Related Health Problems Research Articles

P021 PROPORTION AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF HYPERTENSION PATIENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN COLOMBIA, 2019-2023

Background and Objectives: A substantial underreporting of hypertension data in Colombia has been documented, with a lack of recent updates. Access to updated data is crucial for planning effective public health interventions in our country. We aimed to determine both the proportion and the geographic distribution of patients with hypertension in Colombia, along with their associated demographic and regional factors Methods: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study. Data on the frequency and geographic distribution of individuals diagnosed with hypertension from 2019 to 2023 were collected, along with sociodemographic characteristics like age, gender, and socioeconomic status. These data were extracted from the SISPRO platform based on diagnoses coded according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). Results: During the study period, we identified a hypertension prevalence of 12.86% (6,719,193 individuals) across Colombia. Regionally, Bogotá D.C. and Antioquia reported the highest proportion of hypertension—19.21% (1,290,882 people) and 16.15% (1,085,420 people), respectively. Conversely, the lowest rates were found in Vaupés (0.01%, corresponding to 960 people) and Guainía (0.02%, corresponding to 1,592 people). The prevalence was significantly higher in females (60,80%) compared to males (39,20%). Additionally, the highest prevalence was found among individuals aged 55 to 74, accounting for 69,67% of cases. The highest frequency of diagnosis was noted in the contributory regime (68.95%), with the lowest in displaced persons, irrespective of their insurance status (0.33%). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension is notably higher in Colombia's major urban centers, while significantly lower in remote regions and among vulnerable populations, suggesting significant underreporting. This underreporting likely results in untreated conditions and increased future health complications. It is imperative to develop strategies to enhance the recording and diagnosis of hypertension in Colombia, particularly in remote and vulnerable groups.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+) in Chinese Bereaved People.

The Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+) measures the most recent prolonged grief disorder (PGD) symptom sets defined in the 11th edition of the International Statistical of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) and the text revision of the fifth edition of the Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). However, the TGI-SR+ has not yet been translated and validated in Chinese. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese translation of the TGI-SR+. We examined the Chinese TGI-SR+'s factor structure, internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, known-groups validity, and optimal clinical cut-off scores in 443 Chinese bereaved adults. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the two-factor models showed the best fit for the Chinese TGI-SR+ items assessing ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR prolonged grief symptoms. Items assessing ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR prolonged grief symptoms demonstrated good internal consistency. Associations of TGI-SR+ scores with symptom levels of prolonged grief (assessed by the International Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale), posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression supported convergent and discriminant validity. Associations with background/loss-related variables provided evidence for known-groups validity. Cut-off points for probable ICD-11 PGD (liberal scoring rule), probable ICD-11 PGD (conservative scoring rule), and probable DSM-5-TR PGD were ≥67, ≥75, and ≥68, respectively. The Chinese TGI-SR+ appears to be a reliable and valid measure to assess prolonged grief symptoms per ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR among Chinese bereaved adults.

Narrative Review on the Factors Affecting Fast Food Consumption among Adults

As a result of increasing industrialisation in various countries and the change in their populations' eating patterns, residents may be shifting from a low-calorie diet to one with a high energy density. People tend to consume fewer fruits and vegetables and instead, they opt for more refined carbs, animal protein, processed meat, and fast food. This highlights how, as globalisation progresses, people are rapidly losing their cultural identities concerning traditional healthy foods and local produce. Fast food intake and lifestyle changes have contributed significantly to the increase in the prevalence of food-related chronic diseases. Adults suffering from diet-related difficulties, particularly chronic illness, have become the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries. Adults' fast food consumption is influenced by factors such as chronological age, gender, socioeconomic level, food availability and accessibility, BMI, physical activity, and nutrition knowledge. This review focuses on aspects that influence people's fast food eating habits, providing insights into how health-related problems associated with fast food consumption can be curbed.

