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International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024Overhydration (OH) is a prevalent medical problem that occurs in patients with kidney failure, but a specific marker has still not been found. Patients requiring kidney... (Review)
Review
Overhydration (OH) is a prevalent medical problem that occurs in patients with kidney failure, but a specific marker has still not been found. Patients requiring kidney replacement therapy suffer from a water imbalance, which is correlated with mortality rates in this population. Currently, clinicians employ techniques such as bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and ultrasound (USG) markers of overhydration or markers of heart and kidney function, namely NT-pro-BNP, GFR, or creatinine levels. New serum markers, including but not limited to Ca-125, galectin-3 (Gal-3), adrenomedullin (AMD), and urocortin-2 (UCN-2), are presently under research and have displayed promising results. Ca-125, which is a protein mainly used in ovarian cancer diagnoses, holds great potential to become an OH marker. It is currently being investigated by cardiologists as it corresponds to the volume status in heart failure (HF) and ventricular hypertrophy, which are also associated with OH. The need to ascertain a more precise marker of overhydration is urgent mainly because physical examinations are exceptionally inaccurate. The signs and symptoms of overhydration, such as edema or a gradual increase in body mass, are not always present, notably in patients with chronic kidney disease. Metabolic disruptions and cachexia can give a false picture of the hydration status. This review paper summarizes the existing knowledge on the assessment of a patient's hydration status, focusing specifically on kidney diseases and the role of Ca-125.
Topics: Humans; Biomarkers; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Water Intoxication; CA-125 Antigen
PubMed: 38396869
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042192 -
Toxics Feb 2024Documented cases of sodium nitrite toxicity are almost exclusively caused by accidental ingestion; however, self-poisoning with sodium nitrite represents an increasing... (Review)
Review
Documented cases of sodium nitrite toxicity are almost exclusively caused by accidental ingestion; however, self-poisoning with sodium nitrite represents an increasing trend in nitrate-related deaths. This systematic review summarizes the most crucial evidence regarding the fatal toxicity of sodium nitrite. It identifies gaps and differences in the diagnostic forensic approaches and the detection methods of sodium nitrite intoxication. A total of eleven research articles were selected for qualitative and quantitative data. Most of the studies (6/11) were case reports. Fifty-three cases of fatal intoxication with sodium nitrite were chosen for the review. More research is required to develop cost-effective techniques and uniform cutoffs for blood nitrite and nitrate levels in the event of deadly sodium nitrite poisoning. There is still a lack of critical information on other matrices and the impact of time since death on toxicological results in such situations. The available evidence provides useful recommendations for forensic pathologists and health practitioners engaged in instances of sodium nitrite poisoning or death. The data should also set off alarm bells in the public health system, in prosecutor's offices, and for policymakers so that they may undertake preventative measures to stop and restrict the unregulated market for these substances.
PubMed: 38393219
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020124 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health Apr 2024Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe condition resulting from the dengue virus, with four serotypes known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Genetic variations... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe condition resulting from the dengue virus, with four serotypes known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Genetic variations play a crucial role in influencing susceptibility to DHF. Therefore, this investigation conducted a meta-analysis to uncover genetic changes that might have remained undetected in individual studies due to small sample sizes or methodological differences. Among 2212 initially identified studies, 23 were deemed suitable for analysis based on PRISMA guidelines. Toll-like receptors (TLR) and CD209 showed significant association with DHF (odds ratios: TLR=0.56, CD209 =0.55), indicating protective effects. However, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) did not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with DHF. This study emphasizes the relevance of TLR and CD209 in DHF susceptibility and resistance across diverse geographical locations.
