Prevalence Study Research Articles

Challenges in institutional ethical review process and approval for international multicenter clinical studies in lower and middle-income countries: the case of PARITY study

BackgroundOne of the greatest challenges to conducting multicenter research studies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is the heterogeneity in regulatory processes across sites. Previous studies have reported variations in requirements with a lack of standardization in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes between centers, imposing barriers for approval, participation, and development of multicenter research.ObjectivesTo describe the regulatory process, variability and challenges faced by pediatric researchers in LMICs during the IRB process of an international multicenter observational point prevalence study (Global PARITY).DesignA 16-question multiple-choice online survey was sent to site principal investigators (PIs) at PARITY study participating centers to explore characteristics of the IRB process, costs, and barriers to research approval. A shorter survey was employed for sites that expressed interest in participating in Global PARITY and started the approval process, but ultimately did not participate in data collection (non-participating sites) to assess IRB characteristics.ResultsOf the 91 sites that sought IRB approval, 46 were successful in obtaining approval and finishing the data collection process. The survey was completed by 46 (100%) participating centers and 21 (47%) non-participating centers. There was a significant difference between participating and non-participating sites in IRB approval of a waiver consent and in the requirement for a legal review of the protocol. The greatest challenge to research identified by non-participating sites was a lack of research time and the lack of institutional support.ConclusionsGlobal collaborative research is crucial to increase our understanding of pediatric critical care conditions in hospitals of all resource-levels and IRBs are required to ensure that this research complies with ethical standards. Critical barriers restrict research activities in some resource limiting countries. Increasing the efficiency and accessibility of local IRB review could greatly impact participation of resource limited sites and enrollment of vulnerable populations.

Polycystic Ovary Morphology, Subclinical Hypothyroidism, and the Cutoff Value of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, a Population-Based Study.

Although numerous studies have explored the link between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid dysfunction, the relationship between polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) and thyroid issues remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between PCOM and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) as well as the threshold for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Data were drawn from the Iranian PCOS prevalence study and the Khuzestan PCOS prevalence study. Eligible participants were divided into two groups: those with PCOM (n = 120) and a control group (n = 630). A logistic regression model was employed to assess the impact of PCOM on SCH, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated. Additionally, a quantile regression model was used to evaluate the effect of PCOS on TSH levels. The results indicated no significant association between PCOM and SCH (adjusted OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.80-2.37; p = 0.243). Furthermore, after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and number of pregnancies, no significant differences were found in TSH levels between the PCOM and control groups. The prevalence of SCH and the TSH threshold were similar in both groups. Further comprehensive population-based studies with detailed thyroid evaluations are recommended.

Depression, health-related quality of life and life satisfaction in patients with heart failure

Background: The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) has been recognized as an effective tool for identification of patients with heart failure (HF) at risk for lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to compare HRQoL levels, overall satisfaction with health and life, disease severity variables, sociodemographic variables and behavioural risk factors between patients with HF with different levels of depressive symptomatology. Methods: In a >55 years-old general population cross-sectional HF prevalence study, 1851 subjects were screened and those with NTproBNP ≥125 pg/mL (n=930) underwent detailed diagnostic visit to confirm or rule out HF as per 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines. HRQoL (the ShortForm 12 Health Survey, SF12; EQ5D3L), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ9) and satisfaction with life (Satisfaction With Life Scale, SWLS) were also assessed. Patient with HF (75±8 years, 54 % male, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IIII, with mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 56±13) were divided into three groups based on the severity of depressive symptomatology as per PHQ9 score (none: score 04, mild: score 59, and moderate-to-severe: score 1027). Multiple group comparisons and pairwise post hoc analyses were performed. Results: Results indicated significant between group differences in NYHA status (p<0.001), number of comorbidities (p=0.006), functional capacity (p=0.01), as well as HRQoL variables (p=0.05 to 0.001) and SWLS score (p<0.05), with nondepressed group generally showing better physical and subjective indicators of health and wellbeing compared with the mild and moderate-to-severe group. Conclusions: Results indicate that even patients with HF with clinically non-significant levels of depressive symptomatology show significantly impaired psychosocial status (diminished HRQoL, lower life satisfaction).