Managing Change in Healthcare Systems Policy and Healthcare Service Delivery System in India

Health is not just the absence of disease; it is a state of total physical, mental, and social well-being." The purposeful arrangement of individuals, organizations, and resources that provides healthcare services to the target population in need is known as the healthcare system. Around the world, there are as many different types of healthcare systems as there are civilizations, cultures, societies, and histories. This implies that a country must create its own healthcare system based on its requirements and available resources. An examination of the Indian health sector reveals the labour, difficulties, supply, demand, and necessary future research. In addition to the excellent work that is readily apparent, there are other areas that require development and attention. It is imperative that research of this kind be conducted to address the uncharted territory. The goal of this study is to examine potential workable remedies for the health-related problems. Additionally, the study attempts to solve the issues and create some framework for the health care system.

First-Generation Antihistamines and Seizures in Young Children

The widespread use of antihistamines in children for treatment of common cold symptoms and their central nervous system effects, like drowsiness, underscore the importance of being aware of the associated risks. To assess associations between prescriptions of first-generation antihistamines and seizures in children using a comprehensive and nationwide dataset. This cohort study used a self-controlled case-crossover design. Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Service database in Korea. Children born between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2005, who visited the emergency department for seizure events (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, codes R56.8, G40, and G41) during the follow-up period were included. Follow-up was completed on December 31, 2019, and data were analyzed from June 3, 2023, to January 30, 2024. First-generation antihistamine prescription. Primary outcome consisted of an index seizure event. Odds ratios (ORs) for seizure events were estimated using a conditional logistic regression model, comparing first-generation antihistamine prescription 1 to 15 days before seizure (hazard period) against control period 1 (31-45 days before the event) and control period 2 (61-75 days before the event) using the same period windows. Stratified analyses were conducted to examine the association with individual participant characteristics. Of 11 729 children who had a seizure event, 3178 (1776 [55.9%] boys) were identified as having been prescribed antihistamines during the hazard or the control period, but not both. Seizure events were predominantly observed in children aged 6 to 24 months (985 [31.0%]) and 25 months to 6 years (1445 [45.5%]). During the hazard period, 1476 first-generation antihistamine prescriptions were recorded, in contrast to 1239 and 1278 prescriptions during control periods 1 and 2, respectively. After multiple confounder adjustments, first-generation antihistamine prescription was associated with an increased seizure event risk during the hazard period (adjusted OR [AOR], 1.22 [95% CI, 1.13-1.31]). Stratified subgroup analyses showed consistent results, particularly in children aged 6 to 24 months who were prescribed first-generation antihistamines having a higher risk (AOR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.31-1.70]) than children aged 25 months to 6 years (AOR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.00-1.24]; P = .04 for interaction). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses, including adjustment for exposure window periods, evaluation of new first-generation antihistamine prescriptions, comparison of control points from the same period 1 year prior, and exclusion of individuals using combination drugs, confirmed a similarly high risk. In this cohort study, prescriptions for first-generation antihistamines were associated with a 22.0% higher seizure risk in children, especially in those aged 6 to 24 months. These findings emphasize the need for careful and judicious prescription of first-generation antihistamines in young children and underline the need for further research to elucidate associations between antihistamine prescriptions and seizure risk.

Paid Family Leave and Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infections in Young Infants

Acute respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in US children, with highest risks in the first 2 months after birth. Out-of-home childcare settings increase the spread of respiratory tract infections. The study team hypothesized that access to state-paid family leave could reduce acute care encounters (hospital admissions or emergency department visits) for respiratory tract infections in young infants by reducing out-of-home childcare transmissions. To determine if the 2018 introduction of paid family leave in New York state reduced acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in infants 8 weeks or younger. This population-based study of acute care encounters took place in New York state and New England control states (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont) from October 2015 through February 2020. Participants included infants aged 8 weeks or younger. Controlled time series analysis using Poisson regression was used to estimate the impact of paid family leave on acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections, comparing observed counts during respiratory virus season (October through March) with those predicted in the absence of the policy. Acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in 1-year-olds (who would not be expected to benefit as directly from the policy) were modeled as a placebo test. New York State Paid Family Leave policy, introduced on January 1, 2018, providing 8 weeks of paid leave for eligible parents. Emergency department visits or hospitalizations with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD) codes for upper or lower respiratory tract infections or associated symptoms (ie, fever, cough), excluding newborn hospitalizations. The secondary outcome was acute care encounters for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. There were 52 943 acute care encounters for respiratory infection among infants 8 weeks or younger. There were 15 932 encounters that were hospitalizations (30%) and 33 304 of the encounters were paid for by Medicaid (63%). Encounters were 18% lower than predicted (relative percentage change = -17.9; 95% CI, -20.3 to -15.7) after the introduction of paid family leave. RSV encounters were 27.0% lower (95% CI, -30.9 to -23.5) than predicted. Similar reductions were not observed in 1-year-olds (relative percentage change = -1.5; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.6). New York state's paid family leave policy was associated with reduced acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in young infants. These findings may be useful for informing implementation of paid family leave federally and in the states that have not enacted paid family leave policies.

