Common Health Problem Research Articles

Outcomes for older people with screening detected versus existing chronic kidney disease: Cohort study with data linkage

BackgroundChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a common health problem, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), end stage kidney disease (ESKD), and premature death. A third of people aged≥70 years have CKD, many of whom are undiagnosed, but little is known about the value of screening.AimTo compare the risk of adverse health outcomes between people with an existing diagnosis of CKD and those identified on screening. To identify factors associated with mortality in CKD.Design & settingProspective cohort study of 892 primary care patients aged≥60 years with CKD (existing and screening detected) in Oxfordshire, with data linkage to civil death registry and secondary care.MethodHazard Ratios (HR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional-hazard models to compare the risk of all-cause mortality, hospitalisation, CVD, ESKD separately, and as a composite between CKD groups, as well as to identify factors associated with mortality.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 3-5 years, 49 people died, 493 were hospitalised, 57 had an incident CVD event, and 0 had an ESKD event. There was no difference in the composite outcome between those existing CKD and those identified on screening (HR 0.94, CI 0.67-1.33). Older age (HR 1.10, CI 1.06-1.15), male sex (HR 2.31, CI 1.26-4.24), and heart failure (HR 5.18, CI 2.45-10.97) were associated with increased risk of death.ConclusionScreening older people for CKD may be of value, as their risk of short-term mortality, hospitalisation, and CVD is comparable to people routinely diagnosed. Larger studies with longer follow-up in more diverse and representative populations of older adults are needed to corroborate these findings.

Factors Associated with Low Back Pain in Pre-Clinical Students in the Faculty of Medicine at Pelita Harapan University: Original Research

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Low back pain is one of the most common health problems globally, including in Indonesia, and can result in limitations on a person's activities. While low back pain is typically associated with adults and the elderly, its prevalence is also notably high among students, particularly medical students. Despite the various factors contributing to low back pain, there is limited data on its prevalence and associated factors in Indonesia.<br /><br /><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, utilizing consecutive sampling. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).<br /><br /><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 179 students, 144 (80%) experienced low back pain, while 35 (20%) did not. Among students with low back pain, 1.4% had psychological history, 7.3% had history of spinal problems, 0.7% had family history, 15.3% were obese, 75% had poor sleep quality, 8.3% had high-risk physical activity, 6.9% had a high-risk position, and 7.6% had a high-risk stress level. While other factors showed no significant association with low back pain, sleep quality demonstrated a significant association with a p-value of 0.022 (OR 2.52, CI 1.18-5.43).<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> There is a significant association between sleep quality and low back pain in pre-clinical medical students at UPH, while other factors did not exhibit significant correlations.</p>

Post-traumatic stress disorder among military personnel admitted at the Northwest Command Level Three Military Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2022: an institution-based cross-sectional study.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental health problems that military personnel encounter. It could be lifelong and affect every aspect of military personnel, including their mental and physical health, family and social interactions, and their work. However, in Ethiopia, the magnitude and its associated factors have not been well investigated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors among military personnel, who were admitted at the Northwest Command Level Three Military Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest, Ethiopia, 2022. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 June to 21 July 2022, at the Northwest Command Level Three Military Hospital. A computer-generated simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 627 participants. The 17-item Military Version Checklist was utilized to measure PTSD. The Patient Health Questionnaire, Brief Resilience Coping, and Critical War Zone Experience scale were utilized to measure depression, resilience, and combat exposure, respectively. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and a 95% confidence interval were used. The level of significance of the association was determined at a p-value < 0.05. A total of 612 respondents participated, with a response rate of 97.6%. The prevalence of PTSD in this study was 21.9% (95% CI: 18.6, 25.2). In multivariable regression, female sex [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.3, 95% CI; 1.3, 3.87], combat personnel (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI; 1.44, 6.36), handling dead bodies (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI,1.24, 5.02), having 4-5 deployments (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI, 1.63, 5.32), having ≥6 deployments (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI, 1.95, 6.17), low resilience coping (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI; 1.16, 3.53), poor social support (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI, 1.39, 4.35), very high combat exposures (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI, 2.03, 11.93), and depression (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI, 1.68, 4.67) were significantly associated with PTSD. PTSD is markedly prevalent among the Ethiopian military population, with key risk factors identified as being female, poor social support, low resilience coping skills, handling dead bodies, multiple deployments (four or more), high combat experiences, and depression. Healthcare professionals must prioritize the early diagnosis and intervention of PTSD in vulnerable groups of military personnel.

