Artificial intelligence (AI) methods have become prevalent in the healthcare sector for patient risk assessment, medication discovery and disease diagnosis. Intelligent healthcare systems and a variety of duties related to patients can benefit from AI. For accurately diagnosing illnesses using AI techniques, an extensive variety of health data sources are required, which includes genetics, computed tomography tests, ultrasound, electromagnetic resonance imaging, mammograms etc. We discussed the role of AI in developed and developing nations and also the regulative issues and perspectives in health science. This article is based on an analysis of numerous studies and research publications providing information for early illness prediction for different kinds using AI-based methods. This article explores how AI might improve healthcare by looking at cutting-edge technologies, inventive applications, challenges and upcoming seismic shifts. AI-enabled virtual health assistants have the potential to drastically alter the way healthcare is delivered.
Background: Burnout syndrome is a type of stressful factor that is related to job satisfaction. General practitioners, health inspectors, and occupational physicians (GPHIOPs) are benchmarked as regards the burnout syndrome and job satisfaction in this systematic review during the pandemic COVID-19. Methods: Relevant scientific literature was searched in electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL up to August 2023 in order a link among general practitioners, health inspectors, and occupational physicians about the burnout syndrome and job satisfaction during COVID-19 pandemic to be found. Results: The studies used show an adjacent joint within lacking job satisfaction and the burnout syndrome. Elevated values of burnout and low values of satisfaction appear because of inter individual variables, working condition causes, and causes within the context of working surroundings. There was a remarkable lift in burnout values amongst GPHIOPs during the last pandemic of COVID-19. However, it remains the factor that needs to be scrutinized through further research that affects the development of the other factor to be found. Conclusions: It is critical psychological interventions be made to address burnout and boost rates of job satisfaction as it causes an inimical effect and adverse consequences within medical working surroundings.
Fluoride is an anionic pollutant found in surface or ground water in large quantities due to various human activities, for examples, disposal of industrial wastewater or geochemical reactions. The presence of fluoride in drinking water above certain limits has intense effects on human health. It strengthens the tooth enamel to a small level (1.0-1.5 mg/L). In drinking water, the presence of fluoride in the range of 1.5 to 4.0 mg/L may give rise to dental fluorosis at initial the stage, while the continuous exposure to high fluoride concentrations (4.0-10.0 mg/L) leads to skeletal fluorosis. In many countries of the world, including Pakistan, fluoride exists in ground water in high concentration, reaching above 30.0 mg/L on a large scale. The objective of writing this article is to offer accurate information on the efforts of a number of scholars who worked on fluoride removal from drinking water. The fluoride removal techniques have been categorized into two parts dealing with coagulation/precipitation and adsorption. Lime and alum (Nalgonda technique) and chitin have been discussed under coagulation technologies, while adsorption deals with a number of adsorbents, i.e., activated carbon, activated alumina, saw dust, bone char, rice husk ash, bauxite, tea-ash, and kaolin. Each technique discussed can remove fluoride under certain conditions. Each treatment technology has its limitations, and since there is no technology that can achieve its purpose in diverse conditions, the choice of fluoride removal techniques should be according to a specific site, depending on fundamental conditions and the needs of the local area.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide. While the virus primarily targets the respiratory system, it also affects other organs in the body, leading to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death. Recent studies have shown that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of COVID-19 and development of MODS. Since its discovery in 2000, ACE2 has garnered widespread attention for its multiple physiological roles, leading to subsequent interest in the influence of the Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 during the pandemic. ACE2 is both an enzyme and a functional receptor on cell surfaces through which SARS-CoV-2 enters the host cells. Recent research has highlighted the multifaceted impact of the virus on various organs, showcasing its ability to induce severe multi-organ injuries. Understanding the intricate interplay between ACE2, RAS, and the pathophysiological changes associated with COVID-19 is crucial for the development of effective treatment strategies and preventative measures. This study investigates the differences in causes of death related to COVID-19 and its complications. Data from cumulative records for all age groups across the 50 states of the USA and the District of Columbia was retrospectively analyzed. The results revealed significant differences in the incidence of COVID-19 deaths associated with various medical conditions, with respiratory complications showing notably higher incidence compared to other medical conditions besides COVID-19, circulatory, and diabetes.
