Higher Prevalence In Males Research Articles

Abstract PO3-09-12: Exploring Gender-Specific Patterns of Breast Cancer in Brazil: A Comparative Epidemiological Study

Abstract Introduction: Male breast cancer constitutes approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases, and limited studies have focused on this population, resulting in a lack of understanding of the disease in men. This study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of male breast cancer in Brazil and compare it with female breast cancer. Methods: A comprehensive observational cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective data from the DATASUS database (SISCAN/Cancer Information System) spanning the period from 2017 to 2021. Male and female patients diagnosed with breast cancer (ICD C50) during this period were included. Statistical analysis involved absolute values, percentages, and a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). Results: Analysis of the study period revealed 4,326 cases (1.8%) of male breast cancer and 236,597 cases (98.2%) of female breast cancer in Brazil. The southeast region had the highest concentration of cases for both sexes, while the northeast region showed a higher prevalence in males (p < 0.0004). Noteworthy findings include a higher mean age among males (59.5 years) compared to females (55.7 years) and a higher prevalence of advanced stages at diagnosis in males (72.8% vs. 59.3%). Diagnostic approaches, subtype distribution, and treatment modalities also differed between the genders. Conclusions: Male breast cancer presents with more advanced stages at diagnosis compared to females, necessitating more aggressive surgical interventions. However, males benefit from earlier initiation of treatment. These findings contribute to a better understanding of male breast cancer, enabling the development of tailored management strategies for this unique patient population. Comparison between male and female MC XX XX Source: Panel-Oncology Brazil (accessed 15/04/2023) Citation Format: Marcelo Antonini, Gabriel Pannain, Steffi Buttenbender, Andre Mattar, Reginaldo Coelho Lopes, Odair Ferraro. Exploring Gender-Specific Patterns of Breast Cancer in Brazil: A Comparative Epidemiological Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-09-12.

Diet quality as assessed by the healthy eating index-2020 among different smoking status: an analysis of national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2018

BackgroundCombining smoking with poor eating habits significantly elevates the risk of chronic illnesses and early death. Understanding of how dietary quality shifts post-smoking cessation remains limited. The objective of this study is to examine dietary quality – using Healthy Eating Index (HEI – 2020) and its 13 components, among current, former, and never smokers, and particularly the impact of quitting and the duration of cessation on dietary habits.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of 31,569 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018 was conducted. Dietary quality was assessed using HEI-2020 scores, which were determined by NIH developed - simple HEI scoring algorithm per person. Smoking status was categorized into current, former, and never smokers, with further subdivisions for current (heavy/light smokers) and former smokers (duration post-cessation). Descriptive analysis and multiple regression models weighted to represent the US population were performed.ResultsThe current smoking rate was 19.4%, with a higher prevalence in males (22.5%) than females (17.5%). Current smokers reported statistically significantly lower HEI total score than both former and never smokers. Former smokers exhibited HEI scores similar to those of never smokers. The adjusted HEI total scores for current, former, and never smokers were 49.2, 54.0, and 53.3, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Moreover, light smokers had better total HEI score than heavy smokers (46.8 vs. 50.8, p < 0.001, respectively), but former and never smokers scored even higher. Quitting smoking immediately improved dietary quality, with former smokers reaching the dietary levels of never smokers within 5–10 years (53.8 vs. 53.3, p > 0.05, respectively). Compared to current smokers, former smokers tended to consume more beneficial foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, greens and beans, whole grains, proteins, and fatty acids), while also consuming more sodium and less added sugar.ConclusionsCurrent smokers, particularly heavy smokers, exhibit poorer dietary habits than former and never smokers. The dietary quality of former smokers aligns with never smokers over time, highlighting the positive impact of smoking cessation on diet. This has implications for reducing chronic disease risks associated with poor diet and smoking.

