Preventive Measures Research Articles

Thiamine: An indispensable regulator of paediatric neuro-cardiovascular health and diseases.

Physicians are recommended to have a low threshold for suspecting thiamine deficiency especially in vulnerable populations. Laboratory diagnosis of thiamine deficiency needs to be implemented as a standard of care, especially in endemic regions. Further, public health policies on food fortification, mandatory supplementation, and surveillance are imperative to eliminate thiamine deficiency-induced health hazards. • South Asian countries report a higher incidence of neonatal and under-five mortalities, many of which are attributed to maternal and perinatal micronutrient deficiencies. • Preventable causes of neonatal/ infantile deaths include birth factors (low birth weight, birth asphyxia), infectious diseases (pneumonia, diarrhoea, tetanus, tuberculosis, measles, diphtheria, malaria, acute infections), deficiency diseases and genetic diseases (vitamin & mineral deficiencies, IEMs, congenital heart disease, unexplained PPHN, SIDS etc). • Acute thiamine deficiency presenting as multisystemic syndromes, has unfortunately been a long standing unresolved public health concern. However, accessible surveillance and diagnostic strategies remain elusive in most clinical settings. • Despite decades of reports and emerging guidelines, diagnosis of thiamine deficiency is often missed and policy mandates at national level are yet to be implemented even in endemic countries. • This review provides a comprehensive summary of the biochemical role of thiamine, its key functions and effects on major organ systems, the diagnostic gap, the enigmatic presentation of acute thiamine deficiency, the plausible role of thiamine in other pathologies and the preventive measures at individual and community level.

Comparative Analysis of Fistula Development After Parotid Gland Surgery: Lateral Parotidectomy Versus Extracapsular Dissection Technique.

The primary objective of this study was to explore the potential disparity in postoperative fistula occurrence rates between patients who undergo (partial) lateral parotidectomy and those who undergo the extracapsular dissection technique for the management of benign parotid gland tumours. A consecutive series of 363 patients treated with (partial) lateral parotidectomy and extracapsular dissection technique for benign parotid gland tumours at one tertiary centre between 2018 and 2022 were included. To evaluate the impact of the surgical technique and possible other risk factors (tumour location, tumour size, Body Mass Index, age, smoking, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension) for the development of fistulas, multivariate logistic regression analyses using backward lection were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95%-confidence intervals (CIs). In 363 patients, 21 patients (5.8%) developed a fistula. Patients who underwent (partial) lateral parotidectomy had three times higher chance of developing a fistula compared to patients who were operated using the extracapsular dissection technique (ORadjusted = 2.6, 4.1% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.044). In the multivariate analyses, no other risk factors for the development of fistulas were statistically significant in this cohort. The incidence of facial nerve paralysis was not significantly different between the extracapsular dissection and lateral parotidectomy group (5/73 = 6.8% vs. 11/290 = 3.8%, p = 0.333). Fistulas occur more often in patients treated by means of a (partial) lateral parotidectomy approach compared to patients treated using the extracapsular dissection technique. Therefore, surgeons should be vigilant about postoperative fistula risks in lateral parotidectomy and consider preventive measures.

Prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health issue. In addressing the threat of multidrug resistant bacterial infections, carbapenems have been used. The carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are, however, rapidly expanding worldwide. Since the issue of CRE is also a problem in Saudi Arabia, the current meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively evaluate the resistance rates to the main carbapenem antibiotics and determine the actual prevalence of CRE in the country. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. Different web databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were searched for relevant records. Data were extracted, and summary estimates for resistance to carbapenems were calculated using DerSimonian-Laird method of meta-analysis and the random-effects model. From a total of 787 retrieved records, 69 studies were found fully eligible and were included in the final analyses. More than 50 % of all the studies were conducted after 2010, and the most frequently examined members of the Enterobacterales were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The pooled prevalence estimate for imipenem resistance was 6.6 % (95 % CI: 4.7–9.2), 9.1 % (95 % CI: 6.7–12.3) for meropenem, and 18.6 % (95 % CI: 11.9–27.9) for ertapenem. High heterogeneity (I2 > 97 %, p < 0.001) was observed for all the estimates. Compared to other regions of the country, there was higher resistance rates in the Al-Qassim and Al-Jouf provinces. Additionally, resistance to ertapenem was as high as 34.2 % in the most recent study period (2021–2024). Proteus spp was the most prevalent CRE (26.2 %). This review highlights an increasing rate of carbapenem resistance among Enterobacterales, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to implement strict infection control and prevention measures. Consistent surveillance is indispensable for safeguarding public health, guiding clinical decisions, and strengthening efforts to tackle the challenges of antibiotic resistance.

