Sex Groups Research Articles

A systematic analysis of the burden of disease attributable to occupational noise-induced hearing loss in China based on the 2019 global burden of disease study

BackgroundOccupational noise has long been recognized as a significant risk factor for hearing loss, particularly among workers. This study aimed to assess the disease burden of hearing loss caused by occupational noise in China from 1990 to 2019, with a focus on differences across sex and age groups, so as to address the existing gaps in the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) reports. By analyzing changes in years lived with disability (YLDs) among different sex and age groups over the past 30 years, this study provides valuable insights for the development of occupational noise safety measures in China.MethodsWe extracted data on the burden of hearing loss attributable to occupational noise from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. R software (version 4.12) was used to calculate the YLDs, age-standardized rates (ASRs), and average annual percent change (AAPC), stratified by age and sex. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trends in the burden of disease attributable to occupational noise exposure from 1990 to 2019.ResultsIn China, the YLDs attributable to occupational noise-induced hearing loss in 2019 were 2.3277 million [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 1.5779–3.3478 million, marking a 70.95% increase compared with that in 1990. Throughout the study period, YLD rates exhibited a declining trend, with rates of 127.7 per 100,000 (95% UI: 87.4–181.4) in 1990 and 119.8 per 100,000 (95% UI: 81.2–182.1) in 2019. Using the Joinpoint regression model, the annual percent change (APC) in age-standardized YLD rates for occupational noise-related hearing loss initially increased from 1990 to 2000, followed by a decline, reaching its lowest point in 2015. From a sex perspective, the burden of YLDs in Chinese males exceeded that in females, although the rate of decline was less pronounced in females. With regard to age, the number and rate of YLDs attributable to occupational noise-induced hearing loss generally increased with age, particularly among middle-aged individuals and older adults. However, from 1990 to 2019, the number of YLDs attributable to occupational noise-induced hearing loss decreased among young people aged 15–19 years, accompanied by a significant reduction in YLDs rates.ConclusionHearing loss attributable to occupational noise represents a substantial public health concern, especially among middle-aged and older adult workers in China. These findings underscore the importance of implementing effective measures to mitigate occupational noise exposure.

Associations between fall injury rates and instrumentation, equipment, and use among community-dwelling older adults: Computation using emergency medical service records

Objective This study aimed to examine the instrumentation, equipment, and use associated with falls among community-dwelling older adults, assess the injury rates by instrumentation, equipment, and use according to the characteristics of individuals with injuries, and identify the instrumentation, equipment, and use that cause severe injury.Methods We analyzed individuals aged ≥ 65 years who experienced falls on their property and required emergency medical transport to a hospital in 2019. The fire departments in Saitama Prefecture provided relevant emergency records. We calculated injury rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) per 100,000 person-years for each age group (classified as 65-74, 75-84, and ≥ 85 years), sex for each type of instrumentation, equipment, and use, and the number of moderate or severe injuries and their percentages. The instrumentation and equipment associated with falls were categorized using ICD-10 and subdivided according to the conditions of use. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify instrumentation, equipment, and use associated with moderate or severe injuries, after adjusting for sex and age groups, with the floor as a reference.Results This study included 4,421 patients. Patients were categorized according to 44 types of instrumentation, equipment, and use associated with falls. Overall, 2,154 cases (48.7%) were classified as moderate or severe injuries. Older adults had higher fall injury rates on floors (injury rates; 450.9, 95% CI; 434.5-467.9), stairs (76.6, 69.9-83.8), beds (25.5, 21.7-29.8), steps (21.2, 17.7-25.1), and toilets (14.5, 11.6-17.8), with differences on instrumentation, equipment, and use, sex, and age groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio (OR) for moderate or severe injuries was higher for falls occurring on the roof (OR; 8.95, 95% CI; 1.52-169.40).Conclusion Fall injury rates and the characteristics of injured individuals among community-dwelling older adults differ based on the instrumentation, equipment, and use associated with falls. The implementation of measures to mitigate the external factors associated with this risk is necessary.

Preoperative hemoglobin level and anemia frequency among patients admitted for diabetic lower extremity amputation.

