Hasil untuk "Special situations and conditions"

Takalani Girly Nemungadi, Tsakani Furumele, Absalom Mwazha et al.

<h4>Background</h4>In the absence of an active schistosomiasis control programme, the affected community is vulnerable to complications such as female genital schistosomiasis. Research has shown that female genital schistosomiasis is a challenge faced by many African women including those from South Africa. Since 2008, the South African National Department of Health has been trying to resuscitate the schistosomiasis control programme; the programme has not been fully established or implemented. However, there are some surveillance best practices that the country can institutionalise to improve control.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>A descriptive analysis of urogenital schistosomiasis data from the National Health Laboratory Services, Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System, and District Health Information System was conducted in 2023. A document review was also carried out in 2023 to determine surveillance best practices to guide the establishment of sentinel sites for improving schistosomiasis and female genital schistosomiasis control.<h4>Results</h4>The Health Laboratory Services, Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System, and District Health Information System are the existing surveillance and reporting systems. According to the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (the overall and central notification system for the notifiable medical conditions), a total of 56529 urogenital schistosomiasis cases were reported nationwide between 2017 and 2021 (ranging from annual cases of 4140-15032). Most cases (>90%) were reported from public health facilities. The country's Regulations on the surveillance and control of notifiable medical conditions stipulate that schistosomiasis is one of the priority conditions that should be notified (within 7 days of clinical or laboratory diagnosis) by all public and private health care providers, as well as public and private health laboratories. The Regulations did not specify female genital schistosomiasis as one of the notifiable medical conditions. As a result, there was no reported data on female genital schistosomiasis and true burden was not known.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The data collected through the National Health Laboratory Services, Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System, and District Health Information System demonstrate that there are formalised schistosomiasis reporting systems, but no female genital schistosomiasis reporting. The existence and use of these surveillance systems demonstrate the country's potential to integrate the systems to enhance the prevention, surveillance, reporting, and management of schistosomiasis and introduction of surveillance for female genital schistosomiasis surveillance. Prioritisation of urogenital schistosomiasis and female genital schistosomiasis surveillance is paramount and will generate valuable information that will guide the review and implementation of the current and old policies that were developed by the National Department of Health and stakeholders.