Trends in the burden of hospitalised patients with cirrhosis in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study of cirrhosis-related hospitalisations between 1998 and 2020

ObjectiveLiver cirrhosis is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with a heavy load on healthcare systems. We analysed the trends in hospitalisations for cirrhosis in Switzerland.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingLarge nationwide...

Reformatted Crosswalk-Tables Between Annual ICD-10-Versions for Cross Version Data Analysis.

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10) is internationally used for coding diagnoses, with the ICD-10 German Modification (GM) being prescribed for morbidity coding in Germany. ICD-10-GM is subject to annual revisions. This can lead to backward compatibility issues leading to undesirable consequences for cross-version data analysis. A study of annual crosswalk-tables concerning 21 ICD-10-GM versions showed that the ratio of difficult transitions from an older to a newer version (0.89 %) and vice versa (0.48 %) is not particularly significant but should nevertheless not be neglected. In this paper we present two solutions (Neo4J database and FHIR ConceptMaps) for the automated handling of different ICD-10-GM versions.

Efficacy of Real-Time Feedback Exercise Therapy in Patients Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: Protocol for a Pilot Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is an increasing functional and health-related problem. The most common surgical treatment is hip replacement to reduce pain and improve function. Rehabilitation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not regulated in Austria and mostly depends on the patient's own initiative and possibilities. Functional deficits, such as valgus thrust of the leg, functional Trendelenburg gait, or Duchenne limp, are characteristic symptoms before and, due to the performance learning effect prior to surgery, also after the operation. Addressing these deficits is possible through neuromuscular-focused exercise therapy. The efficacy of such therapy relies significantly on the quality of performance, the frequency of exercise, and the duration of engagement. Enhancing sustainability is achievable through increased motivation and real-time feedback (RTF) on exercise execution facilitated by digital feedback systems. This study will be performed to quantify the medium-term effectiveness of digital home exercise feedback systems on functional performance following THA. A clinical trial with a cluster-randomized, 2-arm, parallel-group design with an 8-week intervention phase and subsequent follow-ups at 3 and 6 months postsurgery will be conducted. Feedback during exercising will be provided through a blended-care program, combining a supervised group exercise program with a self-developed digital feedback system for home exercise. In total, 70 patients will be recruited for baseline. The primary outcome parameters will be the frontal knee range of motion, pelvic obliquity, and lateral trunk lean. Secondary outcomes will be the sum scores of patient-reported outcomes and relevant kinematic, kinetic, and spatiotemporal parameters. The trial started in January 2024, and the first results are anticipated to be published by June 2025. RTF-supported home exercise is expected to improve exercise execution quality and therapeutic adherence compared to using paper instructions for excise guidance. The anticipated findings of this study aim to offer new insights into the effect of a blended-care program incorporating digital RTF on exercise therapy after unilateral THA, in addition to knowledge on the functional status 3 and 6 months postsurgery, for further improvement in the development of rehabilitation guidelines following THA. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06161194; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06161194. PRR1-10.2196/59755.

Characterization of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Cohort With Photophobia From the Defense and Veterans Eye Injury and Vision Registry.

