Males In Age Group Research Articles

Secular trend in disease burden of leukemia and its subtypes in China from 1990 to 2019 and its projection in 25years.

Leukemia and its subtypes impose a major public health challenge in China. Identifying the secular trend of leukemia burden is critical to facilitate optimal healthcare planning and improve the management of leukemia. The incidence rates of leukemia from 1990 to 2019 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 database according to the following: subtype (acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL], acute myeloid leukemia [AML], chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL], chronic myelogenous leukemia [CML], and other leukemia subtypes), sex, and age group. The average annual percentage changes and relative risks were calculated using joinpoint regression and the age-period-cohort model, respectively. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was also applied to predict the future trend of the incidence of leukemia and its subtypes in the next 25years. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) of leukemia slightly declined in males and females, which is similar to the trend of other leukemia subtypes. However, the four major leukemia subtypes, namely, ALL, AML, CLL, and CML, have been on the rise over the past three decades. The incidence rates of leukemia in children and the elderly were considerably higher than those in other age groups in males and females. Age effects were the most influential risk factor for leukemia incidence. Period effects showed that the risks of leukemia and its subtypes incidence increased with time. For cohort effects, the risks of leukemia and its subtypes were higher among the early-born cohorts compared with the late-born cohorts. The ASIRs of leukemia and its subtypes will continue to increase in the next 25years. The burden of leukemia and its subtypes is expected to continue to increase in the next 25years in males and females. A comprehensive understanding of the risk characteristics and disease pattern of leukemia and its subtypes is needed to formulate timely and effective intervention measures to reduce the leukemia burden in China.

Alarming Increase in Electronic Gadget Usage among Students during a Layer of the Global Pandemic

Purpose: Every day, new technologies and appealing devices are released that are aimed at a large portion of our population, particularly youth, and students. These devices get young people addicted; the addiction is to frequently utilize or grow depending on the gadget. People spend a lot of time on it, and it can induce psychological and neurological disturbances, which can lead to significant problems. This study aims to determine the association between the usage of electronic gadgets on students’ physical health and cognitive skills. As COVID-19 indicated extensive use of technology, the main outcome of this study is to intervene in the impact of electronic gadgets either positive or negative on student life.
 Methodology: Over 01 year (Feb 21 to Jan 22), this Quantitative- Analytical Cross-sectional study was conducted at Indus University of Health and science, Korangi Crossing, Karachi. Students of three academic departments of the university participated in the study i.e., Indus College of Allied Health Sciences, Indus College of Physical Therapy, and College of Nursing. Sample size of 170 with the margin of error as 4.6% and 95% confidence level. Both male and female age group between (16 to 35) active user of social media and electronic gadgets was enrolled in study from any discipline (nursing, allied health, biosciences, medical technology etc.). Any person with mental and physical disorder previously diagnosed or under any psychological treatment or medication was not included in the study
 Findings: 
 Recommendations: If the study is repeated with a larger and more representative sample (which was not possible due to COVID Pandemic) significant influence or otherwise, of time spent on electronic gadgets on physical health could also be detected.
 
 
 