Phenotypic Detection of Escherichia coli Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections for Cats in Babylon Provence

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common Health problem in cats, The present study aimed to isolate and diagnose Escherichia coli causing UTIs cats in Babylon province. A total of 100 urine samples suspected of having UTIs from the age group of (2 months to 3 years) were collected from different veterinary clinics in Babylon province. 50 isolated to Escherichia coli were obtained in Babylon during the period from September 2023 to April 2024. The initial diagnosis of E. coli isolates was made using culture media (MacConkey agar, methylene blue eosin and blood agar). Biochemical tests and Vitek 2 device were used to confirm the final diagnosis of the isolates. The highest number of bacterial isolates was found in female cats, more infected than male cats, The sensitivity test was performed using the Vitek device, and the resistance was as follows: ampicillin (100%), cefazolin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (70%), piperacillin, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin (30%). The results of the study also showed absolute resistance to E. coli (ampicillin (100%) was the most resistant in cats as well as non-isolated resistance to piperacillin, ceftazidime, cefepime, amikacin, gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, and tigecycline. The ability to produce biofilm was revealed by two methods, the first is the standard plate method (MTB) and the second is the Congo red medium. the first method shown the Cat isolates (5 isolates were medium, 3 isolates were weak, and 2 isolates had no growth), As for the second method, all isolates appeared positive.

Universally Applicable Methods for Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Elemental Impurities in Vitamin A and D Preparations

Background: Vitamin A and D deficiency in children is a common public health problem. In China, almost all children are administered vitamin A and D preparations daily and over the long term. Children are sensitive to elemental impurities, including heavy metals. However, there are no regulatory requirements or reports on the risk assessment of elemental impurities in marketed vitamin A and D preparations. Objective: The aim of this study was to propose an accurate and efficient method suitable for samples from different manufacturers to detect elemental impurities and conduct risk assessments according to the ICH Q3D guidelines. Methods: We developed a universally applicable digestion method for capsules and an ICP–MS method for quantitative analysis of 28 elemental impurities in vitamin A and D formulations. These methods were validated according to the USP 233 guidelines. Elemental impurities in 15 batches of vitamin A and D products from 10 manufacturers and their capsule shells were determined, and risk assessment was conducted according to the International Council for Harmonization Q3D guidelines. Results: All elemental impurities of toxicological concern met the Q3D requirements. However, the concentrations of various elements, including those of lead (not detected to 4.1 µg/g), arsenic (not detected to 7 µg/g), aluminum (not detected to 888 µg/g), and palladium (not detected to 36 µg/g), varied markedly. Moreover, the lead content in one batch from one manufacturer exceeded the control threshold. Conclusion: In this study, we successfully developed an effective digestion method for processing capsules containing samples from different sources and a sensitive ICP–MS method for quantitative determination of 28 elemental impurities in vitamin A and D preparations. ICP–MS should be implemented for the evaluation and control of elemental impurities in vitamin A and D preparations. This will ensure safe long-term vitamin A and D supplementation in children

Bioassay guided isolation and compounds identification of the anti-diabetic fractions of (rosemary) Rosmarinus officinalis leaves extract

