Long-term Effects Research Articles

CTE in Athletes: Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Repetitive Head Injuries

Introduction and PurposeChronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated head injuries such as concussions and sub-concussive impacts [19]. Initially observed in retired boxers with behavioral and cognitive symptoms, it was called “punch-drunk syndrome” [3,9,16]. CTE is mostly found in athletes from contact sports (e.g., football, boxing, hockey, rugby) and in military personnel [1,3,9,13,19]. While most reported cases involve male athletes, anyone exposed to repetitive head injury (RHI) is at risk [2,10,13]. Due to increasing awareness of its long-term effects on brain health, CTE is now a critical topic in sports medicine, neurology, and public health. Material and MethodsA literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on studies published up to the end of 2023. Keywords included: “CTE in athletes,” “repetitive head impacts,” “tau protein,” “encephalopathy,” and “CTE.” Studies were selected based on their focus on long-term effects of RHI, CTE pathology, and prevention strategies. ResultsThe review highlights the connection between repeated brain trauma and CTE in athletes. Ongoing research aims to uncover its biological mechanisms and develop early diagnostic tools and targeted treatments. Long-term studies tracking athletes are vital for identifying causes and modifiable risk factors. ConclusionsCTE illustrates the complex link between repeated head trauma and brain health decline. While progress has been made, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention remain difficult. Continued research and collaboration among clinicians, researchers, sports organizations, and policymakers are essential to reduce risks and protect athlete well-being.

Intimate partner violence and stress-related disorders: from epigenomics to resilience

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health problem to be addressed with innovative and interconnecting strategies for ensuring the psychophysical health of the surviving woman. According to the World Health Organization, 27% of women worldwide have experienced physical and sexual IPV in their lifetime. Most of the studies on gender-based violence focus on short-term effects, while long-term effects are often marginally included even though they represent the most serious and complex consequences. The molecular mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders in IPV victims are multiple and include dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammatory response, epigenetic modifications, neurotransmitter imbalances, structural changes in the brain, and oxidative stress. This review aims to explore the long-term health consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV), emphasizing the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders and resilience. By integrating findings from epigenetics, microbiome research, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based data analysis, we highlight novel strategies for mitigating IPV-related trauma and improving recovery pathways. Genome-wide environment interaction studies, enhanced by AI-assisted data analysis, offer a promising public health approach for identifying factors that contribute to stress-related disorders and those that promote resilience, thus guiding more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundAlthough a large number of trials have observed the anti-inflammatory properties of propolis, the currently available research remains controversial regarding its beneficial health effects. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of propolis on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in adults.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed/Medline to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until January 2024. The overall effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects model and expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The possible heterogeneity between included trials was assessed by performing Cochran’s Q test.ResultsIn total, 27 trials with 29 treatment arms were eligible for inclusion in this review. This meta-analysis revealed that propolis consumption led to a significant decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: –1.23; 95%CI: –1.76, –0.69; p < 0.001), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD: –1.52; 95%CI: –2.10, –0.93; p < 0.001), Tumor necrosis factor-α (WMD: –1.15; 95%CI: –1.75, –0.55; p < 0.001), and Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (WMD: –35.33; 95%CI: –50.28, –20.37; p < 0.001), and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.12, 0.51; p = 0.001), Glutathione (GSH) (WMD: 4.71; 95%CI: 3.17, 6.25; p < 0.001), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (WMD: 44.75; 95%CI: 5.10, 84.40; p = 0.02). However, there were no significant effects on IL-10, IL-2, IL-8, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in comparison to the control group.ConclusionPropolis supplementation appears effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing specific inflammatory markers. However, variations in study designs, dosages, and participant characteristics contribute to the heterogeneity of results. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects. Given its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, propolis may serve as a complementary approach in managing inflammation-related conditions, though its clinical application requires further validation.Systematic review registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CRD42023474033.

