Epidemiological Factors Research Articles

Systematic Review of the Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Nonsexual Transmission of Warts and Molluscum in Children.

There is limited literature examining cutaneous warts (CW) and molluscum contagiosum (MC)together to identify common risk factors for their transmission in the pediatric population, and the epidemiological findingsvary significantly among authors. This work aims to identify the determinants contributing to the spread of these diseases among children and to consolidate epidemiological data from multiple articles into a single, comprehensive overview. English literature publications in PubMed were reviewed. Works related to sexual, oral, or vertical transmission were included only in the introduction, while the focus on risk factors and epidemiology centered on nonsexual transmission of CW and MC. The literature review is summarized in a table. The epidemiological data vary; however, all show that CW and molluscum infections are more common in children. Two strongly associated risk factors were identified: skin-to-skin contact with affected individuals (classmates, siblings, other family members) and shared fomites (shoes, clothing, towels, bath sponges, razors, brushes, combs, bar soap). Additional minor risk factors in the pediatric population included gender, swimming in pools, sharing bathtubs/showers, immunocompromise (immunodeficiency, organ transplantation, chemotherapy) and a history of cutaneous illnesses that impair skin barrier function. There are similarities in the transmission of both infections. Gaining a deeper understanding of how these infections spread will contribute to developing more effective prevention measures for the pediatric population. This research serves as a starting point for future studies.

Epidemiology of Resistant Cancer Pain: Prevalence, Clinical Burden, and Treatment Gaps.

Resistant cancer pain (RCP) remains a challenge in oncology, affecting patients whose pain persists despite guideline-based treatment. While advancements in pharmacological and interventional strategies have improved cancer pain management, barriers such as opioid access restrictions, provider knowledge gaps, and underutilization of specialized pain interventions contribute to inadequate relief. Understanding the epidemiology, classification, and risk factors for RCP is essential for improving treatment. This review examines the prevalence, pathophysiology, and burden of RCP, highlighting its impact on quality of life and healthcare systems. Pain severity is commonly assessed using numerical rating scales, but comprehensive frameworks like the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP) provide better insight into complex pain syndromes. Breakthrough pain, neuropathic pain, and cancer-induced bone pain are frequently linked to treatment resistance. While opioids remain central to pharmacological management, many patients require multimodal approaches, including adjuvant analgesics, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy. Neurosurgical options such as cordotomy, intrathecal drug delivery, and myelotomy offer pain relief in select cases but are underutilized due to limited awareness and training. RCP remains a major unmet medical need, affecting many cancer patients despite advances in pain management. Effective treatment requires a multimodal, individualized approach integrating pharmacological, interventional, and neurosurgical strategies. While neurosurgical interventions provide substantial relief in selected patients, their use is often limited by referral delays and lack of provider awareness. Overcoming systemic barriers, refining pain classification, and expanding access to specialized pain management are essential to improving RCP care.

Post-Concussion Syndrome and Functional Neurological Disorder: Diagnostic Interfaces, Risk Mechanisms, and the Functional Overlay Model

Background: Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), including Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD), are two frequently encountered but diagnostically complex conditions. While PCS is conceptualized as a sequela of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), FND/FCD encompasses symptoms incompatible with recognized neurological disease, often arising in the absence of structural brain damage. Yet, both conditions exhibit considerable clinical overlap—particularly in the domains of cognitive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and symptom persistence despite negative investigations. Objective: This review critically examines the shared and divergent features of PCS and FND/FCD. We explore their respective epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and risk factors—including personality traits and trauma exposure—as well as emerging insights from neuroimaging and biomarkers. We propose the “Functional Overlay Model” as a clinical tool for navigating diagnostic ambiguity in patients with persistent post-injury symptoms. Results: PCS and FND/FCD frequently share features such as subjective cognitive complaints, fatigue, anxiety, and heightened somatic vigilance. High neuroticism, maladaptive coping, prior psychiatric history, and trauma exposure emerge as common risk factors. Neuroimaging studies show persistent network dysfunction in both PCS and FND, with overlapping disruption in fronto-limbic and default mode systems. The Functional Overlay Model helps to identify cases where functional symptomatology coexists with or replaces an initial organic insult—particularly in patients with incongruent symptoms and normal objective testing. Conclusions: PCS and FND/FCD should be conceptualized along a continuum of brain dysfunction, shaped by injury, psychology, and contextual factors. Early recognition of functional overlays and stratified psychological interventions may improve outcomes for patients with persistent, medically unexplained symptoms after head trauma. This review introduces the Functional Overlay Model as a novel framework to enhance diagnostic clarity and therapeutic planning in patients presenting with persistent post-injury symptoms.

