study, the grief process in children is evaluated within the framework of the attachment theory developed by John Bowlby. The main issues addressed in the study are the significance of losses experienced during childhood, the stages of the grieving process, and the approach to the grieving child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although infectious diseases have emerged in various periods of history, the outbreaks seen worldwide due to globalization have started to increase in recent years. Epidemics had significant effects on the psychological health of individuals. The most important effect of COVID-19 pandemic on individuals was anxiety. In the days when other pandemic diseases are at the door, the understanding of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals is a very important issue. In the COVID-19 outbreak, the general sample, university students, those diagnosed with COVID-19, and healthcare workers were the groups most affected by anxiety. In different countries, moderate anxiety symptoms in different waves of the epidemic ranged from 6.3% to 66.8% in the general sample, between 18.6% and 87.7% in university students, between 13.0-60.3% in people diagnosed with COVID-19, and between 13.0-51.6% in healthcare workers. In the follow-up studies, it was noted that the anxiety symptoms did not regress to the pre-pandemic level for a long time in these samples. According to the findings, anxiety associated with COVID-19 is associated with psychological health. As COVID-19-related anxiety increased, negative emotions, dysfunctional behaviors, sleep problems and depressive symptoms increased. The fact that anxiety is common, persistent and associated with other psychological symptoms during the epidemic made it necessary to understand the underlying factors of anxiety. Findings indicate that anxiety sensitivity, disgust susceptibility/sensitivity, intolerance to uncertainty, and health anxiety play a role in explaining anxiety symptoms associated with COVID-19. These susceptibility factors may contribute to the development of cognitive-behavioral oriented therapeutic and preventive intervention programs both during/after epidemic and future epidemics especially in the general sample, university students, those diagnosed with COVID-19, and healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To study and compare the predisposing factors and clinical features of pediatric, adult, and elderly rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This is an observational analytic cross-sectional study in which patients with RRD admitted for surgery during 6mo period were divided into 3 age groups: pediatric (60y). Patients' demographic data, clinical features, RRD predisposing factors/features including myopia (axial length ≥26.5 mm), aphakia/pseudophakia, blunt trauma, peripheral retinal degenerations, history of RRD in the fellow eye, and surgical interventions/findings were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Totally 142 patients (142 eyes) were studied: 26 (18.31%) pediatrics, 86 (60.56%) adults, and 30 (21.13%) elderly. Elderly patients had a significantly higher intraocular pressures and cataracts compared to the other 2 groups (P=0.04). The RRD extent was larger in pediatric group (mostly 4 quadrants) compared to adults and elderly (mostly 2 quadrants), but it was not statistically insignificant (P=0.242). There were not statistically significantly differences in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) rate, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) rate, number, site, shape, and size of breaks in three groups. All three groups had macular detachment in all eyes. Myopia and peripheral retinal degenerations were found to be more significant in adults (P=0.049, P=0.035, respectively), while blunt trauma was higher but insignificant in pediatric eyes (P=0.052). Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil as a tamponade was the most used surgery in all groups. CONCLUSION: There are no significant difference in PVR rate in pediatric eyes but a significant higher rate of total RRD. Blunt trauma is more frequent in pediatrics eyes while myopia and/or peripheral retinal degenerations are more frequent in older ages. The rate of PPV as a choice for surgery is similar among all age groups.

Introduction The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of unplanned readmissions in the pediatric population within 30 days of discharge, identify the possible reasons behind them, and develop a predictive model for unplanned admissions. Methods A retrospective chart review study of 25,211 patients was conducted to identify the prevalence of readmissions occurring within 30 days of discharge from the King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between Jan 1, 2019, and Dec 31, 2021. The data were collected using the BestCare electronic health records system and analyzed using Jamovi statistical software version 1.6. Results Among the 25,211 patients admitted to the hospital during the study period, the prevalence of unplanned readmission within 30 days was 1291 (5.12%). Of the 1291 patients, 1.91% had subsequent unplanned readmissions. In 57.8% of the cases, the cause of the first unplanned readmission was related to the cause of the first admission, and in 90.64% of the cases, the cause of the subsequent unplanned readmission was related to the cause of the first unplanned readmission. The most common reason for the first unplanned readmission was postoperative complications (18.75%), whereas pneumonia (10.81%) was the most common reason for subsequent unplanned readmissions. Most patients with subsequent unplanned readmissions were also found to have either isolated central nervous system pathology or chronic complex medical conditions. Conclusion Internationally, the rate of unplanned readmissions in pediatric patients has been estimated to be 6.5% within 30 days, which is comparable to the results of our study (5.12%). Most of the causes of first and subsequent unplanned readmission were found to be related to primary admission. The diagnosis/causes of readmission vary depending on the patient’s age. A predictive model for pediatric readmission should be established so that preventive measures can be implemented.

