Long-term Health Issues Research Articles

A day in the life: psychological impact on emergency responders during the 22 March 2016 terrorist attacks.

Terrorist attacks can cause severe long-term mental health issues that need treatment. However, in the case of emergency responders, research is often vague on the type of stressors that emergency responders encounter. For example, in addition to the threat that they work under, studies have shown that ill-preparation adds to the stress experienced by emergency responders. However, few studies have looked into the experience of emergency responders. In this study, we looked at the experience of emergency responders during the 22 March 2016 terrorist attacks in Belgium. We used a qualitative design, in which we interviewed different types of emergency responders. Police officers, nurses, soldiers, firefighters, and Red Cross volunteers were included. Interviews were coded by two researchers and analyzed using a thematic approach. Four large themes were developed: constant threat and chaos, frustrations with lack of preparedness and training, ethical decisions, and debriefings. In addition, although emergency responders encountered constant threat, they often felt that they were ill-prepared for such attacks. One specific example was their lack of training in tourniquet usage. Furthermore, in a disaster setting, the emergency responders had to make life-and-death decisions for which they were not always prepared. Finally, debriefings were conducted in the aftermath of the attacks. Whereas most were perceived as positive, the debriefings among police officers were viewed as insufficient. Emergency responding to terrorist attacks has many different dimensions of events that can cause stress. Our study revealed that preparation is key, not only in terms of material but also in terms of ethics and debriefings.

Safety and efficacy of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors in fetal growth restriction: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with a higher risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term health issues in newborns. Currently, there is no effective medicine for FGR. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have been shown in pre-clinical studies to improve FGR. This study aimed to evaluate the latest evidence about the clinical outcomes and safety of PDE-5 inhibitors for the management of FGR. Methods: Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Database and WangFang Database) were searched for English and Chinese articles published from the database inception to December 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of PDE-5 inhibitors in FGR were included. The quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Odds ratio and mean difference (MD) (95% confidence intervals) were pooled for meta-analysis. Results: From 253 retrieved publications, 16 studies involving 1,492 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria. Only sildenafil (15 RCTs) and tadalafil (1 RCT) were studied for FGR. Compared with the control group (placebo, no treatment, or other medication therapies), sildenafil increased birth weight, pregnancy prolongation and umbilical artery pulsatility indices. However, it also increased the risk of pulmonary hypertension in newborns, as well as headache and flushing/rash in mothers. There were no significant differences in gestation age, perinatal mortality or major neonatal morbidity, stillbirth, neonate death, infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit, intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis in infants, as well as pregnancy hypertension and gastrointestinal side effects in mothers between the treatment and the control groups. Discussion: Sildenafil was the most investigated PDE-5 inhibitors for FGR. Current evidence suggests that sildenafil can improve birth weight and duration of pregnancy but at the same time increase the risk of neonatal pulmonary hypertension. It remains uncertain whether the benefits of sildenafil in FGR outweigh the risks and further high-quality RCTs are warranted. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=325909.

Modern technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and internet of things based revolution in sports by employing graph theory matrix approach

<abstract> <p>The sports industry is gaining popularity with time and all the countries are investing a lot of money for fame and entertainment around the world. To ensure the high quality of sports, modern techniques such as machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are playing a very optimistic role. Various IoT-grounded smart sensors are implemented with integration in AI and ML for the safety and high performance of the players. Based on the numerous applications of modern technologies, it is very convenient to capture different body movements of the players and avoid any severe injuries and long-term health issues. AI and IoT-driven smart devices are revolutionizing the analysis of athletes' training and performance, offering precise insights for their improvement. This article delved into the remarkable strides made in scientific sports, highlighting how computer-based elements are reshaping the sports landscape for athletes and spectators alike. These innovations enable real-time health monitoring, prevent accidents, capture diverse postures and analyze sporting outcomes. By extensively reviewing existing literature, key features have been identified and prioritized. Using the graph theory matrix approach (GTMA), this piece compared and ranks available alternatives based on these selected features. Moreover, the parameter matrix and normalized matrix were reported in tabulated form and the ranks for ten paradigms are illustrated graphically for better visualization.</p> </abstract>

Supporting the management of long-term health risk from night work.