Purpose: Examine the trends and risk factors of depression among adults in the USA. Methods: The national health interview survey (NHIS) data were analyzed. NHIS early release data provided the prevalence of depression from 2019 to 2022. We assessed depression covariates using SPSS 29. Results: The prevalence of depression decreased from 4.7% in 2019 to 4.5% in 2020, before rising to 5% in 2022. Of 31,536 participants in 2022 NHIS, 51.7% were female and 40% were 26 to 49 years old. Logistic regression showed that being female, obese and having diabetes and lower level of education as well as smoking cigarettes were significantly associated with higher levels of depression. Conversely, being married and aged 60 years+ were significantly associated with lower likelihood of depression. Conclusion: The decrease trends of depression at the onset the pandemic underscores the needs for further study. Targeted public health strategies and collaborative efforts are essential to mitigate depression’s impact and improve mental health outcomes.
Skin cancer remains a significant public health concern, with rising incidence rates worldwide. Our literature review examines current knowledge on skin cancer prevention, focusing on key areas such as epidemiology, risk factors, ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, pathophysiological and genetic mechanisms, and prevention strategies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published from 2013 to 2023. Non-peer-reviewed articles, non-English studies, non-human research, and studies published before 2013 were excluded. Our study highlights the significant role of UV radiation in skin cancer pathogenesis and underscores the importance of comprehensive prevention strategies. Sunscreen use and protective behaviors are effective but underutilized. Community-based interventions show promise in increasing public awareness and promoting protective measures. Screening and chemoprevention offer additional avenues for reducing skin cancer burden. The findings emphasize the need for continued public health efforts to enhance skin cancer prevention and early detection. Future research should focus on optimizing prevention strategies and exploring novel approaches to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is an imperative issue for infection prevention, and disease control. To understand the existing resources, and WASH situation, a participatory appraisal was conducted at Bauniabadh slum, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh from February-March 2022, and June-July 2023. Social mapping, transect walk, and informal discussion were conducted to identify available resources in the community for maintaining WASH, and also understand the challenges related to these; explore the surrounding cleanliness, waste disposal, and drainage system. Most of the households (HHs) fetched water from the nearest supply stations. Few families did not treat drinking water for purification; the gas flow was not sufficient to boil drinking water most of the time. A number of HHs did not clean their water reservoirs regularly, resulting in odor in supplied water. Regular garbage removal system was absent. WASH being a communal issue in slum setting, community engagement for WASH management is strongly recommended.
Aim: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted to assess nutritional status in elderly home care patients using a combined index. Methods: The combined index was calculated as a reference tool based on the results of five nutritional parameters (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form [MNA-SF], Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire [SNAQ], body mass index, dietary energy, and dietary protein). If a patient was assessed as malnourished or undernourished in at least three of these five parameters, he/she was considered as “any stage of malnutrition” according to the combined index. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 48.6%, 28.3%, and 47.4% according to the MNA-SF, SNAQ, and combined index, respectively. Dietary energy had the best sensitivity (92.7%) and negative predictive value (91.3%), while SNAQ had the highest specificity (100.0%) and positive predictive value (100.0%) according to the combined index. MNA-SF had the highest inter-rater agreement (kappa [κ]) with the combined index (κ =0.792). Conclusions: The use of combined index based on both screening tools and other nutritional parameters could be effective in the diagnosis of malnutrition in elderly home care patients.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to elicit how United Kingdom (UK) public citizens might trade off human health and environmental outcomes. Methods: Using a representative adult population, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted on criteria impacting trade-off decisions between human health and environmental outcomes. Respondents were asked to make twelve choices that included four attributes: the impact on UK life expectancy, the impact on biodiversity, the impact on UK carbon emissions and location of environmental impacts. Data were analyzed using a conditional logit regression model. Results: 508 respondents completed the survey. A DCE found UK public citizens are willing to forgo human health to reduce environmental harm. Conclusions: This research demonstrated it is possible to elicit the public’s view about trade-offs between health and the environment. Moreover, the public is willing to forgo human health to reduce environmental impact, propounding the importance of healthcare sustainability.
Increased internet usage, particularly in video gaming, has been observed in recent years. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of literature on psychological distress in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature search followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Data extraction and thematic analysis were performed to explore problematic video gaming (PVG) and its association with psychological distress. Findings revealed an increase in time spent on gaming during the pandemic, with higher severity of PVG observed in adolescents. Boys were more likely to exhibit gaming addiction symptoms than girls. A bidirectional relationship between PVG and psychological distress was found. Increased screen usage was amplified during the pandemic and persisted as a lingering concern. Educators and parents play a pivotal role in monitoring children’s screen time by structuring online lessons to prevent psychological distress. Lessons drawn from the pandemic are not just retrospective but instrumental for future societal challenges.