Anemia is known to be prevalent in patients with diabetic foot ulcers, but such was not documented in those who required lower extremity amputations (LEAs). In this high-risk population, preoperative anemia could be an additional risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality. This study attempts to address the knowledge gap related to the preoperative hemoglobin (Hg) level and anemia prevalence in patients admitted for diabetic LEA. Using a cross-sectional design, the primary outcomes were defined as the mean preoperative Hg level and anemia frequency. Mean differences and sex-based results were calculated and compared between three categories: major, midfoot, and forefoot amputation groups. Correlation between Hg level and serum creatinine was set as a secondary outcome. A total of 141 patients comprising 192 amputation cases were included. The mean Hg value for the whole sample was 10.6 ± 1.8g/dl. Only 18 patients (9.7%) had a normal Hg level and 174 (90.3%) were anemic: 90 cases (46.8%) with mild anemia, 76 (40.8%) with moderate anemia, and 8 cases (4.3%) with severe anemia. No significance was found between mean Hg values of the three groups or between sex groups. A significant negative correlation between the levels of serum creatinine and Hg was found (p = .037). An overwhelming majority of patients admitted for diabetic LEA were anemic. Since anemia could impede limb perfusion and induce higher postoperative mortality rate, adjusting this confounder could be justified. Future research should aim to evaluate the impact of preoperative blood component transfusion on postoperative complications following diabetic LEA.

Validation and adaptation of the diffusion of intimate images among adolescents (EDIMA) scale in adolescents from Peru

BackgroundThe use of technologies through social networks is a common practice among adolescents who use it to communicate. However, the lack of control and supervision of these media means that they disseminate any type of information, including sexual content.ObjectiveTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Intimate Images Diffusion Scale (EDIMA) in Peruvian adolescents.MethodA psychometric study was conducted with a population of 900 adolescents from the coast, highlands and jungle of Peru. A confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance analysis was performed by age and sex groups. In addition, internal consistency was evaluated through the omega index to estimate the reliability of the scale.ResultsOur study identified that the two-factor model obtained adequate fit indices with values >0.994 for the CFI and TLI, while the SRMR had a value of 0.074 and the RMSEA of 0.058. Measurement invariance by age group reported a ΔCFI and ΔRMSEA ≤0.01. Reliability reported a McDonald’s ω greater than 0.8.ConclusionThe EDIMA is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the dissemination of intimate images among adolescents from various regions of Peru.

Comparison of radiofrequency thermocoagulation of ganglion Impar with block using a combination of local anaesthetic and steroid in chronic perineal pain

Abstract Background and Aims: Chronic perineal pain (CPP) is the anorectal and perineal pain without underlying organic disease. The prevalence of CPP is 6–18%. The etiology for CPP may be idiopathic, benign, or malignant. We compared radiofrequency thermocoagulation of ganglion Impar with block using a combination of local anaesthetic and steroid for management of chronic perineal pain, with respect to pain relief, patients’ self-reported belief about the efficacy of treatment, and side effects or complications, if any. Material and Methods: Forty patients attending the Pain Management Centre of either sex in the age group of 20–70 years with history, physical examination, and pain patterns consistent with chronic perineal pain, who had been investigated to rule out malignancy and failed to respond to 6 weeks of conservative treatment with a combination of analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, neuromodulators, and physiotherapy, were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each using a computer-generated randomization number table. Group-I (n = 20): Patients were administered ganglion Impar block using a drug mixture comprising of 8 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine plus 80 mg of triamcinolone acetate under fluoroscopic guidance. Group II (n = 20): Patients received conventional radiofrequency thermocoagulation of ganglion Impar at 80 degree Celsius for 90 seconds under fluoroscopic guidance. Outcome assessment was done after minimally invasive pain and spine intervention (MIPSI) with evaluation of pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (0–10), patients’ self-reported belief about the efficacy of treatment using Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C), and side effects or complications, if any. Results: The majority of the patients in our study were in the age group of 40–50 years, and 80% of the patients were females and weighed 60–70 kg. The majority of the patients in our study had history of trauma, which led to coccygodynia. There was statistically and clinically significant improvement in pain score after ganglion Impar block in both the groups at all time intervals during the study period (P < 0.05). Patients’ self-reported belief about efficacy as per PGI-C was clinically and statistically better in group II as compared to group I at all time intervals throughout the study period (P < 0.005). Four patients in group I required second ganglion Impar block during the 12 months study period. The most common side effect was temporary pain on injection. Conclusions: Both the techniques of MIPSI, that is, fluoroscope-guided ganglion Impar block using corticosteroid and local anaesthetic and radiofrequency thermocoagulation, are effective and provide good pain relief to the symptomatic patients. With respect to improvement in pain relief and patients’ self-reported belief about the efficacy of treatment and side effects or complications, fluoroscope-guided ganglion Impar radiofrequency thermocoagulation is better as compared to fluoroscope-guided ganglion Impar block using corticosteroids and local anesthetics.

Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity as a Predictor of Diabetes Development: Elevated Risk Within Normal Range Values in a Low-Risk Population.

Recent studies have suggested that increased brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a risk factor for diabetes. Exploring its relationship with insulin resistance is of interest, necessitating further studies across different sexes and age groups. This cohort study involved 119 170 Korean adults with an average age of 39.8 years, none of whom had diabetes at baseline. As part of a health screening, baPWV measurements were taken. Over a median follow-up period of 5.6 years, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin levels, and questionnaire responses were collected. The risk of developing diabetes was evaluated using a flexible parametric proportional hazards model with data stratified by sex and age group (<40 versus ≥40 years). During the follow-up period, diabetes was diagnosed in 5966 participants (5.0%). A fully adjusted model found that the hazard ratios for diabetes onset associated with baPWV quartiles Q2 (1171.0-1270.5 cm/s), Q3 (1271.0-1376.0 cm/s), and Q4 (≥1376.5 cm/s) compared with Q1 (<1171.0 cm/s) were 1.06 (95% CI, 0.96-1.17), 1.25 (1.14-1.38), and 1.48 (1.34-1.62), respectively (P for trend <0.001). A significant sex-based interaction was noted in this association, with women showing a higher risk of diabetes development. Furthermore, higher baPWV quartiles were associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, defined as the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. These findings highlight the importance of arterial stiffness, as measured by elevated baPWV, in the development of diabetes and insulin resistance. Notably, this study highlighted a strong association, particularly among women.

Gastrointestinal Escherichia coli in men who have sex with men: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to explore any demographic, biological and behavioural characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) with diarrhoeagenic E.coli. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for manuscripts published to March 2024. One author screened manuscript abstracts; two authors independently conducted a full text review. We only included primary data on gastrointestinal E.coli in MSM. Risk of bias was assessed independently by two authors using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. This review was registered on PROSPERO(CRD42023455321). Eleven manuscripts (cross-sectional studies (n = 8), case-series (n = 1), case-control study (n = 1), longitudinal study (n = 1)) from Europe (n = 7) Australia (n = 2), USA (n = 2) including 983 MSM with gastrointestinal E.coli published between 2014-2023 were included in this review. Demographic factors (living with HIV, using HIV-PrEP, using dating apps and working as airline crew, group sex, non-regular (casual) sexual partners); behavioural factors (non-regular sexual partners, non-condom use, oro-anal sex, penile-anal sex, use of sex toys, insertive and receptive fisting, scat play); and infection factors (co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis including LGV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, hepatitis C, other enteric pathogens [Shigella spp. Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica, hepatitis A and intestinal spirochaetosis]) were observed in MSM with E. coli. Antimicrobial resistance (extended spectrum beta-lactamase and quinolone resistance) was described in MSM with E.coli. We have highlighted demographic, behavioral and infection factors observed in MSM with E.coli suggesting sexual transmissibility. These data provide insight for future clinical guidelines, public health control strategies and research.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and their association with sociodemographic factors and depression/anxiety symptoms in Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and their association with sociodemographic and psychosocial factors among 33- to 35-year-old Finnish adults in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986). Methods The sample included 1788 NFBC1986 subjects that have been clinically examined in 2018–19. TMD symptoms were inquired, and clinical TMD examinations were performed based on the Diagnostic Criteria of TMD (DC/TMD). Sociodemographic factors and depression/anxiety symptoms based on Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were inquired using questionnaire. Results The prevalence of at least one of TMD symptoms was 30.4%. Women had higher prevalence of TMD symptoms and diagnoses compared to men. Female sex, anxiety/depression symptoms and socioeconomic group associated significantly with TMD pain symptoms and pain-related diagnoses. Conclusion The most frequent TMD diagnosis was myalgia and 26.4% had at least one TMD diagnosis. Anxiety/depression symptoms were associated with TMD symptoms and pain-related diagnoses.