Societal demands mean that many companies operate throughout the day to provide services. The impact of night work on long-term health is not clear, but there is sufficient evidence for closer monitoring of this as a concern and industry is not sure what more they need to do about this potential problem. There are many health conditions and potential interventions to reduce risks from night working, but there is no clarity on how to design and implement intervention programmes for long-term health issues. This paper reports on a rapid review of 24 articles to examine how interventions can minimise long-term health risk from night work. The analysis has identified eight types of intervention that have been used in relation to seven types of long-term health conditions but has highlighted weaknesses in evaluation, in relation to the current knowledge of the implementation and effectiveness of the interventions for long-term health. Commentary is provided on how researchers and industry practitioners need to think about risk in different ways, improve implementation of interventions through a systemic approach to work design and organisation, and employ more participatory approaches to embed cultural change in organisations.

Indoor environmental quality in an Apulian kindergarten

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in school buildings is crucial for the health and well-being of students, educators, and staff. Poor air quality and inadequate thermal conditions compromise students’ comfort and can lead to potential long-term health issues. Since children’s comfort differs from adults’, it is important to consider surveys on IEQ in school buildings. For this reason, this paper focuses on air quality and thermal comfort in kindergartens in Italy. An IEQ monitoring campaign was conducted within a kindergarten, with data used for thermal comfort and IAQ analyses, including CO2 levels generated by occupants and thermal discomforting hours. The simulations of carbon dioxide levels showed that the amount of CO2 accumulated in the classrooms exceeds the threshold recommended by ASHRAE guidelines. During the winter seasons, CO2 levels are significantly higher than those accumulated in summer due to the limited ventilation practiced during the colder months. Moreover, thermal comfort analyses indicate that the summer season can be problematic due to overheating: 42% of the occupied hours during the monitoring period exceeded the temperature threshold, causing thermal discomfort for the occupants. The winter thermal comfort analyses demonstrated that heating systems are essential to maintain temperatures within comfort thresholds.

Exploring the Psychological Trauma of Mary Turner in Doris Lessing’s The Grass Is Singing

This paper explores the traumas of Mary Turner, the protagonist of the widely celebrated novel The Grass Is Singing (1950) by Doris May Lessing (1919-2013). The plot of the novel centers on Mary Turner, a white farmer’s wife whose declining mental health and eventual tragedy reveal society’s deeply established biases and repressive structures. Psychological trauma includes abuse, violence, accidents, war, and witnessing traumatic occurrences that may cause long-term mental health issues such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, despair, emotional numbness, and relationship issues. Therefore, using trauma theory and psychological frameworks, the study examines Mary’s traumatic experiences that shape her actions and interactions throughout the novel. In the novel, Mary seems to be terrified by her infantile memories, traumatized by the social slurs, and trapped in an African parched terrain, approximating the wasteland, from which she cannot escape. She has relentless nightmares about haunting sexuality, sporadically with her father or Moses. It seems that her repressed desires unlocked into her dreams persecute her inexorably. Therefore, she mislays control over herself and suffers from a complete nervous breakdown. Consequently, Mary undergoes a syndrome of psychopathology that includes neurosis, psychosis, paranoia, and personality disorder for which she cannot lead a normal life. A qualitative content analysis method is adopted to inspect Mary’s childhood trauma that persuades her disorders. The analysis suggests a correlation between adolescent trauma and psychosis, which can disrupt an individual’s sense of self, conduct, and mental state. Accordingly, Mary’s conscious control breaks down as her childhood pain returns, revealing her natural urges and unconscious side. IUBAT Review, 6(2): 115-130

Parents' Knowledge and Skills in Feeding, Children's Response to Feeding on the Nutritional Status of Toddlers with Malnutrition Problems

