Public Health Issue Research Articles

Burden and determinants of scabies in a pastoralist community: a case–control study from Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundScabies is a skin infestation caused by the human itch mite, affecting people globally across all demographics. However, it is more prevalent among children, individuals with poor hygiene, those in...

Estudio descriptivo de conducta suicida en adolescentes hospitalizados en la Unidad de Psiquiatría de un hospital de Madrid durante 2023.

The suicidal behavior among adolescents has shown a significant increase in the last decade, according to a study by the ANAR Foundation. Subsequently, there is a highlighted increase of 128% in the post-COVID-19 period. This study aims to analyze the reasons for admission and sociodemographic characteristics of adolescents hospitalized in 2023. An observational descriptive study was conducted at the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital. Out of the 229 recorded admissions, 78.6% were females and 21.4% males, with a mean age of 15.07 years. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were the main reasons for admission, with drug overdose being the most common method. The main diagnoses at discharge were mixed emotions and behavior disorder onset in childhood and adolescence, and adaptive disorder. The majority had a history of mental health problems. These findings reinforce the importance of prevention and early intervention programs to address suicide as an urgent public health issue.

Using Sudden Unexpected Infant Death-Case Registry Data to Drive Prevention.

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a major contributor to infant death and a persistent public health issue. After an initial decline after the 1994 "Back to Sleep" campaign, SUID numbers plateaued. Currently, ∼10 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each day in the United States. In 2019, we established a surveillance system for SUID in Cook County, Illinois, partnering our academic medical center, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, and child death review to create the Cook County SUID Case Registry. Our data show that, in Cook County, including the city of Chicago, ∼1 infant dies unexpectedly during sleep every week. Of these SUID, ∼25% were because of suffocation/possible suffocation. SUID peaks at 30 to 60 days old. SUID rates are 15 times higher in non-Hispanic Black infants and 3 times higher in Hispanic infants, compared with white infants. Nearly all involved 1 or more unsafe sleep factors. SUID are concentrated in community areas experiencing high hardship. Through our Community Partnership Approaches for Safe Sleep-Chicago team, we have developed collaborative prevention approaches in affected communities, allowing for conversations with families and those who support them to better understand barriers to safe sleep that they experience. These partnerships and our data allow for tailoring of informed prevention approaches to address upstream factors driving disproportionate infant mortality in historically disinvested communities, as well as optimizing the immediate risks posed by the infant sleep environment. Data from our system show the number of SUID declining modestly since our prevention work began.

Kidney Stone Prevalence Among US Population: Updated Estimation from NHANES Data Set

Importance: Kidney stones are a significant public health issue in the United States, affecting a substantial portion of the adult population. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with this condition is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of kidney stones among the US adult population and identify key demographic and health-related risk factors associated with the condition using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2020. Design: This was a cross-sectional study utilizing NHANES data from 2007 to 2020. The analysis reported here includes data collected over this 13-year period, with no additional follow-up duration. Setting: The study setting was population-based, utilizing a nationwide survey that is representative of the US civilian noninstitutionalized population. Participants: Participants were US adults aged 20 years and older. The final sample size consisted of 37,857 individuals. Exposures: In this observational study, the exposures of interest were the demographic and health-related factors that may influence the prevalence of kidney stones. These factors included age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, physical activity, smoking status, and medical diagnoses such as diabetes and hypertension. The study used preexisting data from the NHANES database, spanning from 2007 to 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measured was the prevalence of kidney stones among the study participants. The presence of kidney stones was determined based on participants’ responses to the question, “Have you ever had kidney stones?” in the NHANES survey. Results: The study included a final sample of 37,857 US adults after exclusions. Of these, 9.25% reported having had kidney stones. The prevalence was higher in men (54.8%) than in women (45.2%), and increased with age, peaking at 23.9% in individuals aged 70 years and older. Non-Hispanic White individuals had the highest prevalence of kidney stones at 52.5%. Physically inactive individuals and those with conditions such as hypertension (51.3%) and diabetes (22.7%) also showed higher prevalence rates. Conclusions and Relevance: The study concluded that kidney stones are a prevalent condition in the United States, affecting approximately 1 in 11 adults, with a higher incidence in older adults, men, non-Hispanic White individuals, and individuals with certain health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. The findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions and preventive measures focusing on these high-risk groups.

