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BMC Infectious Diseases Mar 2024Annually, 175.4 million people are infected with scabies worldwide. Although parasitic infections are important nosocomial infections, they are unrecognized compared to...
BACKGROUND
Annually, 175.4 million people are infected with scabies worldwide. Although parasitic infections are important nosocomial infections, they are unrecognized compared to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. In particular, nonspecific cutaneous manifestations of scabies lead to delayed diagnosis and frequent nosocomial transmission. Hospital-based studies on the risk factors for scabies have yet to be systematically reviewed.
METHODS
The study followed the PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023363278). Literature searches were conducted in three international (PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL) and four Korean (DBpia, KISS, RISS, and Science ON) databases. We included hospital-based studies with risk estimates calculated with 95% confidence intervals for risk factors for scabies infection. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Two authors independently performed the screening and assessed the quality of the studies.
RESULTS
A total of 12 studies were included. Personal characteristics were categorized into demographic, economic, residential, and behavioral factors. The identified risk factors were low economic status and unhygienic behavioral practices. Being a patient in a long-term care facility or institution was an important factor. Frequent patient contact and lack of personal protective equipment were identified as risk factors. For clinical characteristics, factors were categorized as personal health and hospital environment. People who had contact with itchy others were at higher risk of developing scabies. Patients with higher severity and those with a large number of catheters are also at increased risk for scabies infection.
CONCLUSIONS
Factors contributing to scabies in hospitals range from personal to clinical. We emphasize the importance of performing a full skin examination when patients present with scabies symptoms and are transferred from settings such as nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, to reduce the transmission of scabies. In addition, patient education to prevent scabies and infection control systems for healthcare workers, such as wearing personal protective equipment, are needed.
Topics: Humans; Scabies; Cross Infection; Nursing Homes; Hospitals; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38575893
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09167-6 -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... Apr 2024Professional burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and low sense of personal achievement related to the workplace. Orthopaedic surgeons train... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Professional burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and low sense of personal achievement related to the workplace. Orthopaedic surgeons train and practise in highly demanding environments. Understanding up-to-date trends in burnout, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, is vital. For this reason, we carried out a systematic review on this topic.
METHODS
A scoping literature review of two databases was conducted. Two authors independently screened articles and conflicts were resolved by panel discussion. Articles pertaining to orthopaedic surgeons that used validated scales and were peer reviewed research were included. Non-English or abstract-only results were excluded.
RESULTS
A total of 664 papers were identified in the literature search and 34 were included in the qualitative review. Among 8,471 orthopaedic surgeons, the mean burnout prevalence was 48.9%. The wide range in rate of burnout between the studies (15-90.4%) reflected the variety in setting, subspecialty and surgeon grade. Common protective factors comprised dedicated mentorship, surgeon seniority, sufficient exercise and family support. Substance abuse, malpractice claims, financial stress and onerous on-call responsibilities were risk factors. Burnout prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic was not noticeably different; there were a number of pandemic-associated risk and protective factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Nearly one in two orthopaedic surgeons are burnt out. There is a paucity of data on the short and long-term impact of COVID-19 on burnout. Burnout has deep organisational, personal and clinical implications. Targeted organisational interventions are required to prevent burnout from irrevocably damaging the future of orthopaedic surgery.
PubMed: 38563052
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2024.0009 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health May 2024West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. In humans, 80% of infections are asymptomatic, while approximately 20% experience influenza-like symptoms. Fewer...
BACKGROUND
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. In humans, 80% of infections are asymptomatic, while approximately 20% experience influenza-like symptoms. Fewer than 1% develop the neuroinvasive form which can lead to encephalitis, meningitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and even death. The global spread of the virus to areas where it was not previously present has become a growing concern. Since the 2000 s, there have been numerous outbreaks affecting local and travelling populations worldwide. Given the lack of a vaccine, preventative measures are primarily focused on surveillance, vector control, and the use of personal protective behaviours (PPBs). The importance of PPBs is central to public health recommendations. However, translating these messages into coherent action by the public can prove challenging, as the uptake of such measures is inevitably influenced by socio-economic factors, awareness, knowledge, and risk perception.
METHODS
A PRISMA-based systematic research was conducted on EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023459714. Quality of studies included in the final stage was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross-Sectional Study (CEBMa).