Peter Raidl, Barbara Wessner, Robert Csapo

Introduction The response to stress is driven by two interdependent systems: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulate cardiac control, endocrine levels, and immune function (Tsigos et al., 2000). Previous research suggests that regular exercisers show reduced responses to acute psychosocial stressors (Mücke et al., 2018). Nevertheless, it is currently unknown if the stress response in exercisers depends on the type of stressor and physiological marker of interest. Also, little research has directly compared male and female participants. Understanding the specificity of the response is crucial for designing future research on exercise and stress. This pilot study should clarify the feasibility of the presented design and methods to address this research gap. Methods We adopted a crossover design, exposing subjects to two laboratory-based stress tests in random, counterbalanced order. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST; Kirschbaum et al., 1993) induces psychosocial stress, while the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST; Smeets et al., 2012) incorporates additional physiological components by immersing one hand in ice water. Young, healthy, physically active subjects (n = 12; 6 females, 6 males; age = 20-3 yrs) were invited to the laboratory twice, one month apart. Females were eumenorrheic and invited within the self-reported mid-luteal phase. Participants were asked to arrive well-rested and under standardized dietary conditions. After a 15-minute resting period during which baseline measures were taken, participants underwent the stress test. Subsequently, participants sat in a quiet room for follow-up sampling of heart rate (HR), serum blood (+0 min, +5 min, +25 min), saliva, and subjective stress via a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS100; +0 min, +5 min, +10 min, +15 min, +25 min). Free cortisol and HR were defined as primary markers for HPA and ANS activity, respectively, and analyzed using a [timepoint x test x sex] ANOVA followed by the Games-Howell. VAS100 was analyzed using continuous ordinal regression. Results HR was higher during the TSST than the MAST (∆ HR = 21.1 bpm, 95% CI [8.8, 33.4]). No sex differences for HR were found. Sex differences indicate lower cortisol in females (g = 0.87, 95% CI [0.49, 1.26]), but no time- or interaction effects were found (p > 0.05). VAS100 significantly increased following the stress tests. The MAST evoked higher VAS100 than the TSST (g = 0.46, 95% CI [0.13, 0.79]), and women reported higher levels of subjective stress than men (g = 0.62, 95% CI [0.29, 0.95]). Discussion While HR is a marker of ANS activity, the amount of movement during the interview phase might increase HR during the TSST. On the other hand, the VAS100 might reflect the physical pain experienced by the ice water and less so the psychosocial component. Despite increases in subjective stress, cortisol levels exhibited no change. This difference is in line with previous work hypothesizing even a protective effect of cortisol on subjective stress (Het et al., 2012). We conclude that the design is promising for testing hypotheses concerning the physiological and subjective stress response during acute laboratory stress tests in an exercising population. As this is a pilot study, inferential statistics should be read cautiously. This study was designed to facilitate a larger-scale project with sufficient power. References Het, S., Schoofs, D., Rohleder, N., & Wolf, O. T. (2012). Stress-induced cortisol level elevations are associated with reduced negative affect after stress: Indications for a mood-buffering cortisol effect. Psychosomatic Medicine, 74(1), 23–32. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e31823a4a25 Kirschbaum, C., Pirke, K. M., & Hellhammer, D. H. (1993). The ’Trier Social Stress Test’—A tool for investigating psychobiological stress responses in a laboratory setting. Neuropsychobiology, 28(1–2), 76–81. https://doi.org/10.1159/000119004 Mücke, M., Ludyga, S., Colledge, F., & Gerber, M. (2018). Influence of regular physical activity and fitness on stress reactivity as measured with the Trier Social Stress Test Protocol: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 48(11), 2607–2622. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0979-0 Smeets, T., Cornelisse, S., Quaedflieg, C. W. E. M., Meyer, T., Jelicic, M., & Merckelbach, H. (2012). Introducing the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST): A quick and non-invasive approach to elicit robust autonomic and glucocorticoid stress responses. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(12), 1998–2008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.04.012 Tsigos, C., Kyrou, I., Kassi, E., & Chrousos, G. P. (2000). Stress: Endocrine physiology and pathophysiology. In K. R. Feingold, B. Anawalt, M. R. Blackman, A. Boyce, G. Chrousos, E. Corpas, W. W. de Herder, K. Dhatariya, K. Dungan, J. Hofland, S. Kalra, G. Kaltsas, N. Kapoor, C. Koch, P. Kopp, M. Korbonits, C. S. Kovacs, W. Kuohung, B. Laferrère, … D. P. Wilson (Eds.), Endotext. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278995/

Elsa M. Arribas, Tatiana Kelil, Lumarie Santiago et al.

Abstract The use of medical 3D printing has expanded dramatically for breast diseases. A writing group composed of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Special Interest Group on 3D Printing (SIG) provides updated appropriateness criteria for breast 3D printing in various clinical scenarios. Evidence-based appropriateness criteria are provided for the following clinical scenarios: benign breast lesions and high-risk breast lesions, breast cancer, breast reconstruction, and breast radiation (treatment planning and radiation delivery).

Marilda Aparecida Milanez Morgado de Abreu, Germana Fernanda de Souza, Marcelo Guimarães Tiezzi et al.