The valleys in the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park, Southern Patagonia, Argentina, are highly dynamic due to glacier shrinkage. To improve our understanding of slope instability in deglaciated environments, we generated and analyzed a Landslide Susceptibility Map (LSM). The proposed methodology includes remote sensing, interpretation of geological maps, both performed in a Geographic Information System (GIS), and finally a Frequency Ratio Model (FRM). Factors included in the slope instability analysis were lithology, geomorphology, land cover/land use, slope, aspect, elevation, curvature, distance to geologic fault, and distance to roads and trails. Slope instability events identified in the inventory include moraine landslides, debris flows, and rockfalls. The area is modeled by glacial action and has numerous geographic features related to erosional and depositional processes of glaciofluvial, cryogenic, and paraglacial origin. According to their high frequency ratio values, geomorphology, land cover and land use, lithology, and elevation are the most influential predisposing factors. The three best performing classes are Quaternary deposits, ice-contact topography, and the innermost lateral moraines on the western side of the study area, which surround glaciers and proglacial lakes. The performance and accuracy of the LSM was evaluated and verified using the Area Under Curve (AUC) with an accuracy of 0.804. The study provides knowledge of the deglaciated environment and landslide-prone areas in the study area. In this way it will help to provide tools for action to prevent and manage potential hazards to infrastructure, residents and/or tourists.

Introduction: Studies on risk factors for childhood hearing loss (HL) are usually based on questionnaires or small sample sizes. We conducted a nationwide population-based case-control study to comprehensively analyze the maternal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors for HL in full-term children. Methods: We retrieved data from three nationwide databases related to maternal characteristics, perinatal comorbidities, and postnatal characteristics and adverse events. We used 1:5 propensity score matching to include 12,873 full-term children with HL and 64,365 age-, sex-, and enrolled year-matched controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factors for HL. Results: Among the various maternal factors, maternal HL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 8.09, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 7.16–9.16) and type 1 diabetes (aOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.98–7.24) had the highest odds of childhood hearing impairment. The major perinatal risk factors for childhood hearing impairment included ear malformations (aOR: 58.78, 95% CI: 37.5–92.0) and chromosomal anomalies (aOR: 6.70, 95% CI: 5.25–8.55), and the major postnatal risk factors included meningitis (aOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.18–3.67) and seizure (aOR: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.88–4.77). Other factors included acute otitis media, postnatal ototoxic drug use, and congenital infections. Conclusions: Many risk factors for childhood HL identified in our study are preventable, such as congenital infection, meningitis, ototoxic drug use, and some maternal comorbidities. Accordingly, more effort is required to prevent and control the severity of maternal comorbidities during pregnancy, initiate genetic diagnostic evaluation for high-risk children, and aggressive screening for neonatal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Infertility is a stressful life event that increases the risk of developing mental disorders, particularly adjustment disorder (AD). Given the paucity of data on the prevalence of AD symptoms in infertility, the purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence, clinical presentation, and risk factors for AD symptoms in infertile women. Method In a cross-sectional study, 386 infertile women completed questionnaires including the Adjustment Disorder New Module-20 (ADNM), the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI), the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), and the Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PC-PTSD-5) at an infertility center between September 2020 and January 2022. Result The results indicated that 60.1% of infertile women exhibited AD symptoms (based on ADNM > 47.5). In terms of clinical presentation, impulsive behavior was more common. No significant relationship was observed between prevalence and women's age or duration of infertility. Infertility stress (β = 0.27, p