Non-optimal temperature-attributable mortality and morbidity burden by cause, age and sex under climate and population change scenarios: a nationwide modelling study in Japan

Future temperature effects on mortality and morbidity may differ. However, studies comparing projected future temperature-attributable mortality and morbidity in the same setting are limited. Moreover, these studies did not consider future population change, human adaptation, and the variations in subpopulation susceptibility. Thus, we simultaneously projected the temperature-related mortality and morbidity by cause, age, and sex under population change, and human adaptation scenarios in Japan, a super-ageing society. We used daily mean temperatures, mortality, and emergency ambulance dispatch (a sensitive indicator for morbidity) in 47 prefectures of Japan from 2015 to 2019 as the reference for future projections. Future mortality and morbidity were generated at prefecture level using four shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios considering population changes. We calculated future temperature-related mortality and morbidity by combining baseline values with future temperatures and existing temperature risk functions by cause (all-cause, circulatory, respiratory), age (<65 years, ≥65 years), and sex under various climate change and SSP scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). Full human adaptation was simulated based on empirical evidence using a fixed percentile of minimum mortality or morbidity temperature (MMT), while no adaptation was simulated with a fixed absolute MMT. A future temporal decline in mortality burden attributable to non-optimal temperatures was observed, driven by greater cold-related deaths than heat-related deaths. In contrast, temperature-related morbidity increased over time, which was primarily driven by heat. In the 2050s and 2090s, under a moderate scenario, there are 83.69 (95% empirical confidence interval [eCI] 38.32-124.97) and 77.31 (95% eCI 36.84-114.47) all-cause deaths per 100,000 population, while there are 345.07 (95% eCI 258.31-438.66) and 379.62 (95% eCI 271.45-509.05) all-cause morbidity associated with non-optimal temperatures. These trends were largely consistent across causes, age, and sex groups. Future heat-attributable health burden is projected to increase substantially, with spatiotemporal variations and is particularly pronounced among individuals ≥65y and males. Full human adaptation could yield a decreasing temperature-attributable mortality and morbidity in line with a decreasing population. Our findings could support the development of targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies to address future heat-related impacts effectively. This includes improved healthcare allocations for ambulance dispatch and hospital preventive measures during heat periods, particularly custom-tailored to address specific health outcomes and vulnerable subpopulations. Japan Science and Technology Agency and Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency and Ministry of the Environment of Japan.

Failure criterion and damage evolution of high-strength geopolymer concrete under compression-shear composite loading after high temperatures

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) holds significant potential for building fire safety design due to its green, low-carbon, and high-temperature resistant properties. In practical applications, concrete structures often face multiaxial composite loads. Therefore, investigating the composite stress performance of high-strength geopolymer concrete (HGPC) after exposure to high temperatures is crucial for assessing structural damage and enhancing fire prevention measures. This paper examines the compressive shear performance of HGPC at various temperatures T (20°C, 200°C, 400°C, 600°C) and stress ratios k (0.15, 0.3, 0.45, 0.6). The study analyzes failure patterns, shear load-displacement curves, shear strengths and their components, and peak shear deformation. Failure criteria are proposed to describe the damage patterns of HGPC under compressive shear loading after high temperatures. Additionally, the damage evolution process is evaluated using the energy method. The results show that HGPC damage surfaces penetrate the coarse aggregate at room temperature under compression-shear composite loading but shift to the aggregate-mortar interface at 600°C. Shear stiffness, peak shear strength, and residual strength increase with higher stress ratios but decrease with rising temperatures. Temperature affects peak shear strength by over 95 %, significantly more than the stress ratio. The shear strength decreases more slowly than compressive strength up to 400°C but more rapidly beyond 400°C. The cohesive strength of HGPC decreases with increasing stress ratio under different temperatures, while contact friction strength exceeds 50 % of peak shear strength. Shear dilation strength generally increases, then decreases, peaking at k = 0.45. The failure criterion based on the modified twin shear unified strength theory aligns best with experimental results. Furthermore, an increased stress ratio retarded the development of damage evolution, which was first accelerated and then slowed with rising temperature.