Epidemiological Profile and Risk Factors for Malaria in Rural Communities Before the Operationalization of the Singrobo–Ahouaty Dam, Southern Côte d’Ivoire

Malaria remains a major public health issue, especially near hydroelectric dams that often promote mosquito breeding. This study aimed to establish baseline epidemiological data during the construction of the Singrobo–Ahouaty dam to support assessment and decision-making for short- and long-term health impacts on surrounding communities. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in randomly selected households. Blood samples were analyzed using thick/thin smears and rapid diagnostic tests, while sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected via questionnaires. Statistical analyses included chi-square, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and logistic regression. The malaria prevalence was 43.1% (394/915). The parasite density averaged 405.7 parasites/µL. School-age children (6–13 years) showed the highest prevalence (74.3%, p < 0.0001), while younger children (0–5 years) had the highest parasite density (1218.0 parasites/µL, p < 0.0001). Highly elevated infection rates (>51%) occurred in Sokrogbo, N’Dènou, and Amani-Menou, with the highest density in Ahérémou 1 (5663.9 parasites/µL). Risk factors included being an informal worker (ORa = 1.5), working in the raw material sector (ORa = 1.4) or market gardening/rice farming (ORa = 0.9; p = 0.043), and frequent mosquito bites (OR = 0.4; p = 0.017). These results underscore the need for stronger vector control strategies, improved bed net distribution and follow-up, and enhanced intersectoral collaboration in dam-influenced areas to reduce malaria transmission.

Dermatophytoses Caused by Trichophyton indotineae: The First Case Reports in Malaysia and the Global Epidemiology (2018–2025)

Trichophyton indotineae is emerging globally from its origin in India, presenting with a terbinafine resistance and causing significant clinical burden. We report herein the first four confirmed cases of T. indotineae dermatophytoses in Malaysia, which were diagnosed based on the microscopic examination of skin scrapings using potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount, followed by confirmation via culture and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1) sequencing. In contrast to conventional Trichophyton infections, T. indotineae dermatophytoses demonstrate extensive cutaneous involvement and marked inflammation with erythematous lesions. All cases exhibited a chronic course lasting more than three months, with evidence of person-to-person transmission. Although one patient reported a travel to Singapore, three had no recent travel history, suggesting possible local transmission. The isolates produced characteristic white, cottony colonies with radial mycelial growth on Mycosel agar after incubation at 30 °C for four days. Three patients responded well to oral itraconazole (200 mg daily), with reduced inflammation and erythematous lesions observed two weeks after treatment initiation. The occurrence of T. indotineae particularly among patients without a travel history, suggests a potential endemic establishment. This fungal pathogen warrants consideration in cases of extensive or recalcitrant dermatophytoses. Further investigations into the diagnostic methods, antifungal susceptibility profiles, and epidemiological risk factors of Malaysian strains are warranted to enhance clinical management and inform public health interventions.

Analysis of the Epidemiological Characteristics and Environmental Influencing Factors of Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Wuhan, China Based on Multi-source Spatiotemporal Data

Abstract Currently, Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MPP), a viral infectious respiratory disease, poses a serious threat to public health in Wuhan,China. Previous studies on mycoplasma pneumonia have mainly focused on epidemiological characteristics and environmental influencing factors. However, current research on the influencing factors as well as the epidemiological characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae still needs in depth exploration due to the lack of application of multi-source spatiotemporal data.
Therefore, this paper collects data on 16,701 cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Wuhan from January 2020 to December 2023, along with multi-source environmental data, and implement a more detailed study concerning the epidemiological characteristics and the influencing factors of MPP. 


Epidemiological and clinical predictors of murine typhus in hospitalized patients in central israel: association with urban construction.