Martina Gažarová, Petra Lenártová, Lucia Struharňanská

Background. Nutri-score is a useful and comprehensible system of extended nutrition labeling of food, which is intended to provide the consumer with simple guidance in choosing food products, taking into account the consumer’s healthy diet. In several countries, in addition to the mandatory nutritional value of food indicated on the product packaging, the use of the so-called food traffic lights, which, based on a simple graphic display, make it easier for consumers to concentrate on choosing healthier food options. Objective. The aim of the work was to evaluate the nutritional composition of gluten-free food products based on the nutritional data indicated on the packaging of these products in order to find out how useful the use of Front-of-Pack labeling (FOPL) Nutri-score will be in distinguishing the nutritional value of products. Material and Methods. We analyzed 206 randomly selected gluten-free food products obtained from commercial retail chains (semi-finished products, other bakery products, biscuits, flour mixtures, porridges, pasta, muesli, snacks, confectionery, etc.) intended for celiacs. Based on the obtained data, we evaluated the composition of the products using a modified algorithm for calculating the Nutri-score. Results. We found that gluten-free products are a very rich source of energy, especially fats, carbohydrates and sugars, while the proportion of fiber and protein is very low. More than one third of the products had a nutritional score of category A or B, which are healthier variants, but over 40% of the analyzed products already fell into categories D or E. We found the lowest average energy value in the case of products classified in category B, the lowest average fat content and saturated fatty acids were found in products labeled A, the highest sugar content was found in products labeled D and E, the highest average protein content in products labeled A. The highest average salt content was found in products labeled C, fiber in products labeled B and A. Conclusions. Nutritional profiling can significantly contribute to several health-beneficial decisions, especially when choosing and buying healthier food options, including gluten-free foods.

Sanjo K John, N Padmaja, I V. Ramachandra Rao et al.

Introduction: There is an increased population of elderly globally due to advancement of technology in health care. Elderly individuals are susceptible to various diseases, owing to deficits in nutrition or healthy lifestyle. Serum albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) are found to be sensitive to nutritional status as well as inflammation. This study is an attempt to analyze the prognostic value of CRP and serum albumin and analyze its usefulness as a prognostic marker in assessing morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Methodology: One hundred patients above the age of 65 years and were admitted to the emergency care facilities of our tertiary care center were recruited for the study. Serum albumin and CRP estimation was done on the day of admission along with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and was follow-up till discharge. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate relationship between the serum values and CCI scores. Results: It was observed that 83.3% (10/12) of deaths occurred in those with low serum albumin levels, and 91.6% (11/12) with high CRP levels. The hazard ratio shows a 6% increased probability of death with one unit increase in CRP, whereas a one unit increase in serum albumin value decrease the probability of death. Conclusion: The present study concludes that low serum albumin and high CRP levels at the time of admission in the elderly population are associated with high CCI scores, longer hospital stay, and increased risk of mortality, demanding their estimation in the elderly in emergency and acute care facilities.

Sanjay Kalra, Nitin Kapoor

C. Albanus, L. Timmermann, V. Schoeffl et al.

Safe water is still a major problem for travellers in many countries worldwide. In the last decade several new technical developments were made and more data exist about traditional procedures to produce safe water. This update includes such data with special regard to UV-C and held devices and SODIS.

Yasaman Malekizadeh, Gareth Williams, Mark Kelson et al.

Abstract Background Stroke/thromboembolic events, infections, and death are all significantly increased by antipsychotics in dementia but little is known about why they can be harmful. Using a novel application of a drug repurposing paradigm, we aimed to identify potential mechanisms underlying adverse events. Methods Whole transcriptome signatures were generated for SH‐SY5Y cells treated with amisulpride, risperidone, and volinanserin using RNA sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was performed that scored the association between antipsychotic signatures and expression data from 415,252 samples in the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI GEO) repository. Results Atherosclerosis, venous thromboembolism, and influenza NCBI GEO‐derived samples scored positively against antipsychotic signatures. Pathways enriched in antipsychotic signatures were linked to the cardiovascular and immune systems (eg, brain derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], platelet derived growth factor receptor [PDGFR]‐beta, tumor necrosis factor [TNF], transforming growth factor [TGF]‐beta, selenoamino acid metabolism, and influenza infection). Conclusions These findings for the first time mechanistically link antipsychotics to specific cardiovascular and infectious diseases which are known side effects of their use in dementia, providing new information to explain related adverse events.