Healthcare Service Utilization and Related Costs. A Comparison of the Situation of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury to the General Population.

The aim of the study is to investigate healthcare utilization and related costs in spinal cord injury compared to the Swiss population, addressing gaps in understanding this vulnerable group's needs. We analyzed healthcare utilization across age groups using data from the Swiss Health Survey and the Swiss Community Survey. Employing count models, Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial, and Poisson regressions, we estimated the adjusted healthcare visits across different age groups in the sample. Persons with spinal cord injury use 11 times more healthcare services than the healthy population and 4 times more than persons with other chronic health conditions. Notably, service providers for persons with spinal cord injury include physiotherapists, nursing services, general practitioners, and specialists. The high frequency of usage of persons with spinal cord injury translates into high costs, which is 3 times higher than in the general healthy population. These patterns become more evident as persons with spinal cord injury age, where nursing care and rehabilitation services become the most demanded services. Our findings show the multiple healthcare needs of people with spinal cord injury, which makes them a high-needs, high-cost group. This characteristic underscores the importance of preventive measures to reduce the incidence of spinal cord injury in older adults.

Implementing Screening for Neonatal Delirium in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Delirium is not commonly diagnosed in neonatal intensive care units and can adversely impact patient outcomes in the ICU setting. Recognition of delirium in the NICU is a necessary first step to address the potential impact on neonatal outcomes. We conducted a quality improvement initiative implementing screening for neonatal delirium. We aimed to increase screening in NICU patients from 0% to 85% by March 2022. Interdisciplinary meetings were held with key stakeholders to develop a clinical algorithm. We used standardized tools for delirium screening. Our process measures included weekly nursing compliance with Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale/Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium/ scoring documentation (Fig. 1) and patients referred to psychiatry. Outcome measures included the percentage of patients screened for delirium before discharge. We conducted Plan-Do-Study Act cycles to optimize the screening process in the electronic medical record (EMR). This included creating an order set, documentation flowsheets, and prompts in the EMR for patients. After initial implementation, we achieved an average weekly screening compliance of 76% (Fig. 1). Inclusion criteria expansion resulted in a downward compliance shift to 59%. Subsequently, the addition of the EMR checklist resulted in a center-line shift to a sustained average weekly screening compliance of 77%. An average of 82% of all eligible NICU patients received delirium screening before discharge (Fig. 2). Using quality improvement methodology, there was increased screening and recognition of delirium in our NICU. Future research efforts could focus on assessing preventive measures and the impact of neonatal delirium on patient outcomes.

PreAlgPro: Prediction of allergenic proteins with pre-trained protein language model and efficient neutral network

Allergy is a prevalent phenomenon, involving allergens such as nuts and milk. Avoiding exposure to allergens is the most effective preventive measure against allergic reactions. However, current homology-based methods for identifying allergenic proteins encounter challenges when dealing with non-homologous data. Traditional machine learning approaches rely on manually extracted features, which lack important protein functional characteristics, including evolutionary information. Consequently, there is still considerable room for improvement in existing methods. In this study, we present PreAlgPro, a method for identifying allergenic proteins based on pre-trained protein language models and deep learning techniques. Specifically, we employed the ProtT5 model to extract protein embedding features, replacing the manual feature extraction step. Furthermore, we devised an Attention-CNN neural network architecture to identify potential features that contribute to the classification of allergenic proteins. The performance of our model was evaluated on four independent test sets, and the experimental results demonstrate that PreAlgPro surpasses existing state-of-the-art methods. Additionally, we collected allergenic protein samples to validate the robustness of the model and conducted an analysis of model interpretability.