Human cranial vault thickness in relation to age, sex and general body build in a South Indian population

Background &amp; Objectives : During legal investigations, the forensic pathologist is often required to give an opinion regarding personal identification of the deceased. The bone that is among the most helpful for these investigations is the skull. As to my knowledge, this is the first study of its kind in this part of the world where an attempt is made to find any correlation between cranial vault thickness, age sex and general body build in a population group. Methods: Materials for the present study consists of eighty two South Indian origin victims autopsied at the mortuary of A. J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, Karnataka between November 2016 and October 2018. The victims comprised of both the genders in the age group of 18-80 years belonging to various parts of South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana &amp; Union territories of Lakshadweep &amp; Pondicherry). Results : The victims in the age group of 18-80 years belonging to various parts of South India The average stature among males was 168.69 ± 10.98 and ranged from 148cm and 192cm. There was found to be a significant correlation between the occipital thickness and the sexes. There was found to be no significant correlation between different areas of cranial vault thickness with respect to each other and also between cranial vault thickness with height, weight or general body build. Interpretation &amp; Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the utility of cranial vault thickness in identifying individuals. It also provides useful insights in the fields of calvarial bone grafting and neurosurgery

Physical fitness levels among children in northeast Italy by sex and age group: a comparison with teachers' assessments and children in other European countries.

Physical fitness is associated with health-related quality of life, especially among youth. Although schools play an important role in promoting children's physical activity, in Italy the lack of qualified physical education teachers in primary schools may be compromising children's achievement of recommended levels of physical activity. To test that possibility, we measured the physical fitness of 170 children (i.e., 79 boys and 91 girls) 6-10 years old in two schools in Cadore, Veneto, in northeast Italy, using the Physical Fitness Test, a tool developed in Norway and previously used among children there and in Lithuania. Teachers in Italy also assessed their students' physical fitness, and their rankings were correlated with the children's test results. The test battery included nine elements: a standing broad jump, hopping 7 m on both feet, hopping 7 m on one foot, throwing a tennis ball, pushing a medicine ball, climbing wall bars, a 10 × 5 m shuttle run, a 20 m run, and a 6 min Cooper test. Test scores generally increased with age and more steeply among boys than girls, and boys outperformed girls on most items. Children in Italy performed similarly to children in Norway but outperformed ones in Lithuania on nearly every item across sex and age groups. The correlation between teachers' predictions and the actual test results was rather low for boys (.538, p < .001) and even lower for girls (.360, p < .001). Data revealed similar results in physical fitness between the three countries, albeit with some differences for individual items. However, primary school teachers in Italy assessed physical fitness rather poorly, possibly due to their lack of specific academic training in physical education and thus limited perception of physical fitness compared with academically trained physical education teachers. Last, because the procedure for categorizing children by age may significantly affect the results and subsequent between-group comparisons, researchers comparing children in different age groups should report their procedures for categorizing age.

Metformin Use and Risk of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Propensity-Matched Case-Control Study.

There is literature that suggests metformin may play a protective role against the development of non-melanoma skin cancers. Given the significant burden of disease non-melanoma skin cancers represent, the possibility of a widely available and generally well-tolerated medication such as metformin as part of the prevention and treatment ladder warrants further research. This study aims to evaluate the potential of metformin in reducing the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers, specifically squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, using the All of Us research database. A retrospective case-control analysis was conducted using the All of Us database. Propensity score matching and multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of metformin on the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) while controlling for confounding variables. Our results indicate a reduced risk of non-melanoma skin cancer following exposure to metformin in individuals diagnosed with both SCC and BCC. Subgroup analyses revealed that metformin exposure was associated with a decreased risk of BCC across all sex and ethnicity groups. Metformin use was also associated with a significantly lower risk of SCC, with univariable and multivariable ORs consistently showing reduced odds. However, metformin exposure was not significantly associated with decreased SCC risk in African American patients. Our study's findings indicate a potential protective effect of metformin against skin cancer, particularly in patients with skin of color. Further prospective research is necessary to substantiate metformin's role in skin cancer chemoprevention within these populations.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(12):1089-1095. doi:10.36849/JDD.8249.

Comparison of associations between proximity to major roads and all-cause mortality across a spectrum of cardiovascular diseases.

