Percentage Prevalence Research Articles

Prevalence of severe and moderate anthropometric failure among children in India, 1993-2021.

Though child anthropometric failure (CAF) is a persistent problem in India, previous studies have often neglected state-level variance and aggregated moderate and severe CAF categories. This study addresses this gap by examining moderate and severe malnutrition across India's states and union territories (UTs) from 1993 to 2021. Data of children under 2 years old from five waves of National Family Health Surveys, a representative cross-sectional survey of Indian households, were analysed. Outcomes included prevalence of moderate and severe stunting, underweight and wasting, as per the 2006 World Health Organization growth standards. Percentage prevalence and standardized absolute change (SAC) were calculated nationally and by region for each wave. From 1993 to 2021, there was a notable reduction in the nationwide prevalence of moderate stunting, underweight and wasting, with rates dropping from 20% to 16%, 23% to 18%, and 15% to 12%, respectively. Severe stunting and underweight declined considerably from 23% to 16% and 18% to 11%, respectively; severe wasting marginally increased from 8% to 9%. From 2016 to 2021 moderate underweight was noted to have the highest SAC across all regions, although 15 regions saw an increase in the prevalence of moderate underweight. In the 2016-2021 period, severe wasting has increased in 13 of the 36 regions. While there has been a nationwide reduction in most indicators of CAF since 1993, the rate and direction of change vary widely among states and UTs and between moderate and severe categories within each of the states and UTs. Understanding these patterns of change can direct context-specific interventions for improving child nutrition and health. A greater focus on reducing severe wasting, which has increased since 1993, is also crucial.

Soil Mediated Helminthiasis: A Study on Neglected Tropical Disease in Wild Animals in Haryana

Background: Soil mediated/ transmitted helminthiasis (STH/SMH) is a neglected tropical disease and includes Ascarids, Trichuris and Hookworms, which prominently affects population living either in the low sanitary condition or in close proximity with the animals. Recent years have witnessed elevation in the Trichuris infection, with India ranking first globally. Variety of factors including low sanitation, close contact with animals, increased man and wild conflict contribute towards STH. However, co-relation of STH/SMH infection from wildlife have not been studied. Methods: The study was conducted for a period of 1 year from August, 2021 to September, 2022. Trichuris infection was present in 72 out of 131 carcasses of wild animals with prevalence rate of 35%. The prevalence percentage of Trichuris infection in different sub categories of wild animals was calculated. Seasonal prevalence rate was calculated with increased cases reported in summer season followed by monsoon. Additionally, fecal samples, worms and intestinal samples for further studies were collected. Result: Wild animals act as bridge for transmission of various zoonotic diseases. However, zoonotic potential of parasitic diseases are neglected in wild animals with no systematic literature. Based on our study we illustrate that wild animals hold considerate potential plausibly demonstrating an iceberg phenomenon. Wildlife is an essential component in the epidemiology of many, if not most, zoonoses, wildlife should be taken into account in the risk analysis framework.

Time Trends in the Burden of Environmental Heat and Cold Exposure Among Children and Adolescents

Environmental heat and cold exposure (EHCE) remains the principal preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents globally. To report EHCE-related burden and analyze its temporal trends among children and adolescents from 1990 to 2019. This repeated cross-sectional study used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, which encompassed 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years were included in the study. Data analysis occurred from December 2023 to March 2024. EHCE in children and adolescents from January 1990 to December 2019. The primary outcomes were cases and rates of EHCE incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs). Global trends in these metrics were also analyzed by sex, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI), which is a comprehensive indicator of the socioeconomic status of a country or region. A linear regression model was used to calculate AAPCs and a joinpoint regression model was used to identify the years in which trends changed significantly. From 1990 to 2019, EHCE-related incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs showed a downward trend globally. However, an upward trend in EHCE incidence and prevalence was detected between 2010 and 2019 (incidence AAPC, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.05-1.87; prevalence AAPC, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.50). Regionally, although EHCE-related incidence showed a decreasing trend in most regions from 1990 to 2019, there were still some regions with an increasing trend (Southern sub-Saharan Africa AAPC, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.01-0.44). In 2019, the mortality and DALYs of EHCE were higher among children and adolescents in countries with low SDI levels. Additionally, the burden of EHCE among children and adolescents varied according to sex and age. In this cross-sectional study, a global increase was observed in EHCE incidence and prevalence since 2010. Furthermore, children and adolescents in low-SDI regions, which bear the brunt of the climate crisis, were disproportionately impacted. This suggests that future responses to climate change crises should emphasize health equity, which implies that vulnerable populations, such as children and adolescents, should be given priority in the allocation of resources to address climate change.