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

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

Assessment of Facial Function in Patients with Facial Palsy Using Patient-Based and Clinician-Based Tools

Facial palsy is a serious disorder that impairs both function and appearance resulting from facial muscle weakness. It impairs the quality of life of affected patients. There are questionnaires for general health and disease-specific assessments of quality of life accessible. Objective: To assess the facial function in patients with facial palsy using patient-based and clinician-based tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patient diagnosed with facial palsy. The study sample size 79 of both genders calculated via Epitools software and using convenient sampling technique. A pre-tested structured valid and reliable tool was used for the assessment of disability and facial function via Facial Clinimetric Evaluation used as patient-based tool and House-Brackmann Scoring Scale used as clinical based tool. SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze data. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.53 years. 59.5% were males whereas, 40.5% were females. So, a higher prevalence of males was seen. 58.2% were recorded at grade IV (moderately severe), 31.6% were at grade III (moderate level) and 10.1% were at grade V (severe) level. There was statistically significant association between House-Brackmann scores and facial clinimetric evaluation scores (p&lt;0.001) that was indicating that there was an association between disability and patient’s perception towards facial palsy. Conclusions: Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale used as patient-based tool provide subjective experience and functional limitation experienced by facial palsy patient while House-Brackmann Scoring Scale used as clinical based tool provides objective evaluation of facial function of facial palsy patient.

Pattern of Adenoviral Conjunctivitis Reported to Tertiary Care Hospitals During Epidemic in Pakistan

Purpose: To determine clinical pattern of “adenoviral conjunctivitis” during its epidemic in Pakistan.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: 370 patients (550eyes) diagnosed with “adenoviral conjunctivitis” were included in this descriptive study. Diagnosis was made by the combination of characteristic clinical features and a positive conjunctival swab PCR for “adenovirus”. Clinical pattern of “adenoviral conjunctivitis” was determined by documenting various patient characteristics. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.&#x0D; Results: Median age of the study participants was 28.50 (1.00 – 67.00) years. 195 (52.70%) were males and 175 (47.30%) were females. 190 (51.35%) patients had unilateral ocular involvement, while 180 (48.65%) patients had bilateral ocular involvement. Median number of family members of patients that were infected simultaneously was 1 (0-5). Frequency of patients with “adenoviral conjunctivitis” who had concomitant corneal involvement was 30 (8.1%)&#x0D; Conclusion: Epidemic of “adenoviral conjunctivitis” in Pakistan, fortunately, exhibits a milder and benign clinical pattern with higher prevalence in males and mostly involving single eye. In addition, only 8.1% patients have concomitant corneal involvement.

Insights into measles virus: Serological surveillance and molecular characterization

BackgroundMeasles has been a significant public health concern in Pakistan, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, where sporadic and silent epidemics continue to challenge existing control measures. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and investigate the molecular epidemiology of the measles virus (MeV) in KPK and explore the vaccination status among the suspected individuals. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between February and October 2021. A total of 336 suspected measles cases from the study population were analyzed for IgM antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Throat swabs were randomly collected from a subset of positive cases for molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of MeV isolates was performed using the neighbor-joining method. The vaccination status of individuals was also recorded. ResultsAmong the suspected participants, 61.0% (205/336) were ELISA positive for IgM antibodies, with a higher prevalence in males (64.17%) compared to females (57.04%). The majority of cases (36.0%) were observed in infants and toddlers, consistent with previous reports. The majority of IgM-positive cases (71.7%) had not received any dose of measles vaccine, highlighting gaps in vaccine coverage and the need for improved immunization programs. Genetic analysis revealed that all MeV isolates belonged to the B3 genotype, with minor genetic variations from previously reported variants in the region. ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the genetic epidemiology of the MeV in KPK, Pakistan. The high incidence of measles infection among unvaccinated individuals highlights the urgency of raising awareness about vaccine importance and strengthening routine immunization programs.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Speech and Language Disorders in Young Children: A Cross-Sectional Study In a Pediatric Rehabilitation Ward