Murine typhus (MT), caused by Rickettsia typhi, is a zoonotic disease with a nonspecific clinical presentation, making diagnosis challenging. During 2022-2023, we observed in our hospital a rise in MT cases, prompting an investigation into clinical predictors and epidemiological factors, including potential links to a light rail system constructed in the hospital's vicinity. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of hospitalized febrile patients tested for rickettsial disease at the Wolfson Medical Center in central Israel (2022-2023). Cases were defined by positive R. typhi PCR or serology. Controls had negative testing for R. typhi (PCR and/or serology), with or without an alternative diagnosis, based on predefined criteria. Clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological data were analyzed, and residential proximity to the light rail construction site was assessed. Among 46 febrile patients tested for rickettsial disease, 18 were diagnosed with MT. Compared to controls, MT patients more frequently reported animal exposure and presented with headache, thrombocytopenia, bandemia, elevated liver enzymes, and increased LDH. Notably, MT patients lived significantly closer to the light rail system construction site than controls (mean 291.3m vs. 836.2m from the rail line, p = 0.022), with a 22% decrease in MT likelihood per additional 100m distance. MT remains an important cause of febrile illness. Key diagnostic clues include animal exposure and specific laboratory markers. Our findings suggest an association between urban construction and MT, likely due to disrupted Rattus species habitats. Awareness of these risk factors may aid early diagnosis and treatment.

Premature Ovarian Failure

Objective: To provide a rigorous, multidisciplinary synthesis of the epidemiological, genetic, immunological, and environmental factors contributing to Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), with particular attention to regional disparities, occupational exposures, the impact of chemotherapy, the occurrence and recurrence of endometrosis, and emerging fertility preservation strategies. Design: A structured literature review with an emphasis on recent advances in genetic and immunological understanding. Setting: Academic research and clinical insights from multidisciplinary contributors. Patients: Individuals diagnosed with POF as reported in the literature. Interventions: Review of literature concerning epidemiology, genetic mutations, immunological disorders, and surgical outcomes linked to POF. Main outcome measures: Identification of both established and emerging risk factors, validation of genetic and immunological markers, and clarification of diagnostic and preventive clinical approaches. Results: The prevalence of POF varies globally, affecting 1% of women under 40. Genetic factors, particularly mutations in the FMR1 and BMP15 genes, play a significant role, alongside autoimmune diseases. Chemotherapy is a leading iatrogenic cause, while endometriosis and ovarian cyst surgeries significantly contribute to diminished ovarian reserve. Conclusion: POF is a multifactorial condition with rising incidence in specific subgroups. Improved early detection, standardized biomarker use, and expanded access to fertility preservation are essential. Targeted genomic and occupational risk screening may enable personalized interventions. Further genomic studies are needed to elucidate rare mutations and their impact.

Childhood-onset epilepsy: Longitudinal seizure outcomes in a large single-center cohort.

Childhood-onset epilepsy: Longitudinal seizure outcomes in a large single-center cohort.

A new typing scheme demonstrates high discriminatory power for Treponema pallidum subspecies.

The global resurgence of treponematoses, particularly syphilis, poses a growing public health challenge. Despite recent advances in sequencing technologies, obtaining complete Treponema pallidum genome sequences for epidemiological studies remains time-consuming and challenging due to the difficulty related to procuring clinical samples with sufficient treponemal burden to fulfil the sequencing requirements. There is an urgent need for rapid, cost-effective and accessible typing methods suitable for laboratories with Sanger sequencing resources. Based on the analysis of 121 T. pallidum genomes from geographically diverse regions, we selected seven highly variable genes to form the basis of this new typing system. These seven genes show high discrimination capacity, identifying many allelic profiles among T. pallidum isolates. Importantly, the scheme employs a single-step PCR protocol for the amplification and sequencing of all seven targets enabling straightforward implementation in standard laboratory settings. The MLST was validated using a diverse set of T. pallidum clinical samples from across the globe. A significant proportion of the tested samples showed macrolide resistance, emphasizing the need for epidemiological surveillance. Utilizing this new tool, we have analyzed the genetic variation within and between populations of T. pallidum , considering the geographical origin of the samples. Population structure analysis revealed distinct genetic clusters, underlining complex transmission dynamics of T. pallidum , shaped by local epidemiological factors. The MLST scheme is publicly accessible through the PubMLST database, encouraging widespread adoption in standard laboratories due to this database being user-friendly, intuitive, and fast to implement. The novel MLST scheme offers a promising tool to advance the study of the molecular epidemiology of T. pallidum , facilitate tracking transmission, and establish a global surveillance network with the overall goal of strengthening public health interventions for syphilis control.