The intricate interplay between the mind and the brain underpins the complexities of mental health disorders. Clinical psychology and neuropsychology, as distinct yet interrelated disciplines, offer valuable insights into unraveling this interplay. This paper aims to explore the synergies between clinical psychology and neuropsychology, emphasizing their complementary roles in understanding and intervening in mind-brain disorders. By examining their shared principles, distinctive approaches, and collaborative potential, this paper seeks to illuminate how the integration of these disciplines can contribute to a holistic approach to mental health assessment and treatment. The primary aim of this paper is to elucidate the interconnections and collaborations between clinical psychology and neuropsychology in the context of mind-brain disorders. By examining their shared tenets, distinctive methodologies, and potential integration, this paper seeks to highlight how these disciplines can collectively enhance our comprehension of mental health disorders and optimize interventions.
Decision-making process (DMP), our everyday most frequent action, has attracted the attention of a wide range of disciplines aiming to identify and analyze its determinants, encompassing specific steps. This paper intends to investigate whether nutrition and habits of managers/employees–via hormone levels–might statistically influence DMP in the business field. Some groups of food could encourage the secretion of specific hormones, which in turn influence the brain’s function that may in turn affect humans’ behavior and emotional status, and hence, their decision. To explore the set hypothesis, fieldwork was undertaken to an extensive random sample, from Greek companies/organizations, using appropriately designed questionnaire to select and statistically analyze related quantitative and qualitative information. The questionnaire was distributed to the employees/managers (n=242) of Greek companies. The findings confirm this hypothesis (statistical significance, p<0.05) and indicate that DMP is influenced by nutrition and habits in interaction with body mass index.
Background: Digital health literacy and quality of life association with perceptions about the disease COVID-19 in public health services may have been little studied to date to examine socio-demographic parameters. Materials & methods: This research was conducted using self-report about digital health literacy, and quality of life questionnaires to participants attending in the Hippocrates Hospital Athens Greece (n=167). Initially, participants were asked to answer questions regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data of the study were analyzed using SPSS 26 IBM. Results: Study’s findings from has to do with the role of age. People who are younger in age seem to be more likely to think that quality of life is just a flu-like illness and generally harmless. In addition, the stronger the perceived impact of the pandemic, the higher the digital health literacy of the participants. Conclusions: The findings of this study regarding the relationship between socio-demographic variables and the examined parameters are in line with previous literature. Moreover, this study highlights the central role of digital health literacy in relation to the perception of the severity of the situation during quality of life associated with pandemic.
Background: The beauty-care industry flourishes globally, including in Kathmandu, Nepal. Despite limited research on personal hygiene, beauty parlors lack comprehensive studies. This study aims to assess beauty parlor public hygiene (BPH) awareness among university students. Methods: The researchers employed a quantitative cross-sectional approach and purposive sampling to gather data from consumers. Consumers were surveyed using self-designed tools, and the researchers assessed the tools’ reliability, validity, and pilot-tested them. The reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of the tools was measured at 0.793. Prior to conducting the final study, the researchers obtained ethical approval. In this study, the researchers utilized descriptive analysis, t-tests, and Chi-square tests to analyze the data. Results: In this study, descriptive analysis showed that 53.0% of consumers scored 50.0% or lower in awareness of BPH. A one-sample t-test revealed a significant result (p=0.049) for BPH, with a mean difference of 0.753 (95% confidence interval: 0.0032 to 1.5033). Regarding sociodemographic variables, the mean age of consumers was 26.89 years. 52.1% of consumers visited beauty parlors more than once a month, and 43.8% spent between 501 and 1,000 rupees per month. The main services consumers sought were hair styling/cutting and facial/skin care in this study. Conclusions: Researchers suggested that below 50.0% of consumers scored low levels of awareness regarding BPH. Therefore, targeted interventions, more in-depth research studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and standardized protocols for regulating and monitoring beauty parlor services are recommended. Regular laboratory examinations to identify different types of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses are also suggested to prevent various types of communicable and pandemic diseases.
Aim: Medical education has traditionally been a face-to-face and hands-on field of education. Recently, the development of educational technologies, epidemics, and disasters have made it necessary to use online education method in addition to the traditional method in medical education. The purpose of this study is to evaluate medical students’ perspectives on online medical education. Methods: This study was carried out as a descriptive, cross-sectional and cohort research with the participation of 906 medical faculty students in Türkiye. Data were collected with “distance education evaluation scale for medical faculty students” scale. Descriptive statistics and significance tests (t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey tests) were used to analyze the data. Results: Medical students stated that online education was economically and time-efficient, that they had difficulty in following the courses, and that they could not manage patients with the knowledge and skills they would gain through online education. Conclusions: Medical students do not recommend that medical education should be done only through online education. However, it was evaluated that online education should also be utilized, in other words, it would be beneficial to develop hybrid education models.