Clinical, demographic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolated in clinical samples from pediatric patients in a tertiary hospital in Rio de Janeiro: 7-year longitudinal study.

In the pediatric population, Staphylococcus aureus infections are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality, length of hospitalization and the cost of inpatient treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the antimicrobial resistance profile of S. aureus isolated in clinical specimens from pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Culture reports and medical records of hospitalized patients under 18 years of age with S. aureus infections between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Information was collected on recent antibiotic use, previous hospital admission, inpatient unit, clinical specimen, time of infection (community or nosocomial), classification according to susceptibility to methicillin (methicillin sensitive - MSSA or methicillin resistant - MRSA) and sensitivity to other antimicrobials. We analyzed the distribution of the sensitivity profile of S. aureus infections over the 7 years evaluated in the study. Were included 255 unique clinical episodes, among which the frequencies of MSSA and MRSA were 164 (64%) and 91 (36%), respectively. Over the 7 years evaluated, there was stability in the prevalence percentage, with a predominance of MSSA in the range of 60 to 73.3%, except in 2020, when there was a drop in the prevalence of MSSA (from 73.3% in 2019 to 52.5%) with an increase in MRSA (from 26.7% in 2019 to 47.5%). Ninety-seven (38%) infections were community-acquired and 158 (62%) were healthcare-associated. The main clinical specimens collected were blood cultures (35.2%) and wound secretions (17%). The MRSA isolates presented percentages of sensitivity to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole from 90.4 to 100%, and to clindamycin from 77 to 89.8% in MRSA healthcare associated and MRSA community respectively. There was a constant predominance in the prevalence of MSSA with percentage values ​​maintained from 2015 to 2022, except in 2020, in which there was a specific drop in the prevalence of MSSA with an increase in MRSA. MSSA infections are still predominant in the pediatric population, but MRSA rates also present significant values, including in community infections, and should be considered in initial empiric therapy.

Histopathology based study of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) as a biomarker for water pollution evaluation in the southern gulf of Lake Tana, Ethiopia

In the past decade, the increasing distribution of pollutants in the aquatic environment has been observed, causing integrative effects on fish. Likewise, due to anthropogenic activities, the southern gulf of Lake Tana is an impacted region, and the production of Nile tilapia fish is reduced. For this reason, the aim of this study was to conduct a histopathological-based study of 48 Nile tilapia fishes’ health status at the southern gulf of Lake Tana and aquaculture using a cross-sectional study from February 2023 to May 2023. The study evaluated the histopathology of the gill, liver, gonads, and spleen organs using descriptive statistics accompanied by a 2 × 2 contingency table and t-test analysis. During the study, different histological alterations were detected, and the numbers of fish affected by a specific histological alteration were presented as percentage prevalence; hence, from the total fish examined, hyperplasia (54.15%), followed by pigment deposits (52%), hemorrhage (50%), and immune cell infiltration (50%), respectively, were the most frequently detected alterations. However, Nile tilapias from the southern gulf of Lake Tana were 1.4 (odds ratio) times more likely to show histopathological alterations than those from aquaculture, although statistically, was not significant (p > 0.05). In addition, the study found the mean value of the fish index (95.3) and regressive indices of the gill (13.6), liver (14.8), and gonad (12.3); moreover, the inflammatory indices of the spleen organ (11.3) and mean severity grade value of the gill (2.35) and gonad (1.7) organs, respectively, were obtained from the southern gulf of Lake Tana, and all those values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) from this site as compared to the aquaculture. In general, it has been found that tilapias from the southern gulf of Lake Tana showed higher pathological severity as compared with aquaculture. Among the four target organs evaluated, liver organs were observed to be the most damaged, while gonads were the least impacted organs. Therefore, it has been concluded that tilapia fish are living in abnormal conditions, so to ensure a sustainable fishery, water pollutant sources from Bahirdar city must receive proper attention, and future studies should consider age differences, seasonal variation, and the detection of specific pollutants.

Electrocardiographic and morphological cardiac remodeling in competitive female athletes - a scoping review.

