Males In Age Group Research Articles

Burden and impact of substance abuse among epileptic patients attending epilepsy outpatient clinic

BackgroundTo date, the burden and impact of substance use among epileptic patients were studied in a small number of studies and showed inconsistent findings, which may be attributed to the variation in age, test batteries, epilepsy subtypes, and substance use characteristics across research. The aim of the study was to determine the burden and impact of substance abuse among a sample of epileptic patients attending Alexandria University outpatient clinics. This study was conducted on 200 epileptic patients (100 male and 100 female patients). The diagnosis of epilepsy in those patients was confirmed by expert neurologists. Using the international league against epilepsy 2017 classification, they underwent a complete physical examination. EEG was done for all patients. Every patient was assessed using a semi-structured interview and a self-designed questionnaire to collect data concerning history of epilepsy, seizure type, EEG findings, as well as questions derived from the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The Timeline between epilepsy and substance abuse, as well as the Effect of substance intake on epileptic seizures, were assessed.ResultsA total of 27 epileptic patients had a history of substance abuse; hence, the percentage of substance use among epileptic patients was 13.5%. Mean age in the male age group was (29.74 ± 11.52) years and (27.34 ± 9.35) years in females; mean seizure frequency per month was higher among males than females and this was statistically significant (P = 0.037*). More male (24%) than females (3%) had history of substance use and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001*). Regarding the Effect of substance intake on epileptic seizures, the male group (91.7%) had Seizure worsening, while in the female group, all three patients (100%) had seizures worsening with substance use. The mean Frequency of seizures was 4.48 ± 5.08 attacks per month for substance users and 2.49 ± 3.84 attacks per month for non-users; this was statistically significant. (t = 2.392) (P = 0.018*). Non-substance use patients had better compliance to treatment (79%) in comparison to 44.4%) of Substance use patients and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001*).ConclusionDrug abuse can have a negative impact on epilepsy in both sexes regarding seizure severity frequency, and even compliance with medication.

Increased trends in reported sexually transmitted infections according to age groups and sex in Spain, 2016–2022

Objective Our objective was to assess trends in three sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis – in Spain, by age group and sex from 2016 to 2022. Study design Retrospective observational study Methods Data from epidemiological surveillance system were used to calculate the incidence rate for each STIs by age group and sex. Poisson regression was employed to examine the trends for 2016 to 2022. Results For gonorrhoea, higher incidence rates were observed among men than women for all period. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) varied between 1.14 (95% CI 1.12–1.16) for the 15–19 age group to 1.24 (1.23–1.25) for the 35–44 age group among men, and between 1.14 (1.09–1.19) for 55 years or more to 1.27 (1.24–1.29) for the 15–19 age group among women. For chlamydia, women showed higher incidence rate for all age groups than men during the period. Individuals aged 55 years and over showed the highest increase, IRR = 1.30 (1.27–1.34) for men, while it was the lowest for women, IRR = 1.22 (1.16–1.27). The incidence rates for syphilis were lower than for the other STIs. IRR values varied between 1.04 (1.02–1.06) in the 20–24 age group and 1.15 (1.14–1.16) in the 35–44 age group for males; and between 1.13 (1.06–1.16) for the 25–34 age group and 1.18 (1.13–1.25) for the 25–34 age group for females. Conclusion STIs are more frequent in people aged 25–34 and are increasing in all age groups. However, the rise is most pronounced among older men and among younger women.

Spinal pain prevalence and associated determinants: A population-based study using the National Survey for Wales.

