Office Database Research Articles

Monitoring of Airborne Pollen: A Patent Review

Air pollution is recognized by the World Health Organization as the major environmental threat; therefore, air quality is constantly being monitored by monitoring stations. However, the most common atmospheric pollutants being monitored do not include pollen. Among the reasons for the lack of pollen control is that there are different types and sizes of pollen. The largest particles commonly being monitored by air monitoring stations have a maximum aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns, while the aerodynamic diameter of most pollen grains is known to range from 10 to 100 microns. For this reason, most pollen is not being detected by air monitoring stations. For the patents found in a literature review, monitoring pollen concentration in the air requires the discrimination of pollen grains from particulate matter of a similar size, as well as the identification of the type of pollen grains detected, since different pollen types may produce different effects, such as allergic reactions, asthma, and lung cancer, in exposed people. In this work, 15 patent documents regarding pollen monitoring were identified and reviewed using three search engines: Google Patents, WIPO’s PatentScope, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. The extracted data from the patents included whether they differentiate pollen type, pollen size, and sensor type and whether they provide real-time data. The results show that 93.33% of the patents identify pollen type, while 80% of the patents identify pollen size. Most of the patents use light-scattering and image sensors and use image processing techniques to analyze particles. Furthermore, 40% of the patents were found to implement artificial intelligence. Further, it was found that only nine patents provide real-time data, which is an important feature of an air monitoring system.

Botanical Extracts and Compounds of Castanea Plants and Methods of Use: US20190125818A1 - The United States Patent Evaluation.

Bacterial infections are increasingly difficult to combat, which makes them a threat to public health on a global level. Staphylococcus aureus is considered one of the main causes of infections in hospitals, as it has a variety of virulence factors, as well as is able to produce bacterial biofilms, which, consequently, bring numerous damages to public health as a result of increased resistance to conventional antibiotics and a longer hospital stay. Therefore, the use of compounds extracted from medicinal plants is a potential pharmaceutically acceptable target, as they do not have toxicity and the potential to disrupt biofilms produced by Staphylococcus aureus already evidenced, thus revealing their relevance to our study. The objective of this work was to perform a critical analysis of a patent with natural extracts against bacterial biofilms found in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, to map the possible bioactive compounds that may serve as potential future antimicrobial drugs. A technological survey was carried out to verify existing patents using natural extracts with anti-biofilm potential. For this, it was searched with the keywords: Botanical extracts AND biofilms; which were performed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. Thus, the selected patent used a non-aqueous extract partitioned and vacuum-contracted, subsequently lyophilized for assays with antimicrobial potential. Because of this, a patent was analyzed regarding its chemistry, and biological activity, followed by a critical analysis of the technology proposed in the invention. When using the keywords Botanical extracts AND biofilms in the USPTO, it was possible to find twenty-two inventions; however, only four patents in the USPTO were in agreement with the proposal of the natural extract having antimicrobial activity and an anti-biofilm potential, of which two belonged to the same applicant with similar proposals. The key point of this invention was to enable the compounds of the Castanea sativa plant and its methods of obtaining the extract to present a significant antimicrobial action associated or not with antibiotics, promoting the development of new therapies against bacterial infections capable of disrupting biofilms. The invention developed a methodology for extracting Castanea sativa, in which pentacyclic triterpene compounds were found mostly in its leaves. Whereas for the extraction, the crude methanol extracts called extracts 224 from the ground leaves were made by maceration, filtered, combined, concentrated under pressure in rotary evaporators, and lyophilized. After that, they were resuspended in water and partitioned in succession with hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol. The most active refined partition was the 224C extract with the solvent ethyl acetate, which was subjected to further fractionation using silica column chromatography. Resulting in the most refined extract, which was 224C-F2, capable of acting directly on the quorum sensing of bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus, blocking the translation of RNAIII, including a series of exotoxins. Regarding the antimicrobial capacity against Staphylococcus aureus, it presented Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 1.56 μg/mL-1 and > 100 μg/mL -1, respectively. Given the analyzed patent, it was possible to verify the importance of alternatives to reduce the impact of bacterial biofilms, which causes damage to industries in general and to health. From this, the invention analyzed has a promising proposal with antimicrobial potential focusing on the great impact of bacterial biofilms. Therefore, natural extracts with antibiofilmic potential can help to minimize the economic losses caused to health due to these multidrug-resistant microorganisms with different virulence mechanisms.