P-717 Segmental aneuploidies are not related to paternal age in young women

Abstract Study question Is there an impact of paternal age on embryo segmental aneuploidy rate? Summary answer Even when segmental aneuploidies are most linked to paternal origin, results do not show a relationship between paternal age and embryo segmental aneuploidies. What is known already Most studies consider maternal age as a risk factor for spontaneous abortion, infertility and genetic defects in the offspring. However, attention has only recently turned to the impact of paternal age on reproductive outcome. In Assisted Reproduction Technology male age has been related to a decrease in sperm quality and clinical outcomes and an increase in sperm DNA damage has been identified among elderly males. Studies assessing the type of chromosomal aneuploidy associated with paternal aging have reported mixed relative risk results for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, and X. Segmental aneuploidies are most linked to paternal origin. Study design, size, duration Observational, retrospective and multicentric study. The study was approved by the local institutional review board (IRB). All the patients underwent an IVF cycle with oocytes from egg donors, followed by Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) at IVI-RMA Madrid, IVI-RMA Valencia and IVI-RMA Barcelona from January 2018 to August 2022. A total of 3412 biopsied embryos obtained from 660 cycles were included in the study. Participants/materials, setting, methods Exclusion criteria were the following: altered karyotype, single gene disorder and male factor (sperm concentration lower than 5 million/ ml). Embryo biopsies were performed at blastocyst stage (day 5/ 6). After the trophoectoderm biopsy, all embryos were vitrified. Main outcome was segmental aneuploidy rate among different male age groups (<41 y.o./ ≥40 y.o.). Lineal regression analysis was used for continuous parameters and Chi square was used for categorical variables. Main results and the role of chance Descriptive parameters showed no differences, particularly in sperm concentration (43.2±15.6 vs. 40.1±14.3) and sperm motility (27.3±13.7 vs. 29.7±14.8). Lineal regression analysis showed no significant differences in segmental aneuploidy rate (p = 0.542). Statistical model showed no significant differences among male age groups (1.28% (0.76-2.01) vs 1.10% (0.69-1.66) p = 0.542). Limitations, reasons for caution The study has been conducted in three different clinics, there could be some unknown cofounding factors. Wider implications of the findings Male age don’t have an impact on the embryo segmental aneuploidy rate in young/donors’ oocyte Trial registration number Not applicable

Motor unit firing rates in young and very old adult males during an isokinetic fatiguing task and short-term recovery in the anconeus muscle.

Understanding motor unit (MU) properties with muscle fatigue in adult aging is limited to isometric tasks. The purpose was to investigate the effect of an isokinetic fatiguing task on MU firing rates between two adult age groups of males. Single MUs were recorded by intramuscular electrodes in the anconeus muscle of eight young (19-33 yr) and 11 very old adults (78-93 yr). Fatigue was induced by repeated isokinetic maximal voluntary contractions at 25% of maximum velocity (Vmax), until elbow extension power decreased by 35%. At baseline, the very old had lower maximal power (135 vs. 214 W, P = 0.002) and slower maximal velocity (177 vs. 196°/s, P < 0.001) compared with young. Despite a similar number of contractions (average 39 young and 44 very old) to task failure (P = 0.33), the older males were less fatigable as time under tension was ∼25% longer (P = 0.04). Maximum firing rates from ∼20 single MUs per age group were tracked continuously throughout the task and during 10 min of recovery. Similar rates were recorded (24.7 and 23.6 Hz, P = 0.18) at baseline 25% Vmax, and during the task (23.3 and 28.7% decrease, P = 0.21) between young and very old, respectively. Power and MU rates were recovered similarly by 2 min of rest in both groups (all P > 0.15). Despite differences in baseline capability, very old males in this relatively slow isokinetic task were more fatigue resistant, but the fatigue-related reduction and recovery in MU rates were similar between groups. Therefore, fatigue in this task between age groups is not differentially affected by alterations in firing rates.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maximal motor unit firing rates were recorded during an isokinetic fatiguing protocol and short-term recovery in young and very old adult males. Prior studies were limited to isometric fatiguing tasks. Despite the old being ∼37% weaker and less fatigable, anconeus rates during elbow extension declined with fatigue and recovered similarly to young males. Therefore, it is unlikely that greater fatigue resistance of very old males during isokinetic contractions is related to differences in motor unit rates.

The Burden of Ischemic Heart Disease Among Adults 70 Years and Older in Iran, 1990-2019