Topics: Humans; Severe Dengue; Dengue Virus; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Serogroup; Case-Control Studies; Dengue
PubMed: 38368646
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.02.001 -
Water Research Apr 2024The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks.... (Review)
Review
The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks. Different factors impact the biological stability of drinking water (DW) in the distribution networks, such as the presence and concentration of nutrients, water temperature, pipe material composition, hydrodynamic conditions, and levels of disinfectant residual. This review aimed to evaluate the current state of knowledge on strategies for DW biofilm disinfection through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the literature published over the last decade. A systematic review method was performed on the 562 journal articles identified through database searching on Web of Science and Scopus, with 85 studies selected for detailed analysis. A variety of disinfectants were identified for DW biofilm control such as chlorine, chloramine, UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and others at a lower frequency, namely, electrolyzed water, bacteriophages, silver ions, and nanoparticles. The disinfectants can impact the microbial communities within biofilms, reduce the number of culturable cells and biofilm biomass, as well as interfere with the biofilm matrix components. The maintenance of an effective residual concentration in the water guarantees long-term prevention of biofilm formation and improves the inactivation of detached biofilm-associated opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, strategies based on multi-barrier processes by optimization of primary and secondary disinfection combined with other water treatment methods improve the control of opportunistic pathogens, reduce the chlorine-tolerance of biofilm-embedded cells, as well as decrease the corrosion rate in metal-based pipelines. Most of the studies used benchtop laboratory devices for biofilm research. Even though these devices mimic the conditions found in real DWDS, future investigations on strategies for DW biofilm control should include the validity of the promising strategies against biofilms formed in real DW networks.
Topics: Disinfection; Drinking Water; Water Supply; Chlorine; Disinfectants; Water Purification; Biofilms; Chlorides
PubMed: 38359597
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121273 -
PloS One 2024Pesticide poisoning is the main cause of adverse effects and mortality worldwide. Protective measures can reduce the intensity of the effects of pesticides on the health...
OBJECTIVE
Pesticide poisoning is the main cause of adverse effects and mortality worldwide. Protective measures can reduce the intensity of the effects of pesticides on the health of farmers. Numerous cross-sectional studies have been conducted on the determinants of performing protective measures to reduce exposure to pesticides, but there is no systematic study that comprehensively examines the impact of these factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify existing studies on the determinants of effective protective measures to reduce exposure to pesticides among farmers.
METHODS
In this systematic review, studies were obtained from PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases using a search strategy that covered articles from the first years of database design to April 20, 2023. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on the PICOs criteria. The study included cross-sectional studies that measured the implementation of protective measures using objective or valid subjective tools. The data were extracted and analyzed based on several criteria and ecological levels. The Ecological Model of Health Behavior was used to classify the determinants that affect the performance of protective behaviors. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has developed a quality assessment tool for studies.
RESULTS
A total of 39 studies were ultimately selected for inclusion in this analysis. Many of these studies were conducted in developing countries. The most important factors that have an impact on protective measures include a variety of socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, level of education, income, farming experience, experience of using pesticides), individual level (knowledge, attitude, risk perception, intention), interpersonal level (subjective norms), organizational level (education), and public policy level (government attention, health costs, governmental extension services). The quality of most studies was fair.
CONCLUSIONS
Research indicates that several factors influence the use of personal protective equipment and safe behaviors when handling pesticides. These include farmers' education level, knowledge, and attitudes towards safety measures. Environmental factors such as access to information, extension services, training programs, and media coverage can also help minimize exposure to pesticides.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Farmers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Occupational Exposure; Agriculture
PubMed: 38359033
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298450 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The Old World Vultures (OWV), constituting 16 species primarily in Africa, Europe and Asia, are currently being driven to extinction mostly by anthropogenic activities,...
The Old World Vultures (OWV), constituting 16 species primarily in Africa, Europe and Asia, are currently being driven to extinction mostly by anthropogenic activities, especially poisoning. The vulture losses from poisoning caused by human-related activities are at a single mortality event-level and occur in complex social-ecological systems. There has been a growing body of knowledge on wildlife poisoning over the years. However, no review has been done to consolidate vulture poisoning studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with a social lens of conservation planning. Here we present a review of the vulture poisoning research by re-contextualizing the problem of vulture poisoning across SSA. We employed stepwise Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method to search for literature on vulture poisoning. The search yielded 211 studies which were trimmed to 55 after applying sets of eligibility criteria. Literature shows that efforts aimed at successful vulture conservation planning will require an understanding of the relational aspects of stakeholder social capital (assets) that are critical to the implementation of species recovery strategies. Strengthening relational social capital through multi-scale stakeholder evidence-based awareness creation and participation is necessary for addressing the African Vulture Crisis (AVC). Applying stakeholder social capital approaches to different vulture conservation scenarios at local, regional and international scales can enhance successful implementation of conservation strategies for the persistence of vultures in complex socio-ecological systems in African landscapes. Existing literature also showed the importance of stakeholder social capital as a countermeasure against vulture losses.