Cumulative effect of unemployment on suicide mortality in South Korean workers (2018-2019).

While unemployment is known to increase the risk of suicide, its cumulative effect remains underexplored. This study investigates how unemployment affects suicide mortality and whether the effect varies based on the number of unemployment spells using two years of nationwide data. Using the data from the National Statistical Office and Employment Insurance Database for 2018 and 2019, we identified an average of 2365 cases of suicide over two years among 7.76 million workers aged 25-64 years who had been employed within one year before their suicide. The number of unemployment spells was counted using the employment history of the past five years. We calculated crude suicide mortality rates per 100 000 population, age- and sex- standardized mortality rates (SMRs), and proportionate mortality rates (PMRs) for suicide. Over the two years, the crude suicide rate was 30.0 per 100 000 among the general population and 30.5 among workers. Workers with no unemployment spells in the past five years had a significantly lower SMR (0.44; 0.42-0.46), while those with four or more unemployment spells had a significantly higher SMR (3.13; 2.92-3.35) than the general population. These findings were consistent across all sex and age groups. Additionally, workers with four or more unemployment spells had a significantly higher PMR than the general population. The impact of unemployment on suicide mortality intensifies as the number of unemployment spells increases. These results underscore the necessity for additional social and psychological support along with economic assistance for individuals facing recurrent unemployment.

Physiological Fitness of U.S. Army Aviators Compared to the U.S. General Population.

INTRODUCTION: U.S. Army aviators are required to maintain a level of physiological fitness as part of their qualifying process, which suggests that they are generally physically healthy. However, it has not been statistically proven that they are more "physiologically fit" than the general population.METHODS: This retrospective study compares physiological measurements of U.S. Army aviators from the Aeromedical Electronic Resource Office database to the U.S. general population using the Center for Disease Control's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. To enable an accurate comparison of physiological metrics between U.S. Army aviators and the U.S. general population, aviators were categorized into the same age groups and biological genders used for segmentation of the national population data.RESULTS: On average, pulse rate was 4.85 bpm lower in male aviators and 6.84 bpm lower in female aviators. Fasting glucose levels were, on average, 10.6 mg · dL-1 lower in aviators compared to the general population. Key metrics like pulse rate and fasting glucose were lower in aviators, indicating cardiovascular and metabolic advantages. However, parameters like cholesterol showed less consistent differences.DISCUSSION: While aviation physical demands and administrative policies selecting for elite physiological metrics produce improvements on some dimensions, a nuanced view accounting for the multitude of factors influencing an aviator's physiological fitness is still warranted. Implementing targeted health monitoring and maintenance programs based on assessments conducted more frequently than the current annual flight physical may optimize aviator safety and performance over the course of a career.D'Alessandro M, Mackie R, Wolf S, McGhee JS, Curry I. Physiological fitness of U.S. Army aviators compared to the U.S. general population. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(4):175-186.

Causes of Hospitalizations in Pediatric Patients with Thalassemia under the National Health Coverage Scheme in Thailand

Thalassemia is a hereditary hemolytic anemia that is prevalent in Southeast Asia. The primary treatment for severe thalassemia involves red cell transfusion, iron chelation, and the treatment of long-term complications, leading to frequent hospital visits and admissions. This study aims to delineate the causes and characteristics of hospital admissions among thalassemia patients under the National Health Coverage (NHC) scheme in Thailand. This cross-sectional analysis (2015–2019), conducted using the National Health Security Office database, identified 336,054 admissions among 41,237 patients, with alpha-thalassemia at 12.5%, beta-thalassemia at 61.5%, other thalassemia at 0.5%, and unclassified thalassemia at 25.5%. The overall admission rate was 3.74 per 100 NHC admissions in the pediatric age group. Infections predominated in younger patients, whereas cardiac complications, diabetes mellitus, and cholecystitis/cholelithiasis were more common in older patients. Hospital admissions for cardiac complications and diabetes mellitus in pediatric patients with thalassemia decreased over the study period. The annual hospital admission cost ranged from 8.19 to 12.01 million US dollars, with one-third attributed to iron chelation. In summary, thalassemia poses a significant healthcare challenge in Thai children, characterized by high admission rates and costs. While infections predominate in younger patients, cardiac complications and diabetes mellitus are more common in older individuals. The diminishing admissions for these complications suggest the successful implementation of iron chelation medications.

