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Ghana Medical Journal Mar 2024This study aims to examine the frequency of Paratyphi found in blood cultures and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates to different antibiotics....
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to examine the frequency of Paratyphi found in blood cultures and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates to different antibiotics. Additionally, the study aims to assess the paradigm shift in the trend of enteric fever caused by Typhi (. Typhi) to Paratyphi(. Paratyphi) .
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective study.
PARTICIPANT
The study enrolled patients aged 12 years and above diagnosed with enteric fever (positive blood culture) and admitted to Peelamedu Samanaidu Govindasamy Naidu (PSG) Hospital.
INTERVENTIONS
The study analyzed demographic and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of isolates collected from 106 enteric fever patients in the hospital between 2010 and 2022. The susceptibility profiles of isolates to multiple antibiotics were assessed.
RESULTS
There were 106 participants, and 95 (89.62%) of them had enteric fever linked to Typhi, while only 11 (10.38%) had enteric fever linked to Paratyphi A. From 2010 to 2022, the study discovered a general decline in the prevalence of enteric fever caused by species. But between 2014 and 2022, the incidence of enteric fever linked to rapidly increased. Azithromycin (100% , n = 106) and ceftriaxone (99% , n = 105) were highly effective against the isolates, whereas nalidixic acid was resisted by 3 isolates (4.72%, n = 3).
CONCLUSION
The study observed a higher incidence of Typhi in comparison to Paratyphi A and a greater susceptibility of males to enteric fever.
FUNDING
None declared.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Typhoid Fever; Retrospective Studies; Salmonella typhi; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Salmonella paratyphi A; Adult; Adolescent; Child; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Paratyphoid Fever; Incidence; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Azithromycin; Ceftriaxone; Aged; Prevalence
PubMed: 38957275
DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v58i1.12 -
Cureus Jun 2024The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Saudi Arabia has been progressively increasing. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of various...
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Saudi Arabia has been progressively increasing. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of various morbidities and mortality. Identifying the factors that contribute to obesity in this age group is crucial for implementing targeted prevention measures.
AIM
The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for overweight and obesity among adolescents aged nine to 17 years residing in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
A case-control study was conducted during the 2021-2022 academic year at Alabnaa Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. The study included overweight/obese individuals (cases, n = 125) and normal-weight individuals (controls, n = 201) who were selected based on their body mass index and classified according to the World Health Organization's reference for defining overweight and obesity in individuals aged five to 19 years. Data were collected from both groups using a self-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS
The study analyzed 125 overweight/obese students and 201 normal-weight students who were matched for sex and age (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors for overweight or obesity among adolescents. A family history of obesity was found to be associated with a 5.735 times increased likelihood of obesity (95% CI: 3.318-9.912, p < 0.001). Another significant contributing risk factor for obesity was frequent consumption of four or more meals per day (adjusted odds ratio: 3.091, 95% CI: 1.094-8.736, p = 0.033). Students who used electronic devices for more than five hours were 2.422 times more likely to exhibit obesity (p = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS
Certain factors may increase the risk of overweight or obesity in adolescents aged nine to 17 years. These factors include frequent eating, prolonged use of electronic devices, family history of obesity, and the misconception that obesity is not an illness. Tailored school health programs are needed to improve students' healthy lifestyles and eating behaviors, minimize sedentary entertainment and use of electronic devices, and engage children in physical activity.
PubMed: 38957243
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61533 -
F1000Research 2023Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Impact of coenzyme Q10 as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on spermiogram results and sex hormone levels in Iraqi men with infertility; randomized open label comparative study.
Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value have been involved in recent clinical trials. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impacts of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to letrozole on the results of spermiogram and sex hormone tests in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome, which is a type of male defective spermatogenesis of unknown etiology. This randomized, open-label, parallel two-arm interventional study included 67 adult male patients aged 18-60 years with a confirmed diagnosis of iOAT syndrome recruited from The High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis & Assisted Reproduction Technologies/Nahrain University. Patients were randomly separated into two groups, Group A included 29 patients treated with letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week, Group B included 38 patients treated with a combination of letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus CoQ10 400 mg per day. Both groups completed treatment for three months. Semen samples, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E ), and testosterone (T) were analyzed at day one, and at the end of month one, two and three. Both groups showed that sperm concentration, normal morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and FSH levels, and T/E ratio were significantly increased, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after three months of treatment. Seminal fluid volume changed significantly in group A only. In comparing between the two groups, all measured parameters, apart from sperm motility and FSH level, demonstrated a significant difference after three months of treatment, while sperm volume reached significant value after only two months of therapy. CoQ10 as adjuvant treatment to letrozole effectively improved most of the tested sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT. ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT05847257, May 6, 2023).
Topics: Humans; Male; Ubiquinone; Adult; Letrozole; Infertility, Male; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Semen Analysis; Testosterone; Spermatozoa; Nitriles; Follicle Stimulating Hormone
PubMed: 38957201
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.131985.3 -
Human Fertility (Cambridge, England) Dec 2024Although the deleterious impact of chemotherapy regimen used to treat women of reproductive age with breast cancer on ovarian reserve has been extensively studied,... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Although the deleterious impact of chemotherapy regimen used to treat women of reproductive age with breast cancer on ovarian reserve has been extensively studied, hardly anything has been reported on the effect of these protocols on theca cell function and ovarian androgen secretion. The aim of this prospective multicentric cohort study was to describe serum levels of total testosterone and androstenedione during chemotherapy and 24-month follow-up in 250 patients <40 years treated for breast cancer. Mean basal levels of androstenedione and total testosterone at diagnosis were 1.68 ng/mL and 0.20 ng/mL respectively. No correlation with age was found. Serum levels of androstenedione and total testosterone rapidly decreased after chemotherapy completion, before slowly increasing and almost returning to basal levels in all patients during 2-year follow-up. In conclusion our study demonstrates a chemotherapy-induced alteration of ovarian thecal function, resulting in a significant decrease in serum androgen levels. This alteration of theca cell function adds to the well-known alteration of granulosa cell function, resulting in a global, but partly transient, ovarian failure in young women treated for breast cancer. These data bring new insight into ovarian physiology and emphasize the need for pre and post-treatment ovarian follow-up. ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT01114464.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Adult; Androstenedione; Prospective Studies; Testosterone; France; Young Adult; Adolescent; Androgens; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 38957151
DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2024.2350758 -
European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2024Many youth with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) do not receive evidence-based care. Internet- and Mobile-Based Interventions (IMIs) comprising evidence-based...
Many youth with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) do not receive evidence-based care. Internet- and Mobile-Based Interventions (IMIs) comprising evidence-based trauma-focused components can address this gap, but research is scarce. Thus, we investigated the feasibility of a trauma-focused IMI for youth with PTSS. In a one-arm non-randomized prospective proof-of-concept study, 32 youths aged 15-21 years with clinically relevant PTSS (CATS ≥ 21) received access to a trauma-focused IMI with therapist guidance, comprising nine sessions on an eHealth platform accessible via web-browser. We used a feasibility framework assessing recruitment capability, sample characteristics, data collection, satisfaction, acceptability, study management abilities, safety aspects, and efficacy of the IMI in PTSS severity and related outcomes. Self-rated assessments took place pre-, mid-, post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up and clinician-rated assessments at baseline and post-intervention. The sample mainly consisted of young adult females with interpersonal trauma and high PTSS levels (CATS, = 31.63, = 7.64). The IMI sessions were found useful and comprehensible, whereas feasibility of trauma processing was perceived as difficult. Around one-third of participants (31%) completed the IMI's eight core sessions. The study completer analysis showed a significant reduction with large effects in self-rated PTSS at post-treatment [(21) = 4.27; < .001; = 0.88] and follow-up [(18) = 3.83; = .001; = 0.84], and clinician-rated PTSD severity at post-treatment [(21) = 4.52; < .001; = 0.93]. The intention-to-treat analysis indicated significant reductions for PTSS at post-treatment and follow-up with large effect sizes (= -0.97- -1.02). All participants experienced at least one negative effect, with the most common being the resurfacing of unpleasant memories (= 17/22, 77%). The study reached highly burdened young adults. The IMI was accepted in terms of usefulness and comprehensibility but many youths did not complete all sessions. Exploration of strategies to improve adherence in trauma-focused IMIs for youth is warranted, alongside the evaluation of the IMI's efficacy in a subsequent randomized controlled trial.