Objectives: To report the ischemic heart disease (IHD) burden and its risk factors among adults aged 70 and older in Iran in terms of sex, at both the national and provincial levels, from 1990 to 2019. Design: Systematic analysis. Outcome Measures: The modelled point prevalence of IHD, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were reported using data obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study, as counts and standardized rates, along with their related 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Results: In 2019, IHD had a point prevalence of 52886.4 per 100000 population for adults aged 70 and above in Iran, which was 7.5% higher than that in 1990, and a death rate of 1932.9, which was 22.0% lower than that in 1990. In 2019, the number of DALYs attributed to IHD was 820.4 thousand with a rate of 23630.9, which was 33.7% lower than that in 1990. Furthermore, Golestan and Tehran with rates of 32484.6 and 12752.5 had the largest and smallest DALY rates in those aged 70 and above in Iran, respectively. The highest point prevalence, death, and DALY rates for both sexes, were found in the 95+age group. In 2019, the Iran DALY rate was lower than the Middle East and North Africa region rate in all age groups in males and females, except for the 90-94 and 95+age groups in females. Nationally, systolic blood pressure (SBP) (47.8%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (36.2%), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (35.3%) had the three highest attributable DALYs. Conclusions: Currently, the burden of IHD in Iran is considered a pressing public health issue, indicating the urgent need for effective public health interventions. Further investigations are, therefore, needed to discover causes for the high prevalence of IHD in the country and to develop better strategies for effective prevention and controlling it.

Ocular Trauma in Children at Women and children Hospital (Hospital Wanita Dan Kanak-Kanak), Sabah, Malaysia

Ocular trauma is a significant health problem in paediatric age group. This study is to evaluate the demographics, etiology, management and visual outcome of paediatric ocular trauma in Sabah. This is a retrospective review of all ocular trauma occurring in the paediatric age group from age 12 years old and below from January to December 2014 at Hospital Wanita Dan Kanak-Kanak, Sabah. Medical records were reviewed and the data was examined based on Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) system. Incomplete case notes were excluded from the study. A total of 37 cases were accumulated during the study period. All the paediatric ocular trauma cases were admitted and accounted for 13.4% of the total paediatric eye ward admission. However, 4 cases were excluded from the study as the medical records were incomplete. There were 26(78.8%) males while 7(21.2%) female children with a ratio male: female of 3.7: 1. There were 31(93.9%) unilateral ocular injury cases while only 2(6.1%) bilateral injury caused by chemical injury. The most common type of ocular trauma was closed globe injury totaling 24 (72.7%) cases. Trauma caused by blunt object contributed to the highest mode of injury 15 (45.5%) of cases. Open globe injuries which had poor visual outcome accounted for 9 (27.3%) cases. Most of patients required surgical treatment 21(63.6%) while 12(36.4%) cases treated non-surgically. In conclusion, ocular trauma was more common in male and pre-school age group. The main aetiology was blunt injury. Most of the cases treated surgically. Poorer visual outcome was observed in open globe injury.

Sex and Age Estimation using the Morphometric Assessment of the Femur

Anthropological assessment becomes the sole available medium for identification of the deceased in most forensic cases. We hope therefore to assess metrically if the femur bone could be used to estimate the age and sex of individuals by focusing on some rare morphological parameters. The skeletal samples of the right femur from 105 individuals (78 males and 27 females), who are within the age range of 21 and 60 years were harvested. The male samples had 53 profiled and 25 specimens non-profiled for age, while the females had 10 profiled and 17 specimens non- profiled for age. Direct measurements were taken for the marrow cavity diameter (MCD) and cortical thickness or radius (CT or Cr) using a centimeter rule and a sliding digital caliper to the nearest 0.1mm.The Marrow Cavity Diameter in our study is higher in the male population (1.70± 0.05) than the female population (1.43± 0.05). This variation was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) using the student t-test. The radius or thickness of the cortex decreases with age in females but is higher in the female population (0.73±0.03) than the males (0.68±0.03). ANOVA shows that there is a significant variation across male age groups (P=0.00) for the MCD, MA and Area of cortex. The marrow cavity diameter increases with age in males while area of cortex reduces with age in females. It is imperative therefore that the marrow cavity diameter, the medullary area and area of cortex are good assessors of age and sex.