Spinal pain (SP) remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. The present study aimed to establish a current prevalence of SP and associated determinants in Wales by retrospectively analyzing data from the National Survey for Wales Dataset (NSWD). The NSWD is a large-scale cross-sectional, representative sample of adults across Wales, UK. A univariable and multivariable regression analysis was carried out on self-reported answers to health and well-being questions contained within the NSWD (2016-2020) to determine the strength of association of various determinants and comorbidities related to spinal pain. A total population of 38,954 of adults were included in the analysis. The study population included interview responses of 21,735 females and 17,219 males. The prevalence of SP in Wales was 4.95% (95% CI: 4.74%-5.15%) with a total of 847 males (4.92%, CI: 4.60%-5.24%) and 1082 females (4.98%, CI: 4.69%-5.27%) reporting spinal pain. The age group with the highest prevalence of SP was in the 70+ years age group for both males (5.44%, CI: 4.82%-6.07%) and females (5.95%, CI: 5.37%-6.54%). The strength of association between age and SP reaches its peak at 50-59 years with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 3.74 (p = <0.001), that decreases slightly at 60-69 years and 70+ years. For various comorbidities included in the NSWD, significant associations with SP were confirmed for: mental illness (aOR = 1.42, p = <0.001), migraine (aOR = 2.73, p = <0.001), nervous system issues (aOR = 1.61, p = <0.001), arthritis (aOR = 1.30, p = <0.001) and issues with bones/joints/muscles (aOR = 1.93, p = <0.001). For lifestyle factors, associations were confirmed for current smokers (aOR = 1.41, p = <0.001) and ex-smokers (aOR = 1.23, p = 0.003). This study demonstrates a low prevalence of SP in Wales when compared to global estimates and strong associations to a variety of determinants. This still represents a significant societal burden and these findings may help inform public health initiatives to encourage prevention and evidence-based interventional strategies and ultimately, improve the quality of life for those suffering with SP in Wales.

Trends and gender differentials in age-specific suicide mortality, 2004-2020, Cyprus

Abstract Background Cyprus is rarely included in international studies of suicide trends and the only published national data is two decades old. In the context of the first National Strategy for Mental Health, this study assessed suicide trends in 2004-2020, spanning the 2008 global and 2012-2013 Cyprus financial recessions, but falling short of the COVID-19 pandemic due to delays in recording. Methods Suicide deaths were obtained from the Mortality Registry (ICD-10, including “undetermined”). Directly standardized rates were calculated for four gender/age groups. Annual change was estimated in Poisson regression models with interaction terms to assess differential trends over time periods. Results There were 560 deaths (4-times more in men, &amp;gt;80% classified as ‘violent’ in both genders). In men, the suicide rate doubled from 4-5 to 9-10 per 100000, with most of the increase prior to 2012, representing 9% annual change (Rate Ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.15; p = 0.002). From 2013, the trend reversed (effect modification p-value &amp;lt; 0.001) with 4% annual decrease (95% CI -9%, 1%). Declines were not uniform across age-groups; rates in males aged 45-64 continued to rise, surpassing the previously high rate in males 25-44. In women, rates presented a declining trajectory from 4-5 per 100000 to 2-3 over this period, widening the gender differential. M-to-F ratio was 5.33 (95% CI 3.46, 8.19) in 2017-2020 compared to 2.73 (1.88, 3.95) in 2004-2008. A shift to violent methods was observed, with hanging now ranking as most common in both females (1 in 3) and males (1 in 2). Conclusions While relatively lower compared to other European countries, the gender differential in suicide mortality has widened in Cyprus, with steep rises in all male age-groups up to 2012 and continuing rises in males 45-64, but declines in female rates over the same period. Further analysis of trends in relation to unemployment and other socio-economic indicators is warranted as well as continuous monitoring of trends. Key messages • After steep rises in suicide across all male age-groups up to 2012, against a declining trajectory in female rates, rates in males 45-64 continued to rise, further widening the gender differential. • The age profiling and shift towards more violent methods in both genders should inform the first National Strategy for Mental Health, while continuous monitoring of trends is warranted.