Background: Speech and language disorders in young children can have substantial impacts on their social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with these disorders is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment strategies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of speech and language disorders in young children presenting to a Pediatric Rehabilitation Ward, to identify the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with these conditions, and to evaluate the therapy patterns utilized in management. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Rehabilitation Ward of Liaquat University Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro Hospital, from May to August 2022. A total of 400 patients, aged 2-10 years and diagnosed with speech-language disorders by a psychiatrist, were included through non-probability convenience sampling. Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, therapy patterns, and diagnostic information were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The study found that language delay was the most prevalent disorder, affecting 61.8% of the children. Males were more frequently affected (68.5%). Seizures were the most commonly reported medical condition in the sample (18.5%). The mean age at diagnosis was 3.58 years. A considerable number of children (38.0%) had a positive family history of speech-language disorders. Socioeconomic analysis revealed that a majority of the children (68%) came from middle-class families. The study also found that combined speech and behavioral therapy was the most common treatment approach (28.8%). Conclusion: Language delay is the most common speech-language disorder among children in this study, with a higher prevalence in males and those from middle-class families. Early detection and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, including both speech and behavioral therapy, are imperative for effective management.

Associations of childhood BMI traits with blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin in 6-9-year-old Samoan children.

Prevalence and risk factors for elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure (BP) are poorly understood among Pacific children. We examined associations of HbA1c and BP in 6-9 year-olds with body mass index (BMI) at ages 2, 5, and BMI velocity between 2-9 years in Samoa. HbA1c (capillary blood) and BP were measured in n = 410 Samoan children who were part of an ongoing cohort study. Multilevel models predicted BMI trajectory characteristics. Generalized linear regressions assessed associations of childhood characteristics and BMI trajectories with HbA1c and BP treated as both continuous and categorical outcomes. Primary caregiver-reported childhood characteristics were used as covariates. Overall, 12.90% (n = 53) of children had high HbA1c (≥5.7%) and 33.17% (n = 136) had elevated BP. BMI at 5-years and BMI velocity were positively associated with high HbA1c prevalence in males. A 1 kg/m2 per year higher velocity was associated with a 1.71 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.75) times higher prevalence of high HbA1c. In females, higher BMI at 5-years and greater BMI velocity were associated with higher BP at 6-9 years (95% CI: 1.12, 1.40, and 1.42, 2.74, respectively). Monitoring childhood BMI trajectories may inform cardiometabolic disease screening and prevention efforts in this at-risk population.

The Pattern of COVID-19 Patients at King Salman Specialist Hospital, Hail Region, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Coronavirus is arguably the most significant pandemic in recent human history that changed the way healthcare providers understand respiratory diseases. The presented study focused on exploring the effectiveness of the strategies integrated by Saudi Healthcare professionals in mitigating and controlling the disease. Methodology: The research integrated a retrospective case series study of the King Salman Specialist Hospital. The inquiry evaluated all patients admitted to the facility for COVID-19 symptoms. The research integrated a consecutive non-random sampling in selecting the participants. Results: A total of 1,213 patients were selected for the study with an average age of 46 years. Fever, fatigue, and coughs were the main symptoms (68%), and 830 of the patients had severe symptoms. Further, 64% of the patients were male and 36.6% female. High prevalence in males was associated with old age. Conclusion: Controlling COVID-19 has been challenging, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions helps determine the progression of the pandemic towards its eradication.

INFECTION PREVALANCE IN PATIENTS OF PESHAWAR, KP, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Peshawar, KP, Pakistan, shedding light on the socio-demographic factors associated with the spread of the virus. A total of 280 patients were purposively selected from Dost Welfare Foundation Hospital and its affiliated branches between April and July 2017. The research employed a comprehensive approach, gathering data on patients' detailed medical history, signs, and symptoms, incorporating age and weight parameters to ascertain HIV presence. Blood samples were meticulously collected and subjected to analysis using both Immune Chromatography Technique (ICT) and Enzyme-linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) for HIV detection. Results revealed a substantial 23.5% prevalence of HIV infection among drug users, with a notable higher prevalence observed among IDUs. Gender-wise disparities were evident, with higher prevalence in males, along with unmarried individuals and those grappling with poor socioeconomic status. This study underscores the urgent need for community-oriented awareness and educational initiatives targeting IDUs to mitigate the further spread of HIV infection. Additionally, the implementation of stringent protocols for the safe disposal of contaminated needles and the prevention of unscreened blood transfusions is imperative. The research advocates for a multifaceted approach, combining medical interventions with social and educational strategies to address the complex socio-economic factors contributing to the prevalence of HIV in this vulnerable population.