Survival pattern of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients according to WHO/ISUP grade: a long-term multi-institutional study

The World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) grading of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is classified from grade 1–4, regardless of subtype. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (2022) state that if there is an adverse pathological feature, such as grade 3 or higher RCC in stage 1 patients, more rigorous follow-up imaging is recommended. However, the RCC guidelines do not provide specific treatment or follow-up policies by tumor grade. Therefore, this study attempted to find out whether tumor grade affects survival rates in patients with metastatic RCC. The Korean Renal Cancer Study Group (KRoCS) database includes 3108 patients diagnosed with metastatic RCC between September 1992 and February 2017, with treatment methods, progression, and survival data collected from 11 tertiary hospitals. To obtain information on survival rates or causes of death, we utilized the Korea National Statistical Office database and institutional medical records. Data were accessed for research purpose on June, 2023. We then reviewed these sources to gather comprehensive and reliable data on the outcomes of our study cohort. This database was retrospectively analyzed, and out of 3108 metastatic RCC patients, 911 had been identified as WHO/ISUP grade. Grades were classified into either a low-grade (WHO/ISUP grade 1–2) or a high-grade group (WHO/ISUP grade 3–4). The patients were then analyzed related to progression and overall survival (OS). In metastatic clear cell RCC patients, the 1-year OS rate was 69.4% and the median OS was 17.0 months (15.5–18.5) followed up to 203.6 months. When comparing the patient groups, 119 low-grade and 873 high-grade cases were identified. No baseline difference was observed between the two groups, except that the high-grade group had a higher ECOG 1 ratio of 50.4% compared with 34.5% for the low-grade group (p = 0.009). There was a significant difference in OS between high-grade and low-grade groups. OS was 16.0 months (14.6–17.4) in the high-grade group and 28.0 months (21.1–34.9) in the low-grade group (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) rates with 9.0 months (8.0–10.0) for the high-grade group and 10.0 months (6.8–13.2) for the low-grade group (p = 0.377) in first-line treatment. In multivariable analysis, WHO/ISUP grade was a risk factor (HR = 1.511[1.135–2.013], p = 0.005) that influenced the OS. In conclusion, WHO/ISUP grade is a major data source that can be used as a ubiquitous marker of metastatic RCC in pre-IO era. Depending on whether the RCC is high or low grade, the follow-up schedule will need to be tailored according to grade, with higher-grade patients needing more active treatment as it can not only affect the OS in the previously known localized/locoregional recurrence but also the metastatic RCC patient.

Assessing the development of green innovation in China through patent evolution: the hallmark of government policy and private enterprises

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive overview of green innovation (GI) in China, which is carried out by reviewing the evolution of GI from 2000 to 2019, and the main type of technology, actors and localizations. When appropriate, GI is compared to non-GI.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses patent data from the European Patent Office database (PATSTAT); these data are processed to map trends and identify the main contributors to GI and the location of such innovation. The findings are then discussed and complemented with academic literature.FindingsKey findings reveal an increasing divergence between GI and nongreen innovation after the 2008 crisis. It is also observed that solar energy appears to be the main component of GI in China, with a shift from photovoltaic thermal energy to solar photovoltaic energy after 2008. Other areas, such as waste management, greenhouse gases capture and climate change adaptation, are less innovative. Companies play an essential role in the development of all types of innovation. In terms of location, green patents are mainly filed in China’s three main megacities. The study also highlights the significant role of the Chinese state, which led policies shaping the trajectories and forms of GI.Originality/valueThis study expands knowledge on GI in China, highlighting its main specificities and the role of key actors. It provides to the reader a comprehensive picture of China’s green policies and innovation realities. The results can therefore be used to improve the understanding of GI evolution in China and facilitate the formulation of new research questions.

A current review on P2X7 receptor antagonist patents in the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders: a patent review on antagonists.