Malnutrition, notably stunting, significantly impacts children's health and development, particularly during the first 1000 days of life. The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia is notably high, affecting approximately 30% of children under five in 2019, with Kediri Regency reporting a prevalence rate of 10.23% in 2022. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of parental knowledge and skills in improving nutritional status as well as children's responses to feeding on the nutritional status of children with malnutrition problems. The research design used in this research is a pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design. The sampling technique was total sampling with respondents in this study being 22 underprivileged families with toddlers who had nutritional problems and stunting in the Gempolan Village area. The problem of malnutrition in toddlers is quite high with an average Z Score of -2.42 (BB/U), -2.46 (TB/U), and -1.53 (BB/TB). Pre-test data on parents' knowledge and ability to fulfill children's nutrition shows that 68% have fairly good knowledge and skills and only 9% have good knowledge and skills. In this study, 50% of respondents had a fairly good response to feeding. The data highlights a significant problem of malnutrition in toddlers, characterized by low Z-Scores indicating undernutrition and growth stunting. These low Z-Scores pose substantial health risks, including compromised growth, weakened immunity, and potential long-term health issues. Parental knowledge and skills in nutrition are crucial, with most parents having reasonable knowledge levels. However, feeding problems persist, contributing to food rejection by children, exacerbating malnutrition.

Effect of Interventions on Informal Caregivers of Older Adults: A Scientific Mini Review

The growing number of older adults with long-term health issues has led to more family members becoming informal caregivers. These caregivers play a crucial role in providing care to their elderly loved ones. However, this caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, affecting the caregivers’ own well-being. This scientific mini-review examines various ways, known as “interventions,” that can help ease the challenges faced by informal caregivers and improve their quality of life. These interventions can include things like training programs, support groups, or using technology to assist caregivers. To get the most up-to-date information, we looked at the recent systematic reviews and studies published in the last 5 years. We searched for this information in three widely recognized electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus with full text. These interventions show promise in making life easier for informal caregivers and improving their quality of life. This mini review intends to offer insights into how these interventions can be beneficial, serving as a resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers working to enhance the well-being of both caregivers and the elderly individuals they care for.

Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor signalling pathway: A promising therapeutic option for COVID-19.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is continuously producing new variants, necessitating effective therapeutics. Patients are not only confronted by the immediate symptoms of infection but also by the long-term health issues linked to long COVID-19. Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling during SARS-CoV-2 infection promotes virus propagation, mucus hyperproduction, and pulmonary fibrosis, and suppresses the host's antiviral response. Over the long term, EGFR activation in COVID-19, particularly in COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis, may be linked to the development of lung cancer. In this review, we have summarised the significance of EGFR signalling in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also discussed the targeting of EGFR signalling as a promising strategy for COVID-19 treatment and highlighted erlotinib as a superior option among EGFR inhibitors. Erlotinib effectively blocks EGFR and AAK1, thereby preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication, reducing mucus hyperproduction, TNF-α expression, and enhancing the host's antiviral response. Nevertheless, to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of erlotinib, relevant clinical trials involving an appropriate patient population should be designed.

Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among children aged 6–23 months, in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta analysis

IntroductionDespite several strategies exist for anemia prevention and control, it has been the major public health important problem in the world. Numerous immediate and long-term health issues were reported in children who have history of anemia including decreased work productivity in adult hood period. Although analyzing data on burden and risk factors of anemia are the recommended action areas of World Health Organization framework for accelerating anemia reduction, the aggregated national burden and contributors of anemia in Ethiopia has not been determined so far. There for, this systematic and meta-analysis study is aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of anemia among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia.MethodsThe electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google scholar and institutional repositories were searched using search terms. The studies that reported the prevalence and/or risk factors of anemia in children 6–23 months of age were included. The JBI quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of each study. The data was extracted with Microsoft Excel, 2019 and analyzed with STATA 17.0 statistical software. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia and its associated factors. The Cochrane Q-test statistics and I2 test were used to measure heterogeneity between the included studies. Furthermore, publication bias was examined using the funnel plot graph and statistical tests (Egger’s and begg tests). Outliers also visualized using Galbraith plot. When necessary, sensitivity analysis was also employed to detect small study effect.ResultTen studies with a total population of 14, 733 were included for analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–23 months of age in Ethiopia was found to be 57.76% (95%CI; 51.61–63.91; I2 = 97.192%; p < 0.001). Having history of diarrhea AOR = 2.44 (95%CI: 1.03–3.85), being stunted AOR = 2.00 (95%CI: 1.38–2.61), living in food insecure house hold AOR = 2.08 (95%CI: 1.10–3.07), consuming less diversified food AOR = 2.73 (95%CI: 2.06–3.39) and being 6–11 months of age AOR = 1.59 (95%CI: 1.23–1.95) were associated with anemia.Conclusion and recommendationThe prevalence of anemia is in the range of severe public health problem among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia. Diarrhea, stunting, house hold food insecurity, dietary diversity, and age were the predictors of anemia. Further, prospective cohort and random controlled trial studies are recommended. Further, random controlled trial especially effectiveness of nutritional education interventions trial is important. To reduce prevalence of anemia, strengthening diarrhea reduction program, securing household food insecurity, preventing stunting, giving special attention for infants age 6–11 months and encouraging food diversification are important.