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.

Tuberculous meningitis leading to stroke: a case report

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a major public health issue in developing countries. Vasculitis, resulting from tubercular meningitis, can lead to stroke. Case presentation: A 33-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with relapsing-remitting fever with an evening rise in temperature for 1 month, personality changes (aggression and mutism) for 2 weeks, followed by difficulty in moving his lower limbs, and bowel and bladder incontinence. Neck rigidity, a positive Kernig’s sign, bilateral mute plantar responses, and 0/5 power in bilateral lower limbs were noted on examinations. MRI of the brain was suggestive of tubercular meningitis and showed an infarct with hemorrhagic transformation in the relatively uncommon, right basifrontal lobe. Gene Xpert test done on cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis. Discussion: Tuberculous meningitis leading to infarct is a challenging diagnosis due to nonspecific symptoms and variable cerebrospinal fluid AFB staining results. Radiological imaging with MRI helps in suggesting the diagnosis and Gene Xpert confirms the diagnosis. Antitubercular therapy, steroids, physiotherapy, and supportive care are part of management. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering tubercular meningitis-related cerebral infarction despite initial negative CSF AFB stain. Radiological investigation may help in guiding the clinician towards a diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis with vasculitis.

Molecular epidemiology and genetic characterization of hepatitis B virus in two major provinces of Pakistan.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health issue and is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality globally. In Pakistan, the prevalence of chronic HBV infection varies from 2% to 4%, with an estimated exposure rate of approximately 34%. The major objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV genotypes and the pattern of escape mutations in the HBV S gene in two major provinces of Pakistan: Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A total of 146 serum/plasma samples collected from hepatitis B patients were sequenced by the Sanger method. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the intermixed circulation of closely related strains of HBV genotype D and subgenotypes HBV/D1, HBV/D2, and HBV/A2 in both provinces, and various escape mutations (Y100C, P120S/T, G119R, C121S/Y, R122K, T126I, A128V, Q129H/R, G130R, T131N/I, M133T/I, Y134N, C137W, S143L, and D144E) were identified. These findings provide important insights into the current prevalence of HBV genotypes in Pakistan and will help in the establishment of more-efficient disease interventions and patient management strategies.

Causal Inference with Complex Surveys: A Unified Perspective on Sample Selection and Exposure Selection

Probability surveys are a major source of population representative data for policy research and program evaluation. However, the data come with the added complications of being observational and selected with unequal probabilities. Propensity score adjustments have become increasingly popular for inferring causal relationships in non-randomized studies, but when using survey data, estimates of the population level causal effect may be biased if the sampling design is not adequately adjusted for. The current practice of using propensity score estimators with complex surveys is somewhat ad-hoc. We propose a potential-outcome super-population framework to streamline the causal analysis. We also develop propensity-score-and-survey weighted estimators and corresponding variance estimators, as well as their asymptotic properties. Our framework clarifies the confusion regarding the use of survey weighted propensity score in practice. The choice actually depends on the available sampling weights. Various estimators are compared in a simulation study, which shows that the proposed estimators perform better than the competing methods in terms of bias and confidence interval coverage when treatment effects are heterogeneous. To address an important public health issue, we evaluate the impact of e-cigarette use on future tobacco use intention in teens, using a large nationally representative survey in the United States.

Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products in Bone and Cartilage Defects.

The number of patients with functional loss of bone and cartilage tissue has shown an increasing trend. Insufficient or inappropriate conventional treatments applied for trauma, orthopedic diseases, or other bone and cartilage-related disorders can lead to bone and cartilage damage. This represents a worldwide public health issue and a significant economic burden. Advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) proposed promising alternative therapeutic modalities by application of cell-based and tissue engineering approaches. Recently, several ATMPs have been developed to promote bone and cartilage tissue regeneration. Fifteen ATMPs, two related to bone and 13 related to cartilage, have received regulatory approval and marketing authorization. However, four ATMPs were withdrawn from the market for various reasons. However, ATMPs that are still on the market have demonstrated positive results, their broad application faced limitations. The development and standardization of methodologies will be a major challenge in the coming decades. Currently, the number of ATMPs in clinical trials using mesenchymal stromal cells or chondrocytes indicates a growing recognition that current ATMPs can be improved. Research on bone and cartilage tissue regeneration continues to expand. Cell-based therapies are likely to be clinically supported by the new ATMPs, innovative fabrication processes, and enhanced surgical approaches. In this study, we highlighted the available ATMPs that have been used in bone and cartilage defects and discussed their advantages and disadvantages in clinical applications.

Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity: Results of two open randomized pharmacokinetic studies

Introduction. Obesity is a growing public health issue in Russia, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Controlling obesity involves lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy. Semaglutide, an effective obesity treatment, stimulates insulin production and reduces appetite. Developing a generic semaglutide preparation will improve its availability in Russia.Aim. To study the comparative pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence, safety and tolerability of semaglutide products GP40331 and Wegovy using concentrations of 0.68 and 3.2 mg/ml in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions.Materials and methods. Bioequivalence studies, conducted per Good Clinical Practice, were open-label, randomized, and involved healthy male volunteers. Subjects received semaglutide at single doses of 0.25 mg (0.68 mg/ml) and 0.5 mg (3.2 mg/ml) under fasting. Bioequivalence was determined by the 90% CI of the ratios of geometric mean values of the primary pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-t, Cmax). Semaglutide concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.Results. The 90% CI values for the ratios of geometric means of the primary PK parameters of semaglutide were 90.22–110.29 and 86.48–108.98% (0.68 mg/ml) and 90.62–115.71 and 92.86–113.51% (3.2 mg/ml). Comparable safety was proven for both concentrations.Conclusion. GP40331 and Wegovy at 0.68 and 3.2 mg/mL are bioequivalent and equally safe.

Unlocking Insights: Using Machine Learning to Identify Wasting and Risk Factors in Egyptian Children Under 5

Introduction: Malnutrition, particularly wasting, continues to be a significant public health issue among children under five years in Egypt. Despite global advancements in child health, the prevalence of wasting remains a critical concern. This study employs machine learning techniques to identify and analyze the determinants of wasting in this population. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of wasting among children under five years in Egypt and identify key factors associated with wasting using machine learning models.Methods: This study is based on secondary data sourced from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), conducted in 2005, 2008, and 2014. Six machine learning classifiers (XGBoost, Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, K-Nearest Neighbor, and Decision Tree) were applied to the dataset. The study included children under five years of age, focusing on nutritional status, maternal health, and socio-economic factors. The dataset was cleaned, preprocessed, encoded using one-hot encoding, and split into training (70%) and test (30%) sets. Additionally, k-fold cross-validation and the StandardScaler function from Scikit-learn were used. Performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and ROC-AUC were used to evaluate and compare the algorithms.Results: It was observed that 76.2% of the children in the dataset have normal nutritional status. Furthermore, 5.2% were found to be suffering from wasting (1.7% experiencing severe wasting and 3.5% moderate wasting), with notable regional disparities. The XGBoost model outperformed other models. Its efficiency metrics include an accuracy of 94.8%, precision of 94.7%, recall of 94.7%, F1 score of 94.7%, and an ROC-AUC of 99.4%. These results indicate that XGBoost was highly effective in predicting wasting.Conclusion: Machine learning techniques, particularly XGBoost, show significant potential for improving the classification of nutritional status and addressing wasting among children in Egypt. However, the limitations in simpler models highlight the need for further research to refine predictive tools and develop targeted interventions. Addressing the identified determinants of wasting can contribute to more effective public health strategies.

The effect of the keto diet on lipid profile with type two diabetic patients

Introduction. In the developed world, among the main causes of disease and death is type 2 diabetes. It is a significant public health issue with rising prevalence, with more than 380 million patients estimated to be affected by 2025.Aim. To evaluate the effect of ketogenic diets on glycemic control in patients with type II DM in Kirkuk and Mosul provinces.Materials and methods. Patients with T2DM in both Mosul and Kirkuk cities were enrolled in this study to evaluate the effect of keto diet on HbA1c level and Lipid profile variations between 1/9/2022 to 1/4/2023.Results and discussion. This study shows that the distributions of patients according to age and gender there was about 43.3 % female and 56.7 % male and the age variations, female with age above 56 years old was 30 % while male 60.7 %. A significant p value was shown in HbA1C variations before and after keto diet (0.0001), also in lipid profile of a significant p value before and after keto diet (0.001) regarding total Glyceride a significant p value highly was (0.002). Due to the large particle size of LDL-C, it has been hypothesized that this elevation in LDL-C would not likely cause cardiovascular problems. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the low-calorie-ketogenic VLCK diet (&lt;50 g of carbohydrates per day) is a safe, well-tolerated, and recognized medical nutritional therapy option when used in conjunction with an interventional weight loss program that offers support for lifestyle and behavioral modification over a 4-month period.Conclusion. Diabetic and ketogenic diet there is a good clear relationship regarding the HbA1c and lipid profile. Further studies are required for larger numbers of patients and longer duration follow up.