Ali Asqar Saberi, Merdad Fathi, Keyvan Hejazi

Objective: The 3000-meter run is one of the most popular events among endurance and semi-endurance track runnings. Due to its special conditions, aerobic and anaerobic energy production systems can be used at the same time. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of eight weeks of resistance and endurance trainings on physiological and functional factors and record of elite runners. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 22 male elite runners were randomly assigned into the two groups of resistance (n=11) and endurance (n=11) trainings. The resistance and endurance trainings programe was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, each for 55-60 minutes. Physiological and functional factors were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for within-group and between-group comparisons considering the significant level at P<0.05. Results: The training led to significant improvement in heart rate, blood pressure, muscle strength, muscle endurance, balance and 3000-meter record in both groups. There was a significant difference between groups in the mentioned factors (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both resistance and endurance trainings may have a positive effect on runners’ records and performance indicators.

Urvi Desai, Noam Y. Kirson, Wenyu Ye et al.

Abstract Introduction This study evaluates rates of all‐cause emergency department visits, all‐cause hospitalizations, potentially avoidable hospitalizations, and falls in 3 years preceding Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis. Methods Patients with AD and controls with no cognitive impairment were identified from the Medicare claims data. Patients were required to be aged ≥ 65 years and have continuous Medicare enrollment for ≥4 years before the index date (AD cohort: first AD diagnosis in 2012–2014; controls: randomly selected medical claim). Outcomes for each preindex year were compared among propensity score‐matched cohorts. Results Each year, before index, patients with AD were more likely to have all‐cause emergency department visits, all‐cause hospitalizations, potentially avoidable hospitalizations, and falls (P < .05 for all comparisons) than matched controls (N = 19,679 pairs). Increasing absolute and relative risks over time were observed for all outcomes. Discussion The study findings highlight the growing burden of illness before AD diagnosis and emphasize the need for timely recognition and management of patients with AD.

Dennis L Chao, Anna Roose, Min Roh et al.

<h4>Background</h4>Pediatric diarrhea can be caused by a wide variety of pathogens, from bacteria to viruses to protozoa. Pathogen prevalence is often described as seasonal, peaking annually and associated with specific weather conditions. Although many studies have described the seasonality of diarrheal disease, these studies have occurred predominantly in temperate regions. In tropical and resource-constrained settings, where nearly all diarrhea-associated mortality occurs, the seasonality of many diarrheal pathogens has not been well characterized. As a retrospective study, we analyze the seasonal prevalence of diarrheal pathogens among children with moderate-to-severe diarrhea (MSD) over three years from the seven sites of the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS), a case-control study. Using data from this expansive study on diarrheal disease, we characterize the seasonality of different pathogens, their association with site-specific weather patterns, and consistency across study sites.<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>Using traditional methodologies from signal processing, we found that certain pathogens peaked at the same time every year, but not at all sites. We also found associations between pathogen prevalence and weather or "seasons," which are defined by applying modern machine-learning methodologies to site-specific weather data. In general, rotavirus was most prevalent during the drier "winter" months and out of phase with bacterial pathogens, which peaked during hotter and rainier times of year corresponding to "monsoon," "rainy," or "summer" seasons.<h4>Conclusions/significance</h4>Identifying the seasonally-dependent prevalence for diarrheal pathogens helps characterize the local epidemiology and inform the clinical diagnosis of symptomatic children. Our multi-site, multi-continent study indicates a complex epidemiology of pathogens that does not reveal an easy generalization that is consistent across all sites. Instead, our study indicates the necessity of local data to characterizing the epidemiology of diarrheal disease. Recognition of the local associations between weather conditions and pathogen prevalence suggests transmission pathways and could inform control strategies in these settings.

Gustavo De Conti Teixeira Costa, Luan Galvão, Martim Bottaro et al.

