7973 research outputs found
Sort by
The burden of neurological conditions in north Africa and the Middle East, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
No full textBackground The burden of neurological conditions in north Africa and the Middle East is increasing. We aimed to assess the changes in the burden of neurological conditions in this super-region to aid with future decision making.
Methods In this analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 data, we examined temporal trends of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs; deaths and disabilities combined), deaths, incident cases, and prevalent cases of 14 major neurological conditions and eight subtypes in 21 countries in the north Africa and the Middle East super-region. Additionally, we assessed neurological DALYs due to 22 potentially modifiable risk factors, within four levels of classification, during the period 1990-2019. We used a Bayesian modelling estimation approach, and generated 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for final estimates on the basis of the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of 1000 draws from the posterior distribution.
Findings In 2019, there were 441. 1 thousand (95% UI 347 .2-598 .4) deaths and 17.6 million (12.5-24.7) neurological DALYs in north Africa and the Middle East. The leading causes of neurological DALYs were stroke, migraine, and Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (hereafter dementias). In north Africa and the Middle East in 2019, 85.8% (82.6-89.1) of stroke and 39.9% (26.4-54.7) of dementia age-standardised DALYs were attributable to modifiable risk factors. North Africa and the Middle East had the highest age-standardised DALY rates per 100 000 population due to dementia (387.0 [172 .0-848 .5]), Parkinson's disease (84.4 [74.7-103.2]), and migraine (601.4 [107.0-1371.8]) among the global super-regions. Between 1990 and 2019, there was a decrease in the age-standardised DALY rates related to meningitis (-75.8% [-81.1 to -69.5]), tetanus (-88.2% [-93.9 to -76.1]), stroke (-32.0% [-39.1 to -23.3]), intracerebral haemorrhage (-51.7% [-58.2 to -43.8]), idiopathic epilepsy (-26.2% [-43.6 to -1. 1]), and subarachnoid haemorrhage (-62.8% [-71.6 to -41.0]), but for all other neurological conditions there was no change. During 1990-2019, the number of DALYs due to dementias, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ischaemic stroke, and headache disorder (ie, migraine and tension-type headache) more than doubled in the super-region, and the burden of years lived with disability (YLDs), incidence, and prevalence of multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischaemic stroke increased both in agestandardised rate and count. During this period, the absolute burden of YLDs due to head and spinal injuries almost doubled.
Interpretation The increasing burden of neurological conditions in north Africa and the Middle East accompanies the increasing ageing population. Stroke and dementia are the primary causes of neurological disability and death, primarily attributable to common modifiable risk factors. Synergistic, systematic, lifetime, and multi-sectoral interventions aimed at preventing or mitigating the burden are needed. Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license
Evaluation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Patients Using Two Different Techniques: TUNEL and Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Assays
No full textBackground: Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is the most prevalent male infertility con- dition that is mainly caused by sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). This study compared the sen- sitivity , effectiveness of two different approaches for analyzing SDF in patients with OAT: sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Materials and Methods: In this study, which received ethical committee approval, participants were divided in to normal and OAT groups (n=20 for each). both TUNEL and SCD assays were used to analyze the sperm DNA fragmentation. And Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was measured to determine levels of lipid peroxidation in the seminal plasma. Results: The TUNEL assay showed better ability to predict OAT patients than that of the SCD. For our patient population, the projected cut-off points for the DNA fragmenta- tion index of 29% and 19% were reported using the TUNEL and SCD tests, respective- ly. Seminal levels of MDA were significantly higher in the OAT group (P=0.002) than that of control group. Conclusion: OAT patients showed higher MDA levels of semi- nal plasma and DNA fragmentation than the control group. Although sperm DNA frag- mentation can be detected with high efficiency and sensitivity using both TUNEL and SCD assays, the TUNEL test was found to be a more accurate predictor for OAT patients
The impact of noise-induced hearing loss on individual job performance: exploring the role of aggression and work-related quality of life
No full textBackground: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) may have a significant effect on individual job performance (IJP). These effects may exert through aggression and work-related quality of life (WRQoL). Hence, the present study was conducted to investigate the modeling of the impact of NIHL on IJP by exploring the role of aggression and WRQoL. Methods: In 2022, a comprehensive study was carried out on 335 industrial workers in Kaveh Industrial Town, Saveh, Iran. The study encompassed a range of assessments, including a questionnaire-based survey that included the IJP questionnaire, WRQoL questionnaire, and Aggression questionnaire, as well as a pure tone audiometry test. The data gathered from these assessments were analyzed using structural equation modeling, providing a robust framework for understanding the complex relationships between variables. Results: Based on Spearman correlation test there is a negative correlation between NIHLtotal and WRQoL and IJP, with coefficients of -0.459 (P-value < 0.01) and − 0.575 (P-value < 0.01), respectively. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between NIHLtotal and aggression, with a coefficient of 0.374 (P-value < 0.05). The direct effect coefficients for the impact of NIHLtotal on WRQoL, aggression, and IJP were − 0.412, 0.453, and − 0.128, respectively. Moreover, the indirect effect coefficients of NIHLtotal on the IJP through aggression, through WRQoL, and through both aggression and WRQoL were − 0.057, -0.275, and − 0.078, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that NIHL had a negative and positive association with WRQoL and aggression among workers, respectively. Furthermore, IJP was found to be directly and indirectly influenced by NIHL, through reduced WRQoL and aggressive behavior as negative consequences of NIHL