Alcohol Mixed With Energy Drinks (AmED): A Perfect Recipe For Disaster. An Analysis Of AmED Consumption And Potential Health Effects

Introduction and purpose of research With the surge of popularity of energy drinks, a growing trend of mixing alcohol with energy drinks (AmED) has been observed, particularly among youth and young adults. This review aims to explore both the mechanism of action of this mixture as well as its short- and long-term effects. Research Materials and Methods A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify studies on the health effects of alcohol mixed with energy drinks. The search included keywords such as “alcohol mixed with energy drinks”, "alcohol AND energy drinks" and "AmED AND health effects". Basic results Studies consistently report an association between AmED consumption and an increased risk of cardiovascular, mental, and kidney diseases, binge drinking and risky behaviors more frequently than those who consume alcohol alone. A common effect among AmED consumers is “false sobriety”, a phenomenon where individuals feel less intoxicated despite consuming high amounts of alcohol. However, due to the limited number of controlled human studies, the precise physiological and molecular interactions between caffeine and alcohol still remain unclear. Conclusions The ban on pre-mixed AmED products has not yet yielded satisfactory results. Therefore, governments should explore alternative measures, such as stricter regulations on marketing and sales or public awareness campaigns. This article highlights the issue of mixing alcohol with energy drinks, examining physiological effects, potential health risks, and broader societal impacts. With the growing popularity of this practice, our study emphasizes the need for continued research to guide effective prevention strategies and public health actions.

Safety and Effect of 12-Month Ecopipam Treatment in Pediatric Patients with Tourette Syndrome.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic neurodevelopmental tic disorder with a considerable quality of life (QOL) burden. The goal was to determine the long-term safety, tolerability, and clinical effects of ecopipam, a first-in-class dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, for TS. This 12-month, open-label extension (OLE) study enrolled patients age ≥6 to ≤18 years with confirmed TS who completed a phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled, 12-week trial. Ecopipam was titrated over 4 weeks to achieve a target oral dose of 1.8 mg/kg/day. Study visits occurred at baseline, monthly for 12 months, and 7 and 14 days after last dose. A total of 121 patients were included (74% male; 68% age 12-18 years), and 80 (66%) completed the study. Ecopipam was well tolerated. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis (14.0%) and anxiety (9.1%). At month 12, there were no significant changes from baseline in body mass index Z-score (mean [standard deviation] change, 0.05 [0.43]; P = 0.35), glycated hemoglobin (0.03% [0.31]; P = 0.60), or total cholesterol (0.2 mmol/L [0.7]; P = 0.14). No notable changes in scales assessing akathisia, movement disorders, anxiety, or depression occurred. At all time points, significant improvements (P < 0.001 vs. baseline) in both the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale Total Tic Score and the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents total score were observed. Twelve months of ecopipam dosing was well tolerated during this study and no new adverse events were detected. Compared to baseline, significantly reduced TS symptom severity and improved QOL were observed in children and adolescents.

Impact of mobile phone-emitted non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation on parotid gland function: A comprehensive study.

Background and ObjectiveThe rapid proliferation of mobile technology has intensified debates on the potential adverse effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (NIER) from mobile phones on various human organs and cells. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mobile phone-emitted NIER on parotid gland function.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study included 104 student volunteers from the University campus, categorized based on their mobile phone usage and exposure duration. Saliva samples were collected from the dominant (test) and non-dominant (control) sides. Key metrics measured were salivary flow rate, pH, albumin, Ischemia-Modified Albumin (IMA), and the IMA/albumin ratio (IMAR). Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Fisher's LSD multiple comparisons, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsThe salivary flow rate and pH were higher on both sides in all groups, correlating with increased mobile phone usage duration. Although albumin levels were lower on the dominant side, they increased with longer mobile phone use. Salivary IMA and IMAR were higher on the dominant side in subjects using mobile phones for ≤3years compared to those using them for >3years.Interpretation and ConclusionConsistent exposure to NIER and the heat generated by mobile phones adversely affects parotid gland function, as indicated by increased salivary flow rate, pH, and altered levels of albumin, IMA, and IMAR. Public health recommendations should encourage reducing long-duration conversations and using earphones to minimize NIER exposure. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of NIER on parotid gland function.

Nonpharmacological Multimodal Interventions for Cognitive Functions in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Scoping Review