Risk factors and prevalence of strokes in patients with multiple sclerosis

Introduction. Numerous data on increased risk of stroke in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) needs clarification in view of shared pathogenesis and immunotherapy risks.The objective was to assess risk factors, prevalence and misdiagnosis of stroke in MS patients for future prevention optimization.Methods and materials. Cross-sectional retrospective study of risk factors, prevalence and misdiagnosis of stroke in cohort of 563 MS patients aged 40 years and older.Results. The cohort under study was representative in terms of gender ratio and MS variants. Stroke rate established as 1.78 % in MS type and gender representative cohort. Ischemic stroke was in 9/10 cases and ischemic venous stroke with hemorrhage in 1/10. Stroke misdiagnosis at MS first presentation estimated as 1.95 %. Stroke risk factors seems to be less prevalent in MS cohort compared to general population, with ischemic heart disease (OR=23.9) and arterial hypertension (OR=7.2) as most significant risk indicators.Conclusion. Stroke prevalence in MS patients may be lower than that in general population. Low rate of arterial hypertension (25.4 %), ischemic heart disease (3.4 %), smoking (10.7 %), diabetes mellitus (3.2 %), and obesity (9.1 %) may influence stroke low rate in MS. Arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease are the most significant stroke risk factors in MS.

Methamphetamine addiction in Sudan: examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 24 Al-qurashi residents – a novel cross-sectional approach

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Crystal methamphetamine is a synthetic psycho-stimulant drug that speeds up the inner workings of the brain and affects the central nervous system, with long-lasting effects on the body. In Sudan, it is called “Ice.” The purpose of this study is to evaluate the methamphetamine addiction-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the people living in 24 Al-Qurashi, Sudan. This was Sudan’s first study of its sort, aimed at assessing the general public’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors and prevalence of methamphetamine addiction. Methods A 34-question structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the prevalence of methamphetamine addiction was used in the study. Likert scale, multiple-choice, and true/false questions were all included in this bilingual (English and Arabic) questionnaire. Results and Conclusion A total of 113 people participated in the study. The residents of 24-AlQurashi showed poor knowledge regarding methamphetamine addiction, especially during pregnancy. Attitudes and practices were slightly better, with a mean percentage of 52% and 72%, respectively. The prevalence study revealed that there were no methamphetamine addicts in the area.

Seroprevalence of seven arboviruses of public health importance in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The arboviruses continue to be a threat to public health and socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Seroprevalence surveys can be used as a population surveillance strategy for arboviruses in the absence of treatment and vaccines for most arboviruses, guiding the public health interventions. The objective of this study was to analyse the seroprevalence of arboviruses in SSA through a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases for articles published between 2000 and 2022 reporting the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to seven arboviruses in various human populations residing in SSA. The included studies were assessed using the checklist for assessing the risk of bias in prevalence studies, and the data were extracted using a standard form. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled seroprevalences. The potential sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. The protocol had been previously registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with the identifier: CRD42022377946. A total of 165 studies from 27 countries, comprising 186 332 participants, were included. Of these, 141 were low-risk and 24 were moderate-risk. The pooled IgG seroprevalence was 23.7% (17.9-30.0%) for Chikungunya virus, 22.7% (17.5-28.4%) for dengue virus, 22.6% (14.1-32.5%) for West Nile virus, 16.4% (7.1-28.5%) for yellow fever virus, 13.1% (6.4-21.7%) for Zika virus, 9.2% (6.5-12.3%) for Rift Valley fever virus and 6.0% (3.1-9.7) for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that seroprevalence differed considerably between countries, study populations, specific age categories, sample sizes and laboratory methods. This SRMA provides information on the significant circulation of various arboviruses in SSA, which is essential for the adoption and planning of vaccines. These findings suggest the need to invest in surveillance and research activities on arbovirus in SSA countries to increase our understanding of their epidemiology to prevent and respond to future epidemics.