Introduction: It has long been accepted that trauma is one of the most important and frequent predisposing factors for onychomycoses. However, the role of direct trauma in the pathogenesis of fungal nail infections has only recently been elucidated in a series of 32 cases of post-traumatic single-digit onychomycosis. The importance of repeated trauma due to foot and toe abnormalities was rarely investigated. Aimof the study: This is a multicenter single-author observational study over a period of 6 years performed at specialized nail clinics in three countries. All patient photographs taken by the author during this period were screened for toenail alterations, and all toe onychomycosis cases were checked for whether they contained enough information to evaluate potential foot and toe abnormalities. Particular attention was paid to the presence of hallux valgus, hallux valgus interphalangeus, hallux erectus, inward rotation of the big toe, and outward rotation of the little toe, as well as splay foot. Only cases with unequivocal proof of fungal nail infection by either histopathology, mycologic culture, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were accepted. Results: Of 1653 cases, 185 were onychomycoses, proven by mycologic culture, PCR, or histopathology. Of these, 179 involved at least one big toenail, and 6 affected one or more lesser toenails. Three patients consulted us for another toenail disease, and onychomycosis was diagnosed as a second disease. Eight patients had a pronounced tinea pedum. Relatively few patients had a normal big toe position (n = 9). Most of the cases had a mild to marked hallux valgus (HV) (105) and a hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) (143), while hallux erectus was observed in 43 patients, and the combination of HV and HVI was observed 83 times. Discussion: The very high percentage of foot and toe deformations was surprising. It may be hypothesized that this is not only a pathogenetically important factor but may also play an important role in the localization of the fungal infection, as no marked hallux deviation was noted in onychomycoses that affected the lesser toes only. As the management of onychomycoses is a complex procedure involving the exact diagnosis with a determination of the pathogenic fungus, the nail growth rate, the type of onychomycosis, its duration, and predisposing factors, anomalies of the toe position may be important. Among the most commonly mentioned predisposing factors are peripheral circulatory insufficiency, venous stasis, peripheral neuropathy, immune deficiency, and iatrogenic immunosuppression, whereas foot problems are not given enough attention. Unfortunately, many of these predisposing and aggravating factors are difficult to treat or correct. Generally, when explaining the treatment of onychomycoses to patients, the importance of these orthopedic alterations is not or only insufficiently discussed. In view of the problems encountered with the treatment of toenail mycoses, this attitude should be changed in order to make the patient understand why there is such a low cure rate despite excellent minimal inhibitory drug concentrations in the laboratory.

Denture stomatitis (DS) is a very common disease in wearers of removable complete and partial dentures with a worldwide prevalence in the range of 20–67%. Both industrially developed and impoverished nations are affected by the illness. DS is often associated with ill-fitting dentures or a fungal infection with Candida spp. Candida is normally found in the oral cavity microbiota, but it can be harmful to the health of elderly people with underlying diseases. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to offer the most recent information about the epidemiology, etiology, and global distribution of Candida species associated with DS through a systematic review. Several databases, including Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus, were used to conduct an extensive search of the literature published in the previous 20 years. The selection of studies was performed by two authors. The extracted data were as follows: author, year of publication, country, sample, frequency of DS, method of diagnosing stomatitis, species of Candida, risk factors, and etiology of the disease. The JBI Critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the studies. Eventually, twenty-eight studies were included in the systematic review. Twenty-one studies investigated DS, while seven studies examined Candida colonization in patients using removable dentures. The results show that the main causes of DS include the type of dentures, continuous wearing of dentures, and the formation of a Candida biofilm, which is facilitated by poor dental hygiene. Additionally, previous studies have pinpointed the significance of the salivary flow, saliva composition, and salivary pH. The findings of the current review indicate that it is crucial to monitor denture wearers for the appearance of DS, especially the patients whose immunity has been impaired due to a systemic condition. Finally, frequent follow-ups should include a clinical examination and microbial swabs of the palatal mucosa and the mucosal surface of the denture.

The effect of sand and dust pollution on the sensitive structures of flow sensors in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is a hot issue in current MEMS reliability research. However, previous studies on sand and dust contamination have only searched for sensor accuracy degradation due to heat conduction in sand and dust cover and have yet to search for other failure-inducing factors. This paper aims to discover the other inducing factors for the accuracy failure of MEMS flow sensors under sand and dust pollution by using a combined model simulation and sample test method. The accuracy of a flow sensor is mainly reflected by the size of its thermistor, so in this study, the output value of the thermistor value was chosen as an electrical characterization parameter to verify the change in the sensor’s accuracy side by side. The results show that after excluding the influence of heat conduction, when sand particles fall on the device, the mutual friction between the sand particles will produce an electrostatic current; through the principle of electrostatic dissipation into the thermistor, the principle of measurement leads to the resistance value becoming smaller, and when the sand dust is stationary for some time, the resistance value returns to the expected level. This finding provides theoretical guidance for finding failure-inducing factors in MEMS failure modes.

Pemphigus is a life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease affecting skin and mucous membranes. Despite its etiopathogenesis remains largely unknown, several trigger and predisposing factors have been reported. Pemphigus is caused by autoantibodies that target desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3, impacting desmosome function. However, circulating autoantibodies are often the consequence of a precipitating factor that occurs in predisposed individuals. This review aims to describe and discuss almost all trigger and predisposing factors reported as possible or probable cause of the disease. Among the reported trigger factors that may induce or exacerbate pemphigus, we have found of particular interest: drug intake (especially thiol- and phenol-containing compounds), vaccines, infections, as well as some reports about pregnancy, radiations, emotional stress, pesticides and physical trauma. Moreover, we discuss the possible role of food intake in pemphigus onset and particular attention is given to dietary factors containing thiol, phenol and tannin compounds. A trigger factor is “the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” and often acts together with predisposing factors. Here we discuss how pemphigus onset may be influenced by genetic susceptibility and comorbidities like thyroid diseases, malignancies and other autoimmune disorders.To identify other hitherto unknown trigger and predisposing factors, well designed prospective studies are needed. In this context, future research should explore their connection with the aim to advance our understanding of pemphigus pathogenesis.