Chronic inflammation is defined by an activated microglial state linked to all neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a motor neuron disease that affects the brain and spinal cord). P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) are ATP-activated ion-gated channels present on microglial surfaces. Prolonged ATP release under pathological settings results in sustained P2X7R activation, which leads to inflammasome development and cytokine release. P2X7R and its enabling roles have recently been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, making it a potential research subject. This research provides an overview of current patents for chemicals, biologics, and medicinal applications. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), European Patent Office (EPO, Espacenet), and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) databases were searched for patents using the keywords "P2X7R and Neuroinflammation." During the study period from 2015 to 2021, 103 patents were examined. The countries that protected these innovations were the United States, PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty states), Europe, Canada, Australia, and India. Janssen Pharmaceutica NV had the most applications, followed by Acetelion Pharmaceuticals LTD., Renovis Inc., Kelly Michael G, Kincaid Jhon, Merck Patent GMBH, H Lundbeck A/S, and many more. The P2X7R is a possible diagnostic and therapeutic target for cancer, pain disorders, and inflammation. For P2X7 R, several compounds have been discovered and are presently the subject of clinical trial investigations. This study featured patents for P2X7R antagonists, which help treat conditions including neuroinflammation.

Analyzing Status Quo of Technology Fusion by Using Patents: A Global and Technical Assessment

Technology fusion is seen as an important driver of emerging industries and economic growth, creating opportunities for enterprises and societies around the world. Yet, asymmetric technological development in different countries or industries leads to disparities in technology fusion, so it is always an issue for policy-makers and scholars to identify and discover the frontier areas where technologies intersect. The objective of this article is to analyze the overall picture of global technology fusion and to explore the differences between fusion and nonfusion technologies through patents. This study utilized patents issued from 1976 to 2017 in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to analyze technology distances through interdisciplinary patent citations for examining a global picture of technology fusion. Both fusion patents and nonfusion patents are characterized by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression based on a total of 20 patent indicators, to differentiate the two types of patents and the likelihood for nonfusion patents to become fusion patents. It is found that most characteristics of fusion patents and nonfusion patents are significantly different. Meanwhile, the novelty of industry knowledge, the richness of knowledge resources, and other conditions increase the likelihood of nonfusion technology becoming fusion technology. Findings of this study provide guidance for potential interdisciplinary innovation through patented technologies.

Nursing Research in Arab Countries: Current Status, Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.

Twenty-two Arab countries comprise the League of Arab States. While united in Arab identity, diversities among these countries exist at many levels. Conducting and publishing research in the Arabic speaking countries is an essential pillar for improving the status of the nursing profession. The purpose of this study is to assess the current status, trends, challenges, and opportunities of nursing research in Arab countries. An integrative review was conducted using (1) Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office Database Journals Directory (IMEMR), (2) the Iraqi Academic Scientific Journals Database (IASJD), (3) Ulrichsweb (UW), (4) The Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research/Middle Eastern Journals (GFMER), (5) the Nursing Journal Directory (NJD), (6) the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and (7) Google Scholar. Journals and articles that met inclusion criteria were accessed, retrieved, reviewed, and subjected to content analysis by three authors, two of which were fluent in English, French, and Arabic languages. A third author fluent in all three languages confirmed the findings. Nursing research in Arabic-speaking countries has evolved over the past decades but is still lacking compared to global nursing research. Moreover, it was found to be largely situated within academic institutions and linked to tenure and promotion requirements. Nursing journals in Arabic-speaking countries do not adequately represent that overall region and are limited in access.

Regular exercise reduces the risk of all-cause mortality in socially isolated older adults: the Otassha Study.

Social isolation is associated with increased mortality risk. On the other hand, some older adults prefer to be alone. Additionally, predictors of isolation are mostly unchanged across interventions. Therefore, knowledge of how to prevent negative health outcomes in isolation would be beneficial. One of the factors that reduces the risk of mortality is regular exercise. However, to date, no studies to our knowledge have examined whether regular exercise reduces mortality among socially isolated individuals. This study aimed to determine the effects of the combination of social isolation and regular exercise on mortality among community-dwelling older adults. This prospective cohort study was part of the larger Otassha Study of community-dwelling older adults living in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo, Japan. In October 2012, 835 individuals (males = 350, females = 485; mean age 73.1 years) completed a comprehensive baseline health survey. Individuals were considered socially isolated if their frequency of interactions with others averaged less than once per week. Regular exercise was defined as exercise performed at least twice a week. The participants were assigned to one of the following four groups: (1) not isolated with regular exercise, (2) not isolated without regular exercise, (3) isolated with regular exercise, and (4) isolated without regular exercise. All-cause mortality information was obtained from the ward office database. Follow-ups were conducted until 1 November 2020. A Cox proportional regression analysis was performed. A final analysis was performed on a complete dataset of 735 participants (males = 303, females = 432; mean age 72.9 years). A total of 132 (18.0%), 426 (58.0%), 27 (3.7%), and 150 (20.4%) participants were assigned to groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The mortality rates in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 6.1%, 9.2%, 7.4%, and 19.3%, respectively. Compared with group 1, isolated individuals who did not perform regular exercise had a significantly higher mortality rate [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12-5.52]. However, no significant association was noted in isolated individuals who performed regular exercise (aHR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.26-5.91). Regular exercise was associated with a decrease in mortality risk, regardless of social isolation status. Thus, our results indicate that encouraging isolated older adults to exercise regularly may reduce their negative health outcomes.