PERFIL DE PACIENTES SUBMETIDOS A TOMOGRAFIA DE CORONÁRIAS EM UM SERVIÇO DE IMAGEM CARDIOVASCULAR DE SERGIPE

Introduction: Computed tomography angiography (CT angiography) of the coronary arteries can identify coronary artery disease (CAD) in its early stages. CAD is characterized by a narrowing of the arterial lumen due to the accumulation of fatty plaques in its walls. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosis is coronary angiography, an invasive measure that seeks to visualize the arterial lumen. The aim of this study was to characterize an outpatient sample using CT angiography as a diagnostic method. Methodology: This cross-sectional, observational prevalence study was based on data collection at a clinic in the city of Aracaju, where the angiotomography results of 210 patients were analyzed, 115 females and 95 males, tabulated as absolute numbers, percentages and averages. Results: The correlation of gender and age with the presence of luminal reduction showed that men and older individuals had a higher degree of alterations on CT angiography. When assessed by territory, the Left Coronary Trunk (LCT) often showed no luminal reduction, with the Anterior Descending Trunk showing the most alterations. Men present more lesions in the Right Coronary and Anterior Descending. Conclusion: Several factors can influence the incidence of CAD, gender and age being among the most important, as shown by the higher incidence in older men than in women or in younger individuals with luminal reduction.

Emerging Healthcare Threat Candida auris: A Prevalence Study From a Rural Tertiary Referral Centre in Western India

Emerging Healthcare Threat Candida auris: A Prevalence Study From a Rural Tertiary Referral Centre in Western India

Past Suffering and Current Caring

This article aims to provide a comprehensive picture of research on the prevalence and impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among social work students. In doing so, we highlight where ACE research with social work students is most robust and point out gaps that need further inquiry. This article is organized into four parts, each summarizing pertinent ACE research for that section, limitations, and next steps for further inquiry. Part 1 offers an overview of the operational definitions of ACEs within the context of general population studies. Part 2 reviews foundational studies of childhood adversity with social work students that explored prevalence and influences on career choice. Part 3 provides a composite profile of current ACE prevalence studies with social work students and compares them to non-majors to describe differing trends and patterns. Part 4 presents empirical research on the impact of ACEs on social work students’ well-being and professional development. Implications for social work educators are included.

Spectrum of heart failure in 16 sub-saharan countries: drugs strategies and 8-year trends (the february study 2016-2023)

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The hospital prevalence studies estimate that in SSA, HF is responsible for 9.4% to 42.5% of all medical admission. However, little is known about the management of HF in hospitalization in SSA. Purpose To describe in hospital drugs strategies and 8-year trends in Africa. Methods We conducted a transversal and longitudinal study in cardiology departments of 37 hospitals(public and private) in 16 SSA countries. The February study is an ongoing observatory included all inpatients in February from each year since 2016. Collected data included socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, causes of admission, clinical, biological, complementary examinations, medicines, length of stay were collected by the investigating physicians. HF severity was defined according to proportion of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction(LVEF):reduced(LVEF<40%), mildly reduced(LVEF[41-49%] or preserved(LVEF>50%). All analyses were performed with random effect on countries through scripts developed in the R software(4.0.3(2020-10-10)). Results Overall, 2351 patients(57±17.5 years; 54% men) were admitted for HF in the February study. HF representing 44.6% of all patients admitted. Proportions of patients included for HF varied across countries from 28% Democratic Republic of the Congo to 75% in Guinea. At admission, 56% of patients had reduced LVEF; 12.5% had mildly reduced and 31.5% had preserved LVEF. Proportions of drug classes varied significantly according to LVEF: diuretics were significantly less prescribed in patients with preserved LVEF(65%) compared to patients with mildly reduced(77%) or reduced(73%) LVEF (P>0.01). The same result was observed for betablockers(BB)(30%VS46% and 46%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEI)(50%vs77% and 71%)(p<0.01). Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were significantly more prescribed in patients with preserved LVEF(p<0.01). The proportion of treated with BB increased significantly over the years(p<0.05) from 17% in 2016 to 62% in 2023. Proportions of drugs strategies differed significantly across countries adjusted for LVEF. Drugs strategies differed significantly according to LVEF(p<0.01). The more reduced the LVEF, the more the drugs strategy increased. In patients with preserved LVEF, the proportion of monotherapy was 20%; this decreased to 9% in patients with reduced LVEF. Combinations of three drugs increased from 35% in patients with preserved LVEF to 46% in patients with reduced LVEF. Overall, drugs strategies differed across years(p<0.05): three-drug strategies increased from 35% in 2016 to 51% in 2023 and two-drug strategies decreased from 38% in 2016 to 23% in 2023. Conclusion Up-titrated strategies were prescribed according to severity of HF and access to BB increased across years according to international guidelines. However, novel drugs classes remain unavailable in SSA.