Photophobia is a common visual symptom following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which can adversely affect the military readiness and performance of service members (SMs). We employed the Defense and Veterans Eye Injury and Vision Registry (DVEIVR) to identify and describe a cohort of SMs diagnosed with photophobia post-mTBI. The objective of this study was to characterize comorbid conditions and symptoms in an mTBI cohort with photophobia, to assess their co-occurrence, to describe the persistence of photophobia, and to assess the effectiveness of utilization of currently available International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) codes in reporting photophobia in this cohort. The DVEIVR database was searched to identify a cohort of SMs experiencing photophobia after mTBI. Photophobia and other potentially related conditions and symptoms, both coded and descriptive, which were abstracted directly from the medical records of SMs, were found within DVEIVR. The presence of the conditions and symptoms comorbid with photophobia was characterized on both patient and encounter levels. Analysis of co-occurrence of photophobia with these conditions or symptoms was performed on the encounter level using co-occur package in the statistical program R. Persistence of photophobia up to 1 year since the injury was assessed. The utilization of currently available ICD codes for photophobia was analyzed. A total of 639 SMs exhibiting photophobia after mTBI were identified in DVEIVR. Headaches, including migraines, were the most frequently experienced comorbidity affecting 92% of the SMs in the cohort. The second most frequent complaint was dizziness and/or vertigo (53%) followed by nausea (42%), blurry vision (31%), and irritation and discomfort in the eye (17%). In all, 20% of encounters with photophobia had a complaint of headaches, followed by 8.3% of photophobia encounters co-occurring with dizziness and vertigo, 5.7%-with nausea, 4.5%-with blurred vision, and 2.1%-with subjective sensations in the eye. All comorbidities co-occurred with photophobia at probabilities higher than by chance alone. The percentage of mTBI SMs experiencing photophobia declined to 20% at 30 days after the injury, 17% at 3 months, 12% at 6 months, and 7% at 12 months post-injury, respectively. The use of currently available ICD codes for photophobia was very low-only 27.1% of the cohort had at least 1 ICD code recorded in their medical records. The results of this study support the idea that there is a strong relationship between photophobia and headache after an mTBI. Additional research is warranted to better understand this relationship and its causes so that clinical management improves. The results of this study show a precipitous decline in the numbers of cases of photophobia after mTBI over the first 30 days and a longer-term persistence up to a year in a minority of cases, which is consistent with other research in this field. Various ICD codes, which are currently used to code for photophobia, along with other vision conditions, were not widely used to document photophobia symptoms. It is important to adopt a dedicated ICD code for photophobia to improve the surveillance, data collection, and analysis of this condition.

Clavicle Shaft Non-Unions-Do We Even Need Bone Grafts?

Background: The surgical treatment of bony non-unions is traditionally performed with additional bone grafts when atrophic and/or stronger implants when hypertrophic. In the case of the clavicle shaft, however, in our experience, a more controversial method where no additional bone graft is needed leads to equally good consolidation rates, independent of the non-union morphology. This method requires the meticulous anatomical reconstruction of the initial fracture and fixation according to the AO principle of relative stability. Methods: A retrospective review following the STROBE guidelines was performed on a consecutive cohort of all patients who received surgical treatment of a midshaft clavicle non-union at the Medical Center of the University of Freiburg between January 2003 and December 2023. Patients were identified using a retrospective systematical query in the Hospital Information System (HIS) using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems Version 10 (ICD-10) codes of the German Diagnosis Related Groups (G-DRG). Two groups were formed to compare the consolidation rates of patients who received additional bone grafting from the iliac crest with those of patients who did not. A 3.5 mm reconstruction LCP plate was used in all patients. Consolidation rates were evaluated using follow-up radiographs and outcomes after material removal with a mean follow-up of 31.5 ± 44.3 months (range 0-196). Results: Final data included 50 patients, predominantly male (29:21); age: 46.0 ± 13.0 years, BMI 26.1 ± 3.7. Autologous bone grafts from the iliac crest were used in 38.0% (n = 19), while no bone addition was used in 62.0% (n = 30). Six patients were lost to follow-up. Radiological consolidation was documented after a mean of 15.1 ± 8.0 months for the remaining 44 patients. Consolidation rates were 94.4% (n = 17) in patients for whom additional bone grafting was used and 96.2% (n = 25) in patients for whom no graft was used. There was no relevant difference in the percentage of atrophic or hypertrophic non-unions between both groups (p = 0.2425). Differences between groups in the rate of consolidation were not significant (p = 0.7890). The complication rate was low, with 4.5% (n = 2). Conclusions: Independent of the non-union morphology, non-unions of the clavicle midshaft can be treated successfully with 3.5 mm locking reconstruction plates without the use of additional bone grafting in most cases.