PubMed: 38333820
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25126 -
Health and Social Care Delivery Research Jan 2024Risk assessment is a key process when a child or adolescent presents at risk for self-harm or suicide in a mental health crisis or emergency. Risk assessment by a...
BACKGROUND
Risk assessment is a key process when a child or adolescent presents at risk for self-harm or suicide in a mental health crisis or emergency. Risk assessment by a healthcare professional should be included within a biopsychosocial assessment. However, the predictive value of risk-screening tools for self-harm and suicide in children and adolescents is consistently challenged. A review is needed to explore how best to undertake risk assessment and the appropriate role for tools/checklists within the assessment pathway.
AIMS
To map research relating to risk assessment for child and adolescent mental health and to identify features that relate to a successful risk assessment.
OBJECTIVES
To review factors within the clinical encounter that impact upon risk assessments for self-harm and suicide in children and adolescents: i. to conduct a realist synthesis to understand mechanisms for risk assessment, why they occur and how they vary by context ii. to conduct a mapping review of primary studies/reviews to describe available tools of applicability to the UK.
DATA SOURCES
Databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, HMIC, Science and Social Sciences Citation Index and the Cochrane Library, were searched (September 2021). Searches were also conducted for reports from websites.
REVIEW METHODS
A resource-constrained realist synthesis was conducted exploring factors that impact upon risk assessments for self-harm and suicide. This was accompanied by a mapping review of primary studies/reviews describing risk-assessment tools and approaches used in UK child and adolescent mental health. Following piloting, four reviewers screened retrieved records. Items were coded for the mapping and/or for inclusion in the realist synthesis. The review team examined the validity and limitations of risk-screening tools. In addition, the team identified structured approaches to risk assessment. Reporting of the realist synthesis followed guidelines.
RESULTS
From 4084 unique citations, 249 papers were reviewed and 41 studies (49 tools) were included in the mapping review. Eight reviews were identified following full-text screening. Fifty-seven papers were identified for the realist review. Findings highlight 14 explanations (programme theories) for a successful risk assessment for self-harm and suicide. Forty-nine individual assessment tools/approaches were identified. Few tools were developed in the UK, specifically for children and adolescents. These lacked formal independent evaluation. No risk-screening tool is suitable for risk prediction; optimal approaches incorporate a relationship of trust, involvement of the family, where appropriate, and a patient-centred holistic approach. The objective of risk assessment should be elicitation of information to direct a risk formulation and care plan.
LIMITATIONS
Many identified tools are well-established but lack scientific validity, particularly predictive validity, or clinical utility. Programme theories were generated rapidly from a survey of risk assessment.
CONCLUSIONS
No single checklist/approach meets the needs of risk assessment for self-harm and suicide. A whole-system approach is required, informed by structured clinical judgement. Useful components include a holistic assessment within a climate of trust, facilitated by family involvement.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42021276671.
FUNDING
This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR135079) and is published in full in ; Vol. 12, No. 1. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Mental Health; Risk Assessment; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicide; Mental Health Services
PubMed: 38314750
DOI: 10.3310/VKTY5822 -
International Journal of Infectious... Apr 2024South Asia remains home to foodborne diseases caused by the Vibrio species. We aimed to compile and update information on the epidemiology of vibriosis in South Asia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
South Asia remains home to foodborne diseases caused by the Vibrio species. We aimed to compile and update information on the epidemiology of vibriosis in South Asia.
METHODS
For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for studies related to vibriosis in South Asia published up to May 2023. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled isolation rate of non-cholera-causing Vibrio species.