ABSTRACTThe Fiumarella di Corleto drainage basin is an emblematic sector of the southern Apennine thrust belt in the Basilicata region (Southern Italy), which is strongly affected by landslides. Landslides both affect the urban area and the facilities related to hydrocarbon exploitation, such as the pipelines and oil wells connected with the oil centre located just outside the eastern border of the study area. Based on a detailed field survey, supported by stereoscopic analysis, a landslide inventory map has been realized, which also reports the associated processes and landforms. The relationships between the different types of landslides and the various predisposing factors like outcropping lithologies, slopes steepness, slope exposition and land use have been also investigated. The acquired data relate to a geologically complex area of the southern Apennines subject to recent uplift and represent a fundamental contribution useful for the correct management of the territory.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Predisposing Factors in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Port Harcourt Background: Dental caries is a common oral health disease of global interest. The burden of the disease and predisposing factors must be determined before a preventive programme could be designed, but relevant data from community-based studies are not common in Rivers State. Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors to caries development in the Local Government Area (LGA). Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among adult residents in Obio-Akpor LGA of Rivers State. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect personal data and caries predisposing factors while oral examination was carried out to determine caries severity and oral hygiene status using DMFT and OHI-S indexes respectively. The sample size (240) was determined using the formula for descriptive studies. Results: The mean (SD) age was 32(±1.113) years. Most of the participants were married, Ikwerres, skilled workers, earn 3 indicates poor OHI). Conclusions: The DMFT index was low while OHI-S was high. Poor oral hygiene status, oral healthcare utilization and cariogenic diets predisposed the participants to caries. Key words: Caries, prevalence, predisposing factors, prevention

The development of a professional identity as a counselor is the result of training, practice, and integration into a community of professional counselors and is defined as the synthesis of personal and professional behaviors, values, ethics, and worldview. The research on this topic has been plentiful, but this systemic and systematic review of the research literature provides a comprehensive overview of this important concept for counselor training and supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite its high prevalence, little information exists on the incidence of insomnia among people who have experienced a stressful event related to marital relationship difficulties. The purpose of this study is therefore to estimate the incidence of insomnia and to identify the factors predisposing to its development. Method: The data used were obtained from a longitudinal sleep survey. The sample consists of 101 men and 243 women selected on the basis that they were all good sleepers at time 1 and reported experiencing a stressful relationship event in the subsequent year. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sleep status, stress management strategies, social support, and health behaviors. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the data to identify factors associated with the incidence of insomnia. Results: Among the total sample, 5.5% developed insomnia syndrome, 24.4% developed insomnia symptoms and 70.1% remained good sleepers. The study revealed a significant difference between the three groups in terms of emotional coping and the presence of a personal history of sleep difficulties. The mean score on the emotion-oriented subscale of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations of the insomnia syndrome group (M = 44.7) was significantly higher than that of the symptom group (M = 42.4) and the good sleepers group (M = 39.1). A greater proportion of participants with a history of sleep difficulties developed symptoms or the insomnia syndrome than those without. Conclusion: The development of insomnia following a stressful relationship event could be explained in part by using emotional coping strategies, a variable that is associated, according to the literature, with elevated cognitive activation before bedtime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is a fusion, diverse, and composite disease of women. There is no sole cause of breast cancer. The Origin of breast cancer are not perfectly known. However, there are many predisposing factors known to affect possibility of developing breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer has been compatible associated with age, a family or genetically history of breast cancer, History of early menarche, Delayed age first pregnancy, short period or no breastfeeding, and late menopause, Prolonged period of hormonal therapy (HT), alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to ionizing radiation like X-rays, and genetic predisposition. Mutations in inherited high penetrance genes can cause only 5-10% of all types of breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common pathology in childhood, its clinical manifestations are usually nonspecific in neonates, however, it can be the first clinical sign of a urinary tract malformation or renal complications. Its prevalence may vary according to age and sex, with older children presenting a more specific symptomatology, usually fever and painful urination. Predisposing factors (PF) for contracting UTI in pediatric patients (PEP) are mainly: ureteral vesic reflux, renal diseases, voiding dysfunction, previous urinary tract infection, presence of catheters, constipation and poor hygiene habits. The main bacterial agents that cause a urinary tract infection are Escherichia coli followed by Klebsiela spp and Proteus spp., the definitive laboratory test to diagnose the pathology is urine culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]