Background The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects of placebo on bench throw performance in Paralympic weightlifting athletes. Methods The study involved four Paralympic weightlifting male athletes (age: 40.25 ± 9.91 years, weight: 60.5 ± 8.29 kg, height: 1.60 ± 0.15 m) that visited the laboratory in three occasions, separated by 72 h. In the first session, the athletes were tested for bench press one repetition maximum (1RM). The other two sessions were performed in a randomized counter-balanced order and involved bench throw tests performed either after taking placebo while being informed that the capsule contained caffeine or without taking any substance (control). The bench throw tests were performed with loads corresponding to 50, 60, 70 and 80% of the bench press 1RM. Results According to the results, mean velocity (∆: 0.08 m/s, ES 0.36, p < 0.05) and mean propulsive velocity (∆: 0.11 m/s, ES 0.49, p < 0.05) at 50% of 1RM were significantly higher during placebo than control (p < 0.05). However, there were no difference between control and placebo for 60, 70 and 80% of 1RM (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our results suggest that placebo intake, when the athletes were informed they were taking caffeine, might be an efficient strategy to improve the performance of explosive movements in Paralympic weightlifting athletes when using low-loads. This brings the possibility of using placebo in order to increase performance, which might reduce the risks associated with ergogenic aids, such as side-effects and positive doping testing.

Diego A. R. Jaimes, Dennis Contreras, Alejandra M. F. Jimenez et al.

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to compare the effects of linear periodization (LP) and undulating periodization (UP) of strength training on acceleration in skater children. Methods: Twenty-nine girls (9.67±1.29 years-old, 34.47±8.06kg, 1.39±0.13m) were distributed into two groups: linear periodization group (LPG, n=14) and undulating periodization group (UPG, n=15). Six levels of progressive training were designed based on activities such as multi-jumps, plyometrics, sled towing, and facilitated exercises. The training lasted 16 weeks, with a 1-h session on three non-consecutive days per week. The acceleration was recorded by digital videography following the major trochanter of the femur, at four moments and under two conditions: static (SS) and dynamic start (DS) in a rectilinear path. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: ANOVA indicated group*moment interaction in SS and DS for velocity (F3,81=7.883; p<0.001; pη2=0.226; F3,81=2.36; p=0.078; pη2=0.08-trend, respectively) and acceleration (F3,81=3.96; p=0.011; pη2=0.128; F3,81=2.92; p=0.039; pη2=0.098, respectively). Both groups increased velocity in SS and DS (UPG/SS: 1st=4.07, 2nd=9.75, 3rd=8.91, 4th=9.25m/s; LPG/SS: 1st=4.27, 2nd=7.13, 3rd=7.61, 4th=7.99m/s; UPG/DS: 1st=8.30, 2nd=8.73, 3rd=8.12, 4th=9.27m/s; LPG/DS: 1st=8.20, 2nd=8.31, 3rd=7.90, 4th=8.96m/s) and acceleration (UPG/SS: 1st=2.00, 2nd=8.69, 3rd=4.71, 4th=5.02m/s2; LPG/SS: 1st=2.37, 2nd=3.39, 3rd=3.68, 4th=4.12m/s2; UPG/DS: 1st=1.78, 2nd=1.97, 3rd=1.65, 4th=2.46m/s2; LPG/DS: 1st=1.67, 2nd=1.70, 3rd=1.48, 4th=1.93m/s2). Conclusion: Both strength training periodization protocols were effective in developing acceleration and velocity in girl skaters over 16 weeks; however, UP was more efficient than LP for improving acceleration.