Fever as a Predictor of COVID-19 Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients.

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous questions have arisen regarding the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of infected patients. Among these, screening infected patients through body temperature measurement has proven ineffective. However, doubts persist regarding the role of fever as a prognostic factor in the disease. To assess the prevalence of fever and its relevance as a marker of mortality in COVID-19. This prospective and longitudinal cohort study was conducted between April 2020 and December 2021 and analyzed 1400 COVID-19 patients systematically admitted to the emergency department of a reference hospital during the period from April 2020 to December 2021, in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. [LG1]The study evaluated [LG2]the presence of fever (body temperature above 37,7ºC) upon admission and/or during hospitalization, patient profiles, and outcomes (in-hospital death, discharge, admission at the intensive care unit, need of mechanical ventilation). Fever was present in 128 participants (9.1%), with a higher prevalence in males (71%) and obese individuals (42.9%). Among the febrile patients, 39 required intubation (30.4%), with two intubated upon admission (1.5%), 104 were discharged (81.2%), and 24 deceased (18.7%). Fever was not associated with a higher mortality rate. Fever showed low prevalence, is more common in males and obese individuals, and is not related to worse clinical outcomes.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Outcome of Patients Affected by Covid-19 Virus Reported to a Tertiary Care Hospital Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Abstract The goal of this study was to assess association between social demographic characteristic including Age and gender, patients past medical history, and outcome of Covid 19 admitted cases. Data was collected from the electronic data base of Thumbay hospital Ajman UAE. All registered cases of Covid19 from January 2020 to August 2021 were included in the research. The study identified that individuals above 40 years were more susceptible to Covid-19, with a higher prevalence in males than females. Diabetes mellitus emerged as the most common non-communicable disease among patients. The majority of cases were categorized as mild, followed by moderate, with a smaller proportion classified as severe. Notably, a significant percentage of cases showed improvement, while a minority experienced complication, and a small percentage resulted in mortality. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the demographics and outcomes of Covid-19 patients in the specified healthcare setting. Capturing and understanding the information is important to state preventive measures that can help in reducing the number of cases in the country. Keywords: COVID-19 outcomes, Risk Factors.

Demographic study of patients' mortality rate before and after the COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional study.

To better guide the health policies, it is essential to clarify the socio-demographic and clinical risk factors affecting the mortality rate of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this project is to separate hospital mortality statistics into different groups, which will definitely help in planning to reduce the mortality rate. As well, we aimed to compare factors involved in COVID-19 death between the period before and after its outbreak. This cross-sectional study was performed based on all death certificates of archived records in Rasool Akram Hospital during the years 2018 and the first half of 2019. A checklist was completed based on the variables, including death cases by time, gender, age, duration of hospitalization, department of place and time of death, cause of death, cases referred to forensic medicine, information of the patient, including educational and occupational level and birth certificate issuing city, neonatal death, and IUFD, classification of diseases according to the provided version of ICD 10 (international classification of diseases 10th edition). A number of 2632 deceased patients were included in this study, 1511 (57.4%) patients who died before the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, and 1121 (42.6%) patients died in the hospital after the start of this pandemic. There were statistically significant differences in gender (higher prevalence of males), increased average age, lower occupational status, decreased number of infants, increased cause of death due to COVID-19 and increased hospitalization in Royal ICU in dead patients (p < 0.05). The findings show that the elderly cases are more at risk of COVID-19 mortality than other age groups, which needs more attention to this group of society and clarifies other epidemiological factors, as well as clinicopathological and public healthcare practices.

Clonorchis sinensis infection amplifies hepatocellular carcinoma stemness, predicting unfavorable prognosis.