Prevecardio: a single-visit population screening model for detection and prevention of 10-year cardiovascular risk

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major contributor to global mortality. The early detection of cardiovascular risk factors, coupled with timely intervention strategies, is essential for CVD prevention. PreveCardio was developed as an innovative, single-visit population screening model designed to facilitate the early identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors within a population of 1 million in a European capital city region totaling 6 million inhabitants. Purpose This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors within the general population and to evaluate the effectiveness of the PreveCardio model in estimating 10-year cardiovascular risks and promoting preventive interventions. Methods In this cross-sectional prevalence study, individuals aged 50 to 75 from a health network were randomly selected and invited to participate in a comprehensive health check. The 30-minute screening consisted of lifestyle evaluations, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests for lipid profiles and glycated haemoglobin. The methodology was designed to provide participants with immediate feedback on their results, cardiovascular health and practical guidance for risk management. Results From the 8,492 individuals solicited, 3,546 took part in the screening: 56,83% were female, mean age 61,17 ± 7,33 y.o. Picture 1 shows the population's percentages with various modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including 20% with active smoking, 30% with sedentarism, 16% with risky alcohol consumption, 49% with non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 40% with overweight, and 30% with obesity. The screening revealed new diagnoses of LDL-hypercholesterolemia in 47% participants, high levels of blood pressure in hypertension range in 49%, prediabetes in 30% and diabetes in 2% (Picture 2). After use SCORE2 and SCORE-OP risk prediction algorithms, PreveCardio is estimated to potentially prevent between 39 to 202 fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events over 10 years. Predictive modelling based on PreveCardio data projected that expanding the screening across the capital region could prevent at least 26,260 cardiovascular events over 10 years. Conclusion(s) PreveCardio has established itself as a viable and effective model for the early detection of cardiovascular risk factors in a general population. It holds significant promise for public health impact by potentially reducing the incidence of CVD through comprehensive screening and proactive intervention.

Drug Use during Incarceration: A Comprehensive Quality and Prevalence Study in Three Danish Prisons

Background Drug use in Danish prisons has previously not been investigated in detail using confirmatory, laboratory analysis. The objective of the present quality study, initiated by the Danish Prison and Probation Service, was to i) evaluate the performance of an initial, on-site drug screening strategy; ii) gain insights into emerging drug trends; and iii) suggest evidence-based strategies for future drug testing. Methods Over a two-year period, routine urine samples (n = 1952 from 710 inmates) from three Danish prisons were subjected to comprehensive drug testing. Immunoassay screening was conducted on-site. A parallel sample aliquot was forwarded to laboratory analysis by confirmatory methods: High-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) targeting 56 drugs-of-abuse/medical drugs, 26 key metabolites, 41 new psychoactive substances (NPS), including specific biomarkers for heroin, crack cocaine, or ethanol (a total of 123 target analytes/sample). Results The on-site immunoassay method showed a sensitivity from 66 to 100%; specificity was above 98%; accuracy was above 95%. Laboratory analysis detected compounds not screened for including tramadol, oxycodone, buprenorphine, ketamine, MDMA, 4-fluoroamphetamine, and GHB. The prevalence of drug use was in the order: cannabis > ethanol > cocaine > benzodiazepines > amphetamine. Conclusion The performance of the immunoassay was found acceptable; however, the screening program was inadequate for detecting other significant substances. Based on these findings, a broader screening method will be implemented in future at Danish Prisons to minimize false negative results. The data did not indicate a trend of using NPS in Danish prisons.

A systematic review of the prevalence of post-operative complications after general anaesthesia in adult horses (2000-2023).