RESULTS
2963 articles were screened, and 17 studies were included in the final round. Out of these, six were deemed of high quality, ten were of medium quality, and one was of low quality. In almost all studies considered, both awareness and knowledge of WNV transmission were above 90%, while concern about WNV ranged from 50% to 80%. Concern about the safety of repellents, either with or without DEET, ranged from 27% to 70%. The percentage of people actually using repellents ranged from 30% to 75%, with the lowest usage reported among individuals over 60 years old (29%) and pregnant women (33%), and the highest among students aged 9-11 (75%). Concern for West Nile Virus (WNV) was consistently linked to an increase in taking preventative measures, including the use of repellents, by two to four times across studies. The school-based intervention was effective in increasing the practice of removing standing water (AOR=4.6; 2.7-8.0) and wearing long clothing (AOR=2.4; 95%CI: 1.3-4.3), but did not have a significant impact on the use of repellents.
CONCLUSIONS
The present systematic review provides an overview of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of WNV and their determinants. While concern about West Nile Virus (WNV) and its effects can be a significant motivator, it is important to promote evidence-based personal protective behaviours (PPBs) to counter unwarranted fears. For example, the use of repellents among the most vulnerable age groups. Given the geographical expansion of WNV, it is necessary to target the entire population preventively, including those who are difficult to reach and areas not yet endemic. The findings of this investigation could have significant implications for public health and support well-informed and effective communication strategies and interventions.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Middle Aged; West Nile virus; West Nile Fever; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Cross-Sectional Studies; Mosquito Vectors
PubMed: 38555655
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.03.012 -
Journal of Sport and Health Science Sep 2024Lifestyle plays an important role in preventing and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In response to the conflicting results in previous studies, we... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Lifestyle plays an important role in preventing and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In response to the conflicting results in previous studies, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this association.
METHODS
Relevant studies published until January 2023 were retrieved from 6 databases, and the prevalence of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or GERD was determined from the original studies. A random effects model was employed to meta-analyze the association by computing the pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Furthermore, subgroup and dose-response analyses were performed to explore subgroup differences and the association between cumulative physical activity (PA) time and GERD.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 33 studies comprising 242,850 participants. A significant negative association was observed between PA and the prevalence of symptomatic GER (RR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.66-0.83; p < 0.01) or GERD (RR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.76-0.84; p < 0.01), suggesting that engaging in PA might confer a protective benefit against GERD. Subgroup analyses consistently indicated the presence of this association across nearly all subgroups, particularly among the older individuals (RR:RR = 0.85:0.69, p < 0.01) and smokers (RR:RR = 0.67:0.82, p = 0.03). Furthermore, a dose-response analysis revealed that individuals who engaged in 150 min of PA per week had a 72.09% lower risk of developing GERD.
CONCLUSION
Maintaining high levels of PA decreased the risk of GERD, particularly among older adults and smokers. Meeting the recommended PA level of 150 min per week may significantly decrease the prevalence of GERD.
Topics: Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Exercise; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Age Factors; Smoking
PubMed: 38552714
DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2024.03.007 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024International students are a crucial group for suicide prevention efforts. However, no comprehensive review of the prevalence, risk or protective factors for...
UNLABELLED
International students are a crucial group for suicide prevention efforts. However, no comprehensive review of the prevalence, risk or protective factors for international student suicide has been conducted, complicating prevention efforts. The current systematic review addresses this issue by identifying the prevalence, risk, and protective factors for suicidal thoughts and behavior in international students enrolled in tertiary institutions. We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, Medline, and PsycInfo from inception to November 2023, and 24 papers met the study inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies reported on the prevalence or intensity of suicidal ideation, six reported on the prevalence of suicide attempts, and seven on the prevalence of self-harm. No studies provided data on completed suicides. Studies indicated that international students experienced similar or lower levels of suicidal ideation and self-harm, but more frequent suicide attempts than domestic students. A narrative synthesis of risk and protective factors yielded mixed results, although social isolation, comorbid mental health conditions, and experiences of racism or discrimination were commonly linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The mixed evidence quality, numerous measurement issues, and low number of studies in the literature point to a need for further research on suicide among international students.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022307252.