Modulatory potentials of nitric oxide in obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction

Obesity is caused by a significant increase in adipose tissue due to excessive caloric intake that exceeds energy expenditure. Obesity has emerged as a significant public health issue in both poor resource and economic developed nations, owing to its increased incidence and links to chronic diseases, such osteoarthritis, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It is believed that uncoupled eNOS, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases, xanthine oxidase, lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase, microsomal P-450 enzymes, and pro-oxidant heme molecules are responsible for the drastic decrease in NO production and the relative increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) secretion, which are considered as the molecular mechanisms associated with obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction. Vascular endothelium defines a monolayer of cells, which lies between the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the vessel lumen. It performs a number of protective actions facilitated by the release of nitric oxide (NO), a soluble gas that is generated in endothelial cells by the amino acid L-arginine through the action of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The maintenance of vascular homeostasis is facilitated by various biological actions of NO, such as modulation of vascular dilator tone, control of local cell growth, and protection of the endothelium from the harmful effects of cellular components in blood circulation, while maintaining normal endothelial functions. Decreased peripheral arterial endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) in response to mechanical (intravascular shear) or chemical (acetylcholine) stimuli suggests that decreased NO bioavailability has been recognised as major molecular mechanisms associated with the progress and development of obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction. In this review, the modulatory effects of NO in obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction will be discussed.

Differences in Drug Shortages in the US and Canada

Drug shortages are a persistent public health issue that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the US and Canada follow similar regulatory standards and require reporting of drug-related supply chain issues that may result in shortages. However, it is unknown what proportion are associated with meaningful shortages (defined by a significant decrease in drug supply) and whether differences exist between Canada and the US. To compare how frequently reports of drug-related supply chain issues in the US vs Canada were associated with drug shortages. Longitudinal cross-sectional study conducted from January 2023 to March 2024 using drug-related reports of supply chain issues from 2017 to 2021 that were less than 180 days apart in Canada and the US. Shortages were assessed using data from the IQVIA Multinational Integrated Data Analysis database, comprising 89% of US and 100% of Canadian drug purchases. Country (Canada vs US), timing of report issuance (before vs after the COVID-19 pandemic), and characteristics of the supply chain prior to the reports of drug-related supply chain issues (including World Health Organization essential medicine status, Health Canada tier 3 medicine [moderate risk classification], whether there was sole-source manufacturing of the drug, the formulation, the price per unit, ≥20 years since drug approval, and the number of therapeutic alternatives). A drug shortage (a decrease of ≥33% in monthly purchased standardized drug units) within 12 months, relative to the average units purchased during the 6 months prior to the report of supply chain issues to a US or Canadian reporting system. Among the 104 drug-related reports of supply chain issues in both countries, 49.0% (95% CI, 39.3%-59.7%) were associated with drug shortages in the US vs 34.0% (95% CI, 25.0%-45.0%) in Canada (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.53 [95% CI, 0.36-0.79]). The lower risk of drug shortages in Canada vs the US was consistent before the COVID-19 pandemic (adjusted HR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.30-0.75]) and after the pandemic (adjusted HR, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.15-0.66]). After combining reports of supply chain issues in both countries, the shortage risk was double for sole-sourced drugs (adjusted HR, 2.58 [95% CI, 1.57-4.24]) and nearly half for Canadian tier 3 medicines (moderate risk) (adjusted HR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.32-0.98]). Drug-related reports of supply chain issues were 40% less likely to result in meaningful drug shortages in Canada compared with the US. These findings highlight the need for international cooperation between countries to curb the effects of drug shortages and improve resiliency of the supply chain for drugs.