To quantitatively analyse exercise-induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) data in female athletes. This scoping review included from the databases Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar, peer-reviewed original English-language articles on female athlete-populations aged ≥18 years containing data on electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and excluded athletes with cardiovascular conditions. From the extracted ECG data, we calculated prevalence percentages, and from the imaging data we compared the results with the upper reference limits of the general female population (URL). We included 31 articles comprising 4,896 female athletes, aged mean 22.2±4.6 years. On ECG (n=889), most prevalent findings were increased QRS voltages for LV hypertrophy (LVH, n=97), J-point elevation (JPE, n=108), and T-wave inversion (TWI, n=104). On echocardiography (n=4,644), we found increased mean of means BSA-indexed volumes for the LV 67.3 mL/m2 (95%CI 66.8-67.8; URL=61) and right ventricle (RV) 82.7 mL/m2 (95%CI 79.5-86.0; URL=74), while atrial volumes, septal wall thickness and LV mass were within the upper reference limits of the general population (URL). On CMR (n=309), the mean of means volumes of LA (62.0 mL/m2, 95%CI 58.8-65.2; URL=61), LV (103.4 mL/m2, 95%Ci 101.8-105.0; URL=96), and RV (105.3 mL/m2, 95%CI 103.3-110.6; URL=107.2) were >URL. Female athletes demonstrate distinct features of electrical (increased QRS voltages for LVH, JPE and TWI) and morphological EICR (biventricular dilatation). On CMR, LA was borderline dilated. Extensive studies on female athletes are needed to understand sex specific EICR.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression: A Case Study Approach

The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) has been linked to contradictory outcomes for mothers, infants, and mother-child relationships. Pakistan has the greatest prevalence percentage among the Asian countries which ranges from 28%-63% (Habiba et al., 2020). When it comes to treating postpartum depression, one of the best methods is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. (Hayes et al., 2006). However, a large number of new mothers choose not to seek expert assistance, which highlights the need for new platforms to be developed in order to provide health care services in Pakistan. As noted by Waters et al. (2020) the primary goal of this research is to develop and evaluate the ACT for postpartum depression in postpartum women. This treatment approach addresses mood and anxiety problems related to perinatal diseases. Utilizing the single-case study design. Our main resource who woman who volunteered, from teenage mothers to women in their forties who give birth. The intervention protocols and the strategy were developed in close collaboration with seasoned clinical psychologists and psychiatrists who are experts in the sector. The program was conducted weekly for a minimum of 12 weeks, during which the technique and treatment plan were explained in full. Compiling the patient's progress report and compiling the data received during treatment were done using computation. At the conclusion of the session, there was a notable decline in the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms. The goal is to compile positive evidence supporting the feasibility, efficacy, and proof-of-concept of ACT in reducing depressive symptoms in the postpartum phase. The advantages and disadvantages of this format were examined, along with their prospective applications in clinical health care and future research.

Noncombat injury and illness prevalence and working score percentage quantify the impact on duty availability in US Army Special Operations military working dogs.

This cross-sectional study determined the 2-year period prevalence and quantified the impact on working status of noncombat injury and illness by a working score percentage (WSP) based on the number of duty days lost (DDL). 126 dogs from 9 US Army Special Operations kennels. Dog injury and illness events between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2023, were recorded to determine period prevalence and calculate a WSP metric to quantify loss of duty status. 93 health events occurred in 62 of 126 (49.2%) dogs over a 24-month period resulting in 4,130 DDL. The period prevalence was 25 of 126 (19.8%) for dental injuries, 20 of 126 (15.9%) for musculoskeletal injuries, and 13 of 126 (10.3%) for gastrointestinal illnesses. Musculoskeletal conditions resulted in the highest total DDL at 1,472 (35.6%) in 20 dogs, followed by neurologic conditions at 950 (23%) in 4 dogs and heat injuries at 521 (12.6%) in 7 dogs. The total population 24-month mean WSP was 88.1% (95% CI, 86.6 to 89.5). The mean WSP for 43 dogs with acute events was 96.0% (95% CI, 95.0 to 97.0), and the mean WSP for 14 dogs with chronic events was 55.2% (95% CI, 47.8 to 62.5). Quantifying the impact of noncombat illness and injury on the working status of military working dogs is the first step to identify risk factors, develop preventive strategies, resource veterinary care requirements, and improve these canine athletes' health and welfare. The metrics developed in this study can be used to evaluate the population health of working, herding, and sport dogs.

Radiographic assessment of incidental bone lesions of the proximal humerus: a prevalence study.

An increased prevalence of benign lesions has been associated with the increased use of radiological tools in orthopedic practice. To investigate the inter-observer reliability of the radiographic detection of lesions on the proximal humerus between different observers. X-ray radiological examinations of 17,243 patients were performed by an orthopedic surgeon to assess the presence of proximal humeral bone lesions. After this initial screening, 201 patients with lesions were identified and these 201 scans were assessed by three different physicians: an orthopedic oncologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a musculoskeletal radiologist. Of the 201 patients with lesions, 80 had magnetic resonance imaging in addition to X-rays and were assessed. The diagnosis of the lesions was determined by each participant according to their radiological appearance to assess inter-observer reliability. The prevalence of proximal humeral lesions was determined by the orthopedic surgeon to be 1.165% (201 of 17,243 patients). In 201 patients with a lesion, the mean age was 48 ± 17 years (range = 18-91 years). According to the assessments of the orthopedic oncologist, orthopedic surgeon, and musculoskeletal radiologist, the most common bone lesion identified was enostosis, with prevalence percentages of 53.7%, 59.7%, and 64.7%, respectively. A noteworthy consensus exists in the collective diagnosis of bone lesions among the three investigators, demonstrated by a substantial agreement with Fleiss' κ at 0.74 (P < 0.001). There was remarkable agreement between the three investigators on the collective diagnosis of bone lesions. Enostosis was the most common bone lesion at the proximal humerus in our series.

Effect on the Antioxidant Properties of Native Chilean Endemic Honeys Treated with Ionizing Radiation to Remove American Foulbrood Spores.

In Chile, honey is produced from several native species with interesting biological properties. Accordingly, those attributes are present in Chilean honeys owing to the presence of phenolic compounds inherited from specific floral sources. In recent years, the exported volume of Chilean honeys has been increased, reaching new markets with demanding regulations directed toward the fulfilment of consumers' expectations. Accordingly, there are countries with special requirements referring to Paenibacillus larvae spore-free honeys. This microorganism is the pathogen responsible for American foulbrood disease in beehives; however, antibiotics are not allowed when an apiary tests positive for P. larvae. On the other hand, it is mandatory to have an accurate method to remove the potential presence of spores in bee products intended for export. Exposure to ionizing radiation can be an efficient way to achieve this goal. In this work, 54 honey samples harvested from northern, central and southern Chile were analyzed for physicochemical patterns, total phenols, antioxidant activity and antiradical activity. Honeys with and without spores were exposed to ionizing radiation at three levels of intensity. Afterwards, the presence of spores and the effect on phenol bioavailability, antiradical activity and antioxidant activity were measured again. This research presents results showing a positive correlation between the percentage of prevalence of native endemic species in the set of honeys analyzed and the capacity to resist this process, without altering their natural attributes determined before irradiation treatments.

Persistence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on Whole Chicken Carcasses under the Different Chlorine Concentrations Used in the Chill Tank of Processing Plants in Sri Lanka.

The persistence of non-typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken meat is a considerable public health risk and a future challenge. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry processing lines where different chlorine concentrations were used in the chill tank. The samples were collected from four types of processing plants in Sri Lanka, considering the chlorine concentration used in the chill tank, which ranged from 2 ppm to 50 ppm. Salmonella and Campylobacter were isolated from whole carcass washings, neck skin, and cecal samples. Subsequently, an antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for the isolates. The results revealed the overall prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter was 78.25% and 63.5%, respectively. Positive percentages of Salmonella and Campylobacter were high in the carcasses compared to the neck skin and ceca. The Campylobacter counts on the whole carcasses were significantly low (p < 0.001), at higher chlorine concentrations ranging from 20 to 30 ppm and 40 to 50 ppm. The pathogen prevalence in the whole carcasses was 84.7% Campylobacter coli, 39.1% Campylobacter jejuni, 71.1% Salmonella Typhimurium, and 28.8% Salmonella Infantis. The highest resistance was observed for tetracycline (63.8%) in Salmonella, while it was for gentamicin (87.8%) in Campylobacter. The prevalence percentage of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter was 51.2%, while it was 2.12% for Salmonella. The persistence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella and Campylobacter on the post-chill carcasses was highlighted in the present study as a significant public health threat that has to be addressed urgently.

Seroprevalence of transfusion -transmitted infections among blood donors in a tertiary care hospital in and around Koodapakkam, Puducherry, India

Introduction: Even though blood transfusion safety has come a long way, Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (TTI), which include bacterial, viral, parasitic, and prions, can still spread with each transfusion. The main goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of the five TTIs that are required to be tested in India among blood donors at our facility. Accurate estimates of the risk of TTIs are essential for monitoring the safety of the blood supply. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted in the blood centre of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry, from 2017 to 2023. Records from blood banks were reviewed to collect data on all donors who underwent appropriate testing for HIV, hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, syphilis, and malaria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was done for HIV, HCV, HBsAg/hepatitis B surface antigen, and rapid card testing was done for syphilis and malaria. Results: There was a total of 2570 donors during the study period. In the present study, the overall seroprevalence of TTIs was 1.40%. The individual seropositivity rates were 0.03% for HIV, 0.93 % for HBsAg, and 0.43 % for syphilis. There were no cases of malaria and HCV detected in the study period. The highest percentage of prevalence was observed for HBV, followed by Syphilis and HIV. Conclusion: The overall seroprevalence of TTI in Puducherry was smaller than those reported elsewhere in the country. It was comparatively lesser than the national average for HIV, HCV, and HBV and much higher for syphilis.

Prevalence of Pathogenic E. coli 0157:H7 from Diverse Sources in Negele Town, West Guji, Ethiopia

E. coli O157: H7 is widely recognized as a major foodborne pathogen responsible for diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis, and haemolytic-uremic syndrome. This study was carried out in Negele town to determine the prevalence of E. coli O157: H7 in cow flesh, water streams, and soil. A systematic random sampling technique was utilized to gather samples, which were then transported to Bule Hora University's biology laboratory for isolation and identification of E. coli O157: H 7. The colonies identified as E. coli were streaked onto Sorbitol-MacConkey agar and cultured at 37°C for 24 hours. E. coli O157:H7 was verified using a latex agglutination kit. E. coli O157: H7 isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility in vitro against nine different antibiotics. The data was analyzed using SPSS 21 software. The Pearson Chi-square test was used, and differences were judged significant at P ≤.05. Descriptive statistics such as crosstabulation were used to determine the percentage of prevalence in samples. From a total of samples, the overall prevalence of E. coli O157: H7 in cow meat, soils, and streams was determined to be 6.25%, 4%, and 6.66%. The abattoir stores had the highest prevalence of E. coli O157: H7 (3.3%) compared to retailer shops (1.7%). Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Gentamicin demonstrated the highest susceptibility. Tetracycline was shown to have the highest resistance. Multidrug resistance was shown to be common among isolates. This investigation confirmed a significant prevalence of E. coli O157:H7. Proper training and supervision of meat handlers, farmers, and health care personnel was strongly advised.

Developing Research for Five Subtypes of Diabetes with Specific Characteristics

Recently, sub-classifications for adult-onset diabetes have been presented based on cluster analysis. There are 5 exclusive subtypes, with clusters ranging from 1 to 5: severe autoimmune diabetes (SAID), severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD), severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD), and mild age-related diabetes (MARD), respectively. The related variables known include GAD antibody, age at diagnosis, BMI, HbA1c, and HOMA2-B and HOMA2-IR. From the Outcome Reduction with an Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) trial, the numerical numbers of the 5 subtypes are 241-1594-914-1595-2673, respectively. The prevalence percentages for the 5 subtypes in 3 countries are as follows: Japan: 5.4-19.0-7.2-28.9-39.5, Germany: 22.0-3.0-11.0-29.0-35.0, and Finland: 9.9-8.9-11.2-22.8-47.3, respectively.

Prevailing of HPV-16 and 52 genotype in 2022–2023 in Sanandaj, Iran

IntroductionHuman papillomavirus (HPV) presents a potential threat to the onset of carcinogenesis in the cervix, anogenital regions, and oropharynx. HPV encompasses over 200 types, with at least 12 having the potential to cause cancer, impacting the majority of sexually active individuals. In this current research, we explore the occurrence and spread of HPV genotypes.Material and methodsDuring this cross-sectional study conducted in Sanandaj, Iran from Feb 2022 to Aug 2023, diverse samples including oral, vaginal, and genital were collected from individuals referred to private laboratories in Sanandaj, Iran. After sample collection and DNA extraction (FAVORGEN, Taiwan), they were subjected to PCR and genotyping (MehrViru, Iran). The subsequent statistical analysis unveiled infection rates across different demographics and age groups. STATA (version 17) were used for statistical analysis. We examined infection rates across demographics using t-tests and Odds Ratio.ResultsOverall, 26% (249) out of 950 cases tested positive for HPV, with 69% of these classified as high-risk. Among the examined population, 98% (933) were female, and 2% (17) were male. Females aged 31–40 exhibited the highest percentage of HPV prevalence (115/460) in the study with the majority of positive cases belonging to HR genotypes. The overall most frequent genotypes identified were 6, 16, 52, 53, 51, 58, and 56. HPV-16 exhibited the highest frequency among HR genotypes, accounting for 42 (17%) occurrences, followed by HPV-52 with a frequency of 32 (13%).ConclusionOur findings emphasize the significant prevalence of HPV among females, particularly in the 21–30 age group. The identification of high-risk genotypes, underscores the importance of targeted interventions for specific age cohorts. The age-stratified analysis highlights a consistent predominance of high-risk HPV across age groups, indicating the need for age-specific preventive measures. These results contribute valuable information for designing effective screening and vaccination strategies, to alleviate the impact of diseases associated with HPV.

Patterns of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Staff Nurses in the Emergency Department in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The physically demanding and high-stress environment of Emergency Departments (EDs) significantly contributes to the heightened risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among ED nurses. Despite this known association, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the prevalence rates and contributing factors within ED settings in Saudi Arabia, necessitating further investigation.Purpose: This study delves into the prevalence and potential predictors of MSDs among nurses in this critical healthcare setting.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2023 using convenience sampling of 177 ED nurses across 16 public hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed, with SPSS analyses covering frequency and percentage of pain prevalence via cross-tabulation, and logistic regression to identify risk factors.Results: Over the past year, 68.9% of participants reported lower back pain affecting normal activities in 55.4% of cases. Neck pain was more likely in individuals aged 20-29 and former smokers accounting for 47.6% of the variance (p=0.001). Shorter shifts under 8 hours reduced neck pain risk, whereas a schedule with 50% of night shifts heightened the risk, contributing to 28.4% of the variance (p=0.001). Nurses aged 40-49 and those with significant childcare duties faced higher shoulder pain risk (p=0.024), and adult caregiving duties was linked to upper back pain explaining 40.6% of the variance (p=0.017). No significant links were found for other musculoskeletal pains.Conclusion: The study reveals a significant prevalence of MSDs among the evaluated ED nurses, significantly influenced by specific demographic and work-related factors. Addressing these through ergonomic interventions, optimal scheduling, and wellness programs is crucial for nurse well-being and patient care. Future research should focus on creating holistic wellness programs that support nurses musculoskeletal health.

Isolation of avian influenza virus from backyard poultry population of tehsil Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The avian influenza virus is a highly contagious viral disease that predominantly impacts avian species, especially domestic birds like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. The study was conducted to isolate the avian influenza virus from domestic poultry breeds (Desi, Aseel, Fayoumi, and Golden) from backyard poultry population of the Tehsil Abbottabad from January to June 2023. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three rural and five urban areas of Tehsil Abbottabad Using sterile cotton swabs, 128 (tracheal and cloacal) swab samples were collected. The samples were labelled and stored in a brain-heart infusion medium, then transported to the National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Diseases in Islamabad using a thermostat shipment box. The samples were processed using a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for avian influenza virus detection. This study concludes with a significant 9.38% prevalence percentage of avian influenza virus in Tehsil Abbottabad backyard poultry. The prevalence percentage of H9 was 83.33%, and that of H5 was 16.66%. The findings reveal the importance of implementing preventative measures to curb avian influenza outbreaks within the poultry population of the district. This study offers vital data for AIV research in 2023, guiding enhanced containment and prevention in backyard poultry to control avian influenza.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Pregnant Females