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by prolonged elevated blood glucose levels. It is a common health problem with a high mortality and morbidity to the human race. A number of medicinal plants such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) have been used for the treatment of diabetes. Most of the anti-diabetic conventional drugs have been found to have some side effects and there is therefore need to explore new sources of anti-diabetic drugs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the possibility of getting anti-diabetic compounds from R. officinalis that can be used as leads for drug discovery.MethodologyR. officinalis leaves were macerated in 50% methanol in dichloromethane and the crude extract fractionated by column chromatography. The obtained fractions were subjected to an in-vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay. The anti-hyperglycemic potential of the fractions was evaluated in diabetic induced Wistar rats. The most potent fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) for identification of the compounds.ResultsA total of 21 chromatographic fractions were assembled with different alpha- amylase inhibition activity. Eleven of the fractions had more than 30% alpha-amylase inhibition activity. The ethyl acetate fraction had the highest inhibition potential (LC50 of 2.8 μg/mL). The anti-diabetic assay in rats showed that fractions (F1) and (F4) had highest blood glucose reduction of 44.5 ± 0.4 and 52.8 ± 1.3%, respectively (p < 0.05). GC-MS analysis of fractions F1 and F4 showed the presence of 21 and 23 compounds in F1 and 23, respectively.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that R. officinalis crude extract fractions obtained from 50% methanol in dichloromethane possesses alpha-amylase inhibitory and anti-hyperglycemic activities as well as secondary metabolites with varying chemical structures. The hexane and hexane/ethyl acetate (8/2) fractions showed most potent alpha-amylase inhibition with high anti-hyperglycemic activity giving hope of a possibility of obtaining lead compounds for new anti-diabetic drugs.

The Effects of Blue Vitriol and Brimstone on Etiological Agents of Bacterial Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vulva and/or the vagina which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. It is a common public health problem that can affect women and girls of all ages. The study aimed at evaluating the effects of blue vitriol and brimstone on etiological agents of bacterial vulvovaginitis. One hundred high vaginal swab specimens were aseptically and properly collected from suspected cases of vulvovaginitis. Plates of nutrient agar and blood agar were inoculated and incubated aerobically at 25 oC for 24 hours. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. The antimicrobial activity of blue vitriol and brimstone was determined using the agar-well diffusion method. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the test samples were determined using the broth dilution method. The isolates include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Eschericha coli, Lactobacillus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of blue vitriol against the isolates ranges from 30.00±0.00mm to 31.50±2.12mm at concentrations of 50mg/ml to 200mg/ml. The IZD of brimstone against the isolates ranges from 29.00±1.41mm to 11.00±0.00mm at concentrations of 50mg to 200mg/ml. The positive control, ciprofloxacin gave IZD of 17.50±2.12mm to 21.50±2.12mm. The MIC of blue vitriol against all the isolates was 12.50mg/ml; while the MBC ranges between 25mg/ml to 50mg/ml. The MIC of brimstone was 25mg/ml to 200mg/ml; while the MBC was 50mg/ml to 200mg/ml. Ciprofloxacin gave MIC and MBC ranging from 25mg/ml to 100mg/ml against all the isolates. The study has shown that natural compounds such as blue vitriol and brimstone are good antimicrobials; and could serve as substitutes to conventional antimicrobial agents in the treatment of bacterial vulvovaginitis. Keywords: Vagina, Vulva, Vulvovaginitis, Blue vitriol, Brimstone, Antimicrobials.

The Correlation Between Quality of Care and Mental Health and Behavioral Problems Among Vietnamese Adolescents in Social Support Facilities

Background: Previous studies have shown the negative impact of institutional care on children’s physical and mental health. However, in addition to the form of care, the quality of care is an important factor in children’s mental health. This study explored the quality of care and the association between the quality of care and mental health issues among adolescents in Vietnam social support facilities (SSFs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 institutionalized adolescents who lived in SSFs and 273 adolescents cared for by family. Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, sleep problems, behavioral problems, and quality of care were measured. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: The quality of care was rated as quite high by institutionalized adolescents. However, the mean score for quality of care was significantly lower for institutionalized adolescents than for the comparison group. The quality of physical care did not show a significant relationship with mental health risk, except for anxiety. In contrast, emotional care was negatively associated with all common mental health problems including anxiety (beta = –0.40, P &lt; .001), depression (beta = –0.31, P &lt; .01), conduct behavior (beta = –0.30, P &lt; .01) and sleep problems (beta = –0.30, P &lt; .01). An increase in emotional care was therefore associated with a decrease in mental health problems. Conclusions: Emotional care is more important than physical care for adolescents in SSFs. It is necessary to improve the quality of care, particularly emotional care, for adolescents to reduce the risk of mental health problems.