This review compares depression and suicide rates in the UK and Pakistan, highlighting disparities and challenges in mental health care. While depression affects one in six individuals in the UK, limited resources, stigma, and funding constraints in Pakistan result in a shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas. The complex relationship between depression and suicide is explored, emphasizing the need for multifaceted intervention strategies. Disparities in suicide rates underscore socio-cultural and healthcare system differences. While the UK implements comprehensive prevention strategies, Pakistan struggles with underreporting, stigma, and limited access to care. Notably, Thar Desert Region in Pakistan has seen a surge in suicides, reflecting socio-economic challenges. Globally, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mental health gap action program aims to address treatment gaps, yet disparities persist. Collaborative efforts are needed to invest in mental health infrastructure, reduce stigma, and increase awareness, promoting mental well-being globally.
Life events are usually followed by significant changes in the everyday routines of the affected individuals. In this study, we investigated the association of the changes in daily activities caused by the strict COVID-19 lockdown measures adopted in Greece to people’s psycho-emotional adjustment. A new measure, the everyday life change index (ELCI), was administered to 853 adults, while their psychological distress was measured with the depression-anxiety-stress scale (DASS-21). Results showed that the greater the changes a person experienced in their daily life due to lockdown, the higher the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress they manifested. We suggest that life-event-induced changes in routine activities could be a meaningful measure for clinical practice.
Malaria is the leading cause of death globally, especially in sub-Saharan African countries claiming over 400,000 deaths globally each year, underscoring the critical need for continued efforts to combat this preventable and treatable disease. The objective of this study is to provide statistical guidance on the optimal preventive and control measures against malaria. Data have been collected from reliable sources, such as World Health Organization, UNICEF, Our World in Data, and STATcompiler. Data were categorized according to the factors and sub-factors related to deaths caused by malaria. These factors and sub-factors were determined based on root cause analysis and data sources. Using JMP 16 Pro software, both linear and multiple linear regression were conducted to analyze the data. The analyses aimed to establish a linear relationship between the dependent variable (malaria deaths in the overall population) and independent variables, such as life expectancy, malaria prevalence in children, net usage, indoor residual spraying usage, literate population, and population with inadequate sanitation in each selected sample country. The statistical analysis revealed that using insecticide treated nets (ITNs) by children and individuals significantly decreased the death count, as 1,000 individuals sleeping under ITNs could reduce the death count by eight. Based on the statistical analysis, this study suggests more rigorous research on the usage of ITNs.
In this study, we examined the mediating role of work-family life conflict in the effect of employees' social media addiction on decisional procrastination. Gender, age, marital status, education, and the sector employed were used as control variables. The data were obtained using the social media addiction scale-adult form, work-family life conflict scale, decisional procrastination scale, and the personal information form in the online medium. We analyzed the responses of the 400 participants in the SPSS program and applied descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, mediation, and moderation analyses. As a result of the research, it was found that the increase in social media addiction has a positive effect on work-to-family conflict (WtoF) and family-to-work conflict (FtoW), and decisional procrastination. We concluded that WtoF and FtoW mediate the impact of social media addiction on decisional procrastination. Also, those living with families have a moderation role in the impact of work-family conflict on decisional procrastination.
In December 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (China) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) a cluster of pneumonia cases with unknown aetiology in Wuhan City, Province of Hubei, China. In March 2020, WHO declared a pandemic. So began the spread of Sars-Cov-2 and the race to possible countermeasures. This article analyses the commercial relationships of the sale and purchase of vaccines as a measure of influence between different regions of the world. Taking all vaccines with a degree of global diffusion into account (Sputnik V, Russia; Sinovac, China; Sinopharm, China; Covishield, Oxford/AstraZeneca formulation, India; Johnson & Johnson, USA; Oxford/AstraZeneca, UK; Pfizer/BioNTech, USA; and Moderna, USA), the article examines the specific regions of distribution. The paper has two aims: Firstly, to understand if the vaccines’ distribution mirrors the geopolitical status quo. Secondly, to identify the territories potentially more capable of causing important, regional or global, geopolitical frictions. In order to do that, the article highlights regions with unipolar and multipolar geopolitical influences. Limitations and further possible developments of the work will be commented on in the conclusions.