Childhood obesity in relation to risk of dental caries: a cumulative and dose-response systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textIntroduction: Earlier studies reported inconsistent findings for the association of childhood obesity with the risk of dental caries. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize earlier studies on the association of overweight and obesity with risk of dental caries in children. Methods: Relevant studies published up to December 2023 were identified through searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, using suitable keywords. All observational studies, including cross-sectional or cohort or case-control studies, about the association of each obesity index with risk of dental caries in children which reported odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR), or relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs, were included. Studies involving adults, randomized clinical trials, studies on animals or pregnant women, and studies on other dental disorders were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using standard methods for observational studies. A total of 22 studies including 40673 participants were included. Studies were pooled using the random-effect model, and results were synthesized with subgroup analyses and assessments of heterogeneity. Limitations included potential publication bias and heterogeneity among study designs. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). Results: Children at the highest category of BMI were 44% more likely to have early childhood caries (ECC) than those at the bottom (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.78). Moreover, combined analysis also showed no significant association between waist circumference (WC) and risk of dental caries in children. However, significant linear and non-linear associations were found between BMI and risk of childhood dental caries. No publication bias was found for the relationship between BMI and the risk of ECC based on visual inspection of a funnel plot and Egger's test. Conclusions: This study showed a significant direct association between BMI and the risk of dental caries in children. Non-linear analysis showed higher risk of dental caries in children with higher BMI and also among underweight children. Further prospective studies are required to expand current knowledge in this issue. Impact statement: The findings of this study have significant implications for public health and dental care, suggesting association between BMI and the risk of dental caries in children. This comprehensive meta-analysis is among the first to summarize earlier publications on the association of obesity with risk of dental caries in children, highlighting the need for more accurate methods of obesity assessment and further research to understand this relationship better. These findings can help inform public health policies and interventions to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and dental caries
Potentially pathogenic culturable bacteria in hemodialysis waters
No full textBackground: Hemodialysis patients are at risk of acquiring healthcare-related infections due to using non-sterile water to prepare hemodialysis fluid. Therefore, microbiological control and monitoring of used water are of crucial importance. Materials and methods: In this work, we identified bacterial populations occupying a hemodialysis water distribution system for almost a 6-month period in Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran. A total of 18 samples from three points were collected. We found high colony counts of bacteria on R2A agar. 31 bacteria with different morphological and biochemical characteristics were identified by molecular-genetic methods based on 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Endotoxin concentrations were measured, using Endosafe® Rapid LAL Single-Test Vials. Results: A diverse bacterial community was identified, containing predominantly Gram-negative bacilli. The most frequently isolated genus was Sphingomonas. Five species including M. fortuitum, M. lentiflavum, M.szulgai, M. barrassiae, and M. gordonae was identified.Despite the presence of Gram-negative bacteria the endotoxin analysis of all samples revealed that their endotoxin values were below the detection limit. Conclusion: The members of Sphingomonas genus along with Bosea and mycobacteria could be regarded as pioneers in surface colonization and biofilm creation. These bacteria with others like Pelomonas, Bradyrhizobium, staphylococcus, and Microbacterium may represent a potential health risk to patients under hemodialysis treatmen
The Association Between Genetic Variants in ACE1and ACE2 Genes with Susceptibility to COVID-19 Infection
No full textAngiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors facilitate the entry of the causative virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) into target cells. Some ACE gene variants have been suggested to be involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis. So, the aim was to assess the association between ACE1 rs4646994 and ACE2 rs2285666 genes polymorphisms and the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. This case-control study was conducted on 197 patients with COVID-19 and 197 healthy controls. ACE-1 insertion/deletion (I/D) (rs4646994) and ACE2 rs2285666 genes polymorphisms were determined by the amplification refractory mutation system- polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique. The DD genotype of ACE1 I/D polymorphism was associated with increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection (p = 0.012), whereas the ID genotype of this polymorphism was associated with decreased susceptibility (p = 0.003) (significance level = 0.017). There was no significant association in allele and genotype distribution of ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphism between cases and controls. The ACE1 I/D polymorphism may be considered as a risk factor for COVID-19 susceptibility
Understanding the effect of occupational stress on sleep quality in firefighters: the modulating role of depression and burnout