A dynamic inventory database for assessing age-, gender-, and route-specific chronic internal exposure to chemicals in support of human exposome research

In this study, we proposed a dynamic inventory database to evaluate chronic internal exposure to chemicals at a population level, which enables users to perform modeling exercises specific to a particular chemical, route of exposure, age group, and gender. The database was built based on the steady-state solution of physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models. The biotransfer factors [BTF, the steady-state ratio between the chemical concentration in human tissues and the average daily dose (ADD) of the chemical] of 931 organic chemicals in major organs and tissues were simulated for a total of 14 population age groups for males and females. The results indicated that infants and children had the highest simulated BTFs of chemicals, and middle-aged adults had the lowest simulated BTFs. The route-specific analysis of the simulated BTFs indicated that the biotransformation half-life and octanol-water partition coefficient of chemicals had a profound impact on the BTFs. Organ- and chemical-specific results indicated that the biotransfer potential of chemicals in human bodies was primarily determined by bio-thermodynamic variables (e.g., lipid contents). In conclusion, the proposed inventory database can be conveniently used to access chronic internal exposure doses of chemicals by multiplying the route-specific ADD values for different population groups. In future studies, we recommend incorporating human biotransformation data, partition coefficients of ionizable chemicals, age-specific vulnerable indicators (e.g., the degree of maturation of immune systems), physiological variations within the same age group (e.g., intensity of daily physical activities), growth rates (i.e., the dilution effect on chemical biotransfer), and all possible target organs of carcinogenicity (e.g., bladder) into the proposed dynamic inventory database to help promote human exposome research.

Cytomorphometry of Normal Exfoliated Gingival Cells: An Analytical Study

Introduction: Gingiva is lined by stratified squamous epithelium. One of the most common types of carcinoma in the world is oral cancer. Gingival cancers are a common type of oral neoplasm. In order to compare normal tissue with pathological smears using exfoliative oral cytology with morphometry, a baseline must be established. A study was conducted to obtain nuclear area (NA), cytoplasmic area (CA), and N:C ratio-nuclear: Cytoplasmic ratio of exfoliated normal gingival cells and to correlate it with healthy individuals by their age and gender. Methodology: Exfoliated gingival squamous cell smears were obtained from 200 subjects (100 males, 100 females) belonging to age groups &lt;20 years, 21–40 years, 41–60 years, and &gt;60 years. Smears were fixed and stained by routine Hematoxylin and Eosin staining procedure. With the use of both ocular micrometer and stage micrometer different cellular parameters were measured. Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: There were significant differences in NA, CA, and N:C ratio with age regardless of gender. Different age groups of males showed significant variations (P &lt; 0.0001) in all the above parameters. The same was true for different age groups of females. In terms of NA, CA, and N:C ratio, the difference between both genders was significant regardless of age. Conclusion: Gingival smears showed age and sex-linked changes in NA, CA, and nuclear: Cytoplasmic ratio. It might serve as a standard for these variables when comparing similar measurements based on pathologic smears of malignant or premalignant nature.

RISK PROFILE OF KERATOCONUS: A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Background: The study aimed to assess the risk factors implicated in the causation of keratoconus and the demographic profile of the patients diagnosed as keratoconus. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational, hospital-based study included 376 patients presenting to the ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir from January 2022 to December 2022. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants after explaining the nature of the study.A well-designed questionnaire was used to collect the data of the recruited patients.The demographic characteristics like age, gender, residence were noted and the role of certain risk factors associated with causation of keratoconus was noted. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.8 ± 4.7 years (range, 9-32). The study participants were 58.6% (n = 220/376) males and 41.4% (n = 156/376) females. Majority of the participants belonged to urban areas(55.60%) than rural areas(44.4%). The maximum association of keratoconus was found with eye rubbing(61.2%) followed by male gender (58.6%) and age group 21-30 years (51%). Conclusion: We conclude that eye rubbing is the most significant risk factor, followed by exposure to sunlight and ocular allergy. The findings of our study corroborate that the etiology of keratoconus is multifactorial.