Preventing scour of monopile foundations using a vertical rotation device

Scour around monopile foundations is a major cause of offshore wind turbine failures, necessitating effective scour prevention measures to ensure the reliability of monopiles. This study investigates a new scour prevention strategy utilizing a vertical turbine rotor. This measure can not only effectively reduce scour around monopile foundations in complex flow field environments but also generate clean electricity, adding value. The effectiveness of the device in mitigating scour is evaluated through experiments. Subsequently, the impact of the flow field around the pile foundation and the seabed shear stress are examined using numerical simulations. The influence of the device’s installation position on seabed shear stress is also discussed. The results indicate that the vertical rotating device significantly reduce scour around the pile foundation, thereby enhancing the reliability of monopile foundations.

The Characteristics of Everyday Life Safety Incidents among Vulnerable Groups

As society diversifies, everyday life safety incidents have emerged as a major social concern. Consequently, support measures for vulnerable groups who are less capable of responding to such accidents are increasingly necessary. This study is intended to diagnose the causes of everyday life safety incidents among vulnerable groups and establish preventive measures by analyzing the spatial, temporal, and variable characteristics of these accidents. The study’s findings reveal distinct spatial patterns and monthly and hourly trends in the occurrence of everyday life safety incidents, with a significant relationship between the age of the vulnerable persons and the accident type. The results of this study are expected to 1) contribute to the development of preventive measures tailored to different vulnerable groups and 2) inform regional safety policies.

Effect of Local Fire Risks and Preventive Measures on the Installation of Residential Firefighting Systems in Detached House

This study analyzes the major factors affecting the installation of residential firefighting systems in detached houses. In particular, it investigates the dependence of local fire risk and local government prevention efforts, along with housing and household characteristics, on the type of installation. This study used data from the 2020 Population and Housing Census, the first nationwide survey on residential firefighter system installation, and employed multinomial logistic regression analysis. The analysis results revealed that less than half of households had installed all firefighting systems, where the installation rate differed significantly by region. Housing and household characteristics also influenced the installation type. Local fire risk as well as the local government’s fire prevention policies positively affect the installation of residential firefighting systems.

The Hidden Danger - Understanding Periodontal Pocket

The conversion of junctional epithelium to pocket epithelium is regarded as a hallmark in the development of periodontitis. Knowledge of factors contributing to the initiation and progression of pocket formation is important. It may result in the development of better preventive measures and improved healing outcomes after therapeutic interventions. destruction of the structural integrity of the junctional epithelium, which includes disruption of cell-to-cell contacts and detachment from the tooth surface, consequently leading to pocket formation, disequilibrates this delicate defense system. One of the main variables used to evaluate the clinical success of periodontal therapy is periodontal pocket depth reduction. Therefore, reflecting on how the periodontal pocket process's role has helped guide how we perform and interpret periodontal research is important. A full understanding of periodontal pocket etiology is required to design a more precise treatment strategy and avoid the advancement of periodontal disorders.

Prioritization of Evaluation Items for Industrial Accident Prevention Factors Using the Fuzzy TOPSIS Technique

With the rapid progress of industrialization, serious accidents have frequently occurred at industrial sites. Despite the existence of several laws and regulations for preventing industrial accidents, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, social criticism has been raised regarding their inefficiency. To address this issue, the Serious Accident Punishment Act was implemented. The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Safety and Health Agency have prepared and implemented various industrial accident prevention measures and programs; however, the number of industrial accidents has not decreased. Therefore, new evaluation criteria must be introduced when establishing policies or systems to prevent industrial accidents. This study introduces evaluation items used in Europe and the United States as industrial accident prevention items for assessing industrial accident prevention projects and proposes a plan to select priorities for these items by applying the fuzzy TOPSIS technique. Prioritization was determined by calculating four evaluation criteria and ten industrial accident prevention items using a 7-point linguistic scale. Our results allow for the simultaneous consideration of several industrial accident prevention items. Thus, various aspects of industrial accident prevention activities can be comprehensively evaluated, enhancing the effectiveness and execution of safety and health management, thereby helping to reduce industrial accidents.