Technological and Scientific Prospection on Pigments Produced by Microorganisms.

Interest in natural pigments has grown due to the negative aspects caused by synthetic options, which trigger damage to the body and the environment. Research with natural pigments produced by microorganisms becomes viable in relation to other pigments extracted from animals or plants, as microorganisms have advantages in terms of versatility and productivity. Thus, production technologies are protected by patents. To evaluate the evolution of research and technological development on producing natural pigments by different microorganisms through scientific and technological prospection. Scientific prospecting was done by searching articles published from 2010 to 2020 in the Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases. Technological prospecting was carried out with patents obtained from the European Patent Office (ESPACENET) database. The searches were based on the keywords "pigment" and "dye" crossed with microalgae, fungi, bacteria and yeast. A total of 2.811 articles and 451 patents were selected. Scientific prospecting has shown interest in alternative cultivation media, and among the microorganisms that produce pigments, fungi and microalgae are the most studied. Technological prospecting showed that 375 (83%) recovered patent documents refer to the protection of pigment extraction and production techniques and that the largest patent holders are private companies, followed by Chinese universities.

Epidemiological trends of pyogenic spondylodiscitis in Germany: an EANS Spine Section Study

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In Germany, a comprehensive understanding of its epidemiology and inpatient management outcomes is limited, hindering the optimisation of therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to characterise the evolving epidemiological trends of pyogenic spondylodiscitis in Germany, and concurrently evaluate inpatient management strategies and outcomes. We performed a retrospective population-based study of spondylodiscitis cases in Germany from 2005 to 2021, utilising data from the German Federal Statistical Office database. The parameters assessed were incidence trends, demographic characteristics, inpatient management strategies, and inpatient mortality. The study found a significant rise in the population-adjusted incidence of spondylodiscitis in Germany from 2005 to 2021, increasing by 104% from 5.4 to 11.0 cases per 100,000 individuals (p < 0.001). The highest number of diagnoses was recorded in 2019. Age group-adjusted data revealed the largest relative changes in the “90 + ” age group, followed by the “80–89” and “70–79” age groups. These increases were not solely attributable to population changes but were also confirmed after calculating the age-group-adjusted incidence rates. Additionally, our statistical analysis demonstrated that both age and year significantly influenced the incidence of spondylodiscitis. Over the same period, inpatient mortality also surged significantly by 347% (p < 0.001), with the highest increase recorded in the 90 + age group, observing a 2450% rise (p < 0.001). The mean length of inpatient stay decreased by 15% (p < 0.05). Concurrently, there was a significant increase in surgical interventions using spinal stabilisation procedures (p < 0.001), which might suggest a shift in the treatment paradigm for spondylodiscitis. The results underscore a concerning rise in spondylodiscitis incidence and mortality in Germany, particularly affecting the ageing population. A notable shift towards surgical intervention was observed. The data highlights the urgent necessity for high-level evidence studies comparing surgical versus conservative treatment, thereby guiding optimised therapeutic strategies.

How do energy-saving policies improve environmental quality: Evidence from China’s Top 10,000 energy-consuming enterprises program

Treating China’s Top 10,000 Energy-Consuming Enterprises Program (T10000P) as a quasi-natural experiment, this is the first study to investigate the synergistic effects of the representative energy-saving policy on environmental quality at the micro-level. We create a panel data set by matching China’s Environmental Statistics Database, Industrial Enterprise Database, and State Intellectual Property Office Database, and employ the difference-in-differences model to identify the policy’s environmental effects and their mechanisms. The results show that the T10000P can effectively lower chemical oxygen demand (COD) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which still hold after a series of robustness checks, indicating that the policy has a significant synergistic effect on environmental quality improvement. Furthermore, compared with small polluters, the T10000P has a higher pollutant emission inhibition effect on large polluters. Such a positive environmental impact is confirmed for energy-intensive, large, rather than non-energy-intensive and small enterprises, showing heterogeneous effects across different enterprises. We also find that promoting green technology innovation and environmental compliance are the important channels through which the policy improves environmental quality. Therefore, the energy-saving policy can improve environmental quality by setting constrained targets on energy consumption, especially in developing countries.