Impacts of PM2.5 exposure near cement facilities on human health and years of life lost: A case study in Brazil

Cement factories significantly contribute to atmospheric pollution by generating fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can potentially increase the mortality risk. The lack of information on the health impacts of PM2.5 pollution from cement operations in Brazil prompted this investigation. We used corrected PM2.5 measurements from low-cost sensors from March 2021 to October 2022 in Rio Branco do Sul, city in the southern region of the country and home to Latin America's largest cement plant, to assess exposure data. Disability-adjusted life years (DALY) method was applied to estimate the years of life lost (YLL) and cost estimate due to deaths from non-accidental causes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The total YLL attributable to PM2.5 concentration was estimated by calculating the attributable fraction (AF) through relative risk. We also collected PM2.5 using a Harvard impactor to evaluate health risks from toxic metals components. During the study period, the analysis of chemical characterization of PM2.5 showed enrichment factors for most elements and the possible influence of the calcination process facilities on the PM2.5 levels. The mean concentration of PM2.5 exceeded the annual WHO air quality guideline (AQG) level, accounted for 3.5%, 4.7%, and 4.3% of total YLL from all causes, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, which corresponded to 0.23 (95% CI: 0.17–0.26), 0.06 (95% CI: 0.05–0.07) and 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01–0.06) years loss in life expectancy, respectively. An indirect health cost attributable to PM2.5 resulted in US$ 1.4 million, equivalent to about 3.5% of the total local annual health costs in Rio Branco do Sul, underscoring the significant financial burden of PM2.5 exposures. The greatest economic loss was found in the male age group of 40–69 years and among those with cardiovascular disease, rather than those with respiratory disease. Despite this, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from inhalation of hazardous elements were within safe ranges. This work demonstrated PurpleAir's potential for air quality and public health applications. Our findings indicate health and economic benefits from reducing PM2.5 levels by adopting WHO air pollution standards. The results can guide policies toward delivering more effective health care.

Insights Of Cardiac Changes In Sudden Deaths In Kalaburagi District- An Autopsy Study.

Introduction: Sudden and unexpected death often arises as a complication of diverse cardiac ailments. The occurrence of sudden cardiac-related deaths is increasingly prevalent in both urban and rural settings. This surge presents a formidable challenge for forensic physicians tasked with conducting autopsies to ascertain the precise cause and manner of death, particularly in individuals previously considered healthy. Consequently, this study aims to shed light on infrequent lesions that may go unnoticed during the individual's lifetime, offering valuable insights into this phenomenon. Aims and Objectives of the study: 1) To study the demographic distribution of cardiac specimens of sudden death. 2) To study the histomorphology features in cardiac specimens in sudden death. 3) To grade the atherosclerotic lesions as per Modified American Heart Association Classification of Atherosclerotic Lesion. Materials and method: This is a retrospective study of 3 years from December 2020 to November 2023.The data of medicolegal autopsies was retrieved from the records of department of Pathology, Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi. A total of 371 medicolegal autopsy specimens were received in the department. Out of which 114 cardiac specimens (sent with other organs) of sudden death were studied. Results: Out of 114 cases of sudden death, 57% of the deaths occurred in outdoor location and remaining 43% occurred in hospitalized patients and homes. The commonest age group of sudden cardiac death was 31 to 40 years of age (27%). We found males were affected more commonly (84%) than females. The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is coronary artery disease (74.6%) followed by myocardial infarction (7.6%). Conclusion: The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is coronary artery disease, which is common in young males (age group 31-40 years).

Assessment of Adverse Effects Associated with Antipsychotics in Patients with Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia causes major disruptions in a person's life, making it challenging to go to work or school, maintain a routine, interact with others, finish daily duties, or take care of oneself. This study aimed to assess adverse effects of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia. This study is relevant in identifying the side effects and improving the treatment options which HELPs reducing side effects and improved quality of life of patients. Antipsychotic drugs can lessen or alleviate psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Antipsychotic medications can have side effects that range from being mildly unpleasant to extremely unpleasant. A total of 42 patients complying the inclusion criteria were included in the study among which The majority were in the age group of 35-44 and with male gender dominanc. The study observed no significant relationship between the occurrence of the side effects and age but found to have a significant relation between weight gain and male gender. The drug which was most prescribed was Risperidone, followed by Olanzapine. From this study it was evident that, side effects such as akathisia, tremors, insomnia, weight gain, dizziness, weight gain etc was due to second generation antipsychotics from usage over a longer period of time. This study observed that male age groups were more prone to get weight gain as side effect while taking second generation side effects. While no significant comparison with age was found. The study concluded that adverse effect can be attenuated by alternating the drugs instead of long term usage.

Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Socio-Demographic Factors Among University Students and Teachers in Bangladesh: A Pilot Study

BackgroundBody composition, particularly visceral fat content, is regarded as an important determinant of major metabolic disorder. People with similar BMI could have differential body fat and muscle composition with different metabolic outcome. Epidemiological research largely focuses on BMI or relative body weight across the range of height and waist hip ratio (WHR) as a index of central body shape; however, body composition has hitherto given little importance in Bangladesh. Therefore, we designed a small pilot cross sectional study to assess anthropometrics, the body composition by bioelectrical impedance and nutritional status and its differences among students and teacher of Islamic University, Bangladesh. MethodsA total of 133 participants (median age of 22.51±3.86 years), students and teachers, were recruited. In addition to BMI and waist-hip ratio (WHR), a body composition analyzer (based on bioelectrical impedance) was used to determine the body composition parameter. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, T test and Pearson correlations were done. ResultsConsiderable differences were observed among various age groups and genders. Most of the respondents had a higher metabolic age (definition) than the chronological age, and 42.86% had high fat percentage. Male had lower body fat (19.56% vs 26.29%) but more visceral fat (4.96% vs 4.32) than female. Visceral fat was significantly (p<0.001) raised in older age groups than younger ones (10.26% vs 4.33%, P<0.05). The cut-off values of BMI were normal in range for both genders, and WHR for male and female were 0.83 and 0.81 respectively. Body protein, muscle, water, moisture, and abio-salt content were higher at the age of 40 years, and female respondents had the lowest ones compared to males. ConclusionUnhealthy visceral fat was higher in male and older age group. A healthy level of all body composition parameters was observed in young age groups compared to the older ones.

A comprehensive study of risk factors predicting hydrocephalus following decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injuries

IntroductionDecompressive craniectomy [DC] is one of the leading armaments to lower refractory intracranial pressure. Post-DC hydrocephalus [PDCH] occurs in 11.9–36% of patients undergoing DCs for TBIs. Various theories have been given regarding pathophysiological mechanism of PDCH but remain dubious. Risk factors predicting PDCH still under research. Exact timeline regarding developmental process of PDCH remains undefined.MethodThis retrospective study was conducted on 422 patients who underwent DCs in our tertiary care trauma center over the period of one year. 60 patients out of 422 who developed PDCH were analyzed with respect to demographic variables and preoperative and postoperative risk factors. A total of 20 randomly selected patients, who underwent DCs but did not develop hydrocephalus, were selected and compared with patients who developed PDCH. Outcome analysis was done by dichotomizing the groups into independent and dependent groups.ResultsAmong 422 patients undergoing DC, 14.21%[n = 60] developed PDCH. Younger [34.2 y vs 43.3 y, p = 0.0004] male age group was predominant in our study. Age [p = 0.021, multivariate analysis] and midline shift [p = 0.008, multivariate analysis] were significant preoperative predicting risk factors for PDCH. Interhemispheric hygroma [p = 0.031], brain bulge [ p = 0.008], and blood in postoperative scan [p = 0.029] were significant postoperative risk factors. Lower GCS score at admission [p = 0.0003], postoperative day 10 and at the time of establishment of PDCH were significantly predicted surgery to hydrocephalus time. Midline shift [p = 0.007] and thickness of interhemispheric hygroma [p = 0.021] were associated with poor outcome in patients with PDCH.ConclusionYounger age group and presence of midline shift are significant preoperative predictors of PDCH. Blood in postoperative scan, interhemispheric hygroma and brain bulge in postoperative period are significant predictors for PDCH. Deterioration in GCS score in postoperative period following DC should be taken as high index of suspicion for developing PDCH.