Extensive evidence links Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) to cholangiocarcinoma; however, its association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is less acknowledged, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the association between C. sinensis infection and HCC and reveal the relationship between C. sinensis infection and cancer stemness. A comprehensive analysis of 839 HCC patients categorized into C. sinensis (-) HCC and C. sinensis (+) HCC groups was conducted. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess the association between C. sinensis infection and clinical factors. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate survival outcomes. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine CK19 and EpCAM expression in HCC specimens. Compared to C. sinensis (-) HCC patients, C. sinensis (+) HCC patients exhibited advanced Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, higher male prevalence and more liver cirrhosis as well as elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), eosinophil, complement 3 (C3), and complement 4 (C4) values. C. sinensis infection correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p < 0.05) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Cox multivariate analysis revealed that C. sinensis infection was an independent prognostic factor for OS in HCC patients. Importantly, C. sinensis infection upregulated the expression of HCC cancer stem cell markers CK19 and EpCAM. HCC patients with C. sinensis infection exhibit a poor prognosis following hepatectomy. Moreover, C. sinensis infection promotes the acquisition of cancer stem cell-like characteristics, consequently accelerating the malignant progression of HCC. Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) is a prominent food-borne parasite prevalent in regions such as China, particularly in Guangxi. C. sinensis has been associated with various hepatobiliary system injuries, encompassing inflammation, periductal fibrosis, cholangiocarcinoma and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A substantial body of evidence links C. sinensis to cholangiocarcinoma, However, the connection between C. sinensis and HCC and the intricate mechanisms underlying its contribution to HCC development remain incompletely elucidated. Our study demonstrates clear clinicopathological associations between C. sinensis and HCC, such as gender, BCLC stage, liver cirrhosis, MVI, AFP, CA19-9, circulating eosinophils and complements. Furthermore, we found that the co-occurrence of C. sinensis exhibited a significant association with shorter OS and RFS in patients diagnosed with HCC. A major finding was that C. sinensis infection promotes the acquisition of cancer stem cell-like characteristics, consequently accelerating the malignant progression of HCC. Our results provide a more comprehensive comprehension of the interplay between C. sinensis and HCC, shedding fresh light on the carcinogenic potential of C. sinensis.

Trends in behavioral management techniques for dental treatment of patients with autism spectrum disorder: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present challenges in dental treatment cooperation owing to deficits in communication skills and social interaction. Behavioral guidance, sedation, and general anesthesia may be employed to ensure the quality of dental care for individuals with ASD. This study aimed to examine the trends in dental treatment for patients with ASD who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Dankook University Jukjeon Dental Hospital, an oral health center for the disabled in the Gyeonggi region, over the past 10 years. This study utilized the order communication system to gather data on sex, age, cooperation level, number of quadrants treated, and administration of sedation or general anesthesia for patients with ASD who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Dankook University Jukjeon Dental Hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. The total number of patients with ASD increased annually, possibly due to an increase in ASD prevalence and the hospital's designation as a center for disabled oral health. General anesthesia was predominant before 2017, with a shift towards N2O-O2 sedation. The most common age group for sedation or general anesthesia was 6-9 years, with a higher prevalence in males than in females. Notably, N2O-O2 and midazolam sedation resulted in better cooperation and fewer treated teeth than general anesthesia. This study highlights the evolving trends in dental treatment for individuals with ASD, indicating a shift towards outpatient methods, particularly N2O-O2 sedation. The sex distribution aligns with national statistics, emphasizing a higher prevalence of ASD in males than in females. These findings underscore the need for further research to establish evidence-based guidelines for optimal dental care strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with ASD.