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Female; Adolescent; Male; Feasibility Studies; Young Adult; Prospective Studies; Internet-Based Intervention; Internet; Telemedicine; Proof of Concept Study; Mobile Applications
PubMed: 38957142
DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2364469 -
Current Opinion in Pediatrics Jun 2024To provide an updated review of novel and complementary treatment approaches for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To provide an updated review of novel and complementary treatment approaches for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
RECENT FINDINGS
The evidence for complementary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatments is often promising, but limited to small, unblinded studies. Recent evidence from larger, more rigorous studies reveals that most of these treatments have modest efficacy. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, saffron, broad spectrum micronutrients, and physical exercise have potential benefits that seem to outweigh known risks. However, neurofeedback, cognitive training, and trigeminal nerve stimulation need further research to determine whether specific sub-groups of children/adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder would benefit long-term with their associated tolerable risks.
SUMMARY
There is not sufficient evidence for complementary treatments to be recommended as substitutes for first-line pharmacological and psychosocial treatment options. Nonetheless, some adjuvant therapies to currently recommended attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatments can be safe. Physicians should be familiar with existing and emerging complementary treatments to help guide families.
PubMed: 38957089
DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001378 -
Journal of Adolescence Jul 2024The fact that adolescent people experience risky sexual behavior and have insufficient knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) indicates the need for SRH...
INTRODUCTION
The fact that adolescent people experience risky sexual behavior and have insufficient knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) indicates the need for SRH education. This study investigates the impact of peer-educated SRH programs on the knowledge and behaviors of adolescents.
METHOD
This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial on 275 university students. The subjects were randomly assigned to the peer educators (n = 25), intervention (n = 125) and control (n = 125) groups using systematic random sampling. Peer educators provided face-to-face SRH education to the intervention group. The researcher provided the same education to the control group via the online conference method. SRH knowledge and behavior evaluated with scales before, after, and 3 and 6 months after the SRH education. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 through statistical tests and analysis of covariance.
RESULTS
The female and male ratio of the participants was almost equal (49.4%, 50.6%). The mean age was found to be 20.42 ± 1.14 years. The mean scores of the students in the intervention group increased from 21.20 ± 0.14 to 35.20 ± 0.07 for sexual health knowledge questionnaire (SHKQ), and from 130.56 ± 0.55 to 147,90 ± 0,25 for reproductive health scale (RHS) after the education. Compared with the control group, these increases in the mean scores of SHKQ and RHS were found to be statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
The findings show the important role of the SRH peer education method on the effect of transferring knowledge about sexual behaviors. Health and education policy-makers are advised to implicate SRH peer education.
PubMed: 38957044
DOI: 10.1002/jad.12371 -
ARP Rheumatology 2024To compare spinal and lower limb pain in adolescents regarding prevalence, characteristics, causes, and impact.
OBJECTIVES
To compare spinal and lower limb pain in adolescents regarding prevalence, characteristics, causes, and impact.
METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 13-year-old adolescents (female n=2210; male n=2353) from the Portuguese Generation XXI birth cohort. Data were collected between 2018 and 2020 through personal interviews by applying the Luebeck Pain Questionnaire. The pain features examined in each anatomical location (back and lower limb) were recurrence, duration, frequency, intensity, perceived causes, and impact on school and leisure activities. Frequencies and the Chi-square test were used.