Effect of Aging on Platelets in the Individuals of 30 to 60 Years Age Group – A Cross Sectional Study

BACKGROUND&#x0D; In this study, we wanted to evaluate to find the significant changes in count of platelets which are one of the blood components with advancing age both in males and females of 30 - 60 years’ age group, to study and analyze the count of platelets in three different age groups of males, to study and analyze the count of platelets in three different age groups of females, to compare the count of platelets in between males and females in different age groups.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; This was a hospital based analytical observational cross-sectional study conducted among patients in the 30-60 years’ age group in the Department of Physiology in collaboration with Department of Pathology and Department of General Medicine at Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India, after obtaining clearance from institutional ethics committee and written informed consent from the study participants.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; Platelet count decreased with increase in age in males from 31-40 years’ age group to 41-50 years’ age group, and count slightly increased with increase in age from 41-50 years’ age group to 51-60 years’ age group in males. But in female’s platelet count increased with increase in age.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS&#x0D; The present study was done in limited specific age groups that is in between 30-60 years. Further large studies should be done in large population different age groups to know the cause of age specific variations in platelets.

Myocarditis and Pericarditis following COVID-19 Vaccination in Thailand.

Myocarditis and pericarditis cases following Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination were reported worldwide. In Thailand, COVID-19 vaccines were approved for emergency use. Adverse event following immunization (AEFI) surveillance has been strengthened to ensure the safety of the vaccines. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of myocarditis and pericarditis, and identify the factors associated with myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination in Thailand. We carried out a descriptive study of reports of myocarditis and pericarditis to Thailand's National AEFI Program (AEFI-DDC) between 1 March and 31 December 2021. An unpaired case-control study was conducted to determine the factors associated with myocarditis and pericarditis after the CoronaVac, ChAdOx1-nCoV, BBIBP-CorV, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273 vaccines. The cases consisted of COVID-19 vaccine recipients who met the definition of confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of myocarditis or pericarditis within 30 days of vaccination. The controls were people who underwent COVID-19 vaccination between 1 March and 31 December 2021, with no adverse reactions documented after vaccination. Among the 31,125 events recorded in the AEFI-DDC after 104.63 million vaccinations, 204 cases of myocarditis and pericarditis were identified. The majority of them were male (69%). The median age was 15 years (interquartile range (IQR): 13-17). The incidence was highest following the BNT162b2 vaccination (0.97 cases per 100,000 doses administered). Ten deaths were reported in this study; no deaths were reported among children who received the mRNA vaccine. Compared with the age-specific incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis in Thailand before the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccination, the incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis after the BNT162b2 vaccine was greater in the 12-17 and 18-20 age groups in both males and females. It was higher after the second dose in 12- to 17-year-olds (2.68 cases per 100,000 doses administered) and highest after the second dose in male 12- to 17-year-olds (4.43 cases per 100,000 doses administered). Young age and a mRNA-based vaccination were associated with myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of the COVID-19 vaccine after multivariate analysis. Myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination against COVID-19 were uncommon and mild, and were most likely to affect male adolescents. The COVID-19 vaccine offers the recipients enormous benefits. The balance between the risks and advantages of the vaccine and consistent monitoring of AEFI are essential for management of the disease and identification of AEFI.

Enlarged rete pegs with excessive accumulation of melanosomes leading to darker aging spots revealed by histomorphological measurements of internal structures of the epidermis.

Various histological studies of facial pigmented spot sites such as solar lentigo have been reported, but few studies have used quantitative indices by histomorphometric analysis of the internal structure of pigmented spot sites using non-invasive methods. In the present study, to quantitatively elucidate morphological changes in the epidermis in male, darker-pigmented spots and female, light-pigmented spots, indices that characterize the internal structure of the epidermis in pigmented spot sites were measured using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The darkness of pigmented spots on the cheeks of 69 women and 43 men was analysed using image analysis software. The L* value was calculated from RGB values obtained from facial images. The internal structures of pigmented spots on the cheeks of 13 subjects were observed by CLSM. Various parameters were measured using CLSM images from the surface of the stratum corneum to the bottom of the dermal papillae, including the thickness of the epidermis, melanosome content, and shape of the dermal papillae. Mean ΔL* values between pigmented spots and non-pigmented areas of male subjects were significantly increased in the 40s and 50s compared with those of female subjects. Conspicuous pigmented spots increased in the 40s in male subjects and the 50s in female subjects. In CLSM observations, significant increases in the thickness of the epidermis and melanosome content were confirmed in pigmented spots compared with surrounding non-pigmented areas. In particular, melanosome content in the male subject group with dark-coloured pigmented spots increased significantly to about eight times that of non-pigmented areas, and more than double that of the male subject group with light-coloured pigmented spots. From the measurements of quantitative parameters, morphological changes in the epidermis were clearly related to the surface colour tone of pigmented spots. Darker pigmented spot sites tended to show longer rete pegs in the epidermis. Accumulation of melanosomes in epidermal basal cells could be considered to increase with the degree of elongation of rete pegs at pigmented spot sites and, thus, induce darker pigmented spots.

Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to high sodium intake from 1990 to 2019.

High sodium intake is a crucial risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the latest global spatiotemporal patterns of CKD burden attributable to high sodium intake still remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the level and trends of the CKD burden associated with high sodium intake according to sex, age, socio-demographic index (SDI), region, and country from 1990 to 2019. Data on CKD burden attributable to high sodium intake from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. The CKD-related deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) attributable to high sodium intake were estimated by age, sex, SDI, region, and country. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to evaluate the secular trends of ASMR and ASDR of CKD attributable to high sodium intake from 1990 to 2019. We further explored the associations of SDI with the ASMR and ASDR of CKD attributable to high sodium intake. Globally, the number of CKD-related deaths and DALYs attributable to high sodium intake were 45,530 (95% UI: 12,640 to 93,830) and 1.32 million (95% UI: 0.43 to 2.8) in 2019, both twice as many as those in 1990. However, the ASMR and ASDR slightly grew, with an EAPC of 0.22 (95% CI: 0.16 to 0.28) and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.16), respectively. The age-specific numbers and rates of deaths, as well as DALYs of CKD attributable to high sodium intake, rose with age and were greater in males than in females. The rates of deaths and DALYs peaked in the >95 age group for both females and males in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the trends of both age-specific rates of mortality and DALYs of CKD attributable to high sodium intake were down in people under 60, while in people over 60, the trends were the opposite. The burden of CKD attributable to high sodium intake in 2019 and its temporal trends from 1990 to 2019 varied greatly by SDI quintile and geographic location. The ASMR or ASDR showed a non-linear negative correlation with SDI at the regional level. The EAPC in ASMR or ASDR showed a markedly negative correlation with ASMR or ASDR in 1990, with a coefficient of -0.40. Nevertheless, the EAPC in ASMR rather than ASDR was positively correlated with SDI in 2019, with a coefficient of 0.18. Our findings suggest that there are significant sexual and geographic variations in the burden of CKD attributable to high sodium intake and its temporal trends. Globally, the high sodium intake-caused CKD burden continues to elevate, posing a major challenge to public health. In response to this, strengthened and tailored approaches for CKD prevention and sodium intake management are needed, especially for elderly populations, males, and the population in the middle SDI regions.

Normal thyroid volume in subjects evaluated in a primary ambulatory setting in Liguria.

Ultrasonography (US) is the simplest method of evaluating thyroid volume (TV). The current normal TV in Liguria is not known. The aim of this study was to obtain normative data on TV in Liguria, Italy. From 3552 files of endocrine evaluations registered in a primary outpatient setting, we selected 483 files on euthyroid subjects (383 females and 100 males) with a normal echoic pattern on US. The inclusion criterion was the absence of thyroperoxidase autoantibodies and drugs known to interfere with thyroid hormone secretion or metabolism. TV was calculated by means of US. Anthropometric characteristics, smoking habits and the district where subjects lived were registered. Less than 50% of patients were not taking any drug. The percentage of obesity was similar in both sexes. TSH levels were similar in males and females. Median TV was 8.0 mL (IQR: 6.7-9.8 mL) in females and 11.8 mL (9.3-15.6 mL) in males (P<0.0001). In females, TV was greater (P=0.01) in smokers than in non-smokers. In both sexes, the right lobe was significantly (P<0.0001) larger in volume than the left. Post-hoc analysis did not show any differences among age-groups in either females or males. In females, but not in males, TV differed significantly (P=0.0002) according to the district of residence. A significant positive correlation was found in both groups between TV and weight, height, BMI and BSA. Reference values of TV in the Ligurian population are now available. TV in the general population could be compared with these normative data.