Knowledge and utilization of HIV/AIDs preventive measures among intra-city commercial drivers in Kano State, Nigeria

Background: Intracity commercial drivers play a vital role in transportation systems in many urban centers. However, their occupation puts them at risk for HIV infection due to various factors. Despite their increased vulnerability, intracity commercial drivers face significant challenges in accessing HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services. Method: This was an observational community-based cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among intracity commercial drivers in Kano State, Nigeria through multistage sampling technique. Result: the mean age and standard deviation of respondents was 42.0 ± 11.3. About two-third (67.7%) had good aggregate knowledge score and more than half (57.4%) of the study participant had good uptake and utilization of HIV/AIDs preventive services. After adjusting for the confounding effects using logistic regression analysis; educational status of secondary school (AOR=2.25, 95% CI=1.21–13.25) and post-secondary (AOR=4.10,95%CI=2.22-17.88), monthly income of between N50,0001 – N100,000.00 (AOR=2.02, 95%CI=1.74-19.33) and &gt;N100,000.00 (AOR=4.01, 95%CI=3.11-27.33), working experience of 11 – 20 years (AOR=3.25, 95%CI= 1.16-22.56) and &gt;20 years (AOR=6.05, 95%CI= 3.03-26.77) and good aggregate knowledge scores on HIV/AIDs preventive measures (AOR=4.02 (2.13 – 14.55), 95%CI=2.13-14.55) remained significant predictors of uptake/utilization of HIV/AIDs preventive measures. Conclusion: All agencies responsible for HIV/AIDs control and their partners should take appropriate measures including various strategies to educate this occupational group on sexuality and reproductive health. Also, the establishment of STI clinics in strategic locations, as well as making condoms available, accessible, affordable, and acceptable for use by this group of people in our society, should all be part of the prevention strategy.

A conceptual framework for digital health marketing strategies to enhance public health outcomes in underserved communities

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for integrating digital health marketing strategies with public health initiatives to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in underserved communities. The framework focuses on leveraging digital marketing tools such as social media, mobile applications, email campaigns, and search engine optimization to disseminate critical health information, promote preventive measures, and engage communities in healthier behaviors. It addresses the persistent challenges faced by underserved populations, including limited healthcare access, low health literacy, and cultural barriers, by utilizing the accessibility and broad reach of digital channels. The proposed framework incorporates three core components: (1) Health Information Dissemination, which explores the use of targeted digital campaigns to provide culturally relevant and accessible health education; (2) Community Engagement, which leverages interactive platforms such as social media and mobile apps to foster participation in preventive healthcare initiatives and healthy lifestyle practices; and (3) Behavioral Change Promotion, which emphasizes using digital tools to influence health behaviors through personalized messaging, reminders, and virtual support groups. By integrating digital marketing strategies into public health programs, the framework aims to improve healthcare outcomes by increasing awareness of preventive measures, enhancing early diagnosis, and promoting disease management. It also underscores the role of data analytics in refining outreach efforts by identifying specific health needs, tracking engagement, and measuring the effectiveness of interventions. This conceptual framework holds promise for healthcare providers, policymakers, and digital marketers seeking to enhance public health outcomes in underserved communities. It provides a structured approach to combining the strengths of digital marketing with public health goals, creating more inclusive, accessible, and effective health interventions. Future research and case studies can build on this model to refine digital health marketing strategies and assess their long-term impact on public health in underserved populations.

Utilization of big data analytics to identify population health trends and optimize healthcare delivery system efficiency

Big data analytics has emerged as an incredibly valuable tool in understanding population health trends and improving the effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems. By leveraging big data sources from various domains, including the patients’ electronic health records, claims data, wearables, and social media accounts, healthcare organizations can obtain novel and rich insights regarding population health characteristics, predisposing factors, and disease progression. The arrival of big data has transformed healthcare organizations by providing a scientific population health management and health system enhancement tool. Using superior analytical tools, healthcare entrepreneurs and policymakers can discover relations, rates, and patterns that are concealed in large data sets. Such knowledge can be used for early detection of possible interventions, management of resources, and prevention measures, thus leading to better health and less spending on health issues. Moreover, big data analytics helps in early diagnostics and the development of management strategies for high-risk groups, which in turn improves the functioning and effectiveness of healthcare systems. It is also important to note that big data solutions in healthcare are not limited to population health management, but also include functional aspects of healthcare organizations. Additionally, using data about patient movements, resource consumption, and clinical activity, it is possible to determine inefficiencies and opportunities to improve processes in healthcare organizations. This approach of collecting and analyzing data helps in decision making thus reducing time and improving patient flow and experience. However, incorporating real-time data into the clinical decision support systems can improve diagnostic capabilities, treatments offered, and patient tracking resulting in improved quality of services delivered.