The relationship between untreated dental caries and quality of life in children aged 6-12 years at elementary school 060970 belawan

Dental caries is a common oral health problem that occurs in all age groups, especially in children. Untreated dental caries can lead to several issues such as pulpitis, ulceration, fistula, abscess, and pulp necrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between untreated dental caries and quality of life, as well as the most affected domain of quality of life in children aged 8-10 years at Primary School 060970 Belawan in 2023. This was an analytical survey with a cross-sectional design to investigate the association between untreated dental caries measured using the pufa index and the quality of life of children aged 6-12 years using the Child’s Perception Questionnaire 8-10 (CPQ8-10). The subjects of this study were students aged 6-12 years at Primary School 060970 Belawan, selected using total sampling technique where the entire population was included as samples. The study began with oral examinations to determine deft/DMFT and pufa/PUFA scores. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with the respondents to collect data on their quality of life. Data analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normality, which showed that the data were not normally distributed. Spearman correlation test (r=0.600) revealed a significant positive relationship between untreated dental caries and quality of life (p=0.000) with a strong correlation. The social limitations domain of quality of life (r=0.595) was found to be the most affected, indicating a strong association between untreated dental caries and quality of life. In conclusion, an increase in pufa scores is associated with an increase in quality of life scores. An increase in quality of life scores indicates a poor quality of life.

SrHPO4-coated Mg alloy implant attenuates postoperative pain by suppressing osteoclast-induced sensory innervation in osteoporotic fractures

Osteoporotic fractures have become a common public health problem and are usually accompanied by chronic pain. Mg and Mg-based alloys are considered the next-generation orthopedic implants for their excellent osteogenic inductivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, Mg-based alloy can initiate aberrant activation of osteoclasts and modulate sensory innervation into bone callus resulting in postoperative pain at the sequential stage of osteoporotic fracture healing. Its mechanism is going to be investigated. Strontium hydrogen phosphate (SrHPO4) coating to delay the Mg-based alloy degradation, can reduce the osteoclast formation and inhibit the growth of sensory nerves into bone callus, dorsal root ganglion hyperexcitability, and pain hypersensitivity at the early stage. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics analysis of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) treated with SrHPO4-coated Mg alloy extracts shows the potential effect of increased metabolite levels of AICAR (an activator of the AMPK pathway). We demonstrate a possible modulated secretion of AICAR and osteoclast differentiation from BMMs, which inhibits sensory innervation and postoperative pain through the AMPK/mTORc1/S6K pathway. Importantly, supplementing with AICAR in Mg-activated osteoclasts attenuates postoperative pain. These results suggest that Mg-induced postoperative pain is related to the osteoclastogenesis and sensory innervation at the early stage in the osteoporotic fractures and the SrHPO4 coating on Mg-based alloys can reduce the pain by upregulating AICAR secretion from BMMs or preosteoclasts.

Relapse prevention following guided self-help for common health problems: A Scoping Review

Abstract Purpose To gain an in-depth understanding of interventions, tools, and resources available focused on maintaining recovery and preventing relapse for patients with anxiety and/or depression symptoms following guided self-help (GSH). Methods The literature search was conducted on four electronic databases from inception until May 2024 (PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, PubMed and Web of Science). Additional searches were also conducted through other sources, including Grey Literature Databases, Google Search Engine, Citations and contacting experts in the field. All identified articles were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers and quality appraised. Results A total of 1277 records across databases and other sources were identified. After removing duplicates, 511 were screened for eligibility. A total of six references met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Three peer-reviewed publications were identified, and all reported an intervention targeting relapse prevention following GSH which included monthly telephone follow-up calls. The other three sources included two workbooks and a mobile application developed and completed towards the final GSH sessions and used following treatment. All of the articles highlight the importance of independently learning and practicing skills and strategies to ease an individuals’ symptoms following discharge from GSH. Conclusions The current review found limited evidence surrounding recovery and relapse prevention interventions following GSH. Developing this field of research by further creating and testing relapse prevention interventions can provide an understanding of the core components needed in such tools, to successfully maintain treatment gains over time and support individuals to continue their recovery journey.