The Mediating Role of Social Interaction Between Parenting Style and Academic Achievement Among University Students

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of parenting styles in social interaction and academic achievements among university students, with a specific focus on the mediating role of social interaction. Additionally, the study examines the impact of demographic variables such as gender on these relationships. A sample of 250 students (156 females and 94 males) age group 19 to 30 was selected by random sampling method from Government College University Faisalabad. In study the Parenting Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) with 30 items to assess parenting styles and the Social Provisions Scale (SPS) with 24 items to measure social interactions are used to collect the data.Correlational analysis run to measure the relationship of parenting behavior, social interaction and academic achievements. Correlation analysis demonstrated significant relationships among various parenting styles, academic and social interaction scales. Authoritative parenting emerged as the most beneficial style positively influencing both social interaction and academic achievement.Authoritarian parenting, while showing some positive correlation with social interaction, did not demonstrate a significant positive impact on academic achievement. This suggests that while the structured and disciplined environment created by authoritarian parents may foster certain social skills, it might also create an environment that restricts creativity, critical thinking, and the intrinsic motivation needed for academic success. To see the mediating role of social interaction, run the regression analysis. Analysis suggests that while parenting style significantly predicts social interaction, social interaction does not appear to mediate the relationship of parenting style and academic performance. To measure out the gender differences,run independent samples t-test that analysis suggests both males and females have similar levels of social interaction skills and there is no significant difference in PAQ scores between males and females (t = 0.589, p = .498). This indicates that there are no significant effects of parenting styles on gender differences.

Hip adduction and abduction strength values in elite-level male and female youth soccer players: A comparison between sexes, and across age-groups

ObjectivesTo report isometric hip adduction squeeze and abduction press strength values of elite-level youth male and female soccer players and examine if differences exist between sexes, and age-groups. DesignCross-sectional cohort study. SettingElite youth soccer academy. Participants102 soccer players (n = 64; male, n = 38 female) competing in the national youth soccer leagues from under (U) 14–19 years of age level (U-14, U-15, U-17, U-19). Main outcome measuresIsometric hip adduction and abduction strength values were measured with a ForceFrame in various testing positions. ResultsIsometric hip adduction and abduction strength values are presented. Male U-17 and U-19 players demonstrated significantly greater (p < 0.05) absolute(N) and relative (N/kg) hip adduction and abduction strength than their female counterparts, with large (η2 = 0.068–0.227) and medium-to-large (η2 = 0.049–0.234) effect size, respectively. Significant differences in absolute strength, but not relative strength, were observed for hip adduction and abduction between male age-groups (U-14, U-15, U-17, U-19), with hip abduction strength differences only existing between U-14 and U-17 groups. No significant differences in hip strength were observed between U-17 and U-19 groups for female players. ConclusionMale youth soccer players have higher absolute and relative hip adduction and abduction strength than females at the U-17 and U-19 level.

Frequency of Bacteria Causing Urinary Tract Infection and Their Antibiotic Resistance Among Children

Background: Childhood urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent diseases. In recent years, the overuse of common antibiotics has increased antibiotic resistance among urinary tract pathogens worldwide, with changes in the pattern of microbial resistance varying by geographical area and time. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the pattern of microbial resistance of UTI pathogens in pediatric patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, children aged &lt; 13 years with UTI and positive urine cultures, who were admitted to Bahrami Hospital in Tehran, Iran, between 2015 and 2019, were evaluated. The pathogens' frequency, their antimicrobial resistance, and clinical and demographic information were extracted from the patients' files. Statistical relationships between clinical and demographic data and antibiotic resistance were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The files of 202 patients were evaluated. The majority of patients were female (79.2%). UTI was more common among the 12 - 60 months age group (36.3%) in females and the 1 - 12 months age group (50%) in males. The most common UTI pathogen was Escherichia coli (85.1%). The lowest rates of microbial resistance were related to Meropenem (0% resistance), Gentamicin (9.2%), and Amikacin (10.8%). Conversely, the highest resistance rates were observed for Cotrimoxazole (74.6%), Ampicillin (74.5%), and Cephalothin (64.9%). Conclusions: UTI is more common in females aged 1 to 60 months. E. coli is the most common cause of UTI. Microbial resistance to antibiotics used for empirical treatment, such as ceftriaxone, is high and changes over time. It is recommended to use alternative antibiotics and avoid the inappropriate administration of antibiotics.