Relevance of force-velocity and change of direction assessments for the ranking position in elite junior tennis players.

This study aimed to correlate sprint mechanical parameters (SMP) of a linear sprint (LS) and a tennis specific modified 505 (Tm505) change of direction (CoD) test obtained with a motorized resistance device (MRD) to the current tennis ranking position (RP). 107 male and 86 female elite junior tennis players nationally ranked in the German Tennis Federation between 10 and 18 years participated in the study. According to their age at peak height velocity (PHV), players were divided into pre-PHV, circa-PHV, and post-PHV groups. SMP were derived from instantaneous time-velocity data of two 20 m all-out LS measured with 333 Hz. Further, mean values from two Tm505 trials with constant 3 kg loading over acceleration-deceleration (1a) and reacceleration (1b) phases were measured with an MRD. SMP of LS and CoD measurements were partially correlated with the current RP in the overall national ranking by controlling for biological maturation. Low to moderate correlations (rs = -0.1 to -0.3) were found between SMP and the RP in all male and female age groups. Correlations of the CoD measurements were overall more pronounced, particularly in girls (rs = -0.44). All linear SMP, like maximal theoretical force (F0; N/kg), and maximal theoretical velocity (v0; m/s), maximal power (Pmax; W/kg), improved over maturation for both genders with Pmax being most important for sprint performance. Further, Pmax was shown to correlate with the girls ranking position (rs = -0.31). During the Tm505, matured players achieved significantly faster overall total and CoD times. Positioning of CoM before CoD enlarged over maturation and was found to correlate to the RP in both sexes. In addition, nearly all SMP significantly correlated to the primary performance outcomes in the Tm505 test in both genders (r = -0.3 to -0.6). CoD performance has a moderate and higher impact on tennis performance compared to LS. CoD performance as well as Pmax achieved a higher relevance for the ranking position predominantly in girls compared to boys. Hence, particularly Pmax as well as the transfer to on-court CoD motor skills should be a central training goal in elite junior tennis players besides technical skills and should depend on maturation status and gender.

Distribution of Candida infections in patients and evaluation of the synergic interactions of some drugs against emerging fluconazole- and caspofungin-resistant C. auris

Pathogenic multidrug-resistantCandidaspecies are considered some of the most important health risks. This work aimed to evaluate and monitor the prevalence of the human pathogenic Candida strains isolated from patients in King Fahd Medical City (KFMD), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to evaluate the synergy of some antimicrobial agents against Candida species’ resistance to antifungal drugs. The retrospective analysis, identification using biochemical tests, minimal inhibitory concentrations using E-tests, determination of the fraction inhibitory concentration index value for synergic testing, and simulation of 100 experiments using Monte Carlo simulation methods were performed according to standard protocols. The findings showed that all age groups of males and females can be infected by Candida species; furthermore, human pathogenic Candida species can be isolated from several clinical samples and different human body sites. The minimal inhibitory concentration results showed that many multidrug-resistant Candida strains, such as C. albicans, emerged in 2020 compared to 2018. Candida albicans remains the most important pathogen among all Candia species, found in 51.7 % and 42.4 % of the isolates in 2018 and 2020, respectively. In 2018, many isolates of C albicans showed resistance to itraconazole, fluconazole, anidulafungin, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, and flucytosine. In 2018, all C. auris isolates (N = 94) were resistant to fluconazole, and more than 85 % (N = 76) of C. albicans isolates were resistant to itraconazole, while only 5.9 % (N = 2) were resistant in 2018. The study concluded that the resistance to antifungal drugs among pathogenic yeasts is increasing and constantly changing and that surveillance of these pathogens must continue. Also, the synergy between drugs remains an appropriate option for confronting this risk, especially between natural extracts and drugs. Despite the lack of evidence for any antifungal and antibacterial drug's ability to synergistically suppress the fluconazole- and caspofungin-resistant C. auris strains diagnosed in this study, the surveillance and synergic tactics continue to be viable options for dealing with these human pathogenic yeasts.