Equine post-operative morbidity represents a significant concern for both veterinary surgeons and horse owners. To estimate the prevalence of post-operative complications in horses after elective/non-abdominal surgery or colic surgery. Systematic review. A database search identified eligible studies which reported the prevalence of equine post-operative complications published as a full paper in English in a peer-reviewed journal between 2000 and 2023. Studies were evaluated using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) framework. Data for the most commonly reported complications were analysed using Chi-squared analysis of weighted means to answer 13 PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcomes) questions. Sixty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. Data for eight post-operative morbidities (colic, surgical site complications, myopathy/neuropathy, laminitis, diarrhoea/colitis, fever/pyrexia, jugular thrombophlebitis/thrombosis, respiratory complications) were sufficient to allow statistical analyses. The weighted mean of the overall proportion of post-operative complications after elective/non-abdominal surgery is 17.48% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 13.20-22.92), significantly increasing to 55.62% (95% CI: 45.79-65.03) after colic surgery (odds ratio [OR] 6.63; 95% CI: 5.83-7.56; p < 0.001). The most commonly reported morbidity was post-operative colic, with a weighted mean prevalence of 7.45% (95% CI: 4.83-11.76) after elective/non-abdominal surgery, significantly rising to 26.46% (95% CI: 19.11-35.97) after colic surgery (OR 4.11; 95% CI: 3.60-4.71; p < 0.001). The weighted mean prevalence of surgical site complications, laminitis, diarrhoea/colitis, fever/pyrexia, jugular thrombophlebitis/thrombosis and respiratory complications were significantly higher after colic surgery compared with elective/non-abdominal surgery. Myopathy/neuropathy was the only morbidity where prevalence was not different between groups (OR 1.86; 95% CI: 0.86-4.16; p = 0.16). The majority of studies were retrospective. Morbidity definitions, data collection periods, follow-up time and methods varied between studies. Based on current evidence, the prevalence of post-operative colic, surgical site complications, laminitis, diarrhoea/colitis, fever/pyrexia, jugular thrombophlebitis/thrombosis and respiratory complications is significantly higher after colic surgery compared with elective/non-abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia.

The Analysis Study of Prevalence, Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent condition among women of reproductive age, characterized by a disruption in the normal vaginal microbiota. The systematic review focused on analyzing the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of Bacterial vaginosis based on literature from the past decade. Methods: The study followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, reviewing English-language publications from 2014 to 2024. Editorials, duplicate reviews from the same journal, and papers lacking a DOI were excluded. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Result: A total of 630 articles were initially identified through online databases (PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar). After three rounds of screening, eight relevant studies were selected for full-text analysis. Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis remains a complex condition influenced by microbial diversity, contraceptive use, and co-infections. Improved diagnostic methods and innovative treatment strategies, including probiotics, are essential for effective management and prevention of BV and its associated complications.

Nationwide Seroprevalence of Dirofilaria immitis Antigen and Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. in Shelter Cats in the United States, 2007–2011

Vector-borne infections persist as a significant issue in both human and animal health. Many of the most common vector-borne infections in the USA, especially tick-borne infections, are known to be zoonotic, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis, and these infections may also negatively impact the health of infected animals. Convenient patient-side assays for the detection of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., and antigen of Dirofilaria immitis have allowed for the generation of robust and large-scale prevalence data in dogs. Data of similar scale and distribution are not available in cats, and most feline prevalence studies have evaluated a small sample size with limited geographic distribution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to B. burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., and D. immitis antigen among shelter cats across the USA, a population that is presumably at high risk for ectoparasitism and, consequently, exposure to vector-borne infections. In total, 2232 whole blood samples were collected from shelter cats across four regions of the USA—South, Northeast, Midwest, and West—and were evaluated using the Idexx SNAP® 4Dx® Test. Ectoparasites were also opportunistically collected from cats during blood collection and morphologically identified. The prevalence of at least one vector-borne infection was 2.60%, and the nationwide prevalence was 1.88% for B. burgdorferi, 0.54% for Anaplasma spp., 0.09% for Ehrlichia spp., and 0.55% for D. immitis. A total of 1120 ectoparasites were collected from 423 cats, including 27 ticks and 1093 fleas. Although the overall prevalence of the pathogens in this survey is relatively low, we observe that there is an increased exposure risk regionally for some agents, with geographic distributions in this study mostly coinciding with established human and canine distributions. Understanding these findings in an assumed non-protected population of cats allows us to extrapolate the risk to pet cats if they are not provided routine veterinary care, including a broad-spectrum parasite prevention program.