Provider perceptions of young people living with HIV and unhealthy alcohol use in Southwestern Uganda: a qualitative study

BackgroundUnhealthy alcohol use is a common public health problem in HIV care settings in Africa and it affects the HIV continuum of care. In Uganda and other low-income countries, HIV care providers are a key resource in caring for young people (15–24 years) living with HIV (YPLH) with unhealthy alcohol use. Caring for YPLH largely depends on care providers’ perceptions of the problem. However, data that explores HIV care providers’ perceptions about caring for YPLH with unhealthy drinking are lacking in Uganda. We sought to describe the perceptions of HIV care providers regarding caring for YPLH with unhealthy drinking in the Immune Suppression Syndrome (ISS) Clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in southwestern Uganda.MethodsWe used semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) to qualitatively explore HIV care providers’ perceptions regarding caring for YPLH with unhealthy alcohol use. The study was conducted at the adolescent immunosuppression (ISS) clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using thematic content analysis, data from 10 interviews were analyzed.ResultsHIV care providers were concerned and intended to care for YPLH with unhealthy alcohol use. They understood that unhealthy drinking negatively impacts HIV care outcomes and used counseling, peer support, and referrals to routinely intervene. They however, did not apply other known interventions such as health education, medications and follow-up visits because these required family and institutional support which was largely lacking. Additional barriers that HCPs faced in caring for YPLH included; gaps in knowledge and skills required to address alcohol use in young patients, heavy workloads that hindered the provision of psychosocial interventions, late payment of and low remunerations, lack of improvement in some YPLH, and inadequate support from both their families and hospital management.ConclusionHIV care providers are important stakeholders in the identification and care of YPLH with unhealthy alcohol use in Southwestern Uganda. There is a need to train and skill HCPs in unhealthy alcohol use care. Such training ought to target the attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control of the providers.

DESCRIPTION OF ORAL CAVITY MICROBIAL CULTURE IN DENTAL CARIES SUFFERERS

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common oral health problems worldwide, affecting 573 million children and 2.5 billion adults. Dental caries is a disease that attacks the hard tissues of the tooth, such as cementum, dentin, and enamel. This causes bacterial invasion, pulp death, and spread of infection to periapical tissues, which can cause pain. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the microbial culture picture of the oral cavity of patients with dental caries. Methods: This research is descriptive and the samples in this study amounted to 7 samples of patients with dental caries at Dr. Sitanala Hospital, Tangerang City. The sampling technique in this study used purposive sampling technique. Results: The results of this study found 1 sample (14.3%) of Candida albicans fungus in fungal culture. In addition, 9 samples (64.3%) of Staphylococcus Sp. bacteria, 3 samples (21.4%) of Klebsiella Sp. bacteria, and 2 samples (14.3%) of Bacillus Sp. bacteria were found in the bacteria culture. Conclusion: It has been proven that the oral cavity of dental caries sufferers contains various kinds of microbes, such as the fungus Candida albicans, the bacteria Staphylococcus Sp., the bacteria Klebsiella Sp., and the bacteria Bacillus Sp..

NSAID-induced Gastric Ulcer Disease: A Deleterious Connection.

Gastric ulcers induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage have become a common public health problem, and several studies have established chronic NSAID usage to be one of the risk factors for the pathogenesis of peptic ulcers in patients. This review includes numerous articles that link NSAID usage with peptic mucosal erosion, especially among patients under anticoagulant therapy or with other risk factors. Risk factors for NSAID-induced peptic ulcers are reviewed, in addition to pathogenesis, clinical signs, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatments. We also emphasize effective methods for the prevention and management of peptic ulcers among NSAID users. Such methods include the use of selective Cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors as an alternative to aspirin or other Cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1) inhibitors, or using the lowest dosage possible in patients with other comorbidities. We have conducted a thorough review of the literature on diagnostic tests and alternative medication that can be used in the management of NSAID toxicity-induced ulcers.

An Osteoimmunomodulatory Biopatch Potentiates Stem Cell Therapies for Bone Regeneration by Simultaneously Regulating IL-17/Ferroptosis Signaling Pathways.