PubMed: 38550533
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1358041 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2024Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most widespread and fatal pulmonary complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Existing knowledge on the prevalence and risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most widespread and fatal pulmonary complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Existing knowledge on the prevalence and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is inconclusive. Therefore, we designed this review to address this gap.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To find relevant observational studies discussing the prevalence and/or risk factors of RA-ILD, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were explored. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) / hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with a fixed/ random effects model. While subgroup analysis, meta-regression analysis and sensitivity analysis were carried out to determine the sources of heterogeneity, the statistic was utilized to assess between-studies heterogeneity. Funnel plots and Egger's test were employed to assess publication bias. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, our review was conducted.
RESULTS
A total of 56 studies with 11,851 RA-ILD patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of RA-ILD was 18.7% (95% CI 15.8-21.6) with significant heterogeneity ( = 96.4%). The prevalence of RA-ILD was found to be more likely as a result of several identified factors, including male sex (ORs = 1.92 95% CI 1.70-2.16), older age (WMDs = 6.89, 95% CI 3.10-10.67), having a smoking history (ORs =1.91, 95% CI 1.48-2.47), pulmonary comorbidities predicted (HRs = 2.08, 95% CI 1.89-2.30), longer RA duration (ORs = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05), older age of RA onset (WMDs =4.46, 95% CI 0.63-8.29), positive RF (HRs = 1.15, 95%CI 0.75-1.77; ORs = 2.11, 95%CI 1.65-2.68), positive ACPA (ORs = 2.11, 95%CI 1.65-2.68), higher ESR (ORs = 1.008, 95%CI 1.002-1.014), moderate and high DAS28 (≥3.2) (ORs = 1.87, 95%CI 1.36-2.58), rheumatoid nodules (ORs = 1.87, 95% CI 1.18-2.98), LEF use (ORs = 1.42, 95%CI 1.08-1.87) and steroid use (HRs= 1.70, 1.13-2.55). The use of biological agents was a protective factor (HRs = 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.87).
CONCLUSION(S)
The pooled prevalence of RA-ILD in our study was approximately 18.7%. Furthermore, we identified 13 risk factors for RA-ILD, including male sex, older age, having a smoking history, pulmonary comorbidities, older age of RA onset, longer RA duration, positive RF, positive ACPA, higher ESR, moderate and high DAS28 (≥3.2), rheumatoid nodules, LEF use and steroid use. Additionally, biological agents use was a protective factor.
Topics: Humans; Male; Rheumatoid Nodule; Prevalence; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Risk Factors; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Steroids
PubMed: 38547537
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2332406 -
Journal of Global Health Mar 2024This study was designed to evaluate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and weight change on the risk of developing cancer overall and cancer at different sites. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and weight change on the risk of developing cancer overall and cancer at different sites.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and other databases up to July 2023 using the keywords related to 'risk', 'cancer', 'weight', 'overweight', and 'obesity'. We identified eligible studies, and the inclusion criteria encompassed cohort studies in English that focused on cancer diagnosis and included BMI or weight change as an exposure factor. Multiple authors performed data extraction and quality assessment, and statistical analyses were carried out using RevMan and R software. We used random- or fixed-effects models to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess study quality.
RESULTS
Analysis included 66 cohort studies. Compared to underweight or normal weight, overweight or obesity was associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, and liver cancer but a decreased risk of prostate cancer and lung cancer. Being underweight was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer and lung cancer but not that of postmenopausal breast cancer or female reproductive cancer. In addition, weight loss of more than five kg was protective against overall cancer risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Overweight and obesity increase the risk of most cancers, and weight loss of >5 kg reduces overall cancer risk. These findings provide insights for cancer prevention and help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying cancer development.
REGISTRATION
Reviewregistry1786.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Body Mass Index; Overweight; Thinness; Obesity; Cohort Studies; Breast Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38547495
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04067 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the effect of ligustrazine on animal models of ischemic stroke and investigate its mechanism of action. The...