Improving the analysis of the judiciary performance - the use of data mining techniques to assess the timeliness of civil trials

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how data mining techniques can improve the performance management of the judiciary, helping judges in steering position with specific and timely measures. It explores different approaches to analyse the length of trials, based on the case of an Italian judicial office.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a temporal analysis to compare the timeliness of trials, using data and process mining approaches with the support of a specific software to represent graphically the results. Data were gathered directly from the office data base, improving precision and the opportunity to monitor specific phases of the trials.FindingsThe results highlight the progress that can be reached using data mining approaches to develop performance analyses helping courts to correct inefficiencies and to manage the personnel distribution, overcoming the critical comments arisen against traditional KPI (Raine, 2000). The work proposes a methodology to analyse cases deriving from different juridical matters useful to set up a performance monitoring system that could be diffused to different courts.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the research regard the analysis of a selected, limited number of cases in terms of judicial matters.Practical implicationsData mining techniques can improve the performance management processes in providing more accurate feedback to the judicial offices leaders and increasing the organisational learning.Social implicationsThe performance of the judiciary is one of the relevant issues that emerged in the recent decade in the field of public sector reforms. Several reasons explain this interest, which has gone beyond the specific legal disciplines to involve public policy, management, economics and ICT studies.Originality/valueConsidering the literature on the judiciary (Visser et al., 2019; Di Martino et al., 2021; Troisi and Alfano, 2023) the contribution differs as both the methodological approach and the predictive analysis considers the intrinsic differences that define cases belonging to different juridical matters performing a cross-sectional analysis, with a specific focus of process variants.

Feeding and eating disorders among hospitalized children and adolescents in Thailand: A 5-year secondary national database analysis.

This study aimed to present national data for children and adolescents requiring hospitalization in Thailand. Feeding and eating disorders can cause life-threatening and negative health impacts. In Asia, the prevalence is rising. Data from children and adolescents in Thailand are limited. This study is a retrospective study of the national database. Data from the National Health Security Office database on Universal Health Insurance Coverage (2015-2019) of 0-17-year-olds were analysed by diagnosis (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, vomiting associated with psychological disturbances, other eating disorders and unspecified eating disorders). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression were used. There were 163 patients, averaging 9.4 ± 5.2 years old, requiring 205 admissions. Most diagnoses showed stable trends, except for a slight decrease in anorexia and unspecified eating disorders. Most admissions were due to unspecified eating disorders and psychogenic vomiting, followed by anorexia nervosa. The overall prevalence was 3.86 per 100 000 admissions. Anorexia had the highest hospital costs and re-admission rates. Anorexia nervosa was most prevalent in early adolescence and females, while bulimia nervosa was most prominent in middle adolescence and had a male predominance. Early recognition in clinical practice could increase early detection and improve outcomes.

Does prior vaccination affect the immune response to seasonal influenza vaccination among older adults? Findings from a prospective cohort study in a Northeastern Province of Thailand.

We measured the immunogenicity of seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV3) among older Thai adults and the effect of one-year prior vaccination status on immune responses. Adults aged ≥65 years (n = 370) were vaccinated with Southern Hemisphere IIV3 in 2015. Hemagglutination inhibition assays were performed using goose red blood cells on sera collected from the participants at baseline and after 1, 6, and 12 months of vaccination. Prior year vaccination (in 2014) was verified with the national health security office database. We analyzed the associations between prior vaccination and geometric mean titers (GMT) at each time point using generalized linear regression on logged transformed titers, and seroprotection and seroconversion using Log-binomial regression. At baseline, previously vaccinated participants (n = 203) had a significantly higher GMT and seroprotection against all three influenza strains than those previously unvaccinated (n = 167) (all p-values <0.001). Seroprotection rates were similar after one month in both groups for A(H1N1)pdm09 (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.10, 95% CI 0.97-1.25), and A(H3N2) (aRR 1.08, 95% CI 0.87-1.33), but higher in previously vaccinated persons for B (aRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.08-1.32). At 12 months, 50% or more had seroprotection in previously vaccinated group with no difference between previously vaccinated or unvaccinated persons. Seroconversion was lower in the previously vaccinated group for A(H1N1)pdm09 (aRR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.89), but did not differ between the two groups for A(H3N2) (aRR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69-1.28) and B (aRR 0.85, 95% CI 0.60-1.20). Influenza vaccination elicited good humoral response in older Thai adults. While seroconversion seemed attenuated in persons previously vaccinated for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (the only vaccine strain not to change), this was not apparent for influenza A(H3N2) and B, and prior vaccination was not associated with any inhibition in seroprotection.