Background As the global population ages, the prevalence of dementia is expected to rise significantly. To alleviate the burden on health care systems and the economy, it is essential to develop effective strategies to enhance cognitive function in older adults. Previous studies have shown that combined nonpharmacological interventions can improve cognition across various domains in older individuals. However, there is no established gold standard for the exact combination and duration of these interventions, which makes it challenging to assess their overall effectiveness. Objective Given the diversity of nonpharmacological multimodal interventions aimed at preventing cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), this scoping review sought to identify and summarize the characteristics and outcomes of these interventions. Methods We adhered to the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) and searched 4 electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science) systematically on July 6, 2023, and updated the search on April 17, 2024, using specific terms and keywords. Results This review included 45 studies from 18 countries with 4705 participants from 2014 to 2024 encompassing different combinations of physical training (PT), cognitive training (CT), nutrition intervention, psychosocial intervention, social activities, and electrical stimulation. There is a growing numbers of studies combining PT and CT for MCI treatment, with additional modalities often added to address various aspects of the condition. Compared to single-modal interventions and usual care, multimodal approaches demonstrated significantly better improvements in cognition domains such as attention, global cognition, executive function, memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. Technology has been instrumental in delivering these interventions and enhancing the effects of PT and CT. Multimodal interventions also show promise in terms of acceptability and user experience, which can improve treatment adherence. Conclusions Research is limited regarding the cost-effectiveness and optimal dosage of these interventions, making it difficult to assess the additional benefits of incorporating more modalities. Future research should examine the long-term effects of incorporating multiple modalities, using standardized MCI criteria and outcome measures.

Особенности формирования лесной подстилки в условиях старовозрастной лесной полосы каменно-степного опытного лесничества

The integral indicator of long-term effects of forest-forming species on soil is the stock of forest litter. In protective forest shelterbelts, the reserves of litter are estimated at 30 658.54 thousand tons, including in the forest-steppe natural zone – 11 306.76 thousand tons. The aim of this work - to characterize the features of forming forest litter in old-age forest shelterbelt. The object of study is the main forest protection belt № 43. Author of the planting of Morozov G.F., year of planting -1899. The forest belt is a mixed plantation, with the first storey of which takes up the Quercus robur L., and Acer platanoides L. of the leftmost generation and the Ulmus pumila L. form predominantly the second storey. The forest litter of the studied biozone of the forest belt is a full-profile one and consists of three subhorizons. In the forest edge zones, the construction of the plant litter is simplified and includes a humid subsounder only in a fragmentary way. The average capacity of forest litter in the protective forest belt was 6±0.5 cm, in the central part this value can reach 11 cm, with a significant variability (V = 15-41%). The litter of the forest belt is a significant amount of ash. The ash content was 21.35%. The distribution of total carbon and nitrogen is characterized by a clear peak in the forest litter, with further decline in the top mineral deposits and decrease in depth. The C/N ratio is 21, indicating a slow-decomposing forest litter. Total carbon reserves under the forest logging industry are 165 t/ha in 0-30 cm and 272 t/ha in 0-60 cm. The litter contains about 6% of total carbon stocks in a 0-60 cm layer. The data obtained by the authors can be used in biogeochemical monitoring of carbon cycle in anthropogenic ecosystems of Voronezh region.

Persistent neuropsychological deficits in recovered COVID-19 patients: Correlations with disease biomarkers.

Cognitive impairment, including deficits in attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed, is common in post-COVID-19 conditions, though language performance remains less studied. The present study examined the long-term effects of COVID-19 condition on cognition and language - communication, and its associations with disease severity, Body Mass Index (BMI), inflammatory markers, and quality of life. Nighty eight Greek participants under 65 years of age were recruited for this study. Forty-seven participants were allocated in the COVID-19 group and 51 served as cognitively healthy controls. The COVID-19 group was categorized by disease severity and long COVID status. Assessments occurred 12 weeks post-infection, with 12 patients reevaluated after another 12 weeks. Neurocognitive tests included ABCD-II, verbal fluency, CCT, SDMT, and Euro QoL EQ-5D. Blood samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers. Covid-19 survivors experienced significant cognitive deficits compared to healthy controls, particularly in processing speed, memory, and verbal fluency. Long COVID patients showed notably lower scores in processing speed and QoL, compared to those without Long COVID. However, no significant differences were observed between groups on episodic memory and executive functions tasks. Cognitive deficits were associated with biomarkers such as d-dimers and C-Reactive protein, with elevated d-dimers linked to poorer performance on generative drawing and cognitive flexibility. Higher education served as a protective factor, and was associated with higher scores in tasks such as story retelling, confrontation naming, generative drawing and reading comprehension. Older age and higher Body Mass Index were associated with poorer cognitive performance, especially on processing speed. Sex appears to influence language comprehension outcomes, with males exhibiting enhanced performance on the reading comprehension-sentence task. Disease severity negatively affected performance on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test and generative naming, indicating that greater severity was linked to poorer outcomes in these domains. Follow-up evaluations of recovered COVID-19 patients revealed significant improvements in processing speed and recall, suggesting partial recovery in these areas, although some deficits persisted over time. The study supports findings that the prolonged effects of COVID-19 markedly impaired neurocognitive functions in recovering patients, especially those with severe or long COVID syndrome. Moreover, while several cognitive domains may improve over time, many other domains remain impaired and vulnerable.