Aspirin and Ticagrelor Versus Aspirin and Clopidogrel or Prasugrel and the Effect on Staphylococcal-associated Infections: A Real-world Study

Antiplatelet therapy is used for the primary and secondary prevention of thrombotic diseases such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). These patients are more vulnerable to infections, as such, strategies are required to mitigate these risks. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX, a global federated health research network that includes both inpatient and outpatient electronic medical records from health care organizations worldwide. Patients ≥18 years old, after ACS, who were placed on aspirin and ticagrelor were compared with patients placed on aspirin and clopidogrel or prasugrel. Patients were identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems terminology codes. After propensity score matching (1:1), a total of 239,358 patients were identified in each cohort. The primary outcomes of interest investigated were rates of (1) acute and subacute infective endocarditis, (2) sepsis of unknown origin, (3) staphylococcus arthritis, (4) cellulitis and acute lymphangitis, (5) Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, and (6) staphylococcal pneumonia after initiation of treatment. Outcomes were analyzed at 1, 3, and 5 years. At 5 years, a combination of aspirin and ticagrelor, compared with a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel or prasugrel, was associated with significantly reduced rates of (1) acute and subacute endocarditis (hazard ratio [HR] plus 95% CI) (HR = 0.85; 0.77-0.945; P = 0.030), (2) sepsis of unknown origin (HR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.91; P < 0.0001), (3) cellulitis and acute lymphangitis (HR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87-0.92; P < 0.0001, and (4) Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (HR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.61-0.85; P = 0.0007). However, a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel was associated with a marinally lower risk of staphylococcal pneumonia (HR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.062; P < 0.0001). A combination of aspirin and ticagrelor is associated with a lower rate of a variety of bacterial infections. This combination warrants further investigation in in-vitro studies to tease out mechanisms and through clinical randomized trials in groups who have ACS and are at high infection risk.

Exploring the Germline Genetics of In Situ and Invasive Cutaneous Melanoma

It is unknown whether germline genetic factors influence in situ melanoma risk differently than invasive melanoma risk. To determine whether differences in risk of in situ melanoma and invasive melanoma are heritable. Three genome-wide association study meta-analyses were conducted of in situ melanoma vs controls, invasive melanoma vs controls, and in situ vs invasive melanoma (case-case) using 4 population-based genetic cohorts: the UK Biobank, the FinnGen cohort, the QSkin Sun and Health Study, and the Queensland Study of Melanoma: Environmental and Genetic Associations (Q-MEGA). Melanoma status was determined using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes from cancer registry data. Data were collected from 1987 to 2022, and data were analyzed from September 2022 to June 2023. In situ and invasive cutaneous melanoma. To test whether in situ and invasive melanoma have independent heritable components, genetic effect estimates were calculated for single-nucleotide variants (SNV; formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms) throughout the genome for each melanoma. Then, SNV-based heritability was estimated, the genetic correlation between melanoma subtypes was assessed, and polygenic risk scores (PRS) were generated for in situ vs invasive status in Q-MEGA participants. A total of 6 genome-wide significant loci associated with in situ melanoma and 18 loci with invasive melanoma were identified. A strong genetic correlation (genetic r = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.76-1.15) was observed between the 2 classifications. Notably, loci near IRF4, KLF4, and HULC had significantly larger effects for in situ melanoma compared with invasive melanoma, while MC1R had a significantly larger effect on invasive melanoma compared with in situ melanoma. Heritability estimates were consistent for both, with in situ melanoma heritability of 6.7% (95% CI, 4.1-9.3) and invasive melanoma heritability of 4.9% (95% CI, 2.8-7.2). Finally, a PRS, derived from comparing invasive melanoma with in situ melanoma genetic risk, was on average significantly higher in participants with invasive melanoma (odds ratio per 1-SD increase in PRS, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.16-1.77). There is much shared genetic architecture between in situ melanoma and invasive melanoma. Despite indistinguishable heritability estimates between the melanoma classifications, PRS suggest germline genetics may influence whether a person gets in situ melanoma or invasive melanoma. PRS could potentially help stratify populations based on invasive melanoma risk, informing future screening programs without exacerbating the current burden of melanoma overdiagnosis.