The role of preventive medicine in reducing chronic disease Burden in the USA: A Systematic Review

Chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses, are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States, placing a significant burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and the economy. Preventive medicine, encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary strategies, plays a crucial role in mitigating this burden by focusing on disease prevention and health promotion. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive medicine in reducing the chronic disease burden in the USA. Through a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed studies, we explore the impact of screening programs, early detection, lifestyle interventions, and health policies designed to prevent chronic diseases. The review highlights the success of preventive measures in decreasing disease incidence, improving health outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. However, challenges such as disparities in access to care, patient adherence, and the integration of preventive services into the broader healthcare system remain significant barriers. The review concludes by discussing policy implications, recommending strategies to overcome implementation challenges, and outlining future research directions to enhance the role of preventive medicine in combating chronic diseases in the USA.

The effect of drug abuse among adolescents in Nigeria: A case study of Gwagwalada, Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

With a focus on drug addiction in teenagers, this study explores the prevalence, causes, and effects of drug addiction in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. It provides a thorough understanding of the factors that influence drug misuse among adolescents in the area. The project intends to determine the precise chemicals being misused and investigate the social and environmental factors that contribute to drug use by looking over previous studies, consulting with experts, and gathering information from local stakeholders. Peer pressure, broken families, easy access to drugs, and a lack of opportunities are major contributing factors. The study also looks at how interpersonal violence, criminality, and economic instability are made worse in communities by teen drug use. An extensive literature review, qualitative interviews, and statistical tools like trend analysis and frequency distribution were all combined in a mixed-methods approach to determine the degree of substance abuse. The results show that drug addiction severely compromises the physical, psychological, and social well-being of youth; the main initiators of this damage are peer pressure, familial problems, and financial difficulty. The report recommends quick, comprehensive efforts to reduce drug availability, such as drug education, public awareness campaigns, and increased law enforcement. It also places a strong emphasis on improving preventative measures, addressing underlying socioeconomic issues, and giving young people the tools they need to resist peer pressure and make better decisions in life. The report urges the development of a comprehensive plan to lower drug usage among teenagers and ensure that Nigerian kids have a better future.

The impact of alcohol consumption and binge drinking on the risk of dental trauma in South Korean adolescents

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of alcohol consumption and binge drinking on the occurrence of dental trauma in South Korean adolescents. Methods: Data were analyzed from the South Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which used a complex sampling design to ensure representativeness. A total of 52,875 adolescent were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between alcohol consumption and tooth fractures. Confounders such as gender, education, city, academic performance, economic status, etc. were adjusted. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that alcohol consumption was significantly associated with tooth fractures in adolescents. After adjusting for all factors in Model 3 of binge drinking, the odds ratio remained statistically significant at 1.331 (95% CI: 1.064-1.664). Conclusions: Alcohol consumption and binge drinking increase the risk of tooth fractures in adolescents. Preventive measures targeting alcohol-related behaviors in this population are crucial for improving oral health outcomes.

Understanding melioidosis: Review

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative intracellular bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, first identified in 1911. While it is predominantly reported in Southeast Asia, cases have also emerged in other regions, including parts of the United States. The clinical presentation of melioidosis often mimics that of tuberculosis and influenza, leading to diagnostic confusion that can delay appropriate treatment. This delay is particularly concerning, as timely diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent severe complications, including septicemia and potential death. Education about this disease and taking preventive measures play a crucial role in managing this disease. The possibility of using the causative bacterium as a biological weapon poses a serious threat to public health.