Global urbanization is leading to increased exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), which is associated with adverse health events. While individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are known to have elevated susceptibility to air pollution exposure, no studies have evaluated how mortality risks associated with TRAP exposure differ based on the presence of CVD. We used three electronic health record-based cohorts to examine associations between proximity to major roadways and all-cause mortality. The three cohorts were a random sample of the hospital population, individuals with a prior myocardial infarction, and individuals with diagnosed heart failure (HF). We used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate associations while adjusting for age, race, sex, and census block group socioeconomic status. Residing <250 m from a major roadway was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.13 (95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.23) for individuals with HF, an HR of 1.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.96, 1.20) for those with a prior myocardial infarction, and an HR of 1.03 (95% confidence interval = 0.89, 1.20) for a random sample of hospital patients. This pattern persisted across several sensitivity analyses including alternative definitions of proximity to major roadways and matching the cohorts on demographics. These results highlight the differences in air quality-related health risks based on underlying CVD. Individuals with HF consistently had the highest environmental health risks. These results may better inform risks related to TRAP exposure in populations with differing underlying CVD.

Suicide in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic: Excess mortality in 2021 among men and adolescent girls

During the COVID-19 pandemic populations have been exposed to unprecedented and prolonged psychosocial distress that may have adversely affected mental health and suicidal behavior, especially in specific subgroups of the population. This study aims to evaluate possible excess suicide mortality in Italy during 2021 according to sex and age group. Cause-of-death data were used to analyze suicide deaths in the whole resident population in Italy aged ≥10 years. Excess suicide mortality according to sex and age group was evaluated by comparing observed deaths to expected deaths estimated using Poisson regression models fitted to 2011–2019 data, to capture pre-pandemic temporal trends. In Italy, during 2021 overall suicide mortality increased in both sexes, showing a significant excess in the male population compared to expected levels based on the pre-pandemic temporal trend. The number of male suicides was higher than expected in all age groups, with significant excesses for ages 25–34 or 65–84 years. A significantly high excess was found among females aged 10–24 years. Findings suggest monitoring the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide mortality and targeting interventions on specific age groups of both male and female populations, especially adolescent girls.

Spatial Variations in Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Concentrations in Pooled Sera from Inland, Coastal, and Island Populations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of ubiquitously detected chemicals, some of which are highly persistent and bioaccumulative in humans. Within the general population, dietary ingestion is considered a primary pathway for PFAS exposure, and seafood consumption specifically has been associated with higher serum PFAS concentrations. Proximity of residence to the ocean may influence dietary habits, particularly seafood consumption, and exposure to geographically specific PFAS sources such as sea spray aerosols (SSA). The objective of this study was to evaluate potential spatial trends in serum PFAS concentrations between Australian coastal and island populations compared to those with inland residency. Human sera were obtained from deidentified surplus pathology samples and pooled with respect to geographical location, sex (male or female), and age group (males: ≥15-<45 years, ≥45 years; females: ≥15-<45 years, ≥45-<60 years, ≥60 years) stratification criteria. Serum samples were then analysed for PFAS using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HP LC-MS). A total of 13 of the 45 targeted PFAS were quantifiable in at least one pooled sample, including the detection of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) replacement compounds 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (5:3 FTCA) and potassium 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate (9Cl-F53B). Significant spatial trends were observed in males aged ≥45 years, with serum concentrations of PFOS, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) demonstrated to be 32-77% higher in pooled samples from island locations compared with inland. A similar trend was observed for PFHpS in coastal locations. Whilst deidentification of samples limited inferences about exposure pathways associated with the observed trends, this study indicated the feasibility of utilising pooled samples for assessing spatial variations in serum PFAS concentrations between geographically distinct subpopulations.

Clinical study of different interventional treatments for primary hepatocellular carcinoma based on propensity-score matching