RESULTS
In total, 38 studies were included. Seven of these were case reports and 22 were included in the meta-analysis. The reported vibriosis cases were caused by non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. fluvialis, and V. vulnificus. The overall pooled isolation rate was 4.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-5.0%) in patients with diarrhea. Heterogeneity was high (I = 98.0%). The isolation rate of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. fluvialis were 9.0 (95% CI 7.0-10.0%), 1.0 (95% CI 1.0-2.0%), and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.0-3.0%), respectively. Regarding V. parahaemolyticus, O3:K6 was the most frequently isolated serotype. Cases peaked during summer. Several studies reported antibiotic-resistant strains and those harboring extended-spectrum beta-lactamases genes.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a high burden of infections caused by non-cholera-causing Vibrio species in South Asia.
Topics: Humans; Vibrio cholerae; Vibrio Infections; Foodborne Diseases; Diarrhea; Asia, Southern
PubMed: 38311027
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.01.022 -
Heliyon Jan 2024Identifying risk factors would help consider suicide prevention in any specific population. We aimed to assess suicidal behaviour among university students in the UK.
INTRODUCTION
Identifying risk factors would help consider suicide prevention in any specific population. We aimed to assess suicidal behaviour among university students in the UK.
METHODS
An extensive keyword search was conducted through PubMed, Cochrane, CINHAL Plus, PubMed Central, Web of Science, Trip database, and Science Direct, following the PRISMA guidelines to identify different publications. The search strategy for the literature review was based on the Population Exposure Outcome framework. Critical appraisal utilised the CASP tool for cohort studies and the AXIS tool for cross-sectional studies, resulting in 14 included studies. A narrative synthesis was performed.
RESULTS
Postgraduate and undergraduate students used different suicidal methods such as poisoning, jumping, hanging, drowning, and suffocating, with jumping most preferred by male students. The predisposing factors of suicide among university students included: mental health problems (depression, psychological stress, psychosis, mania, neuroticism, financial anxiety, imperfect parents' connection with students), sexual orientation with risk of suicide among non-heterosexual students due to lowered self-esteem from feeling disregarded, disrespected and insufficient attention from the surrounding. Suicidal behaviour was high among unmarried students, male and unemployed female students, and students with childhood experiences such as physical abuse, family violence, emotional abuse, neglect, and physical punishment-gender, with females seeking more services from general hospitals with more suicide attempts in older females. High risk was also noted in males, with increased risk in white students compared to black students.
CONCLUSION
The review highlighted that students with previous mental health problems, a history of experiencing sexual abuse in childhood, bad relationships with their mother, disrespect and disregard in the community due to sexual identity are the major contributing factors for suicide among university students in the UK.
PubMed: 38293523
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24069 -
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal May 2024A large, cross-border outbreak of nontyphoidal salmonellosis connected to chocolate product consumption was recently reported. This occurrence motivated us to conduct a...
BACKGROUND
A large, cross-border outbreak of nontyphoidal salmonellosis connected to chocolate product consumption was recently reported. This occurrence motivated us to conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature concerning outbreaks of nontyphoidal salmonellosis associated with chocolate consumption.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42022369023) in 3 databases: U.S. National Library of Medicine, Web of Science and Excerpta Medica. Google Scholar and the bibliography of each identified report were also screened. Eligible were articles published after 1970, describing outbreaks of more than 10 patients with a nontyphoidal salmonellosis associated with chocolate consumption.
RESULTS
Twenty-three articles were included, which described 12 outbreaks involving a total of 3266 patients. All outbreaks occurred in high-income countries: 1 was limited to 1 city, 6 involved 1 country and the remaining 5 involved 2 or more countries. Six outbreaks peaked in winter, 3 in autumn, 2 in spring and 1 in summer. Children were mainly affected. No predominant serotype was identified.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data documents that chocolate is an optimal medium for the transmission of nontyphoidal salmonellosis. A connected worldwide reporting system including high-income, middle-income and low-income countries is crucial to detect infectious diseases outbreaks in an early phase and avoid their spread.
Topics: Child; Humans; Chocolate; Salmonella; Salmonella Infections; Salmonella Food Poisoning; Disease Outbreaks
PubMed: 38285510
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004252