RESULTS
Questionnaires from 4563 adolescents were analysed, 57.9% had pain in the last three months (main pain in the spine: 11.6%; main pain in the lower limb: 29.0%). Of those, 69.4% and 62.4% reported recurrent pain in the spine and lower limb, respectively. Recurrent pain was more frequent in girls than in boys (spine: 80.0%; 57.0%; lower limb: 70.4%; 58.1% respectively). Pain lasted more than three months in most adolescents (spine: about 60%; lower limb: above 50%); frequency was similarly high in both regions and both sexes (girls: 47.0%; boys: 45.7% in the spine; girls: 45.7%; boys: 40.3% in the lower limb); intensity was rated as high by girls (spine: 45.5%; lower limb: 47.3%) and moderate by boys (spine: 42.0%; lower limb: 41.0%). The leading causes of pain were daily living activities, both for the spine (girls: 65.9%; boys: 76.5%) and the lower limb (girls: 62.2%; boys: 72.1%). Psychosocial causes were the second most common cause of spinal pain (girls: 25.0%; boys: 21.0%). Other causes of lower limb pain were traumatic (girls: 25.5%; boys: 16.6%) and physical factors (girls: 20.7%; boys: 23.8%). Absences from school (girls: 11.7%; boys: 4.8%) and restrictions of leisure activities (girls: 20.7%; boys: 25.2%) were more related to pain in the lower limb.
CONCLUSION
More than half of the adolescents reported spinal or lower limb recurrent pain, which presents a higher frequency, higher intensity, and longer duration in the spine. However, lower limb pain led to more concurrent limitations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prevalence; Lower Extremity; Recurrence; Portugal; Surveys and Questionnaires; Pain Measurement; Back Pain
PubMed: 38956994
DOI: No ID Found -
JBI Evidence Synthesis Jul 2024The objective of this scoping review will be to identify and map the characteristics of participatory research approaches in mental health care services conducted in...
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this scoping review will be to identify and map the characteristics of participatory research approaches in mental health care services conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
INTRODUCTION
Developing countries have a treatment gap of 76% to 85% for mental disorders. Participatory research can help understand community perspectives, which, in turn, helps develop sustainable, contextually specific services. Although participatory research appears promising, especially in the context of LMICs, the field is heterogenous in terms of the methods used; the various stakeholders; the design, implementation, and evaluation of services; and outcome measures.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
This review will include all studies on participatory research in mental health care services in LMICs. All types of participants (ie, children/adolescent/adults, gender, rural/urban, etc.) and settings will be considered.
METHODS
The proposed review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Published and unpublished studies will be searched for in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Google Scholar (first 10 pages). We will also search for gray literature and screen reference lists of relevant reviews. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts of the studies, followed by full-text screening. Data will be extracted using a predefined form. The findings will be descriptively presented with supporting tables and diagrams, accompanied by a narrative summary.
REVIEW REGISTRATION
Details of the review can be found in Open Science Framework https://osf.io/cn54r.
PubMed: 38956969
DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-23-00491 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jul 2024Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection affecting different body areas, including the face. Previous data have shown cases of atypical lesions, notably on the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection affecting different body areas, including the face. Previous data have shown cases of atypical lesions, notably on the face, and it was thought relevant to further examine differences between facial and non-facial lesions. All cases of children (0-18) diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum from 2013-2022 at the paediatric dermatology clinic of Soroka University Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed, and 615 children were included in the study. Facial lesions tended to be found in younger children (p = 0.018). Non-facial lesions were more erythematous (p < 0.001), itchier (p < 0.001), and showed similar patterns of ulceration (p = 0.078) and purulence (p = 0.779). The average lesion diameter was similar in patients with or without facial lesions (p = 1). Children with facial lesions were treated differently from patients without facial lesions (p < 0.001); however, there were no differences in treatment response. This research challenges assumptions concerning the severity of facial lesions, including eyelid lesions, by revealing that, overall, they exhibit less inflammation than non-facial lesions. Despite the potential for greater psychosocial burdens and impacts on self-esteem associated with lesions on the sensitive facial area, this study provides evidence that they are not inherently more worrisome and can be managed similarly to lesions found elsewhere in the body.
Topics: Humans; Molluscum Contagiosum; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Infant; Adolescent; Facial Dermatoses; Infant, Newborn; Severity of Illness Index; Age Factors
PubMed: 38956961
DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.40091