Studying full-shift inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among Latino workers in very small-sized beauty salons and auto repair shops.

One in every 200 US jobs is in a beauty salon or auto repair shop, where workers are regularly exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may cause a range of short- and long-term health issues. In these shops, Latino workers are overrepresented and lack culturally and linguistically appropriate industrial hygiene resources. This leaves a gap in knowledge on inhalation exposures to VOCs in this hard-to-reach and ubiquitous worker population. Our goal was to recruit hard-to-reach, predominantly Spanish-speaking workers in beauty salons and auto repair shops and monitor total VOC inhalation exposures for over entire work shifts, with minimal impact on workers, clients, and business. We developed and refined measurement and exposure assessment methods for personal and area full-shift VOC inhalation exposures. With minimal participant loss, we measured over 500 h of real-time, personal VOC exposures and recorded activities and other exposure factors for 47 participants, while also documenting chemical inventories and quantifying indoor area concentrations of specific VOCs among 10 auto repair shops and 10 beauty salons. Lessons learned from our study can assist future studies of inhalation exposures in other hard-to-reach occupational populations.

Mental health difficulties in paramedics: A review of the literature

BackgroundParamedics are frequently exposed to traumatic events as part of their role. The implications of this constant exposure have suggested that paramedics are at high risk of developing long-term mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, PTSD, and suicide.PurposeTo synthesise studies to examine factors that play a role in the development of mental health difficulties in ambulance personnel. As well as, establishing gaps within the literature for further research.Data SourcesFrom the first 77 published journals reviewed from Psycinfo, PsychArticles, CINAHL, Education Research Complete, ERIC and grey literature, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review and were included in the present study.ResultsFindings of this review suggest that the mental health and wellbeing of paramedics are significant issues. In reviewing the research, it was found that several different factors may play a role in the development of mental health difficulties in ambulance personnel. Four main themes were determined, (1) occupational stressors, (2) negative attitude towards emotional expression, (3) peer and social support, and (4) preparing paramedics for mental health challenges.ConclusionsIt is paramount for further research to explore paramedic students’ mental health experiences, as well as a focus on research to investigate a UK paramedic population due to most of the literature focusing on an international population. Psychological support and early interventions should be made a priority for all ambulance workers, as a way of improving the quality of the working life of paramedics.

KOMPARASI ALGORITMA DECISION TREE, NAIVE BAYES DAN K-NEAREST NEIGHBOR UNTUK MENENTUKAN KUALITAS UDARA DI PROVINSI DKI JAKARTA

Air quality in DKI Jakarta Province refers to the state and cleanliness of the air in the area at a given time. The type and concentration of air pollutants are among the indicators used to assess air quality. DKI Jakarta's air pollution is severe, causing respiratory irritation, respiratory illnesses, and long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Air pollution can also harm the environment by limiting visibility and harming ecosystems. The problem with the research is that no appropriate and relevant features for predicting air quality were used. The goal of this study is to identify and compare algorithms with the highest accuracy between decision trees. In determining air quality, naive Bayes and k-nearest neighbor are used. According to the findings of the K-5fold evaluation process performed with the RapidMiner tool, the accuracy of the Decision Tree algorithm was 95.89%, the accuracy of the Nave Bayes algorithm was 93.15%, and the accuracy of the K-NN algorithm was 91.78%. Based on these findings, the decision tree method has the greatest or best accuracy when compared to the Nave Bayes and K-NN algorithms.

Protein and energy intake in intensive care unit survivors during the first year of recovery: A descriptive cohort study.