A modified deep learning method for Alzheimer’s disease detection based on the facial submicroscopic features in mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic disease among people aged 65 and older. As the aging population continues to grow at a rapid pace, AD has emerged as a pressing public health issue globally. Early detection of the disease is important, because increasing evidence has illustrated that early diagnosis holds the key to effective treatment of AD. In this work, we developed and refined a multi-layer cyclic Residual convolutional neural network model, specifically tailored to identify AD-related submicroscopic characteristics in the facial images of mice. Our experiments involved classifying the mice into two distinct groups: a normal control group and an AD group. Compared with the other deep learning models, the proposed model achieved a better detection performance in the dataset of the mouse experiment. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and precision for AD identification with our proposed model were as high as 99.78%, 100%, 99.65% and 99.44%, respectively. Moreover, the heat maps of AD correlation in the facial images of the mice were acquired with the class activation mapping algorithm. It was proven that the facial images contained AD-related submicroscopic features. Consequently, through our mouse experiments, we validated the feasibility and accuracy of utilizing a facial image-based deep learning model for AD identification. Therefore, the present study suggests the potential of using facial images for AD detection in humans through deep learning-based methods.

Multifunctional and novelty green composite film containing sodium alginate, chitosan, rice husk and curcumin

Foodborne diseases are a global public health issue, with their causes often originating from lapses in food production or transportation leading to food contamination. Therefore, food packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the safety and quality of food. In pursuit of sustainable development, this study aims to utilize agricultural waste-derived functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles in combination with biodegradable molecules to create food packaging films. Through recycling and the use of environmentally friendly green films, the goal is to achieve sustainability and the objectives of green chemistry. The study anticipates the production of biodegradable films and the testing of their antibacterial capabilities, antioxidant properties, biocompatibility, and film stress coefficients. This research will provide robust support for advancing green packaging technology to address the challenges of global food safety and environmental sustainability.The experiment is divided into two parts. The first part involves the synthesis of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles with antibacterial properties derived from rice husk (Rice husk mesoporous silica nanoparticles, rMSN) as nano-fillers. These nanoparticles are surface modified with a biodegradable polymer, chitosan (Chi), that interacts with the material. Natural extract curcumin (Cur), known for its antioxidant capabilities, is loaded into the pores, and the material's inherent antibacterial properties are utilized. The second part involves blending the material with the natural polymer sodium alginate (SA) to form a film (rMSN-Chi@Cur/Alg film). The film's thickness, stress strength, antibacterial, and antioxidant capabilities are tested to ensure the material possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

CASE REPORT: GIANT HYDATID CYST OF THE LIVER IN A YOUNG PATIENT: SURGICAL MANAGEMENT AND LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

Hydatid disease, caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, remains a significant public health issue in endemic areas, especially in rural settings. This report presents the case of an 18-year-old female patient residing in a rural area, with no significant medical history, who developed a symptomatic hepatic hydatid cyst. The patient was treated surgically without preoperative antiparasitic therapy and was placed on postoperative albendazole. The case highlights the importance of timely surgical intervention and long-term follow-up to prevent recurrence.

A new LNC89/LNC60-Col11a2 axis revealed by whole-transcriptome analysis may be associated with goiters related to excess iodine nutrition

Goiter related to excessive iodine nutrition remains a significant public health issue in some countries. There has been no reported study on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to goiters. In this study, goiter was induced by drinking water with excess iodine for 10 or 20 weeks in Kunming mice. Whole transcriptome sequencing results showed that LNC89 expression increased in mice goiter tissues compared to normal thyroid tissues and higher in 20 weeks goiter tissues than in 10 weeks goiter tissues, which were identified by qRT−PCR. Cooperate with human-mouse homologous gene conversion, a new LNC89/LNC60-Col11a2 axis was predicted by LncTar and expression correlation analysis based on whole transcriptome sequencing results. Increased Col11a2 expression was also identified by qRT−PCR and Western blot in the mice goiter tissues. In the human normal thyroid cell line Nthy-ori-3 treated with KI03, LNC60 and Col11a2 expression increased with promoted cell viability, which were reversed by siLNC60 treatment. Furthermore, LNC60 and Col11a2 mRNA levels were found increased in peripheral blood of nodular goiter patients from high water iodine areas of China and have high diagnostic values for nodular goiter while AUC of LNC60 and Col11a2 are 89.97% and 84.85%, respectively. In conclusion, the novel LNC89/LNC60-Col11a2 axis may be involved in the progression of goiter related to iodine excess, providing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the future.