The rising burden of spondylodiscitis in Germany: An epidemiologic study based on the federal statistical office database

The rising burden of spondylodiscitis in Germany: An epidemiologic study based on the federal statistical office database

Five-Year Trend of Adolescent Hospitalizations and Deaths in Thailand: A Secondary National Data Health Situation Analysis.

Adolescence is a critical phase for achieving human potential, serving as the foundation for later health. In 2010, the major causes of hospital admissions and deaths in Thai adolescents were related to preventable causes, specifically engagement in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sexual intercourse, substance use and unsafe driving. We retrieved data from 1,761,667 adolescent (10-17years) hospital admissions and 6362 deaths between 2015 and 2019 from the National Health Security Office database. Trends of hospital admissions and deaths, length of stay and medical expenses by sex, age: early (10-13years) and middle adolescents (14-17years), and geographical regions were analyzed by ICD-10 disease group and single diagnosis. Hospital admissions increased in relation to the same age population from 2015 to 2019. Trends of the top 3 diagnoses shifted between disease groups from 2015 to 2019. Pregnancy retreated from the first (17.8%) to the third rank (12.2%), and arthropod-borne viral fevers advanced from the third (13.1%) to the first rank (17.1%). Injury and poisoning remained at the second rank (14.5-14.4%). Females were admitted more than males, but males had significantly longer hospital stays. Early adolescents were admitted less than middle adolescents and their hospital stay was significantly shorter. Trends of the top 3 diagnoses for deaths by disease groups remained stable: injury and poisoning (41.2%), neoplasms (10.2%), and respiratory infections (9.5%). The average direct health care cost utilized on adolescent health care was 3813 million Baht (115.54 million US Dollars) per year. Considering the top 3 disease groups, injury and poisoning had the highest average cost per hospital admission and net cost per year consuming 26.4% of the total cost. Our study highlights the cause of hospital admissions and deaths in Thai adolescents, which are mainly preventable. Adolescent health care will improve with more investment in prevention through policy, service, and education reform.

Incidence of skin malignancies in patients with vitiligo or psoriasis who received narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (308 nm/311 nm): A retrospective review of 3730 patients.

Previous studies regarding the risk of skin malignancy with NBUVB have been performed in Caucasian patients, but few studies have been conducted in Asians. The aim of the study was to determine the risk of skin cancer in Asian patients with psoriasis and vitiligo receiving NBUVB phototherapy. We performed a 9-year retrospective study including all patients with psoriasis and vitiligo receiving NBUVB (either 311 nm wavelength through cabin phototherapy or 308 nm through excimer lamp phototherapy) at the National Skin Centre. We matched the identification numbers of patients to the National Registry of Diseases Office database and collected data on all skin cancers diagnosed. A total of 3730 patients were included. During the course of the study, 12 cases of skin cancer were diagnosed, of which 10 were basal cell carcinomas, and 2 were squamous cell carcinomas. No cases of melanoma were detected in the study. The age-standardized incidence of skin cancer in psoriasis and vitiligo patients who received phototherapy was 47.5 and 26.5, respectively, which is higher than the incidence of skin cancers in the general population. Risk of skin malignancy was positively correlated with the cumulative (p=.008) and maximum dose of phototherapy (p=.011) as well as previous systemic treatments (p=.006). Limitations include a relatively short follow-up period as well as the lack of quantification of solar exposure. NBUVB phototherapy in Asian skin increases the risk of skin malignancy. The risk of skin malignancy is higher with psoriasis patients, greater cumulative and maximal dose of phototherapy as well as the use of systemic therapy. Despite the increased risk, the absolute number of skin malignancies remains low, especially for vitiligo patients, with no cases of melanoma diagnosed-a reassuring finding that phototherapy remains a safe alternative in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo.