Prevalence Data Research Articles

Incidence and prevalence of Lewy body dementia in India: A systematic review

With increasing life expectancy in India, the prevalence of age-related disorders, such as dementia has also increased. Health and social care resources for each state are allocated based on their inhabitants’ age, sex, education, and urban/rural status but not on the dementia subtype, which can significantly influence prognosis, healthcare utilization, and quality of life. Herein, we aimed to systematically review studies investigating the prevalence of the Lewy body dementia (LBD) subtype in India. We conducted a systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and APA PsychINFO databases on June 22, 2023. Two independent reviewers performed screening and full-text review, with a third reviewer resolving any disputes. Quality was assessed for each extracted paper. Of 1372 identified studies, full-text reviews were conducted on 399 and data were extracted from 4. Two studies included prevalence data on dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), one on Parkinson’s disease dementia and one on LBD. DLB or LBD has been reported to represent 1.0 – 8.9% of dementia diagnoses. Methodological heterogeneity was characterized by study design, access to biomarkers, diagnostic criteria, and use of cognitive tools. No studies reported incidence data. A paucity of research on LBD epidemiology in India is compounded by methodological heterogeneity, poorly representative cohorts, and varying access to biomarkers. Consensus guidelines may support data harmonization and the creation of multisite consortia, which could redress the under-representation of Central Asian data in epidemiological and genetic LBD studies.

Exploring the Branching Pattern of the Posterior Division of the Internal Iliac Artery: An Analysis Based on 75 Computed Tomography Angiographies.

The internal iliac artery stands as the main blood supplier of the pelvis, serving as the primary source of blood for the pelvic viscera while also nourishing the musculoskeletal framework within. The arterial anatomy of the pelvis exhibits a vast array of variations, especially regarding the branching pattern of the internal iliac arteries. The posterior division of the internal iliac artery (PDIIA) may also have variable topography, especially regarding the location of its origin in the pelvic region. A retrospective study was carried out to determine the anatomical variations, prevalence, and morphometric data of the PDIIA and its branches. A total of 75 computed tomography angiographies were analyzed. The most prevalent branch of the PDIIA was the superior gluteal artery, as it was present in 114 of the studied cases (77.03%). The median diameter of the PDIIA at its origin was 6.66mm. The median cross-sectional area of the PDIIA at its origin was set to be 34.59 mm2. Our study highlights the critical significance of understanding the PDIIA and its branches in surgical interventions aimed at managing pelvic hemorrhage. The present study provides valuable insights into the precise localization and characteristics of the PDIIA and its branches, which are essential for surgical procedures targeting specific vessels to control bleeding effectively. Owing to the high level of variability of the branching pattern of the PDIIA, a novel classification system consisting of six types was created.

Prevalence of cancer survivors diagnosed during adolescence and young adulthood in the United States.

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer incidence rates are rising, and survivors are at risk for numerous cancer- and treatment-related consequences. Despite growing attention to this population, prevalence estimates are lacking. To estimate the number of individuals living in the United States with a history of cancer diagnosed during the AYA period. Prevalence of cancer survivors diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39 years was estimated using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program as of January 1, 2020. Limited duration prevalence data were also used to generate complete prevalence by sex, years since diagnosis (0-<1, 1-<5, 5-<10, 10-<15, 15-<20, 20+), and attained age (15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+) for the 15 most common AYA cancer sites. There were an estimated 2,111,838 survivors of AYA cancers in the United States as of January 1, 2020. More survivors were female (66%) and long-term (>5 years from diagnosis, 83%) or very long-term survivors (>10 years from diagnosis, 68.8%). A large percentage (44%) were more than 20 years from diagnosis. The most common cancer sites among females were breast (24%) and thyroid cancers (23%) and, among males, testicular cancer (31%). Across the population, the highest percentage of survivors of AYA cancers were 40- to 49-years of age (25.3%). There are over 2.1 million cancer survivors diagnosed in the AYA period who are living in the United States; most are more than 10 years from diagnosis.

Chronic pain in European adult populations: a systematic review of prevalence and associated clinical features

Abstract Chronic pain (CP) is a multifaceted and severely disabling persistent condition that affects individuals worldwide. A synthesis of epidemiological data is still lacking. The present systematic review aims at presenting point, period, and lifetime prevalence estimates of CP in the European adult population, as well as relevant features associated with it. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library was run from inception to May 2024, resulting in 39,832 hits. Among those, 132 full-text articles were assessed, and 23 studies comprising 862,013 participants with CP were included. The Joanna Biggs Institutes' Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data (JBI) was used for quality assessment. Findings showed a point prevalence ranging from 12% to 48%, a 6-month prevalence of 17.5% to 49.8%, a 12-month prevalence ranging from 8.1% to 44.6%, and a lifetime prevalence ranging from 12.7% to 33.7% independently from sex. Sociodemographic factors (eg, female sex, higher age, no partnership, lower education, unemployment) and clinical features (eg, medical diseases, mental disorders and burdens, healthcare utilization, functional impairment) were identified as being associated with CP. The variability in prevalence estimates can be reduced by applying consistent diagnostic criteria (eg, ICD-11) and by using standardized assessment tools (eg, scales, clinical interview). The high prevalence and the characteristics of the associated features support the need for adequate, multicomponent care paths to manage CP based on a comprehensive biopsychosocial model.

Comparative study for fatigue prevalence in subjects with diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fatigue is one of the common symptoms in individuals with diseases or disorders, significantly affecting quality of life (QoL) and the prognosis of diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively compare the features of fatigue across a wide range of diseases. We systematically searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from inception to March 31st, 2021, and conducted a meta-analysis to generate precise estimates. The analyses were stratified by classification of diseases, gender, and severity of fatigue (moderate and severe), and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). In total, 214 articles (233 prevalence data) met our eligibility criteria, covering 102,024 participants (mean 438 ± 1,421) across 88 diseases. Among these, seventy-eight data sets (52,082 participants) and thirty-nine data sets (10,389 participants) reported gender- and severity-related fatigue prevalence. The overall prevalence among subjects with 88 diseases was 49.4% [95% CI 46.9–52.1]. According to the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) classification, the highest prevalence of fatigue (65.9% [95% CI 54.9–79.6]) was observed in patients with mental/behavioral diseases, whereas the lowest prevalence (34.7% [95% CI 24.5–49.2]) was found among those with circulatory system diseases. A slight female dominance (43.5% vs. 49.8%) was observed in the total data, with the most notable female predominance (1.8-fold) seen in patients with low back pain. The top disease groups with a moderate to severe level of fatigue included gastroparesis (92.3%), pulmonary hypertension (90.0%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, 83.2%), and multiple sclerosis (80.0%). These results are the first to comprehensively show the comparative features of fatigue prevalence among subjects across 88 diseases. Our findings provide valuable reference data for future research on fatigue and for the management of patients with fatigue.Prospero registration number: CRD42021270494

7073 Treasure or Terror: Dilemmas in the Management of a Giant Parathyroid Adenoma

Abstract Disclosure: A.D. Galia: None. R. De Guzman: None. S. Suib - Salvilla: None. Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder with an incidence of 25 per 100,000 people in the general population. More commonly caused by parathyroid adenomas in 80-85%, giant parathyroid adenomas weighing more than 3.5 g or measuring more than 2 cm may rarely occur. There have been no reported prevalence data of parathyroid adenoma among ASEAN countries, especially in the Philippines. Clinical Case: A 43-year-old, female, Filipino, initially asymptomatic with anterior neck mass for 8 years then presented with generalized body malaise, easy fatigability, lower extremities pain and numbness. Six years ago, neck ultrasound showed left thyroid nodule; abdominal sonogram showed bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis, with hypercalcemia, elevated intact PTH, and elevated creatinine. She was unable to undergo further workup and management until she presented a few months ago because of generalized body malaise, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting because of hypercalcemia and non-oliguric renal failure. Serum ionized calcium was 1.90 mmol/L (NV 1.15 - 1.30), intact PTH 2000 pg/mL, and serum creatinine 6.08 mg/dL. With unavailability of calcitonin and pamidronate, medical management of hypercalcemia included cautious hydration followed by diuresis, zoledronic acid, and cinacalcet. Sestamibi scan showed a large parathyroid adenoma. Bone densitometry showed osteoporosis (T score = below -2.5). After medical evaluation, she underwent parathyroidectomy under general anesthesia. Intact PTH level perioperatively were as follows: pre-op = 2,078.2 pg/mL; 30 mins = 477.1 pg/mL; 1 hour = 335.7 pg/mL, 1 day = 67.2 pg/mL. The resected mass was 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.6 cm and weighed 4 g; histopathology report was consistent with Parathyroid Adenoma. Post-operatively, patient did not develop hungry bone syndrome. Conclusion: Giant parathyroid adenoma is a rare condition that is usually asymptomatic but can lead to serious complications. In the Philippines, limited availability of laboratory techniques (PTH and sestamibi scan) and availability of medications for hypercalcemia may contribute to underdiagnosis and management. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve the overall quality of life. Presentation: 6/3/2024

From simulation to reality: tackling data mismatches in speech enhancement with unsupervised pre-training

In this study, we introduce an innovative speech enhancement methodology that ingeniously combines unsupervised pre-training with supervised fine-tuning. This hybrid approach directly addresses the prevalent data mismatch challenge inherent in traditional supervised speech enhancement methods. Our technique distinctly utilizes unpaired noisy and clean speech data and incorporates varied noises during the pre-training phase. This strategy effectively simulates the benefits of supervised learning, eliminating the need for paired data. Inspired by contrastive learning techniques prevalent in computer vision, our model is adept at preserving essential speech features amidst noise interference. At the heart of our method lies a sophisticated Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) architecture. This includes a generator that proficiently processes both magnitude and complex-domain features, alongside a discriminator meticulously designed to optimize specific evaluation metrics. Through rigorous experimental evaluations, we validate the robustness and versatility of our approach. It consistently delivers superior speech quality, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in real-world scenarios, which are often characterized by complex and unpredictable noise environments.

Button battery exposure in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThere is a rising burden of severe and fatal outcomes resulting from button battery exposures (ingestions or insertions). We summarised current evidence following button battery exposures in children and provided...

Prevalence of depression among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in South Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) significantly increases the risk of depression, yet research on mental health in this population remains limited. Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression among multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) patients, emphasizing the necessity for integrated mental health care. Methods: A systematic search across PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar identified 536 articles, which were screened for eligibility after removing duplicates. Prevalence data were analyzed using R programming, with back-transformation applied to enhance accuracy. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, and the study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023449156). Results: Ultimately, twelve studies involving 3,258 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression among MDR-TB patients was found to be 54% (95% CI: 42%-65%). Although substantial heterogeneity was noted (I² = 72%; P &lt; 0.01), excluding one study (Walker et al.) due to high Cook’s distance revised the prevalence to 55% (95% CI: 43%-68%), with reduced heterogeneity (I² = 68%; P &lt; 0.01). Subgroup analyses indicated minimal variability among studies using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (52%, 95% CI: 40%-64%) and substantial variability among those employing the Patient Health Questionnaire (54%, 95% CI: 30%-79%). Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test revealed no significant publication bias (P = 0.2105). Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of depression among MDR-TB patients, underscoring the urgent need for integrated mental health care strategies tailored for this vulnerable population. Further research is essential to refine these strategies effectively.

The utility of wastewater surveillance for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 prevalence

Abstract Public health authorities have increasingly used wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to monitor community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other agents. In this study, we evaluate the utility of WBE during the COVID-19 pandemic in England for estimating SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. We use wastewater data from the Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection program and prevalence data from the REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-1 study. Across the pandemic, we describe how wastewater-based modeling can achieve representative SARS-CoV-2 prevalence estimates in fine and coarse spatial resolutions for relatively short-time horizons (of up to 1 month), and thus assist in filling temporal gaps in surveillance. We infer a temporally evolving relationship between wastewater and prevalence which may limit the utility of WBE for estimating SARS-CoV-2 prevalence over longer time horizons without a concurrent prevalence survey. Exploring further our finding of time-varying, population-level fecal shedding, we characterize WBE for SARS-CoV-2 prevalence as (i) vaccination coverage dependent and (ii) variant- specific. Our research suggests that these factors are important considerations in future uses of WBE by public health authorities in infectious disease outbreaks. We further demonstrate that WBE can improve both the cost efficiency and accuracy of community prevalence surveys which on their own may have incomplete geographic coverage and/or small sample sizes. Therefore, in England, for the objective of high spatial resolution prevalence monitoring, strategic use of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentration data nationally could have enhanced, but not replaced, community prevalence survey programs.

Laboratory diagnostics of autoimmune liver diseases in primary care settings - short review

Elevated liver enzymes (ELE) are common in Germany. Primary care physicians are paramount in the early detection of liver diseases. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of autoimmune liver disease for primary care physicians (PCP) with a focus on laboratory diagnostics. The national and international guidelines and review articles serve as a reference, supplemented by the current prevalence data from the German Zentralinstitut of the kassenärztliche Vereinigung (ZI). In 2022, of the approximately 59 million PCP patients aged 20 years and older, around 50-60/100 000 received a confirmed diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis or primary biliary cholangitis (according to ICD-10-GM diagnosis). The diagnoses were made 2 to 6 times more frequently in women than in men. Primary sclerosing cholangitis occurred in around 10/100 000 people treated by PCPs; women were affected up to twice as often, especially from the age of 60. Data on etiology, clinical, laboratory and diagnostic parameters, treatment options and prognosis data for the 3 disease entities are presented concisely in this article. Laboratory diagnostics is the central step in the diagnosis of autoimmune liver diseases. However, general laboratory screening for ELE is not advisable. Rather, it is important to recognize, that no validated key figures are yet available for these markers in the primary care setting. The interpretation of these laboratory values is therefore complex. It is therefore advisable to consider determining these specific laboratory parameters, taking into account the common (and less common) causes that can lead to ELE.

Longitudinal evaluation of iron status during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study in a high-resource setting

BackgroundIron deficiency affects a large proportion of pregnant women worldwide, with potentially serious consequences for perinatal and infant outcomes, but well-powered, comprehensive analyses of longitudinal iron status during pregnancy are scarce. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal changes in iron biomarkers across pregnancy and prevalence of iron deficiency in primiparous women in a high-resource setting and propose early pregnancy iron status cutoffs that predict iron deficiency in the third trimester. MethodsIn a prospective cohort of primiparous women with low-risk, singleton pregnancies in Ireland, iron [ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR), total body iron (TBI)] and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, α-glycoprotein) were measured at 3 study visits: 15, 20, and 33 wk of gestation. Women with anemia (hemoglobin < 110g/L) at their first routine antenatal visit were excluded from this analysis. ResultsParticipants (N = 629) were Caucasian (98.2%) and born in Ireland (80.6%). The prevalence of iron deficiency (ferritin < 15 μg/L) increased throughout pregnancy, at 4.5%, 13.7% and 51.2% at 15, 20, and 33 wk of gestation, respectively. Using a ferritin threshold of <30 μg/L, rates of deficiency were 20.7%, 43.7%, and 83.8% across these time points, respectively. Application of sTfR of >4.4 mg/L generated similar prevalence data as ferritin of <15 μg/L at 7.2%, 12.6%, and 60.9%, respectively. Using TBI of <0 mg/kg, deficiency rates were lower than using ferritin or sTfR (P < 0.001). Using a cutpoint analysis method (area under the curve = 0.750), ferritin of <60 μg/L emerged as the ferritin threshold at 15 wk that predicted the presence of iron deficiency (ferritin < 15 μg/L) at 33 wk. Iron-containing supplements (mainly multivitamins) taken prepreganancy/early pregnancy was associated with reduced risk of deficiency throughout pregnancy, including the third trimester (odds ratio: 0.57; 95% confidence interval: 0.39, 0.82; P = 0.002). ConclusionsPregnancy places a remarkable strain on maternal iron status even in a high-resource, generally iron-supplemented population. Women should be screened early in pregnancy for iron status, with a suggested target ferritin concentration of >60 μg/L.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01891240 (IMPROvED Study; ==https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01891240?cond=NCT01891240&rank=1).

Changes in 10-Year Predicted Cardiovascular Disease Risk for a Multiethnic Semirural Population in South East Asia: Prospective Study.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors tend to cluster and interact multiplicatively and have been incorporated into risk equations such as the Framingham risk score, which can reasonably predict CVD over short- and long-term periods. Beyond risk factor levels at a single time point, recent evidence demonstrated that risk trajectories are differentially related to CVD risk. However, factors associated with suboptimal control or unstable CVD risk trajectories are not yet established. This study aims to examine factors associated with CVD risk trajectories in a semirural, multiethnic community-dwelling population. Data on demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, mental health, and cardiovascular factors were measured at baseline (2013) and during follow-up (2018) of the South East Asia Community Observatory cohort. The 10-year CVD risk change transition was computed. The trajectory patterns identified were improved; remained unchanged in low, moderate, or high CVD risk clusters; and worsened CVD risk trajectories. Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine the association between risk factors and changes in Framingham risk score and predicted CVD risk trajectory patterns with adjustments for concurrent risk factors. Of the 6599 multiethnic community-dwelling individuals (n=3954, 59.92% female participants and n=2645, 40.08% male participants; mean age 55.3, SD 10.6 years), CVD risk increased over time in 33.37% (n=2202) of the sample population, while 24.38% (n=1609 remained in the high-risk trajectory pattern, which was reflected by the increased prevalence of all major CVD risk factors over the 5-year follow-up. Meanwhile, sex-specific prevalence data indicate that 21.44% (n=567) of male and 41.35% (n=1635) of female participants experienced an increase in CVD risk. However, a stark sex difference was observed in those remaining in the high CVD risk cluster, with 45.1% (n=1193) male participants and 10.52% (n=416) female participants. Regarding specific CVD risk factors, male participants exhibited a higher percentage increase in the prevalence of hypertension, antihypertensive medication use, smoking, and obesity, while female participants showed a higher prevalence of diabetes. Further regression analyses identified that Malay compared to Chinese (P<.001) and Indian (P=.04) ethnicity, nonmarried status (P<.001), full-time employment (P<.001), and depressive symptoms (P=.04) were all significantly associated with increased CVD risk scores. In addition, lower educational levels and frequently having meals from outside were significantly associated to higher odds of both worsening and remaining in high CVD risk trajectories. Sociodemographics and mental health were found to be differently associated with CVD risk trajectories, warranting future research to disentangle the role of psychosocial disparities in CVD. Our findings carry public health implications, suggesting that the rise in major risk factors along with psychosocial disparities could potentially elevate CVD risk among individuals in underserved settings. More prevention efforts that continuously monitor CVD risk and consider changes in risk factors among vulnerable populations should be emphasized.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in penile cancer in Brazil

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and genotypic distribution of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in penile cancer in Brazil. Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from 2000 to 2021, that investigated the prevalence and genotypic distribution of HPV in penile cancer in different geographical regions in Brazil, using molecular methods. The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA) and the quality of included studies was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Results: 15 studies were included, comprising 1,250 cases. The combined prevalence of HPV in penile cancer was 52.0% and the highest prevalence was observed in the Northeast region (79%), followed by the North region (54%), Southeast (44%) and Central-West region (31%). HPV16 was the most prevalent genotype, followed by HPV6, HPV11, HPV18, HPV51, HPV59, HPV74, HPV31, HPV35 and HPV68. Final considerations: Our results confirm the association of HPV with penile cancer and highlight the presence of viral genotypes not covered by the tetravalent prophylactic vaccine distributed by the public health system in Brazil.

Prevalence of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in nursing home residents: a systematic literature review.

The objective of this systematic literature review was to: (1) estimate the prevalence of (symptoms of) rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and (2) explore how (symptoms of) RMDs are identified and documented in studies among nursing home residents. Prevalence data of (symptoms of) RMDs in permanently admitted nursing home residents ≥ 60 years were included. Data extraction, data synthesis and risk of bias assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. Included studies were categorized based on case ascertainment and case definition comprising: (location of) musculoskeletal pain, general terms for RMDs or a specific type of RMD. Results were summarized descriptively. Out of 6900 records, 53 studies were included. Case ascertainment comprised databases (n = 5), physical examination (n = 1), self-report questionnaires (n = 14), review of medical charts (n = 23) and self-report questionnaires combined with review of medical charts (n = 10). Prevalence ranged between 0.9 and 77.0% for (localized) musculoskeletal pain (n = 19) and between 0.6 and 67.5% for RMDs in general (n = 39). Prevalence rates of specific type of RMDs ranged between 0.7 and 47.5% for gout, between 3.3 and 11.0% for rheumatoid arthritis and between 2.8 and 75.4% for osteo-arthritis (n = 14). Heterogeneity with regard to documentation of (symptoms of) RMDs in medical data of nursing home residents was high. The overall prevalence of (symptoms of) RMDs varied to a great extent. This was mainly due to large heterogeneity in documentation of (symptoms of) RMDs. Establishing agreement on a useful and practical classification may ultimately increase identification of RMDs in the nursing home setting.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Military Recruits Undergoing Basic Combat Training

ABSTRACT Introduction The first period of military service consists of a physically and mentally challenging basic combat training (BCT) program. Factors like demanding physical exercise, limited recovery time, and restricted diet choice and food intake may challenge iron intake and homeostasis in recruits undergoing BCT. Iron-deficient individuals may experience reduced work capacity, fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, and increased injury risk. Limited knowledge is available on the extent of this potential health risk among military recruits. The aim of the present study was to systematically review published studies on the prevalence and change in prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency (ID), and ID anemia (IDA) among recruits undergoing BCT. Materials and Methods Electronic searches were conducted in the databases Medline (Ovid), Embase (Embase.com), and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) from database inception up until April 16, 2024. Inclusion criteria were observational studies with both cross-sectional and observational longitudinal designs that examined the effects of BCT (intervention) on iron status (outcome) in military recruits (population). Extracted data were the number of participants (n), age, sex, country/population, BCT duration, and relevant measures of prevalence and changes in prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA (primary outcome) and physical performance, mood state, stress fractures, attrition rate, and nutritional supplements (secondary outcomes). The study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data and The National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies With No Control Group. Meta-analyses were performed using restricted maximum-likelihood models, and the effect size was calculated as Cohen’s h with 95% CI. Results Twenty-two articles were systematically reviewed (n = 111,764 men and 12,650 women), and six of these papers (n = 388 men and 773 women) were included in the meta-analysis. There was a varying prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA among military recruits at the start of BCT. Results from meta-analyses showed negligible and nonsignificant effects of BCT on the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA. The quality of the included cross-sectional studies ranging from fair to good, whereas a large proportion of the included longitudinal studies were classified as poor. No sign of publication bias was found. Conclusions The prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA in military recruits seems not to be affected by the completion of BCT shorter than 16 weeks, whereas the effects of longer BCT durations remain unclear. Even though body iron homeostasis seems unaffected, adequate energy and nutritional intake should remain a priority. Future research could focus on dietary interventions to determine the optimal diet among female recruits in specifically exposed populations.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Anxiety and Depression: Prevalence Data, Theoretical Synthesis, and Clinical Implications