The Effects of Plyometric Training on Lower Limb Joint Mobility, Explosive Strength, Advanced Layup Success Rate, and Sports Injury Rate Among College Male Basketball Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of a 12-week plyometric training program intervention on lower limb joint mobility, explosive strength, advanced layup success rates, and injury rates. The study recruited 15 collegiate male basketball players as participants. They underwent basketball training five times per week, each lasting two hours, and additionally received plyometric training twice a week. The study utilized image processing software (ImageJ, version 1.54f, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) to measure the lower limb joint mobility during the take-off phase of a layup and employed a force plate to assess the explosive strength of the lower limbs during the jump. Furthermore, the study examined the success rate and injury rate of advanced layups—including crossover layups, spin layups, and straight-line layups—as well as the sports injury rate. The results demonstrated that plyometric training significantly enhanced the hip, knee, and ankle joint mobility as well as lower limb explosive strength, with a strong positive correlation between these variables. Furthermore, plyometric training improved joint mobility and lower limb explosive strength. The success rate of advanced layups increased from 50% to 72%, while the sports injury rate decreased from 18% to 8%. In conclusion, plyometric training significantly improved participants’ lower limb joint mobility and explosive strength, which in turn enhanced advanced layup performance and reduced the sports injury rate. Although this study provided preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of plyometric training, further research is needed to examine its long-term effects and other influencing factors.

"Stop Bullying No Fear Seminar" at SMP IP Darut Taqwa Dusun 09 Karang Anyar Village Labuhan Maringgai

The seminar “Stop Bullying No Fear” at SMP IP Darut Taqwa, Dusun 09, Karang Anyar Village, Labuhan Maringgai Regency. Aims to raise students’ awareness and understanding of the negative impacts of bullying and prevention strategies. This event involves all school components, including teachers, students, and parents, in an effort to create a safe and bullying-free learning environment.The method used in this seminar is a participatory approach, where participants are actively engaged through interactive discussions, educational video screenings, and bullying situation simulations. This approach is designed to help students understand various forms of bullying, such as physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying, as well as their long-term effects on victims.The results of this seminar show a significant improvement in students’ understanding of bullying. Students are more capable of identifying bullying actions and understanding their crucial role in preventing and responding to such situations. Additionally, the seminar encourages the development of an inclusive and respectful school culture, where every individual feels safe and valued.The active participation of all school elements in this seminar is expected to foster a collective commitment to eradicating bullying. Thus, SMP IP Darut Taqwa can serve as a model for other schools in creating an educational environment free from bullying, supporting students’ positive development.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ РЕКОНСТРУКТИВНОЙ ОПЕРАЦИИ НА ВЕРХНЕЙ ЧЕЛЮСТИ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ТРАНСПЛАНТАТА: КЛИНИЧЕСКИЙ АСПЕКТ

Goal. Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of maxillary reconstruction using a flap of the rectus femoris and a sagittal graft. Materials and methods. The study included six patients with maxillary carcinoma who were treated at the Republican Dental Clinic in Makhachkala from October 2023 to August 2024. A flap of the rectus femoris muscle was used in combination with a sagittal graft of the mandibular branch. The average age of the patients was 45.5 years. Results. All but one of the patients had successful tissue healing within five weeks. Satisfactory functional and aesthetic results were achieved. Two patients had local relapses. Conclusions. The method of reconstructing the upper jaw using the proposed flap proved its reliability and was effective in restoring the functions and aesthetics of the facial skeleton. Further research will be needed to assess the long-term effects.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Early Weight Bearing After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Literature Review

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Early Weight Bearing After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Literature Review

Bacteriophage-driven DNA inversions shape bacterial functionality and long-term co-existence in Bacteroides fragilis