A standard set of outcome measures for the comprehensive assessment of oral health and occlusion in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta

BackgroundOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders of varying severity characterized by bone fragility. The primary objective of this international multidisciplinary collaboration initiative was to reach a consensus for a standardized set of clinician and patient-reported outcome measures, as well as associated measuring instruments for dental care of individuals with OI, based on the aspects considered important by both experts and patients. This project is a subsequent to the Key4OI project initiated by the Care4BrittleBones foundation which aims to develop a standard set of outcome measures covering a large domain of factors affecting quality of life for people with OI. An international team of experts comprising orthodontists, pediatric dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and prosthetic dentists used a modified Delphi consensus process to select clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to evaluate oral health in individuals with OI. Important domains were identified through a literature review and by professional expertise (both CROMs and PROMs). In three focus groups of individuals with OI, important and relevant issues regarding dental health were identified. The input from the focus groups was used as the basis for the final set of outcome measures: the selected issues were attributed to relevant CROMs and, when appropriate, matched with validated questionnaires to establish the final PROMs which represented best the specific oral health-related concerns of individuals with OI.ResultsConsensus was reached on selected CROMs and PROMs for a standard set of outcome measures and measuring instruments of oral health in individuals with OI.ConclusionsOur project resulted in consensus statements for standardization oral health PROMs and CROMs in individuals with OI. This outcome set can improve the standard of care by incorporating recommendations of professionals involved in dental care of individuals with OI. Further, it can facilitate research and international research co-operation. In addition, the significant contribution of the focus groups highlights the relevance of dental and oral health-related problems of individuals with OI.

A Review on in-vivo and in-vitro Models of Obesity and Obesity-Associated Co-Morbidities.

Obesity is becoming a global pandemic with pandemic proportions. According to the WHO estimates, there were over 1.9 billion overweight individuals and over 650 million obese adults in the globe in 2016. In recent years, scientists have encountered difficulties in choosing acceptable animal models, leading to a multitude of contradicting aspects and incorrect outcomes. This review comprehensively evaluates different screening models of obesity and obesity-associated comorbidities to reveal the advantages and disadvantages/limitations of each model while also mentioning the time duration each model requires to induce obesity. For this review, the authors have gone through a vast number of article sources from different scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Medline, and PubMed. In-vivo models used to represent a variety of obesity-inducing processes, such as diet-induced, drug-induced, surgical, chemical, stress-induced, and genetic models, are discussed. Animal cell models are examined with an emphasis on their use in understanding the molecular causes of obesity, for which we discussed in depth the important cell lines, including 3T3-L1, OP9, 3T3-F442A, and C3H10T1/2. Screening models of obesity-associated co-morbidities like diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) were discussed, which provided light on the complex interactions between obesity and numerous health problems. Mimicking obesity in an animal model reflects multifactorial aspects is a matter of challenge. Future studies could address the ethical issues surrounding the use of animals in obesity research as well as investigate newly developed models, such as non-mammalian models. In conclusion, improving our knowledge and management of obesity and related health problems will require ongoing assessment and improvement of study models.

Dysphagia, Voice Problems and Health Related Quality of Life Among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can cause significant side effects like dysphagia, voice problems which can affect health related quality of life (HRQOL). Examining quality of life among these patients are helpful in streamlining cancer treatment protocols. The present study aimed to find out the relationship between dysphagia, voice problems, and HRQOL among HNC survivors. Methods: A convenient sampling technique was adopted to recruit 110 HNC survivors. Data was collected using Eating Assessment Tool (EAT), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core Version 3 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and head and neck specific module of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H &amp;N 35). Results: Majority of the HNC survivors (85.5%) had dysphagia, and 50% of them reported severe voice problems. The overall QOL mean (SD) score was high in cognitive functioning 80.76 (22.19) and role functioning 80.30 (25.54) of the functional domain. While considering symptom scale highest mean score was reported for pain 42.42 (25.01), fatigue 42.22 (23.82) and financial difficulties 41.21 (28.56). There was a mild positive correlation between dysphagia and voice problem (r=0.202), dysphagia and health related global health (r=0.248) and voice problem and global health (r=0.280). Conclusion: Dysphagia and voice problems were common among HNC survivors and it has great impact on their HRQOL. Therefore, it is important to initiate various measures to increase awareness for prevention and early management of these symptoms and improvement of HRQOL of HNC survivors.