Many intensive care unit (ICU) survivors suffer long-term health issues that affect their quality of life. Nutrition inadequacy can limit their rehabilitation potential. This study investigates nutrition intake and support during ICU admission and recovery. In this prospective cohort study, 81 adult ICU patients with stays ≥48 h were included. Data on dietary intake, feeding strategies, baseline and ICU characteristics, and 1-year outcomes (physical health and readmission rates) were collected. The number of patients achieving 1.2 gram per kilogram per day of protein and 25 kilocalories per kilogram per day at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after ICU admission was recorded. The impact of dietary supplementation during the year was assessed. Baseline characteristics, intake barriers, and rehabilitation's influence on nutrition intake at 12 months were evaluated, along with the effect of inadequate intake on outcomes. After 12 months, only 10% of 60 patients achieved 1.2 g/kg/day protein intake, whereas 28% reached the advised 25 kcal/kg/day energy target. Supplementary feeding significantly increased protein intake at 3, 6, and 12 months (P = 0.003, P = 0.012, and P = 0.033, respectively) and energy intake at 3 months (P = 0.003). A positive relation was found between female sex and energy intake at 12 months after ICU admission (β = 4.145; P = 0.043) and taste issues were independently associated with higher protein intake (β = 0.363; P = 0.036). However, achieving upper-quartile protein or energy intake did not translate into improved physical health outcomes. Continuous and improved nutrition care is urgently needed to support patients in reaching nutrition adequacy.

Blood-derived product therapies for SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is capable of large-scale transmission and has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Patients with COVID-19 may experience persistent long-term health issues, known as long COVID. Both acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID have resulted in persistent negative impacts on global public health. The effective application and development of blood-derived products are important strategies to combat the serious damage caused by COVID-19. Since the emergence of COVID-19, various blood-derived products that target or do not target SARS-CoV-2 have been investigated for therapeutic applications. SARS-CoV-2-targeting blood-derived products, including COVID-19 convalescent plasma, COVID-19 hyperimmune globulin, and recombinant anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing immunoglobulin G, are virus-targeting and can provide immediate control of viral infection in the short term. Non-SARS-CoV-2-targeting blood-derived products, including intravenous immunoglobulin and human serum albumin exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulatory properties. Rational use of these products can be beneficial to patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection or long COVID. With evidence accumulated since the pandemic began, we here summarize the progress of blood-derived product therapies for COVID-19, discuss the effective methods and scenarios regarding these therapies, and provide guidance and suggestions for clinical treatment.

The Multifaceted Impact Of Substance Addiction: Understanding The Classification Of Problems And Probable Solutions

Substance addiction has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond individual health concerns, affecting various aspects of individuals, communities, and societies. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problems associated with substance addiction and explore potential solutions. By recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues, we can develop effective strategies to address addiction, support recovery, and minimize its overall impact. The problems arising from substance addiction can be classified into different categories. At the individual level, addiction poses significant health risks, leading to short and long-term physical and mental health issues. It also affects behavior, leading to decreased cognitive function, impaired relationships, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Additionally, addiction can contribute to the development or exacerbation of various psychological disorders and increase the risk of suicidal tendencies. Substance addiction creates financial burdens for individuals, families, and governments, as individuals prioritize their addiction over essential needs. It also has wide-ranging social implications, straining relationships and contributing to offensive behaviors, violence, and criminal activities. Substance addiction not only affects individuals but also has environmental, educational, and governmental implications. It contributes to environmental pollution, supports narcoterrorism, and leads to land misuse. In educational settings, addiction disrupts learning environments and hampers students' progress. Moreover, it poses challenges for policymakers in developing effective strategies and places a burden on law enforcement and the justice system. Understanding the multifaceted impact of substance addiction is crucial for implementing comprehensive solutions. By adopting a multifaceted approach encompassing prevention, treatment, and support systems, we can strive towards mitigating the effects of addiction and creating a healthier and more resilient society.

COVID-19 and health inequalities: The impact of social determinants of health on individuals affected by poverty

ObjectiveThis study focuses on the impact of social determinants of health (employment, housing, access to education, and food) on individuals affected by poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tyrol, Austria. MethodsA qualitative research design was employed to explore the individual experiences of the pandemic, poverty, job loss, and precariousness. Biographical narrative and episodic problem-based interviews were used in combination. A total of 151 participants were recruited using various non-random sampling methods. The data were analyzed through inductive qualitative content analysis to identify relevant thematic complexes resulting from the reconstructions. ResultsThe main driver of challenges faced by individuals living in poverty is their precarious financial situation. Poverty negatively affects physical and mental health, the quality of food, housing conditions, medication expenses, access to healthcare, to relevant digital resources, and health literacy. Informal social support plays a crucial role for people in poverty, but it diminishes over time, leading to social exclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty-related challenges and intensified social disconnection and marginalization. Addressing poverty requires comprehensive interventions at both the individual and structural levels. ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of social determinants of health, including poverty, distress, employment, social participation, and digital exclusion. These factors pose immediate risks to individuals' health and can contribute to negative long-term health issues. State and institutional support are crucial in preventing and combating poverty, social disparities, health inequalities, and negative health outcomes. Public interest abstractThis study highlights the negative impact of poverty on an individual's biopsychosocial health, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial distress, uncertainty, and employment disruptions caused by the pandemic had a negative impact on social participation and quality of life, thereby decreasing overall well-being. Individuals affected by poverty experience adverse health outcomes such as distress, exhaustion, and hopelessness. The pandemic has further reduced the availability of public-funded professional support, leaving individuals with limited resources for essentials such as food, heating, rent, and social participation. Therefore, increased public funding for health and social services and accessible low-threshold financial aid are essential for improving well-being of those affected. Furthermore, poverty is a complex issue that necessitates public support to combat and prevent its effects in the sense of social justice and health equity. To address negative health outcomes and provide targeted support, we must tackle the social determinants of health.

Composition and evolution of the gut microbiota of growing puppies is impacted by their birth weight

Low birth weight puppies present an increased risk of neonatal mortality, morbidity, and some long-term health issues. Yet it has not been investigated if those alterations could be linked to the gut microbiota composition and evolution. 57 puppies were weighed at birth and rectal swabs were performed at 5 time points from birth to 28 days of age. Puppies were grouped into three groups based on their birth weight: low birth weight (LBW), normal birth weight (NBW) and high birth weight (HBW). 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to highlight differences in the fecal microbiota. During the first three weeks, the relative abundance of facultative anaerobic bacteria such as E. coli, C. perfringens and Tyzzerella was higher in LBW feces, but they catch back with the other groups afterwards. HBW puppies showed higher abundances of Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides during the neonatal period, suggesting an earlier maturation of their microbiota. The results of this study suggest that birth weight impact the initial establishment of the gut microbiota in puppies. Innovative strategies would be desired to deal with altered gut microbiota in low birth weight puppies aiming to improve their survival and long term health.

The Health Status of the US Veterans: A Longitudinal Analysis of Surveillance Data Prior to and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Chronic diseases affect a disproportionate number of United States (US) veterans, causing significant long-term health issues and affecting entitlement spending. This longitudinal study examined the health status of US veterans as compared to non-veterans pre- and post-COVID-19, utilizing the annual Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) survey data. Age-adjusted descriptive point estimates were generated independently for 2003 through 2021, while complex weighted panel data were generated from 2011 and onward. General linear modeling revealed that the average US veteran reports a higher prevalence of disease conditions except for mental health disorders when compared to a non-veteran. These findings were consistent with both pre- and post-COVID-19; however, both groups reported a higher prevalence of mental health issues during the pandemic years. The findings suggest that there have been no improvements in reducing veteran comorbidities to non-veteran levels and that COVID-19 adversely affected the mental health of both populations.

CLINICAL FEATURES AND MANAGEMENT OF FEBRILE SEIZURES IN PEDIATRICS

A febrile seizure (FS) may be defined as an event in infancy or childhood, mostly occurring between six months and five years of age. It is accompanied by fever but without signs of intracranial infection. These are not regarded as a type of epilepsy. Moreover, they are an age-dependent phenomenon which occurs in about 2 - 4 % of children. FS can lead to extreme fear in parents, even if they are generally harmless for children, which makes it important to manage parental anxiety in the most careful manner. This review focuses on the management of FS in the paediatric age. Most children with FS have high rate of prediction while few develop long-term health issues as shown by an analysis of the literature. Its diagnosis is clinical. Intracranial infections are important to exclude, particularly after a complex FS. Symptom control and treating the cause of the fever are elements of its management. It is crucial to improve the knowledge of paediatricians and neurologists on FS management due to the improper use of diagnostic tests and treatments and to standardize the diagnostic and therapeutic work-up.