No full textObjectives: Sleep quality of firefighters can be negatively affected by occupational stressors. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to understand how work-related stress, post-traumatic stress, burnout and depression collectively contribute to sleep quality. Methods: Professional firefighters in Northern Iran completed a survey comprised of demographic information, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, HSE’s Stress Indicator Tool, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Maslach’s Burnout Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory during a work rest break. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results: Mean age of the 2339 firefighters who completed the survey was 32.30 (5.74) years. Most experienced poor sleep quality, scoring above the established cut-off of 5. Levels of work-related stress, post-traumatic stress, burnout and depression were high. Fit indices of the final theoretical model were all adequate: the obtained and adjusted goodness-of-fit indices were 0.925 and 0.917 respectively. Comparative, and incremental fit indices were 0.946 and 0.948 respectively. Root mean squared error of approximation was 0.061. Post-traumatic stress was directly and indirectly related to sleep quality through eight paths, modulated by burnout variables and depression. Work-related stress was negatively related to sleep quality through four paths modulated, by burnout variables and depression. Conclusions: The findings illustrate the complex relationships of work-related stress and post-traumatic stress and sleep quality. High levels of poor sleep quality in this occupation emphasise the need to develop targeted and sustainable interventions to manage occupational stressors, burnout and depression to improve sleep quality in firefighter
Can Personality Traits Be Linked to the Development of Alexithymia? Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study
No full textIntroduction: Scientists have discovered that alexithymia poses a significant challenge for students, surpassing other academic and non-academic issues. Its non-clinical nature implies that individuals afflicted with this condition often fail to realize they are experiencing a problem unless they possess sufficient mental health awareness and understanding. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the correlation between students' personality traits and alexithymia within the student population. Methods and Materials: Following the approval from the ethics committee, for this cross-sectional investigation, a total of 290 students enrolled in the first semester of the 2019-2020 academic year at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences was chosen using a multi-stage cluster sampling approach. Standardized questionnaires, specifically the NEO-FFI (Five Factor Model) and the TAS-20 (Toronto Alexithymia Scale), were employed to assess alexithymia and personality traits. To compare the scores of various personality traits between students with and without alexithymia, an independent t-test using SPSS 21.0 software was conducted. Additionally, the logistic regression model was utilized to examine the adjusted associations. Results: Among 290 students, the average age of the participants in this study was 22.6 + 3.8 years. Most students were female (77.9) and single (88.5). Based on the TAS-20 assessment, 43.8 exhibited symptoms of alexithymia. Among these students, the neuroticism trait was significantly higher than the non-alexithymic students (27.20 ± 3.90 versus 25.48 ± 4.90; p = 0.01), indicating a greater tendency toward emotional instability. Additionally, the average score for the conscientiousness trait was significantly higher in the alexithymic students (20.16 ± 3.84 versus 21.58 ± 5.00; p = 0.01), suggesting a greater inclination towards being organized and responsible. The logistic regression analysis results indicated that for each unit increase in the neuroticism trait, there was a 10 increase in the odds of experiencing alexithymia. Conversely, for each unit increase in the score of conscientiousness trait, there was an 8 decrease in the odds of experiencing alexithymia. Conclusion and Discussion: Given the notable correlation between personality traits and alexithymia, improving screening methods and intervention programs focusing on personality traits can help prevent or alleviate the symptoms among university students. Targeted interventions can be developed to support and assist students experiencing this condition by identifying and addressing specific personality traits associated with alexithymia
In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of angiogenic potential of a novel lithium chloride loaded silk fibroin / alginate 3D porous scaffold with antibacterial activity, for promoting diabetic wound healing
No full textHealing diabetic ulcers with chronic inflammation is a major challenge for researchers and professionals, necessitating new strategies. To rapidly treat diabetic wounds in rat models, we have fabricated a composite scaffold composed of alginate (Alg) and silk fibroin (SF) as a wound dressing that is laden with molecules of lithium chloride (LC). The physicochemical, bioactivity, and biocompatibility properties of Alg-SF-LC scaffolds were investigated in contrast to those of Alg, SF, and Alg-SF ones. Afterward, full-thickness wounds were ulcerated in diabetic rats in order to evaluate the capacity of LC-laden scaffolds to regenerate skin. The characterization findings demonstrated that the composite scaffolds possessed favorable antibacterial properties, cell compatibility, high swelling, controlled degradability, and good uniformity in the interconnected pore microstructure. Additionally, in terms of wound contraction, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis improvement, LC-laden scaffolds revealed better performance in diabetic wound healing than the other groups. This research indicates that utilizing lithium chloride molecules loaded in biological materials supports the best diabetic ulcer regeneration in vivo, and produces a skin replacement with a cellular structure comparable to native skin
Diabetic Patients’ Perception of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Qualitative Study
No full textBackground: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the serious and debilitating challenges faced by patients with diabetes, which imposes a financial burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Although this problem can be prevented and treated by proper foot care techniques, many patients do not follow the recommendations. Accordingly, this study aimed to rely on deep insight and knowledge to explain diabetic patients’ perception of DFU and identify appropriate care and support practices to prevent and manage it. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted using qualitative content analysis. The participants were 15 patients with diabetes, who visited the healthcare centers in Shahrekord, Iran selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face and semi-structured interviews with the participants until data saturation. Data were analyzed simultaneously with data collection using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: Data analysis led to the identification of four main categories including being destined to a doomed fate, self-treatment, indifference to obsessive care, and care-inhibiting beliefs. Conclusion: To gain a deeper understanding of standard foot care, the causes of foot ulcers, preventive care services, and existing treatments, different strategies can be adopted such as peer education or using the experiences of other patients with ulcers