Klebsiella pneumoniae Antibiotic Resistance Pattern Towards Antimicrobial Agents in Urinary Tract Infection Patients in Zawia City / Libya

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) represent a significant public health concern, contributing to serious health issues, extensive antibiotic use globally, and ranking as the second most common reason for clinical consultations in community settings. Various bacteria, particularly from the Enterobacteriaceae family, including Klebsiella spp., are implicated in the etiology of UTIs. This study focused on assessing the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of uropathogenic K. pneumoniae across different age groups and genders. A total of 819 urine samples were collected from patients visiting Zawia hospitals and clinics between September 2022 and February 2023. Identification of K. pneumoniae was performed through colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical assays, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Out of all samples, 271 (33.07%) exhibited significant bacterial growth. The incidence of UTIs was notably higher in females (40.15%) compared to males (20.6%). The age group of 1-9 years showed the highest susceptibility to UTIs at 35.4%. K. pneumoniae accounted for 23.9% of all UTI cases, with a higher prevalence in males (31.14%) than in females (21.9%). The 1-9 year age group was identified as the most vulnerable to K. pneumoniae infections, with a prevalence of 29.2%. K. pneumoniae demonstrated a high susceptibility rate of 86.2% to Meropenem, while showing significant resistance to Tetracycline at 70.8%. The findings indicate a high prevalence of UTIs in the 1-9 year age group, with females at greater risk. Males exhibited a higher susceptibility to K. pneumoniae, particularly in the younger age group. The bacterium showed strong sensitivity to Meropenem and considerable resistance to Tetracycline. Increased awareness and regular monitoring of antimicrobial usage in healthcare settings are essential to mitigate resistance rates and combat this pathogen.

Incidence of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the working hours of parents and caregivers in Saudi Arabia: A survey study.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common result of external physical forces that damage the brain, affecting over 50 million people annually, with a higher prevalence in males. Children aged 0-4 years are the most susceptible, particularly in low-and middle-income countries, where 90% of TBI-related deaths occur. TBI significantly affects children's quality of life. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of pediatric TBI during working hours among parents and caregivers in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted over 2 months, from July to August 2023. The survey data were electronically gathered using a questionnaire sent over social media channels. It includes working as a caregiver for children in Saudi Arabia. Involving 395 respondents, the primary focus was on child head injuries occurring during the working hours of parents and caregivers. Most respondents were in the 36-45 age bracket, predominantly female (66.1%) and married (81.8%). The age of the child at the time of injury was significantly associated with head injuries during parents' and caregivers' working hours, with the highest incidence among children aged 7-14 years (83.1%). The severity of the injury, hospital admission, need for intensive care, and surgical intervention were significantly associated with child injuries during these hours. In this study, we found a significantly higher incidence of head injuries in children during the working hours of both parents and caregivers. Factors such as longer work hours, the presence of a nanny, more children, male gender, and older child age were associated with this risk.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Hyperuricemia in Urban Chinese Check-Up Population.

Background: The prevalence of hyperuricemia is increasing globally. The health check-up population is a group of people dedicated to disease prevention in public health. This study aims to estimate the current prevalence of hyperuricemia among the health check-up population in economically developed areas of China using a healthcare database. Method: Healthcare data from 48,988 subjects in 12 provinces of China who had an annual health check-up in 2021 were used. Hyperuricemia was defined as a serum urate level > 420 mmol/L and/or a history of physician-diagnosed gout. An alternative definition of serum urate level > 420 mmol/L in men and > 360 mmol/L in women was used. The stratified prevalence of hyperuricemia by sex, age, region, and comorbidity group was reported. The association between hyperuricemia and sex, age, region, and comorbidities was analyzed in the multivariate logistic regression model. Results: In 2021, the sex- and age-adjusted prevalence of hyperuricemia was 13.6% in the total population (24.3% in men and 2.6% in women) based on the definition of serum urate level > 420 mmol/L. Regional prevalence varied considerably across the country, with the highest prevalence found in Fujian and the lowest in Liaoning Province (21.6% vs. 7.3%). Male sex, aging, hypertension, obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia were likely to be associated with hyperuricemia. Conclusions: This is the largest study using a healthcare database to indicate the prevalence of hyperuricemia in a health check-up population in an economically developed area of China. The current prevalence among the Chinese health check-up population was substantial, with a higher prevalence in males and in the eastern region. Hyperuricemia and its comorbidities warrant greater attention in the developed areas of China.