The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the effect of ligustrazine on animal models of ischemic stroke and investigate its mechanism of action. The intervention of ligustrazine in ischemic diseases research on stroke model animals was searched in the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database (Wanfang), VIP Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The evaluation included measures such as neurological deficit score (NDS), percentage of cerebral infarction volume, brain water content, inflammation-related factors, oxidative stress-related indicators, apoptosis indicators (caspase-3), and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability (Claudin-5). A total of 32 studies were included in the analysis. The results indicated that ligustrazine significantly improved the neurological function scores of ischemic stroke animals compared to the control group (SMD = -1.84, 95% CI -2.14 to -1.55, < 0.00001). It also reduced the percentage of cerebral infarction (SMD = -2.97, 95% CI -3.58 to -2.36, < 0.00001) and brain water content (SMD = -2.37, 95% CI -3.63 to -1.12, = 0.0002). In addition, ligustrazine can significantly improve various inflammatory factors such as TNF-α (SMD = -7.53, 95% CI -11.34 to -3.72, = 0.0001), IL-1β (SMD = -2.65, 95% CI -3.87 to -1.44, < 0.0001), and IL-6 (SMD = -5.55, 95% CI -9.32 to -1.78, = 0.004). It also positively affects oxidative stress-related indicators including SOD (SMD = 4.60, 95% CI 2.10 to 7.10, = 0.0003), NOS (SMD = -1.52, 95% CI -2.98 to -0.06, = 0.04), MDA (SMD = -5.31, 95% CI -8.48 to -2.14, = 0.001), and NO (SMD = -5.33, 95% CI -8.82 to -1.84, = 0.003). Furthermore, it shows positive effects on the apoptosis indicator caspase-3 (SMD = -5.21, 95% CI -7.47 to -2.94, < 0.00001) and the expression level of the sex-related protein Claudin-5, which influences BBB permeability (SMD = 7.38, 95% CI 3.95 to 10.82, < 0.0001). Ligustrazine has been shown to have a protective effect in animal models of cerebral ischemic injury. Its mechanism of action is believed to be associated with the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, the inhibition of apoptosis, and the repair of BBB permeability. However, further high-quality animal experiments are required to validate these findings.
PubMed: 38545549
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1373663 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Cancer-related distress can be described as a complex and unpleasant combination of psychological (such as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional), social, and spiritual... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cancer-related distress can be described as a complex and unpleasant combination of psychological (such as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional), social, and spiritual challenges that may impact an individual's ability to effectively cope with the physical symptoms of cancer and its treatment. Existing literature has confirmed psychological distress (PD) as an important sequela of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the incidence and risk factors for PD in adult female patients with breast cancer remain unclear; therefore, focusing on the PD of female breast cancer patients is meaningful, as they are at highest risk of contracting breast cancer, and might differ in their coping styles from men.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for PD in adult woman patients with breast cancer, and to help guide targeted intervention to prevent distress.
METHOD
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAL, PsycINFO, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, the Chinese Biomedical Database, and Weipu Database were searched for data regarding the incidence and risk factors of PD in adult women with breast cancer.
RESULTS
The prevalence of PD, assessed using the distress thermometer, ranged between 11.2%-86.7%, and a meta-analysis of 47 studies with 15,157 adult female breast cancer patients showed that the pooled prevalence was 52.0%. Further, this study identified 40 risk factors. However, owing to the inclusion of at least two studies for a certain risk factor, 10 risk factors were merged for the meta-analysis. Independent risk factors included higher education level, late-stage tumor, emotional concerns, no medical insurance, modified radical mastectomy, and history of depression; age and neuroticism were not associated with PD; and higher monthly income was revealed as a protective factor against it.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of PD in female patients with breast cancer is high and it involves 10 risk factors, though some are controversial owing to insufficient evidence. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of PD and develop risk factor-based holistic intervention programs to reduce its incidence.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
The protocol of this study has been registered in the database PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023433578).
PubMed: 38544846
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1309702 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2024The prevalence of dementia increases with nearly 10 million new cases each year, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to 60-70% of cases. Environmental factors such as...
The prevalence of dementia increases with nearly 10 million new cases each year, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to 60-70% of cases. Environmental factors such as drinking water have been evaluated to determine if a relationship exists between trace elements in drinking water and the risk of developing cognitive disorders in the elderly. The purpose of the current systematic review was to evaluate an association between the composition of drinking water and cognitive function in the elderly. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL databases. A total of 10 studies were included in the current systematic review. Aluminum is the most commonly evaluated trace element in studies ( = 8), followed by silica ( = 5), calcium ( = 4), and fluoride ( = 4). Aluminum exposure showed an increased risk of cognitive decline in four studies, with no association reported in the other studies. Higher silica and pH levels were shown to be protective against a decline in cognitive function. A similar protective effect of calcium was found in two studies. Future research should measure multiple trace mineral levels in all water sources to evaluate the impact on cognitive function.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Aluminum; Calcium; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Drinking Water; Silicon Dioxide; Trace Elements
PubMed: 38541362
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030362