Oxidized LDL and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Oxidized LDL cholesterol (ox-LDL) is considered to be a key factor of initiating and accelerating coronary heart disease CHD and diabetes Mellitus DM , is associated with several mechanisms one of them Oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to find the association between ox- LDL ,HDL-C , TG , LDL-C and arylesterase , with CHD risk in different age groups in males and females , the difference in these risk factors can explain the sex difference and how much the changes in the risk factors levels in CHD and CHD with DM patients between age groups.&#x0D; Methods: determination biochemical parameters of serum blood of ox-LDL , TG , TC , HDL-c , LDL-c , S. Glucose and arylesterase activity were measured in cases male and females were carried CHD and CHD with DM .The cases divided in different the age groups (40-49) , (50-59) and (60-69) years and compered the result with control groups .&#x0D; Results: mean Value of ox-LDL and oxidation ratio of LDL show significantly higher at (p&lt;0.05) in CHD and (p&lt;0.001) in CHD with DM patient for females in the age group (40-49) years but in the males show the results significant decrease and different significant in others groups ,beside to effect Sex and age some the studied biochemistry parameters levels and signification decrease in HDL-C and arylesterase levels as antioxidant enzymes in females and male patient selected compared with control groups.

The Role of Egyptian Media in Raising Awareness and Applying Preventive Measures During Phases of COVID-19 Crisis: A Comparative Media Study of Traditional and Social Media

This study aims to explore the relationship between Egyptian media representation of COVID-19 crisis and raising awareness along with constructing preventive response during the phases of such crisis. COVID-19 has been highly, globally covered by all media platforms, whether traditional or new media through different projection or frames by using specific language and words to deliver information about the disease vaccine and its consequences regarding stopping the crisis.Preventive measure are actions implied by media portrayals to persuade audiences to behaviorally respond to the pandemic disease by providing people with tips like wearing a mask/gloves, staying at home, and keeping social distance. These preventive responses can sometimes be ineffective if audiences' preferences aren’t matching the media source delivering information which takes us to the importance of studying audiences’ needs and wants as well as addressing their concerns and stress.The study targets two age groups of males and females (18-25 and 26-30), to explain the use of traditional and new media in constructing perceptions upon COVID-19 vaccine plan and the urge Egyptian media impose when it comes to accepting the vaccine intake. Social media platforms are widely used as prosumers are no longer restricted from sharing, selecting, and creating the content which takes the portrayal of news to a new level.Moreover, this study will use “The Crisis Communication Lifecycle” model as its theoretical framework through which it explains the types of information needed to be delivered in times of crisis by explaining five main stages the crisis will go through.Besides, the study will use a mini survey to explore media’ role in raising awareness and affecting Egyptian’s behavioral responses concerning COVID-19 crisis along with Egyptians interactivity and reliance on traditional and social media Keywords: Media Representation, Raising Awareness, Preventive Measure, Crisis Management, Crisis Communication Lifecycle DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/104-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

Sociodemographic and Diabetes-Related Risk Factors in San Diego County, California.

The research information would enable clinicians and public health professionals to formulate proper interventions for diabetic people according to age, gender, and race. To investigate the relationship between diabetes-related mortality, hospitalization, and emergency department discharge and sociodemographic characteristics in addition to age-standardized mortality rate analysis. A population-based cross-sectional descriptive study determined the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and diabetes-related risk factors of the San Diego County residents in 2018, which was including 49,283 individuals (27,366 males and 21,917 females). The outcomes were statistically significant. Hospitalization and emergency department discharges among the race of males and females were statistically significant. The statistical differences between gender and mortality were not significant. The mortality was not significant in male age group while it was statistically significant in female age group. The noted age-standardized mortality rate of diabetes stood at 85.8 deaths per 100,000 standard population. This study found that mortality increased as people age, and 85% of deaths were people older than 65 years. The mortality was two times higher among white and Hispanic males than females. Findings from this study are important in understanding the sociodemographic characteristics at the county level, which can inform diabetes mortality prevention efforts.