Evaluation of Psychological Stress and its Association with Glycosylated Hemoglobin and C-reactive Protein in Physicians

Throughout the world physicians face stress because of time pressures, workload, multiple roles and emotional issues. As a result, they are prone to develop psychological stress and related health problems. Evaluation of the psychological stress and its association with glycosylated hemoglobin and CRP level in physicians. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December, 2022 among70 apparently healthy physicians working in Dhaka Medical college Hospital. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) was used to evaluate the stress level. Stress was categorized by the scores from GHQ-12. Score ‘≥4’denoted psychiatric morbidity. The study parameters were stress score, HbA1C and CRP. Chi-square test, ANOVA followed by post hoc Bonferroni test, Pearson’s correlation test was performed as applicable. Results were presented as mean and standard deviation (mean ± SD). Among all study subjects 10% participants had no stress, 27.1% participants had low stress and 62.9% participants had psychiatric morbidity. The mean ±SD of HbA1C of male and female physicians were 5.20±0.63 and 5.31±0.63 respectively. The mean ±SD of CRP in male and female physicians were 3.89±4.97 and 3.15±3.47 respectively. High stress score showed positive correlation with increased level of glycosylated hemoglobin. In male physicians CRP level showed negligible negative correlation with high stress but it showed positive correlation in female physicians. In male physicians none of the study parameters had statistically significant relationship with stress. In female physicians, high stress score was statistically significant relationship with increased HbA1C. This study implies that high stress level influences the increase of glycosylated hemoglobin in all physicians. Female subjects were more affected by high stress than males. CRP level had non-significant alteration with high stress score in both genders.

The association of different types of human milk with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants.

To evaluate the association between different types of human milk feeds and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Data on dispensed mother's own milk (MOM) and donor human milk (DHM) from Leipzig Milk Bank for hospitalized infants with a gestational age (GA) ≤32 weeks observed from birth to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age or prior discharge were used. BPD was assessed based on documented International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) diagnosis and on electronic hospital records (EHR) of data on ventilation and oxygen supplementation. Associations of dispensed milk feed variations with BPD were investigated using logistic regressions in crude and adjusted models. 866 infants were included with a BPD prevalence of 15.4% (EHR) and 23.2% (ICD). The mean GA was 29.1 weeks. The majority (84.4%, n = 746) of infants were nurtured with a mix of MOM, DHM supplemented by formula or parenteral (other) nutrition during hospitalization. For which, MOM comprised the highest median [Q1-Q3] percentage proportion (53[31-81] %) of this mix. Exclusive fresh milk and exclusive MOM feeds were dispensed on a mean of 40 and 34% patient-days, respectively. Statistically significant associations with lower BPD incidence were only observed for 70-80% MOM vs. DHM, and 60% fresh vs. frozen milk, in crude and adjusted models. Our findings suggest a protective association of MOM and fresh milk with lower odds of BPD, which may be dependent on the proportion of MOM or fresh milk administered. These results highlight the importance of MOM as an ideal source of nutrition during early infancy.

A New Era for PET/CT: Applications in Non-Tumorous Renal Pathologies.

Non-tumorous kidney diseases include a variety of conditions affecting both the structure and function of the kidneys, thereby causing a range of health-related problems. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has emerged as a potential diagnostic tool, offering a multifaceted approach to evaluating non-tumorous kidney diseases. Its clinical significance extends beyond its conventional role in cancer imaging, enabling a comprehensive assessment of renal structure and function. This review explores the diverse applications of PET/CT imaging in the evaluation of non-cancerous kidney diseases. It examines PET/CT's role in assessing acute kidney injuries, including acute pyelonephritis and other forms of nephritis, as well as chronic conditions such as immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis and chronic kidney disease. Additionally, the review delves into PET/CT's utility in evaluating complications in renal transplant recipients, identifying renal histiocytosis and detecting renal amyloidosis. The current review aims to promote further research and technological advancements to popularize PET/CT's clinical utility in diagnosing and treating non-tumorous kidney diseases.

Accuracy of ICD-10 Diagnostic Codes for Identifying Housing Instability

This cohort study assesses the performance of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) Z59 codes for identifying housing instability during health care encounters.