Assessment on Mental Health among Males Age Group 18-23 Years: A Study from Tamilnadu, India

Mental illnesses change a person's thoughts, perceptions, and consciousness about themselves, other people, and the outside world through a variety of experiences and occurrences of differing intensities. The core components of human identity are emotion, perception, cognition, and action, and these are the key areas that are affected by mental illnesses. At Sree Ramakrishna Medical College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences and Hospital kulasekharam, Tamil Nadu, India, this study was carried out. Male participants in the study range in age from 18 to 23. Verbal consent was obtained when the study's purpose was explained. This questionnaire had thirty responses. There were thirty questions in the survey. The elements of the questionnaire addressed exercise, sleep, thoughts, eating habits, gadget use, and addictions. The male volunteers were excluded from the study due to their unwillingness or lack of cooperation. According to our research, they need greater knowledge on eating a good diet, getting enough sleep, and drinking enough water, as well as about the harmful impacts of emotions and the problems they can bring. More guidance on mental health and mental strengthening exercises is required.

Mating behaviour in ageing Teratorhabditis palmarum (Nematoda: Rhabditida)

ABSTRACT Teratorhabditis palmarum Gerber and Giblin-Davis, 1990, a free-living nematode, is able to produce hundreds of thousands of offspring in a short time. Reproduction is the main feature that defines life and, therefore, it plays an important role in determining what kinds of selective parameters play a powerful role in the maturity and evolution of mating systems. In the present study, we estimated the features of mating behaviour of Teratorhabditis using long-time microscopic videography and repeated observations. The mating behaviour of Teratorhabditis could be separated into a series of successive behaviours, including pre-mating (searching and contacting), mating (copulating) and post-mating (enduring). Here, we present the mating behaviour of 2- and 10-day-old virgin males and females. The mean time of the four phases – searching, contacting, copulating and enduring – varied significantly, at 24.6 ± 4.6 min, 36 ± 5.7 min, 31 ± 4.1 min and 10 ± 2.3 min in 2-day-old and 38.2 ± 3.3 min, 44.3 ± 5.0 min, 39 ± 4.3 min and 11 ± 3.2 min in 10-day-old individuals, respectively. Attraction between the sexes was observed, indicating the probable involvement of sex pheromone(s) in mating behaviour. In all age groups of males there was a significant increase in the duration of mating as the females aged. As the mobility of ageing individuals was reduced, this may have directly influenced the durations of the various phases of mating behaviour.

Decadal Trends in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Economically Developed Regions in China.

To estimate decadal trends in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in economically developed regions in China and its association with city economic levels. Using a comprehensive Chinese healthcare database, repeated cross-sectional studies were conducted on adults who had annual health check-ups from 2012 to 2021 in 4 economically developed cities. MetS was defined by the criteria of the Chinese Diabetes Society in 2013. The crude prevalence of MetS adjusted for sex and age was reported. The association between prevalence, calendar year, and city gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was analyzed by regression model. 158 274 participants aged 18 years and older were included. The unadjusted prevalence of MetS increased from 15.5% (95% CI: 14.2%-16.8%) to 20.0% (95% CI: 19.5%-20.5%) from 2012 to 2021. The adjusted overall prevalence has increased steadily from 12.8% to 20.8% after controlling age and sex (P < .001). Male and older age groups had a higher MetS prevalence. In the regression model of the association between the MetS prevalence, calendar year, and city GDP per capita, calendar year had a positive association with the prevalence (P < .001, 95% CI: 0.648-1.954) and city GDP per capita had a negative association (P = .030, 95% CI: -0.136 to -0.007). The MetS prevalence increased steadily in the economically developed regions in China among the health check-up population during 2012-2021. The MetS prevalence is shown to be negatively associated with GDP per capita in the study population.