Epidemiological profile and factors associated with the delay in initiation of post exposure prophylaxis of animal bite cases at the tertiary care hospital, New Delhi: a hospital based study

Epidemiological profile and factors associated with the delay in initiation of post exposure prophylaxis of animal bite cases at the tertiary care hospital, New Delhi: a hospital based study

Clear aligners and open gingival embrasures: Retrospective study of epidemiology and risk factors.

To investigate the epidemiology and risk factors of open gingival embrasures (OGE) in adult patients after clear aligner therapy (CAT). A total of 518 adult patients were recruited to evaluate the prevalence and severity of OGE between central incisors through intraoral photographs; 281 patients with complete lateral cephalometric radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were selected above to investigate mainly mesiodistal anatomical indicators regarding the occurrence and severity of OGE; and 186 non-extraction (NE) patients were selected from 281 patients to further investigate the relationship between tooth movement or labial-palatal/lingual anatomical indicators with OGE. The prevalence of OGE was relatively high and significantly associated with tooth extraction. The prevalence and severity of OGE decreased as follows: one-lower-incisor-extraction>two-premolar-extraction>NE types. The interproximal contact point-alveolar crest (ICP-AC)>5mm, ΔICP-AC>0.5mm, cemento-enamel junction-alveolar crest (CEJ-AC)>2mm, and ΔCEJ-AC>0.2mm were significantly associated with the occurrence of OGE. ΔCEJ-AC may more sensitively reflect bone loss, meanwhile, CEJ-AC in distal sites was significantly associated with moderate or severe OGE in mesial sites. Intrusion movement<2mm and labial inclination<5° were the warning limits for incisor movement. Furthermore, we found that bone dehiscence and root resorption were significantly associated with OGE. OGE of varying severity could be accompanied by different degrees of three-dimensional alveolar bone resorption. Moderate-to-severe OGE may occur alongside other complications in orthodontic treatment. This research also provided valuable clinical insights and treatment guidance in CAT. Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is a favored orthodontic choice for adults, yet it can carry hidden risks to periodontal health. Open gingival embrasure (OGE), or "black triangles" between teeth, can affect aesthetics, promote food impaction, and potentially relate to underlying bone loss. Our large-sample study investigated the incidence of OGE, identified the treatment alternatives associated with increased risk, how OGE related to alterations in tissue loss and tooth movement, and what risks OGE may indicate. The prevalence of OGE is relatively high in adult patients after CAT. Patients with a single lower incisor removed had the highest rates and severity of OGE, followed by those with two premolars extracted, and finally those with no extractions. Detailed imaging revealed that the occurrence and severity of OGE are significantly associated with bone loss, not only between teeth but also from the front-back directions. Additionally, specific thresholds for tooth movement that may elevate OGE risk include excessive incisor intrusion or forward tilting. Importantly, OGE often occurred along with other complications like bone dehiscence or root resorption. Our findings provide anatomical data on the potential three-dimensional tissue loss associated with different severities of OGE and further provide clinical guidance in CAT.

Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of reproductive dysfunction in male infertility: a meta-analysis

Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of reproductive dysfunction in male infertility: a meta-analysis

Enterobius vermicularis infection and its risk factors among rural schoolchildren in Zhejiang Province: a cross-sectional study

Pinworm infection, caused by Enterobius vermicularis, is highly prevalent in humans, with children being particularly susceptible. This cross-sectional study (2022–2024) investigated the epidemiology and risk factors of E. vermicularis infection among 1179 rural schoolchildren (3–9 years) across four districts in Zhejiang Province. In each district, two kindergartens and two primary schools were selected using simple random sampling. Pinworm infection was identified using adhesive cellophane tape perianal swabbing method. Data on demographics, hygiene habits, and school environment were collected through structured questionnaires. Simple logistic regression analysis was performed for each potential risk factor, and those variables with a P value less than 0.1 were selected for the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall infection rate was 4.07%, with the highest prevalence in Xinchang (9.79%), followed by Daishan (2.68%), Wucheng (2.44%), and Yongkang (1.64%). The positive rate among girls was higher than that of boys (5.41% vs. 2.81%, P = 0.020). Among girls, older subjects had a notably higher infection rate compared to younger ones (8.08% vs. 3.19%). Besides, the infection rate of primary school subjects was higher than that of kindergarten subjects (7.48% vs. 3.23%). No significant differences were found in the boys’ group. Furthermore, weekly classroom disinfection and monthly health education were associated with lower infection rates. This study underscores the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection in rural schoolchildren in Zhejiang Province and identifies significant risk factors. Strengthening hygiene education and sanitation practices, particularly targeting female students, may serve as effective measures against E. vermicularis infection.