Background: Low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy is a common condition that affects a significant number of women, impacting their daily activities and overall quality of life. Various studies have documented the prevalence and severity of LBP among pregnant women, highlighting the need for more focused healthcare strategies. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, onset, and severity of LBP in pregnant women, and to evaluate the impact of LBP on their daily activities, with a view to enhancing prenatal care and management approaches. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at two hospitals in Lahore, involving 181 pregnant women selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and the Numeric Pain Index Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics to calculate means, standard deviations, and prevalence percentages. Ethical considerations followed the Helsinki Declaration guidelines, with informed consent obtained from all participants. Results: The prevalence of LBP among the participants was 76.8%. The pain onset was most frequently reported in the second trimester (38.1% of cases). Severity assessments revealed 36.5% of participants experienced moderate pain and 40.3% severe pain. LBP significantly impaired daily functions, with many women reporting difficulties in walking, sitting, and engaging in other routine activities. Conclusion: LBP is highly prevalent among pregnant women and begins primarily in the second trimester, with a considerable impact on daily activities. This study emphasizes the necessity for routine prenatal assessment and targeted interventions to manage LBP, which could improve pregnancy outcomes and maternal health.

Association between dietary carbohydrate intake percentage and epilepsy prevalence in the NHANES 2013–2018: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. We aimed to investigate the association between the percentage of dietary carbohydrate intake (DCI) and epilepsy prevalence among American adults. Methods We analyzed the data from 9,584 adults aged 20–80 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018. Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between the percentage of DCI and epilepsy prevalence. Results A total of 146 (1.5%) individuals with epilepsy were enrolled in this study. The average age of the participants was 56.4 years, and 5,454 (56.9%) individuals were female. A high DCI was associated with an increased prevalence of epilepsy (odds ratio [OR], 4.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–18.69; P = 0.035) after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, race/ethnicity, educational level, family income, body mass index, smoking status, drinking status, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Stratified analyses indicated a positive correlation between DCI and epilepsy prevalence in adults with different characteristics. Compared with individuals in quartile 1 of DCI (<40.5%), those in quartile 4 (>55.4%) had an adjusted OR for epilepsy of 1.72 (95% CI, 1.09–2.73, P = 0.02, P for trend = 0.012). Conclusions A high percentage of DCI was associated with an increased prevalence of epilepsy. The risk of epilepsy increased 3.5-fold with a 1% increase in DCI. These results suggest an important role of DCI in the dietary management of epilepsy.

Bacterial Contamination of Drinking Wells in Makurdi Metropolis

This study was carried out to assess the bacterial contamination of drinking wells in Makurdi metropolis. Fifteen (15) untreated water samples, five (5) each were collected from wells in High Level, Wurukum and Wadata areas for physicochemical and bacteriological analysis was done using pour plating and the bacteriological quality was assessed by measuring the total viable, total coliform and fecal coliform counts of bacteria in the samples using Mac Conkey agar and Nutrient agar. The results of the analysis showed that the pH ranged from 6.70 ± 0.16 to 7.40± 0.87, the temperature levels ranged from 28.72 ± 0.04 to 28.87 ±0.05; biological oxygen demand values ranged from 0.02 ±0.04 to 0.02 ± 0.41; the dissolved oxygen values ranged from 1.50 ±0.16 to 170 ± 0.14 while the Electrical conductivity values ranged from 599.20 ±88.98 to 1582.80±199. The results also showed the total viable count, total coliform count and fecal coliform counts ranging from 75.80±16.01cfu/ml to 117.40±34.45cfu/ml; 5.60±5.13cfu/ml to 6.60±6.88cfu/ml and 0.40±0.89cfu/ml to 4.20±3.77cfu/ml respectively. The total viable counts ranged from 75.80±16.01 to 117.40±34.4 (Wadata having the highest and Wurukum having the least), the total coliform counts ranged from 5.60±2.61 to 6.60±6.88 while the fecal coliform count ranged from 0.40±0.89 to 4.20±3.77. The variation in Total Viable Count (TVC) across locations could be as a result of localized factors influencing microbial populations and geographical differences such as land use, anthropogenic activities, and environmental conditions. The bacterial isolates were Bacillus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Enterobacter spp, and Staphylococcus spp. The frequency of occurrence and prevalence percentages of the bacteria isolated from the well water samples show that Klebsiella spp had the highest percentage (23.33%) while Enterobacter spp and Escherichia coli had the least prevalence percentage, representing 10.00% each. Overall, High Level had the highest contamination rate, accounting for 43.33% of the total contamination while Wurukum had the least contamination, representing 23.33% of the total contamination. The distribution patterns of bacterial isolates among the studied locations illuminate discernible trends. The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in well water sources could be possibly linked to higher urbanization and population density, highlighting the dynamic and site-specific nature of microbial communities. The study highlights the importance of using specific plans to manage water quality. These plans should take into account the special features of each area.