Sociodemographic features, serum urea, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio in chronic kidney disease patients – A record based retrospective study

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive reduction in renal function. It is a condition where the kidneys lose their normal function, especially excretory and regulatory functions. Urea and creatinine are good indicators of a normal functioning kidney and an increase in the serum indicates kidney dysfunction. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine are widely accepted and the most common parameters to assess renal functions. The present study was done to assess the serum urea, creatinine levels, and BUN-creatinine ratio (BCR) in CKD subjects. Material and Methods: It was a record-based retrospective study. Data were obtained from the Medical Records Department. The patients diagnosed with CKD in August 2023 were extracted from the records. Details such as hospital ID, age, gender, and blood parameters such as serum urea, creatinine levels, and BCR were obtained. Categorical data were summarized as frequency (percentage). Results: It was found that the number of male patients was 24 (75.4%) and the number of female patients was 14 (24.6%). The majority of patients belonging to the age group category of 50–75 were 42 in number (73.6%). Abnormal creatinine values were found in 54 patients (94.7%). Conclusion: The present study found that male gender and age group 50–75 years were most commonly affected with CKD. The serum creatinine level was found to be predominately abnormal compared to the serum urea level and BCR.

A cross-sectional study on clinical characteristics and severity of children with COVID-19 admitted to a teaching institute in North India.

SARS-CoV-2 infection presentation in children is usually milder than in adults but can be severe and fatal as well. Data on the pediatric population regarding severity and clinical presentation are still limited, and there is a need to have a better understanding of clinical features, severity, and laboratory parameters. To document clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes of children with SARS-CoV-2 in a low-middle-income country and to evaluate clinicodemographic factors and biochemical markers associated with severity and mortality. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 COVID-19-positive children at a designated Level-3 center in North India. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and severity of COVID-19 cases as well as factors associated with the severity of the disease, were analyzed by descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test. The adolescent age group (age 12-18 years) was affected most (64.3%). Male patients accounted for 56.3% of total cases. Fever was the most common symptom (41.1%) followed by cough. Presenting complaints were highest from the respiratory system (32.1%) followed by the gastrointestinal (8.9%) and the neurological system (7.1%). Majority of patients had mild disease (87%) while 13% had the moderate-severe disease. Spo2 < 95% (P = 0.00001), neutrophilia (P < 0.000001), lymphopenia (P < 0.000001), elevated values of C-reactive protein (P < 0.00001), Interleukin-6 (P = 0.002), D- dimer (P = 0.00014) and respiratory symptoms as presenting complaints (P < 0.000001) were found to be significantly associated with severity of disease. The male and adolescent age group was affected most. Presenting complaints were highest from the respiratory system. Unusual presentation may have gastrointestinal or neurological presentation. Most children with COVID-19 had mild disease. Moderate to severe disease was not uncommon. Factors including neutrophilia, lymphopenia, elevated lab values of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and interleukin-6 had a significant association with the severity of the disease. These biomarkers can help predict the severity of the disease.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and its Related Factors in Bangladeshi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of medical conditions that elevate the chances of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to determine the frequency and contributing risk factors of MetS in adults from Bangladesh. In this cross-sectional study, 653 individuals (470 males and 183 females) were randomly selected to participate. Fasting blood samples were collected and analysed using standard methods to measure biochemical parameters. MetS was defined on the basis of NCEP-ATP III guidelines, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with MetS. The prevalence of MetS was 19.7% in the healthy control group, 70.2% in the hypertensive group and 46.8% in the diabetic group. Overall, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of MetS between males (45%) and females (45.9%). The participants who had both hypertension and diabetes had the highest prevalence of MetS at 77.3%. Both males and females showed an increased trend in the prevalence of MetS and its components as they aged, except for WC in males (p < 0.01 for all cases). The 46-55 age group in males had a higher prevalence of MetS (68%), whereas the >55 age group in females had a prevalence of 73.9%. The most common component of MetS was low levels of HDL-C, which affected over 80% of the studied sample. According to the logistic regression analyses, age, BMI, hypertension and diabetes were significantly associated with MetS in both genders. This study found a high prevalence of MetS in Bangladeshi adults. Several factors are significantly associated with the risk of MetS. It is crucial to consider the varying prevalence rates of MetS by age and gender as well as its different components while providing health guidance and support.