ABSTRACT Bacterial genomic DNA inversions, which govern molecular phase-variations, provide the bacteria with functional plasticity and phenotypic diversity. These targeted rearrangements enable bacteria to respond to environmental challenges, such as bacteriophage predation, evading immune detection or gut colonization. This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of the lytic phage Barc2635 on the functional plasticity of Bacteroides fragilis, a gut commensal. Germ-free mice were colonized with B. fragilis and exposed to Barc2635 to identify genomic alterations driving phenotypic changes. Phage exposure triggered dynamic and prolonged bacterial responses, including significant shifts in phase-variable regions (PVRs), particularly in promoter orientations of polysaccharide biosynthesis loci. These shifts coincided with increased entropy in PVR inversion ratios, reflecting heightened genomic variability. In contrast, B. fragilis in control mice exhibited stable genomic configurations after gut adaptation. The phase-variable Type 1 restriction-modification system, which affects broad gene expression patterns, showed variability in both groups. However, phage-exposed bacteria displayed more restrained variability, suggesting phage-derived selection pressures. Our findings reveal that B. fragilis employs DNA inversions to adapt rapidly to phage exposure and colonization, highlighting a potential mechanism by which genomic variability contributes to its response to phage. This study demonstrates gut bacterial genomic and phenotypic plasticity upon exposure to the mammalian host and to bacteriophages.

Exploring Exosome-Based Approaches for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), present an increasingly significant global health burden, primarily due to the lack of effective early diagnostic tools and treatments. Exosomes-nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by nearly all cell types-have emerged as promising candidates for both biomarkers and therapeutic agents in NDs. This review examines the biogenesis, molecular composition, and diverse functions of exosomes in NDs. Exosomes play a crucial role in mediating intercellular communication. They are capable of reflecting the biochemical state of their parent cells and have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In doing so, they facilitate the propagation of pathological proteins, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau, and alpha-synuclein (α-syn), while also enabling the targeted delivery of neuroprotective compounds. Recent advancements in exosome isolation and engineering have opened up new possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. These range from the discovery of non-invasive biomarkers to innovative approaches in gene therapy and drug delivery systems. However, challenges related to standardization, safety, and long-term effects must be addressed before exosomes can be translated into clinical applications. This review highlights both the promising potential and the obstacles that must be overcome to leverage exosomes in the treatment of NDs and the transformation of personalized medicine.

Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on the Agricultural Export Revenues: Evidence from China-USA Trade

The research states that there is an impact of exchange rate volatility on the agricultural export revenues of China. The agricultural sector is one of the most important industries in China, which contributes significantly to the GDP. However, the nation also exports a substantial level of products to the United States. Given the recent global shocks, the study aims to analyse the impact of exchange rate volatility on China's agricultural export revenue. Using agricultural export data as well as macroeconomic data from China between 1994 and 2023, a quantitative analysis has been performed to understand the relationship between exchange rates and agricultural exports. An OLS regression is used as the primary method to examine the linear relationship, while ARDL and NARDL models are applied to explore the long-term and asymmetric effects of exchange rate volatility. Based on this, it has been found that higher levels of exchange rate instability significantly reduce both agricultural export volumes and total export revenues. Agricultural export revenues reduce by -2.7539 percentage points, whereas total exports decrease by 1.5692 percentage points. ARDL and NARDL model finds negative impact of ERV shocks on agricultural export revenue. These results highlight the importance of exchange rate stability in maintaining China’s agricultural trade performance, as maintaining exchange rate risk is key for government.

Sustainable Development Goals and Health in Islamic Countries

Background: We aimed to reveal the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and health indicators in Organization Islamic Countries (OIC). Methods: The panel data method was used in the analyses, health indicators as independent variables belonging to 16 Islamic countries with regular data from 2008-2021, and the SDG score as the dependent variable was considered. Results: A one-unit increase in maternal mortality reduced the SDG score by 0.0047 units, a one-unit increase in neonatal mortality reduced the SDG score by 0.27 units, besides these results no significant relationships were found between U5mort, NCD mort, TB, VAC variables, and SDG score (P&gt;0.05). Granger causality analysis results showed different causal relationships and variance decomposition results show that the long-term explanatory effect of health indicators on the SDG score by approximately 23%. Conclusion: According to the empirical evidence obtained from the research, improvements in health indicators especially focused on mother and child health positively affect the SDG score in the countries examined.