Epidemiological factors associated with the prevalence of mobile genetic elements, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Klebsiella pneumoniae of farm environments in Bangladesh

Farm environments serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), spreading resistance genes. Klebsiella pneumoniae, a nosocomial opportunistic pathogen, often acquires resistance through MGEs. This study examined the prevalence, resistance patterns, and factors associated with MGEs in K. pneumoniae isolates, focusing on environmental and management practices. 48 pooled samples were collected from environmental niches in three major districts of Bangladesh including Dhaka, Barisal, and Sylhet and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques and PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed per CLSI (2020) guidelines, and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were identified. Genotypic resistance patterns and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including class 1 integrons and plasmids, were detected via PCR. Fisher’s exact test evaluated factors associated with MGEs. Overall, 66.66% tested positive for K. pneumoniae. Regarding resistance patterns, the highest resistance was observed to ertapenem (90.6%) and ampicillin (84%), while complete sensitivity was noted to several antibiotics, including amikacin and tigecycline. Among the tested isolates, 53.12% were identified as MDR. Genotypic analysis revealed that blaCTX−M, blaNDM−5,blaOxa-1 and blaOxa-48 were the most prevalent. Additionally, the presence of MGEs including class 1 integron and IncQ type plasmid were significantly associated with factors such as poor sanitation, antibiotic misuse, and high cattle density, highlighting critical areas for intervention. This study revealed that MDR K. pneumoniae circulates in food animals’ farm environments in Bangladesh, with environmental factors strongly linked to the presence of MGEs. Farm niches, particularly soil, act as key reservoirs of MGEs and resistance genes. Importantly, these also carry serious implications for human health, as resistance genes may transfer to clinical settings, exacerbating the burden of AMR. Strengthening environmental and agricultural policies through a One Health approach is essential to mitigate the public health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.

Parental Burnout: A Progressive Condition Potentially Compromising Family Well-Being-A Narrative Review.

Parental burnout is one of today's significant challenges, increasingly manifesting as a problem in our fast-paced world. The aim of this review is to create an exploratory, descriptive summary of parental burnout through the analysis of available international publications, providing a clearer and more accurate understanding of the psychological condition, severity, manifestations, and treatment options. Our narrative literature review includes publications from 2010 onwards, focusing on those that directly address the topic of parental burnout syndrome and contain epidemiological data, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic possibilities, and treatment strategies. We excluded publications that examined the condition within narrow societal groups, such as parents caring for children with somatic mental disorders. Based on our review, it appears that parental burnout may potentially affect both women and men. Factors such as low emotional intelligence, workplace stress, and lack of supportive family background render parents vulnerable to this condition. Significant differences in the prevalence of parental burnout can be measured between countries, due to cultural differences. Parental burnout has extremely detrimental effects on family dynamics and the emotional development of children, and it can negatively impact the willingness to have more children at the family level, which has dire consequences considering the low birth rates characteristic of European countries.

Epidemiology and risk factors for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: insights from leading centres in the i-RegVeD registry, India

CVST is a rare cerebrovascular condition commonly associated with young adults and females. The primary aim of this study was to identify key risk factors associated with CVST and assess the outcomes of participants with CVST. This is an ongoing multicenter hospital-based study conducted from July 2022 to October 2023. A total of 152 CVST participants were selected from seven participating sites. The diagnosis of CVST was confirmed via a CT scan or MRI/MRV. Sociodemographic variables, i.e., lifestyle variables, type of objective testing, clinical presentations, risk factors and hospital outcomes, were recorded. Logistic regression was applied to identify risks associated with CVST and was adjusted for confounders such as age, sex, and comorbidity. The median (range) age of the CVST patients was 29 (0–69) years, with a significantly higher proportion of the registered CVST participants being males than females (63.8% vs 36.2%, P < 0.001). The peak frequency of CVST participants was recorded among those aged 21–30 years, accounting for 32.9% of the participants. The most common clinical manifestation was vomiting in 39.5% of the participants, followed by headache in 29.6% of the participants. The study identified young adults to be at increased risk of CVST (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.18–0.42; P = < 0.001) and alcohol consumption with higher incident of CVST than never used alcohol (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.17–3.23; P = 0.010) after adjusted for confounders. Study reported around 97% of participants were discharged after treatment, and mortality was reported in 3.2% of participants. CVST was strongly associated with males and young adults in this study, raising serious concerns. Alcohol intake was associated with a greater risk of CVST. The findings of this study could inform the development of region-specific protocols and targeted public health efforts, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and reducing CVST-related mortality and morbidity in India.