Investigating the prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma among patients with systemic hypertension: A cross-sectional study

Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a significant cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of POAG among hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 200 hypertensive patients, categorizing them by gender, age groups, and blood pressure ranges. POAG was diagnosed using standardized criteria, and mean intraocular pressure (IOP) values were compared between POAG patients and normal individuals. The study also assessed the change in IOP across various ranges of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). Results: Among the hypertensive population, 5% of males and 3% of females were diagnosed with POAG, indicating a slightly higher prevalence in males. POAG incidence was notably higher in the 60–69 years of age group, suggesting a potential correlation with older age. Analysis of mean IOP values demonstrated significantly higher readings in both eyes of POAG patients compared to normal individuals, aligning with the hallmark of glaucoma. The distribution of hypertensive patients across different SBP and DBP ranges revealed that higher SBP levels (140–149 mmHg and ≥160 mmHg) were associated with more POAG cases. Similarly, elevated DBP levels (90–99 mmHg) showed the highest number of POAG cases. Conclusion: Our study suggests a slightly higher prevalence of POAG in male hypertensive patients and highlights older age as a potential risk factor. Elevated IOP, a characteristic feature of glaucoma, was confirmed in POAG patients. In addition, our findings indicate a potential association between higher SBP and DBP levels and an increased likelihood of POAG, emphasizing the importance of blood pressure management in glaucoma care.

Global Burden and Trends of Multiple Myeloma in High-Income North America Countries between 1990-2019, with Projections of Deaths to 2040: A Benchmarking Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM), a malignant neoplasm originating from plasma cells, imposes a considerable health burden in high-income North America (HINA). It ranks as the 14th leading cause of cancer-related deaths and disability in HINA countries. This study aims to assess the epidemiological aspects of MM, including its incidence, prevalence, mortality rates, and non-fatal health outcomes across HINA countries over the last three decades (1990-2019) with projections of deaths up to 2040. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease methodology, we evaluated MM prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) based on age group, sex, and year across HINA from 1990 to 2019, utilizing standardized approaches and statistical modeling. We employed a regression framework to forecast MM deaths through 2040, and the results were presented in absolute counts and age-standardized rates (per 100,000 person-years). Results: The absolute prevalence of MM increased from 42,637 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 35,449-44,970) in 1990 to 101,994 (95% UI: 86,889-127,309) in 2019. Similarly, deaths increased from 11,200 (95% UI: 9,435-11,633) to 19,941 (95% UI: 18,012-22,919) during 1990-2019, and DALYs increased from 235,334 (95% UI: 194,820-244,361) in 1990 to 388,955 (95% UI: 360,494-478,317) in 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased from 4.32 (95% UI: 3.62-4.5) to 4.8 (95% UI: 4.12-5.87) cases per 100,000 persons from 1990-2019. However, the annual percentage of change (APC) in age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDALR) decreased by 1% and 8%, respectively, from 1990-2019. Among HINA countries, Canada observed the highest APC increase in total deaths (111%), followed by Greenland (110%) and the United States (75%) during 1990-2019. In terms of age groups, the 70-74 age group observed the highest number of incidences (5,257), deaths (3,336), and DALYs (67,310) in 2019. The 80+ age group exhibited the highest APC in total deaths, incidence, and DALYs from 1990-2019. Furthermore, males experienced a higher burden compared to females over the last three decades. The projected number of MM deaths in HINA is expected to reach 28,904 (95% UI: 22,690-37,300) by 2040. Conclusion: This study reveals the secular trend of MM burden in HINA, indicating a significant increase in MM cases and its impact on public health. MM accounted for 2.295% of deaths among all cancer-related deaths in HINA in 2019. The burden of MM has been on the rise in general from 1990 to 2019 and is predicted to continue increasing over the next two decades. Notably, there is a noticeable disparity in MM burden, with higher prevalence in males compared to females. Age and cohort effects appear to play a significant role, with elevated risk observed among elderly individuals and those from earlier-born cohorts. Nonetheless, continuous surveillance, data collection, and research efforts are crucial to monitor evolving epidemiological trends and inform evidence-based policies aimed at mitigating the impact of multiple myeloma on individuals and society in the region.