José Manuel Vicente Pardo, Araceli López-Guillén García

RESUMEN Se está incapacitado laboralmente, por estar enfermo y presentar limitaciones funcionales que afectan a la capacidad laboral y que impiden trabajar. Los factores psicosociales son determinantes en la salud de la población y por tanto determinantes en la enfermedad y el enfermar de la población trabajadora. Los factores psicosociales son factores precipitantes en el inicio de la incapacidad, son factores de mantenimiento de la incapacidad ligados a la cronificación de los procesos de incapacidad, condicionan la mala respuesta y la adherencia terapéutica, suponen barreras al retorno laboral, y pueden ser causa de presentismo laboral (estar presente en el trabajo, en malas condiciones por temor a perder el empleo). Los factores psicosociales son predictores del retorno al trabajo. Puesto que se trata de factores previos a la declaración de la incapacidad conviene conocerlos para prevenir la aparición de la incapacidad y su mantenimiento que determina un no retorno laboral o su postergación, tanto en la incapacidad temporal como permanente. Los factores psicosociales no causan la incapacidad pero pueden precipitarla, mantenerla o modificarla, terminando por condicionar la capacidad/incapacidad laboral. En un estudio de seguimiento de procesos de baja que alcanzaron los 365 días, los factores psicosociales estaban presentes en un 23% de forma significativa. Material y método: se revisaron hasta mayo de 2017 las siguientes bases de datos bibliográficas: SciELO, PUBMED, así como estudio de factores psicosociales en presentes en procesos de baja que llegaron a 365 días. Conclusiones: Los factores psicosociales están en el inicio de la baja como detonante impeditivo laboral de situaciones basales previas. Están en la cronificación del proceso una vez que la incapacidad se ha producido, están en la percepción del paciente de persistencia sintomatológica y de escasa respuesta al tratamiento, conllevan una percepción de mala evolución de su proceso de incapacidad, potencian lo disfuncional discapacitante y dificultan el retorno laboral. Si permanecen no resueltos y se produce el retorno al trabajo serán causan de bajo rendimiento laboral, pudiendo ser determinante de “ineptitud sobrevenida” y despido. Por todo ello, es capital la identificación temprana y la prevención de estos factores psicosociales para aminorar el absentismo por incapacidad. Las siguientes medidas reducirán el impacto de los factores psicológicos en la incapacidad temporal: actuar sobre las respuestas emocionales inadecuadas mediante atención psicológica. Atención temprana de los procesos osteomusculares y psíquicos. Evitar listas de espera para pruebas diagnósticas y para tratamientos. Consideración preventiva de las decisiones de alta médica. Incorporación parcial al trabajo (altas parciales) tras incapacidad. Facilitar la adaptación laboral ante la “actitud sobrevenida” del trabajador reincorporado. Evitar controversias entre alta médica y no apto, con concordancia decisoria. Horarios flexibles o reducción horaria que favorezcan la conciliación familiar. Prestaciones sociales para la atención a familiares con dependencia o gravemente enfermos. Mayor detección y protección de los factores psicosociales en el trabajo. Mejoras en la organización, condiciones y clima laboral, que fomenten la satisfacción laboral.

Carlos Enrique Yepes, Yuly Andrea Marín

General and local health situation analyses have increasingly become a political issue with implications for the population under study and for decision makers, as it involves the spheres of power, and entails economic, social and cultural responsibilities. As an essential function of public health, health situation analysis has assessment parameters that make it possible to direct its development and measure its implications. This is where the first challenge lies. However, the most important ones go beyond the technical criteria established in the year 2000 by the Pan American Health Organization. The local dynamics where health situation analyses are inscribed, are increasingly more influenced by globalization processes, which in turn demand that international policies be articulated in our country, as is the case with the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the demographic and epidemiological transition requires accounting for heterogeneous profiles including mental, occupational and environmental health. In addition, complexity increases in a context like ours, with deep inequalities that should be addressed within the framework of the Social Security System, which imply challenges in terms of knowledge, technical aspects, articulation, context, coherence, and policies.

Eri Radityawara Hidayat, Rachmad Puji Susetyo

Jana Svetlichnaya, Munir Janmohammed, Teresa De Marco

Marcelo A. Cunha e Silva VIEIRA, Aline de Almeida Xavier AGUIAR, Amaríles de Souza BORBA et al.

Jansen Fernandes Medeiros, Cristóvão Alves Costa, Alita Moura de Lima et al.

Introduction: This study assessed the prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi in riverine communities of the Tefé River, Amazonas, Brazil. Methods: The prevalence of M. ozzardi was estimated by microscopic examination of thick blood smears. Results: The M. ozzardi prevalence rate was 6.3% (19/300). Filarial infection was found in 8 of the 11 communities surveyed, with prevalence rates varying from 2.5% to 22.2%. Conclusions: Tefé is a region of oil and natural gas exploration, in which there is a high turnover of workers. Migration patterns may facilitate the dissemination of mansonelliasis to other regions.