Prevalence and Management of Oral Intake Restrictions in Critically Ill Patients: Insights from a Multicenter Point Prevalence Study.

Oral intake restrictions due to dysphagia in the intensive care unit (ICU) can increase morbidity, mortality, and negatively impact quality of life. The current oral intake practice and clinical management strategies for addressing dysphagia in the ICU are not well-defined. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical practices surrounding oral intake restrictions due to dysphagia and its management strategies in the ICU. A multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional, 2-day point prevalence study was conducted in Japan. Relevant data on the clinical circumstances surrounding oral intake practice and the implementation of strategies to prevent dysphagia for patients admitted to the ICU on November 1, 2023, and December 1, 2023, were collected. The primary outcome was the prevalence of oral intake restrictions in patients, defined by a Functional Oral Intake Scale score of less than 7 among eligible patients for oral intake. Out of 326 participants, 187 were eligible for the final analysis after excluding 139 patients who were not eligible for oral intake, primarily due to tracheal intubation. Among those eligible, 69.0% (129/187) encountered oral intake restrictions. About 52.4% (98/187) of patients underwent swallowing screenings; 36.7% (36/98) of these were suspected of having dysphagia. Compensatory and behavioral swallowing rehabilitation were provided to 21.9% (41/187) and 10.6% (20/187) of patients, respectively, from ICU admission to the survey date. Only 27.4% (14/51) of post-extubation and 9.3% (3/32) of post-stroke patients received swallowing rehabilitation. Notably, no ICUs had dedicated speech and language therapists, and most (85.7%, 18/21) lacked established swallowing rehabilitation protocols. This 2-point prevalence survey study revealed that oral intake restrictions due to dysphagia are common in ICUs, but few patients are screened for swallowing issues or receive rehabilitation. More clinical studies are needed to develop effective protocols for identifying and managing dysphagia, including screenings and rehabilitation in the ICU.

Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and, in the US, disproportionately affects people from racial and ethnic minority groups. Glaucoma prevalence has not been estimated for the US in more than a decade, and state- and county-level estimates are not available. To estimate glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma prevalence by demographic factors and US state and county for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS). This meta-analysis used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2008), Medicare fee-for-service claims (2019), IBM MarketScan commercial insurance claims (2016), population-based studies of eye disease (1985-2003), and 2022 population estimates from the US Census Bureau. PubMed was searched for population-based studies of glaucoma prevalence published between 1991 and 2016. Bayesian meta-regression methods were used to estimate the prevalence of glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma stratified by age, undifferentiated sex/gender (a measure that captures an unclear mix of aspects of sex and or gender), race and ethnicity, and US county and state. Prevalence of any type of glaucoma (open or closed angle) among people 18 years or older and vision-affecting glaucoma, defined as glaucoma and a visual field abnormality. For 2022, an estimated 4.22 million people (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 3.46 million to 5.23 million) in the US were living with glaucoma, with a prevalence of 1.62% (UI, 1.33%-2.00%) among people 18 years or older and 2.56% (UI, 2.10%-3.16%) among people 40 years or older. An estimated 1.49 million people (UI, 1.17 million to 1.90 million) were living with vision-affecting glaucoma, with a prevalence of 0.57% (UI, 0.45%-0.73%) among people 18 years or older and 0.91% (UI, 0.71%-1.16%) among people 40 years or older. Prevalence of glaucoma among people 18 years or older ranged from 1.11% (UI, 0.89%-1.40%) in Utah to 1.95% (UI, 1.57%-2.39%) in Mississippi. Black adults had a prevalence of 3.15% (UI, 2.32%-4.09%) compared with 1.42% (UI, 1.10%-1.85%) among White adults; adults in the Hispanic and all other racial and ethnic categories combined had a prevalence of 1.56% (UI, 1.13%-2.06%). This meta-analysis found that an estimated 2.56% of people 40 years or older have glaucoma, slightly more than estimated by previous studies. Black individuals are disproportionately affected. Prevalence estimates at the state and county level can help guide public health planning.