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Anxiety and Depression: Prevalence Data, Theoretical Synthesis, and Clinical Implications

Performance Analysis of symmetric and asymmetric Encryption Algorithms Based on File, Image and Video

The rapid evolution of digital technology has exponentially amplified the generation and sharing of diverse digital data, notably files, images, and videos, over the internet, intensifying the critical need for enhanced security measures to safeguard these prevalent data types. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of various encryption algorithms applied to different data types - files, images, and videos. The study categorizes encryption algorithms into symmetric and asymmetric types, with examples including AES, DES, Triple DES, RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and ECC. The paper further explores specific algorithms used for file, image, and video encryption. The objective is to identify the most efficient encryption algorithm for each data type, thereby enhancing data security in the digital age. The paper emphasizes that while encryption is a crucial tool for data security, it should be used in conjunction with other security measures for comprehensive protection.

Dynamic Progression of Hypertension and Diabetes in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2019 to 2023.

Introduction: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) does not have national prevalence data for arterial hypertension (HTN) or diabetes (type I and II combined) to aid evidence-based decision-making, despite the assumption of epidemiological transition in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to estimate a proxy of prevalence for HTN and diabetes. Methodology: This study used routine monthly reported data pertaining to HTN and diabetes from the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), spanning 2019-2023. Data underwent quality assessment and adjustments using standardization before analysis. Equity analyses were carried out at the national and sub-national levels. Epidemiological curves and maps were produced to analyze trends in the prevalence of HTN and diabetes among adults aged 18 and over. Permission to use the data was obtained from the regulatory authority. Results: Over five years, incidence of HTN increased from 13.23% (CI 95%: 13.22-13.24) to 15.23% (CI 95%: 15.22-15.24) (+15.1% relative increase), and diabetes rose from 2.73% (CI 95%: 2.72-2.74) to 3.345% (CI 95%: 3.34-3.35) (+16.3% relative increase), with provincial variations observed. Conclusions: In the DRC, hypertension and diabetes are advancing rapidly. Primary and preventative healthcare services and public health interventions must prioritize these diseases.

Horseshoe effects on equine gait-A systematic scoping review.

To provide an overview of available research about effects of horseshoes on equine kinetics and kinematics. The terms, "horse/equine," "hoof," "shoes/horseshoes," "kinetics," and "kinematics" were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International, and United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library for manuscripts from first availability to 2024. Independent reviewers used preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to map and extract evidence-based data from sources. Metrics included participant demographics, research methods, major findings, and study limitations. Knowledge gaps were also identified. A total of 46 studies were included. Most utilized non-lame horses to compare original shoe designs or modifications to unshod or a standard open-heel shoe. Horse demographics and gait, study design and outcome measures varied widely. Prevalent data collection equipment included force platforms and pressure plates, wearable force measuring technology, and videography. Many studies reported shoeing effects on limb forces and motion, but there was little consensus among unrelated studies. Common limitations included insufficient data resolution, no randomization, small sample size, single breed, and outcome measures specific or unique to the study. Knowledge gaps included data collection from all limbs and the impact of conformation and limb and hoof morphology and health condition on outcomes. Information from manuscripts that met inclusion criteria confirmed distinct, variable effects of shoe characteristics on equine gait parameters. Details from published work can serve as resource for clinical decisions and to guide standardization among investigations on shoe configuration effects on equine motion.