A Comparative Study of Pulmonary Function Test Results in AC Users Versus Non-Users

Introduction: Air conditioning (AC) has become a widespread necessity in modern environments, especially in urban and industrial areas. Despite its benefits in providing comfort, concerns are rising regarding the long-term effects of AC exposure on respiratory health. This study aims to compare pulmonary function test (PFT) results between individuals regularly exposed to air conditioning and those not exposed to it, to better understand the potential effects on lung function.  Aim and Objectives: This paper was intended to evaluate the impact of air conditioning on lung function by comparing PFT outcomes of people who use air conditioning and those who do not. The first objective was to determine if respiratory health is affected after exposure to air conditioning.  Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted for a period of 2.5 years. Two hundred participants from Kalol, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 5 years of study. The participants were categorized into two groups: AC users were defined as those people who had used air conditioning for more than six hours a day for at least one year while non-AC users were those who had no regular exposure to AC. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Forced Expiratory Flow 25-75% (FEF25-75%) pulmonary function tests were conducted using Portable Spirometer (Helios 702). The data was analyzed by unpaired t-test and chi-square test.  Results: Results demonstrated significant reductions in lung function among AC users compared to non-AC users. Predicted FVC was significantly lower in AC users (2.31 ± 0.91 L) compared to non-AC users (3.37 ± 0.92 L, p &lt; 0.0001). Similarly, predicted PEFR, FEF25-75% were significantly lower in AC users (p = 0.04 for both parameters). No significant differences were found in FEV1 or FEV1/FVC ratio among 2 groups (p = 0.41 and 0.89, respectively). The findings suggest that prolonged AC exposure can reduce lung volumes and affect small airway function.  Conclusion: This study demonstrates that prolonged exposure to air conditioning may adversely affect lung volumes and airflow, particularly in the smaller airways. No significant differences were observed in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio, the significant reductions in FVC, FEFR, and FEF25-75% highlight the potential respiratory risks associated with chronic AC exposure. Public health initiatives should emphasize proper AC maintenance and monitoring of lung function in individuals exposed to air conditioning for extended periods, particularly in occupational settings.

Long-term impact of pregnancy on mortality and graft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients involves complex physiological changes that could potentially impact long-term graft function and survival. Despite some evidence suggesting minimal long-term effects on graft survival, conflicting results on graft function and timing-related risks highlight the need for a comprehensive review. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate long-term impact of pregnancy on patient survival, graft failure, serum creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and proteinuria in kidney transplant recipients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024569702). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid MEDLINE. Studies were eligible if they provided data on adult kidney transplant recipients (> 18years) who became pregnant post-transplant and included a control group of non-pregnant or non-conceived individuals. Among the 6118 results screened, 19 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of allograft failure or graft loss was similar between pregnant and non-pregnant controls (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.83-1.53, p = 0.43), with a slightly higher adverse outcome rate in pregnant patients (25.4 vs. 19.8%). All-cause mortality risk was also comparable (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.38-1.07, p = 0.09), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 12%). Creatinine levels were significantly lower before pregnancy compared to after delivery (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.52 to -0.14, p = 0.0008). Pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients leads to increased creatinine levels in postpartum but does not significantly affect long-term graft survival. While creatinine levels generally decrease during pregnancy, they show variability by trimester. The risk of allograft failure and mortality is similar between pregnant and non-pregnant recipients though adverse outcomes are slightly more frequent in pregnant patients, emphasizing the need for an optimal follow-up protocol of pregnant transplant recipients that takes trimester-specific graft function variations into consideration and that establishes clear thresholds for further evaluation and timely intervention.

Associated factors with cannabis use among patients with schizophrenia in Morocco

ABSTRACT Background Despite its negative impact on disease progression, cannabis use remains widespread among patients with schizophrenia. This study explores the factors associated with cannabis use, which require further investigation in the Moroccan context. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted at two psychiatric centers between October 2021 and April 2023. The population consisted of 324 patients with (127) and without (197) cannabis use. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey encompassing: sociodemographic and economic data, addictive profile and clinical course. Results The use of tobacco, cannabis, alcohol and other drugs was noted in 71%, 39%, 21% and 5% of participants respectively. The results revealed four risk factors associated with cannabis use. Cannabis use was associated with a history of incarceration [adjusted OR = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.21–4.67; p < 0.05], suicide attempts [adjusted OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1. 06–3.17; p < 0.05], alcohol consumption [adjusted OR = 4.81; 95% CI = 2.20–10.48; p < 0.001] and tobacco dependence [adjusted OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.23–5.55; p < 0.05]. However, our results found no significant association between cannabis use and depression. Conclusion Alcohol consumption, tobacco dependence, a history of incarceration and suicide attempts were risk factors associated with cannabis use in patients with schizophrenia. Addressing these factors should be a priority in psychiatric wards. Future research should be based on longitudinal data to better understand the acute and long-term effects of cannabis on concomitant psychiatric illnesses.