Global, regional, and national burdens of cancer in children aged zero to nine years from 1990 to 2019.

The description of long-term trends in the cancer burden among children aged zero to nine years from 1990 to 2019 reveals significant changes in children's health. It helps in resource allocation and health policy planning. We analysed data on the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by sex and age group in children aged zero to nine. Estimates of DALYs for children aged zero to nine years, appeared as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study 2019, by age, sex, and location for 1990-2019. We also provided estimations by the sociodemographic index (SDI) quintile, a systematic measure to indicate educational attainment, income per capita, and total fertility rate for those younger than 25 years. We used age-period-cohort models to investigate paediatric cancers prevalence, incidence, mortality, and DALYs rates and auto-regressive integrated moving average models to predict cancer in children of different age groups in males and females. A total of 6 224 010 DALY numbers for cancer cases occurred globally in 2019 among children aged zero to nine years. Additionally, the incidence of paediatric cancers in 2019 in the middle SDI countries was the highest, including 60 662 cases, and the highest mortality and DALYs cases of paediatric cancers were in the low SDI countries (25 502 and 2 199 790). The joinpoint regression analysis revealed that the trend of total cancer burden in age-standardised mortality rates and age-standardised DALYs rates showed a significant decrease with an average annual percentage change of -2.10 and -2.03 from 1990 to 2019. Furthermore, the paediatric cancer spectrum was changing. Other malignant neoplasms and other leukaemia were the major components of cancer in all age groups of children. The disease burden in children aged zero to nine years decreased significantly globally from 1990 to 2019. However, the overall prediction of childhood cancer increased slightly from 2020 to 2040. Our findings may help guide investments and inform policies. This highlights the necessity to improve current treatment measures and establish effective prevention strategies to reduce the cancer burden among children aged zero to nine years.

ASSESSMENT OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS’ COMPLEX METABOLIC STATUS IN THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF HUNGARY USING DATA MINING METHODS

Objective: Previously, the metabolic status of Central and Eastern European hypertensive adult patients has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, we aimed to identify the prevalence of hypertension and its associated metabolic abnormalities in a relatively large adult population using data mining methods. Design and method: We analyzed the data of adults who visited the University of Debrecen Clinical Center’s hospital (n = 937,249) by evaluating a period of 20 years (2001-2021). Results: We identified a total of 292,561 adults with hypertension (male/female: 45.4/54.6%), with a 31.2% calculated prevalence of hypertension in the whole study population and a higher prevalence in males (33%) compared to females (29.9%). We found an increasing prevalence in consecutive age groups both in males and females up to the age of 80. The ratio of males with hypertension was higher from 18 to 65 years of age. Markedly higher body mass index (BMI) values were found in hypertensive patients as compared to non-hypertensives (29.5±6.3 vs. 26.57±5.6 kg/m2, p&lt;0.001). A significantly higher triglyceride level was found in hypertensive adults compared to non-hypertensives (1.46 (1.06–2.07) vs. 1.19 (0.82–1.73 mmol/L, p&lt;0.001). We could not find significant differences in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels in the entire patient population (5.1±1.2 vs. 5.0±1.2 mmol/L and 3.1±0.99 vs. 3.1±1.0 mmol/L, respectively). Significantly higher serum glucose levels (5.8 (5.2–6.9) vs. 4.7 (4.6–5.8) mmol/L, p&lt;0.001) were found in subjects with hypertension. Significantly higher urea and creatinine levels were found in hypertensive patients compared to normotensives (5.78 (4.6–7.5) vs. 4.6 (3.7–5.7) mmol/L, p&lt;0.001 and 76 (64–92) vs. 69 (59–81) μmol/L, p&lt;0.001, respectively). Furthermore, we also assessed the rate of significant concomitant diseases in our hypertensive population. Conclusions: The results proved that data mining is an excellent yet not-too-widespread method used to define prevalence in large patient cohorts. This novel way of statistical analysis could be beneficial not only for regional clinical practice but nationwide strategies as well.