BACKGROUND Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the main treatment for patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) who miss the opportunity to undergo surgery. Conventional TACE (c-TACE) uses iodized oil as an embolic agent, which is easily washed by blood and affects its efficacy. Drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE) can sustainably release chemotherapeutic drugs and has a long embolization time. However, the clinical characteristics of patients before the two types of interventional therapies may differ, possibly affecting the conclusion. Only a few studies have compared these two interventions using propensity-score matching (PSM). AIM To analyze the clinical effects of DEB-TACE and c-TACE on patients with PHC based on PSM. METHODS Patients with PHC admitted to Dangyang People’s Hospital (March 2020 to March 2024) were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into groups A (DEB-TACE, n = 125) and B (c-TACE, n = 106). Sex, age, Child-Pugh grade, tumor-node-metastasis stage, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score were selected for 1:1 PSM. Eighty-six patients each were included post-matching. Clinical efficacy, liver function indices (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and albumin), tumor serum markers, and adverse reactions were compared between the groups. RESULTS The objective response and disease control rates were significantly higher in group A (80.23% and 97.67%, respectively) than in group B (60.47% and 87.21%, respectively) (P &lt; 0.05). Post-treatment levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were lower in group A than in group B (P &lt; 0.05), whereas post-treatment levels of albumin in group A were comparable to those in group B (P &gt; 0.05). Post-treatment levels of tumor serum markers were significantly lower in group A than in group B (P &lt; 0.05). Patients in groups A and B had mild-to-moderate fever and vomiting symptoms, which improved with conservative treatment. The total incidence of adverse reactions was significantly higher in group B (22.09%) than in group A (6.97%) (P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION DEB-TACE has obvious therapeutic effects on patients with PHC. It can improve liver function indices and tumor markers of patients without increasing the rate of liver toxicity or adverse reactions.

Death anxiety scale (DAS): internal structure and factorial invariance in Peruvian adults.

Studies have this reported the presence of death anxiety, ranging from near-death experiences to physically ill people, to a simple thought about death, as well as when it is associated with states of loneliness. The Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), based on Eysenk's incubation theory, has been adapted and validated in different contexts and is still insufficient in countries such as Peru. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the DAS, its internal structure, and factorial invariance. An online scale was used in 1248 Peruvians aged between 18 and 70 years (M= 27.37, SD= 11.29) from all regions. DAS was validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, measurement invariance, and internal consistency (reliability). Psychometric properties were found with adequate values in its structure and validity based on the internal structure through exploratory factor analysis, where it was found that the components of the scale are interrelated and the data matrix is factorizable. model of three specific factors and a general factor is presented, which is consistent with the theory and has practical utility, revealing adequate statistical values that reflect acceptable levels of reliability. Finally, there was fairness according to sex and age group of the scale by means of factorial invariance analysis. Our results indicate adequate psychometric properties and facilitate a better data collection process for future research.

Thelazia leesei Railliet & Henry, 1910 (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) of dromedary camel Camelus dromedarius: further morphological description, molecular characterization, and epidemiology in Iran

BackgroundIn camels, thelaziosis is mainly caused by Thelazia leesei Railliet & Henry, 1910, a little-known eyeworm species. Given the paucity of scientific data, this study aimed to provide new insights into the morphology, molecular characterization, and phylogenetic relationship of T. leesei and its occurrence in camels from Iran, where animals suffer from the high burden of eyeworms.MethodsFrom December 2020 to November 2022, slaughtered camels (n = 400) of different sex and age groups were examined in Sistan-va-Baluchestan province in Southeast Iran’s local abattoirs. Adult eyeworms were fixed and stored for morphological identification by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products corresponding to the partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) of eyeworms were Sanger sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically.ResultsA total of 118 (29.5%) camels from all five counties examined were infected with eyeworms, with an abundance of 0.9 and a mean intensity of 3.2 (i.e., up to 18 worms from a single animal). The infection rate was higher in camels older than 4 years of age (P = 0.01901). Lachrymation was associated with infection in animals (P < 0.00001). The morphology of our specimens resembled that of T. leesei, with the exception of the position of the nerve ring and esophagus length. Genetic analysis showed that the cox1 partial sequences of our T. leesei specimens had genetic distances of 8.8% to 13.5% compared with other Thelazia species.ConclusionsOn the basis of the morphometrics and morphological characteristics, we identified our specimens as T. leesei. In the phylogenetic tree, T. leesei herein isolated formed a monophyletic group together with its congeners, and T. leesei formed a sister clade to T. lacrymalis. In addition, we demonstrated the epidemiology of the infestation of T. leesei in camels in the endemic areas of southeastern Iran. The data presented are crucial for better understanding the pathogenic role of T. leesei and developing effective treatment strategies. In particular, studies on the intermediate host(s) of T. leesei in these regions will support effective control strategies for this parasitosis.Graphical

Impact of Sport and Physical Activity on Urinary Incontinence: Does Exercise Act as a Protective Factor or Increase Risk?