National and sub-national HIV/AIDS epidemiology, socioeconomic influences, and risk factors in Iran from 1990 to 2021, global burden of disease 2021 study

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a global health challenge. Iran faces significant HIV issues with rising incidence and mortality rates. While antiretroviral therapy has improved life expectancy, projections indicate an above-average increase in the next years. We aimed to report the national and subnational burden of HIV/AIDS and risk factors in Iran from 1990 to 2021 by sex, age, and socio-demographic index (SDI). The analysis used the Global Burden of Disease 2021 data on age-standardized incidence rates, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The Cause of Death Ensemble Model was used to estimate HIV mortality and DisMod-MR 2.1 for non-fatal outcomes. Comparative risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the burden of HIV/AIDS attributable to risk factors such as condomless sex, drug use, and intimate partner violence. A smoothing splines model was used to determine the relationship between SDI and age-standardized DALY rates for HIV/AIDS. The counts and rates were reported with 95% uncertainty intervals. In 1990, the age-standardized incidence rate of HIV/AIDS in Iran among both sexes was 0.2 (0.1, 0.7), the prevalence rate was 1.5 (1.0, 2.5), the death rate was 0.1 (0.1, 0.1), and the DALY rate was 4.2 (4.1, 4.4) per 100,000. In 2021, age-standardized proportions per 100,000 were as follows: incidence 2.3 (1.8, 3.0), prevalence 21.6 (17.6, 26.4), death 0.6 (0.6, 0.6), and DALY 31.7 (30.8, 32.9). Males had higher age-standardized rates than females in 2021. However, females showed a higher relative increase in age-standardized rates from 1990 to 2021. In 2021, the 35–39 age group observed the highest DALY rates. Drug use was the leading risk factor 19.9 (18.7, 21.1), followed by condomless sex at 5.1 (4.5, 5.8). The age-standardized DALY rate increased with SDI up to the SDI of 0.65, after which it decreased. The most affected provinces were Kermanshah, Hormozgan, and Fars. The burden of HIV in Iran has risen significantly, with males and young adults most affected. Drug use was the leading risk factor for the infection. In the following years, interdisciplinary education, policy, and healthcare efforts are necessary to reduce the burden and incidence.

Trends and future projections of liver cancer attributable to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in China from 1990 to 2050

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-induced liver cancer (MALC) is a global public health challenge. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of MALC from 1990 to 2021 and project future trends up to 2050 in China. Data on MALC were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, including incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). The burden of MALC in China and trends in age-standardized rate (ASR) were analyzed using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs). Additionally, the attributable risk factors for MALC-related deaths and DALYs in China were assessed, and Bayesian age-period-cohort models were used to predict trends in ASR up to 2050. Compared to 1990, the number of MALC incidence, deaths, and DALYs in China more than doubled by 2021. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) [EAPC: 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 0.92] and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) (EAPC: 0.33; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.53) of MALC showed an upward trend. The ASIR, ASMR, and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) in males consistently exceeded those in females. In 2021, the burden of MALC incidence, deaths, and DALYs in China was predominantly concentrated in the 65–69 age group. Among the risk factors recorded in GBD 2021, age-standardized MALC mortality in China in 2021 was primarily attributable to high fasting plasma glucose and smoking. It was also found that the proportion of risk factors for MALC in China was similar to those in high-middle SDI regions and World Bank upper-middle-income regions. Furthermore, predictive models estimate that by 2050, the ASIR and ASMR of MALC in both male and female patients in China will show a declining trend. The burden of MALC in China exhibits age and gender disparities. Although its future burden is expected to improve, it remains a significant public health challenge in China. Targeted intervention strategies must be developed based on its epidemiological characteristics and risk factors to mitigate the burden of MALC in China.

Epidemiology and associated injury risk factors in figure skating: A systematic review.

Epidemiology and associated injury risk factors in figure skating: A systematic review.