Food purchase patterns, food policy recognition, and food environment satisfaction among adults in Jeju, Korea, according to food security: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: Recently, food insecurity has been a major public health issue along with the food crisis caused by COVID-19, climate change, and the polarization of food supply due to socioeconomic disparities. Food insecurity is known to be related to the food choices and environment of the consumer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the food security statuses of adults in Jeju and investigate their food purchase patterns, food policy recognition, and food environment satisfaction.Methods: Based on data from the 2022 Jeju Food Survey, 346 adults aged ≥19 years in Jeju were classified into food security and insecurity groups (quantitatively and qualitatively) using the questionnaire. Food purchase patterns, including purchasing frequency, items, and reasons, were surveyed for local and eco-friendly foods. The recognition and necessity of several food policies and satisfaction with diet and food environment (availability, accessibility, affordability, accommodation, and acceptability) were measured using the Likert scale.Results: Among the total participants, 47.4% were in the food insecurity group. The frequency of purchasing local and eco-friendly foods did not significantly differ by food security status. The insecurity group exhibited a higher recognition rate of basic rights to food (36.0%) than the security group (24.7%, P = 0.023). The recognition and necessity of specific food policies did not significantly differ by food security status, except for the policy of promoting food communities, for which the food security group exhibited higher recognition than the food insecurity group did (P = 0.004). The food insecurity group exhibited significantly lower scores regarding satisfaction toward diet and food environment factors (P &lt; 0.05 for all).Conclusions: Overall, the food security group reported higher satisfaction with their diet and food environment than the food insecurity group. Further in-depth studies to investigate the determinants of food insecurity and effective promotional strategies for food policies are needed.

Determinants of self-reported sexually transmitted infections among reproductive age women in Senegal: evidenced by Senegal demographic and health survey.

Globally, access to sexual and reproductive health is a significant public health issue for women of the reproductive age group. Senegal is a low-income country with limited access to reproductive health services, such as in the prevention and treatment of STIs. The prevention and treatment of STIs is one of the goals set by the government to decrease reproductive health-related morbidity and mortality among women. So, the main objective of this research was to evaluate the prevalence's and determinant of self-reported sexually transmitted infections among reproductive-age women. Data from the 2023 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey datasets were used for secondary data analysis. A total of 16,583 women of reproductive age participated in the study. Bivariate analysis was employed in order to select the factors for multivariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, variables with p < 0.05 significance levels were considered to be significant predictors of sexually transmitted infections among reproductive-age women. Finally, the percentage and odd ratio, together with their 95% confidence intervals, were reported. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infection among women was 3.21% with a 95 CI. [2.95-3.49] in the last 12 months. Being between the age range of 20 and 44 years old; attending higher education [AOR: 2.70, 95% CI (1.74, 4.19); P = 0.0001]; women who were never in union [AOR: 0.09, 95% CI (0.046, 0.17); P = 0.001] were positively associated with sexually transmitted infections among women. In contrast to this, living in Louga [AOR: 0.41, 95% CI (0.23,0.69); P = 0.001]; Fatick [AOR: 0.33, 95% CI (0.18,0.61); P = 0.0001]; Kolda [AOR: 0.23, 95% CI (0.11,0.49); P = 0.0001]; Kedougou [AOR: 0.34, 95% CI (0.17,0.68); P = 0.002]; and Sedhiou [AOR: 0.43, 95% CI (0.23,0.79); P = 0.007] and women who had history terminated pregnancy [AOR: 1.27, 95% CI (1.03,1.58); P = 0.023] were negatively associated with sexually transmitted infections among women. Women's sexually transmitted infection has been associated with sociodemographic and geographic determinants such as the age of the woman, region, educational status, marital status, and history of terminated pregnancy. Therefore, to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections among women, the governments of Senegal and other concerned stakeholders should give special attention to women by addressing sociodemographic and geographic determinants.