Introduction: Urinary incontinence is a health problem which affects women more often. The condition manifests itself as uncontrolled urine leakage. A basic distinction is made between stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Physical activity is commonly used in the treatment of UI. Interestingly, numerous studies show that athletes and especially female athletes are more likely to develop UI. In this study, we will try to answer the question of whether sport and physical activity have a protective effect or are a risk factor for the development of UI. In this review, we will focus on sports and physical activity that does not directly target pelvic floor muscle training.Aim of the study: A review of the literature on the impact of sport and physical activity on the prevalence of urinary incontinence in both sexes in different age groups and different health and fitness statusesMaterials and methods: A review of the recent literature available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted, using keywords such as ‘urinary incontinence’, ‘stress urinary incontinence’, ‘prostatectomy”. This review was enriched by urological guidelines on urinary incontinence.Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is a common ailment, especially among women. Particularly at risk are those who participate in high-intensity sports and do prolonged training, performing exercises such as jumping and sprinting. On the other hand, limited physical mobility is also a risk factor for incontinence. Keeping active in seniors can reduce symptoms. Exercises with positive effects include Pilates, which has very good efficacy in men after total prostatectomy surgery. Physical activity may also help to reduce body weight, as obesity is a recognised risk factor for urinary incontinence. Further research into the therapeutic use of exercises such as yoga and Pilates is warranted and may help treat patients with incontinence.

A Fundamental Movement Skill Test for Preschool Children With and Without Overweight: The SALTO Test Battery.

This study aimed to evaluate a 3-factor model of fundamental movement skills in preschool children, incorporating both process- and product-oriented assessment methods, and to test the model's invariance across subgroups of age, body weight and sex. The SALTO test battery was administered to 736 preschool children aged 3-6years. A single-indicator multitrait-multimethod model was specified with Locomotion, Object Manipulation, and Balance as latent factors and a latent method factor to address the multimethod design. Measurement invariance was tested across subgroups using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. The 3-factor model yielded good fit indices, confirming the construct validity of the SALzburg Together against Obesity test battery. Strong measurement invariance was found across body mass index groups, whereas partial invariance was observed across age and sex groups. Older children outperformed younger ones in all skill domains, children with overweight had lower skills in Balance and Locomotion, and sex differences were found in Object Manipulation and Balance. The SALTO test battery is a structurally valid tool for evaluating and comparing fundamental movement skills in preschool children across age, weight status, and sex. The findings underscore the importance of considering these factors when designing interventions to enhance fundamental movement skills in early childhood.

Economic costs attributable to modifiable risk factors: an analysis of 24 million urban residents in China

BackgroundEstimating the economic burden of modifiable risk factors is crucial for allocating scarce healthcare resources to improve population health. We quantified the economic burden attributable to modifiable risk factors in an urban area of China.MethodsOur Shanghai Municipal Health Commission dataset covered 2.2 million inpatient admissions for adults (age ≥ 20) in public and private hospitals in 2015 (1,327,187 admissions) and 2020 (837,482 admissions). We used a prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach by applying population attributable fraction (PAF) estimates for each modifiable risk factor from the Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) to estimate attributable costs. We adopted a societal perspective for cost estimates, comprising direct healthcare costs and productivity losses from absenteeism and premature mortality. Future costs were discounted at 3% and adjusted to 2020 prices.ResultsIn 2020, the total societal cost attributable to modifiable risk factors in Shanghai was US$7.9 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 4.6–12.4b), mostly from productivity losses (67.9%). Two health conditions constituted most of the attributable societal cost: cancer (51.6% [30.2–60.2]) and cardiovascular disease (31.2% [24.6–50.7]). Three modifiable risk factors accounted for half of the total attributable societal cost: tobacco (23.7% [16.4–30.5]), alcohol (13.3% [8.2–19.7]), and dietary risks (12.2% [7.5–17.7]). The economic burden varied by age and sex; most of the societal costs were from males (77.7%), primarily driven by their tobacco and alcohol use. The largest contributor to societal costs was alcohol for age 20–44, and tobacco for age 45 + . Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the pattern of major modifiable risk factors remained stable from 2015 to 2020 albeit with notable increases in attributable healthcare costs from cancers and productivity losses from cardiovascular diseases.ConclusionsThe substantial economic burden of diseases attributable to modifiable risk factors necessitates targeted policy interventions. Priority areas are reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption and improving dietary habits that together constitute half of the total attributable costs. Tailored interventions targeting specific age and sex groups are crucial; namely tobacco in middle-aged/older males and alcohol in younger males.