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in namakkal district -A hospital based study

Thyroid disorders are most common endocrine disorder in India but the prevalence studies on these dysfunction is limited. All subjects who visited the hospital for a period of four months to have thyroid function tests (TFTs) on their first outpatient visit were included in the study. Thyroid disordrs were present in 22.11 % of the total 2510 subjects . The prevalence rate was higher in females (64.8%) than males (35.2%) with (p=0.0003).The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the study population was 64.32 % (n = 357). In our study those with primary hypothyroidism were predominant (55.18 %, 197 out of 357) and 43.1 % (154 out of 357) were having sub clinical hypothyroidism and 6 of 357 were having secondary hypothyroidism. The prevalence rate of hyperthyroidism was 52.6 % (n-188) . The majority were subclinical hyperthyroidism (65.90 % , 124 out of 188) ,30.8 % (58 out of 188) had primary hyperthyroidism and3% ( 6 out of 188) had secondary hyperthyroidism. In our study thyroid function abnormalities were noted in 15.73 % of all subjects. Thyroid disorders were common in age of &amp;#62;20 years than 20-40 ,40-60 and and &amp;#62;60 year categories. The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism was found to be higher than subclinical hypothyroidism, while in hyperthyroidism subclinical condition was predominant compared to primary hyperthyroidism.

An international estimate of the prevalence of differing visual imagery abilities.

The aim of this research was to establish prevalence estimates for aphantasia, hypophantasia, typical imagery ability, and hyperphantasia in a large multi-national cohort. In Study 1, the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire was completed by 3,049 participants. Results indicated prevalence estimates of 1.2% for aphantasia, 3% for hypophantasia, 89.9% for typical imagery ability, and 5.9% for hyperphantasia. In Study 2, to replicate these findings in a larger sample, the Study 1 data were combined with openly available data from previous prevalence studies to create a total sample of 9,063 participants. Re-analysis of this data confirmed prevalence estimates of 0.9% for aphantasia, 3.3% for hypophantasia, 89.7% for typical imagery ability, and 6.1% for hyperphantasia. These robust and up-to-date estimates provide enhanced clarity to researchers regarding the prevalence of differing visual imagery abilities and provide a platform for future studies exploring the role of visual imagery in various cognitive and behavioral tasks.

Deaths from asthma: a series of cases and their presentations, and the impact on local and global health

Abstract Introduction/Objective Asthma is a lung disease usually characterized by chronic inflammation that affects at least 300 million people globally at all life stages. Asthma is defined by respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness with expiratory airflow limitation.The prevalence of asthma is increasing worldwide. Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Severe disease can result in reduced quality of life or even premature death. Epidemiologic studies are being utilized to compare international incidences of asthma between populations so that etiologic mechanisms involved in the development of asthma can be discovered through research. Asthma prevalence studies require large numbers and high response rates amongst a random population to establish prevalence and severity with reasonable precision. Despite advances in treatments, guidelines, and preventable factors, deaths from asthma account for 250,000 premature deaths each year. Pathology has a key role in asthma identification through examination endobronchial biopsies and whole lung postmortem examination Methods/Case Report We present a series of asthma deaths with variable clinical presentations and histopathologic findings. The postmortem gross and histologic findings highlight the varying severities that asthma can have on the lungs. Knowledge of the clinical symptom presentations, identification of gross findings, appropriate sampling of lung tissue, identification of microscopic acute and chronic features help identify asthma related changes. Understanding common lifestyle, environmental, genetic, and medical care factors that serve as asthma triggers and their role in the onset or continuation of an acute exacerbation will allow for accurate determination of cause, contributing cause, and manner of death. This information, listed on the death certificate, is what helps correlate asthma prevalence with mortality allowing for appropriate allocation of funds for research, prevention and treatment. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) EP abstract Conclusion Outlined are the impacts that asthma can have on individuals, communities, and health systems globally but also ways to identify when death may be or is likely the result of asthma. While asthma cannot be cured, measuring the prevalence of disease and accurately determining asthma as the cause or contributing cause of death can help raise awareness and mitigate the consequences of severe disease.