Currently, there are still great challenges in promoting bone defect healing, a common health problem affecting millions of people. Herein an osteoimmunity-regulating biopatch capable of promoting stem cell-based therapies for bone regeneration is developed. A totally biodegradable conjugate is first synthesized, which can self-assemble into bioactive nano micelles (PPT NMs). This nanotherapy effectively improves the osteogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) under pathological conditions, by simultaneously regulating IL-17 signaling and ferroptosis pathways. Incorporation of PPT NMs into biodegradable electrospun nanofibers affords a bioactive patch, which notably improves bone formation in two rat bone defect models. A Janus bio patch is then engineered by integrating the bioactive patch with a stem cell sheet of PDLSCs. The obtained biopatch shows additionally potentiated bone regeneration capacity, by synergistically regulating osteoimmune microenvironment and facilitating stem cell differentiation. Further surface functionalization of the biopatch with tannic acid considerably increases its adhesion to the bone defect, prolongs local retention, and sustains bioactivities, thereby offering much better repair effects in rats with mandibular or cranial bone defects. Moreover, the engineered bioactive patches display good safety. Besides bone defects, this osteoimmunity-regulating biopatch strategy can be applied to promote stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury, wound healing, and skin burns.

ISOLATED TUBERCULOSIS OF PAROTID GLAND:A COMMON DISEASE AT AN UNCOMMON LOCATION WITH REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Tuberculosis infection is a common health problem in developing countries like India which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It commonly affects the pulmonary system. Although it can affect any organ of the body but salivary glands especially the parotid gland arethe rarest entity that is involved in tuberculosis. Less than 200 cases have been reported in literature till now and mostly diagnosed in post-parotidectomy specimens. Generally, it presents with a painless growing mass and hence, its clinical diagnosis is challenging and may be misdiagnosed as it can mimic parotid gland neoplasm on physical examination. Radiological investigations such as ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) are not much beneficial. In such cases, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the preliminary step for the workup of the patients. Histologically diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of well-formed epithelioid cell granuloma and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) stain is positive for tubercular bacilli. Here we report a case of tubercular parotitis in a 50-year-old female diagnosed on histopathological examination and patient treated with anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) successfully.

Proportion and Associated Factors of Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Women Who Gave Birth at Debre Markos General Hospital, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia, 2022: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Adverse birth outcomes are a common public health problem in the developing world, including Ethiopia. There are several indices of adverse birth outcomes, such as stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age and congenital anomalies. Objective: This study aimed to determine the proportion and associated factors of adverse birth outcomes among women who gave birth at Debre Markos General Hospital. Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to August 1/2022 on laboring women who attended Debre Markos General Hospital. A total of 337 study participants were selected using a systematic sampling method. Data were collected through interviews with a structured questionnaire. Epi Data version 3.1 was used for data entry and analyzed using Statical Package for Social Sciences software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed; a P value of less than 0.05 was considered a statistically significant factor. Result: The overall proportion of this study showed that 26.1% of women had adverse birth outcomes; 7.7% stillbirths and 9.2% each preterm and low birth weights. Rural residence, no antenatal care, antepartum hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, illiteracy, post term pregnancy, birth interval less than two years, and age less than 20 years were independently associated with adverse birth outcomes. Conclusion: In this study, the overall proportion of adverse birth outcomes was low compared to previous studies. Residence, no antenatal care follow-up, antepartum hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, post term pregnancy, birth interval less than two years, illiteracy, and age less than 20 years were associated with adverse birth outcomes.

Effects of a Parent-Child Single-Session Growth Mindset Intervention on Adolescent Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: Protocol of a 3-Arm Waitlist Randomized Controlled Trial.

Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems among adolescents worldwide. Extant research has found that intelligence, emotion, and failure-is-debilitating beliefs (fixed mindsets) are closely related to more depression and anxiety symptoms, hopelessness, and suicidality. Recent research also points to the importance of parental mindset, which can strongly influence children's affect, behavior, and mental health. However, the effects of parent-child mindset interventions on a child's internalizing problems have not yet been empirically examined. As recent evidence has shown the promise of single-session interventions in reducing and preventing youth internalizing problems, this study develops and examines a parent and child single-session intervention on mindsets of intelligence, failure, and emotion (PC-SMILE) to tackle depression and anxiety in young people. Using a 3-arm randomized controlled trial, this study will examine the effectiveness of PC-SMILE in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among children. We hypothesize that compared to the waitlist control group, the PC-SMILE group and child single-session intervention on mindsets of intelligence, failure, and emotion (C-SMILE) group will significantly improve child depression and anxiety (primary outcome) and significantly improve secondary outcomes, including children's academic self-efficacy, hopelessness, psychological well-being, and parent-child interactions and relationships, and the PC-SMILE is more effective than the C-SMILE. A total of 549 parent-child dyads will be recruited from 8 secondary schools and randomly assigned to either the PC-SMILE intervention group, the C-SMILE intervention group, or the no-intervention waitlist control group. The 45-minute interventions include parent-version and child-version. Both parents and students in the PC-SMILE group receive the intervention. Students in C-SMILE group receive intervention and their parents will receive intervention after all follow-up ends. Students in 3 groups will be assessed at 3 time points, baseline before intervention, 2 weeks post intervention, and 3 months post intervention, and parents will be assessed in baseline and 3-month follow-up. The intention-to-treat principle and linear-regression-based maximum likelihood multilevel models will be used for data analysis. Recruitment started in September 2023. The first cohort of data collection is expected to begin in May 2024 and the second cohort will begin in September 2024. The final wave of data is expected to be collected by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The results are expected to demonstrate improved anxiety and depression among students assigned to the intervention condition, as well as the secondary outcomes compared to those in the control group. The efficacy and effectiveness of the intervention will be discussed. This study is the first attempt to develop a web-based single-session intervention for students and their parents to enhance their well-being in Hong Kong and beyond, which potentially contributes to providing evidence-based recommendations for the implementation of brief digital parent-child interventions. PRR1-10.2196/63220.

Does the Use of Psychoactive Substances Reveal Underlying Trauma or Common Mental Health Problems?

The paper evaluates the prevalence of psychoactive substance use in a non-clinical sample of university students and examines its relation to childhood traumatic experiences and common mental health problems. An anonymous online survey was conducted between September 2022 and May 2023 in two major universities in Bulgaria using opportunity sampling. The study has a cross-sectional, observational, and retrospective design, using self-rating scales for depression, anxiety, alexithymia, empathy, quality of life, and lifetime history of substance use. One hundred and forty-six university students completed the survey, with a mean age of 23 years (SD=2), 66% females. Ninety-eight percent of the participants have used caffeine, 90% alcohol, 62% tobacco, 50% cannabis, 26% sedatives, 19% amphetamines, 12% inhalants, 8% hallucinogens, 4% opiates, and 9% other/unknown substances. The mean number of psychoactive substances used within a lifetime is 4 (SD=2). Forty-two (29%) participants have a history of use of multiple (≥ 5) types of psychoactive substances. Statistically significant differences from the rest of the sample include lower empathy (p=.016), higher scores on the childhood trauma scale (p=.001), and a higher percentage of dissociative symptoms (47.6%, p=.012). The binary logistic regression model revealed that higher scores on the childhood trauma scale (p=.003) and lower empathy (p=.004) are statistically significant predictors of multiple substance use. In conclusion, the lifetime use of multiple psychoactive substances in non-clinical settings is related to underlying childhood traumatic experiences and lower empathy.

Multidisciplinary approaches to study anaemia with special mention on aplastic anaemia (Review).

Anaemia is a common health problem worldwide that disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as children and expectant mothers. It has a variety of underlying causes, some of which are genetic. A comprehensive strategy combining physical examination, laboratory testing (for example, a complete blood count), and molecular tools for accurate identification is required for diagnosis. With nearly 400 varieties of anaemia, accurate diagnosis remains a challenging task. Red blood cell abnormalities are largely caused by genetic factors, which means that a thorough understanding requires interpretation at the molecular level. As a result, precision medicine has become a key paradigm, utilising artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, such as deep learning and machine learning, to improve prognostic evaluation, treatment prediction, and diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, exploring the immunomodulatory role of vitamin D along with biomarker‑based molecular techniques offers promising avenues for insight into anaemia's pathophysiology. The intricacy of aplastic anaemia makes it particularly noteworthy as a topic deserving of concentrated molecular research. Given the complexity of anaemia, an integrated strategy integrating clinical, laboratory, molecular, and AI techniques shows a great deal of promise. Such an approach holds promise for enhancing global anaemia management options in addition to advancing our understanding of the illness.