BACKGROUND:Regular blood donation has been associated with lower cardiovascular risk in some studies, possibly through mechanisms involving reduced iron stores and oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE:The study investigated the association between blood donation frequency and cardiovascular risk factors among voluntary blood donors. METHODS:The cross-sectional study examined blood donors classified into regular donors and occasional donors. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, and total cholesterol levels were measured. Standard clinical criteria were used to determine the cardiovascular risk factors. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were analyzed to compare the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to control for possible confounding variables. RESULTS:Regular donors demonstrated lower blood pressure measurements, which included systolic blood pressure of 118 ± 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 77 ± 8 mmHg. Donors who donated regularly demonstrated a lower BMI of 24.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2 compared to donors who donated occasionally. Regular donors showed lower rates of hypertension, 22% compared to 39%, and elevated cholesterol, 21% compared to 35%, with a statistical significance of p = 0.04. The study found no differences between the groups regarding their fasting glucose levels or diabetes rates. Regular donors had lower odds of hypertension (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.89) and elevated cholesterol (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33-0.95), while the association with overweight/obesity did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION:Regular blood donation was associated with more favorable cardiovascular risk profiles among donors in this study.
BACKGROUND:Globally, acute viral hepatitis (AVH) causes an estimated 1.5 million new infections annually among children under five, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate burden. In Ethiopia, the Global Burden of Disease Study reported an age-standardized incidence rate of 3616 per 100,000 population across all ages in 2019, with children under five being especially vulnerable to fecal-oral transmission. Despite available vaccines for Hepatitis B and preventive measures for Hepatitis A and E, comprehensive national data on long-term trends and subnational disparities in this age group remained limited. METHODS:We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study to assess the burden of AVH among children under five in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2023. Estimates were disaggregated by region, sex, and hepatitis type. The burden of AVH was described in terms of incidence and years of life lost across all regions in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2023. Each metric was reported with numbers and rates per 100,000 population, along with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Statistical significance was evaluated based on a 95% UI. RESULTS:This study examined trends in AVH incidence and premature mortality among Ethiopian children under five from 1990 to 2023. The analysis revealed a statistically significant national decline in hepatitis B incidence, with an annualized rate of change of -0.68% (95% UI: -0.72, -0.63) per year. However, the overall acute hepatitis incidence showed only a modest decline of -0.07% (95% UI: -0.10, -0.05) per year, as declines in Hepatitis B were offset by stagnant rates of Hepatitis A and E. The most substantial regional decreases in Hepatitis B occurred in Addis Ababa and Southwest Ethiopia. Premature mortality, measured in years of life lost, also showed significant improvement, decreasing at an annual rate of -0.52% (95% UI: -0.79, -0.08) per year nationally. While these positive trends were observed, most variation between regions and across sexes did not reach statistical significance, indicating relatively consistent progress across different demographic groups and geographic areas. CONCLUSION:The observed decline in Hepatitis B incidence is likely attributable to the introduction of the Hepatitis B vaccination program, while the persistent burden of Hepatitis A and E probably reflects ongoing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges. To build on this progress and address persistent inequities, targeted vaccination campaigns in high-burden regions must be combined with comprehensive water and sanitation improvements, alongside regionally adapted healthcare strategies. EVIDENCE BEFORE THIS STUDY:We searched PubMed, Embase, and the GBD repository for studies published from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2023, using the terms "acute viral hepatitis," "children," "under-five," "incidence," "mortality," and "Ethiopia." Previous studies were limited to localized, short-term outbreaks or single-center reports. No comprehensive national time-trend analysis quantifying the long-term burden and premature mortality of AVH in Ethiopian children under five was identified. ADDED VALUE OF THIS STUDY:This is the first study to provide detailed, nationally representative estimates of the incidence and mortality due to AVH among children under five in Ethiopia over 33 years (1990-2023). We present subnational disparities, analyze trends, and examine the association with sociodemographic development. IMPLICATIONS OF ALL THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE:The persistently high burden of AVH, driven largely by Hepatitis A and E, is a preventable cause of child mortality in Ethiopia. The evidence underscores the critical gap in preventive measures and calls for policy action integrating WASH improvements with vaccination strategy to achieve SDG targets for child survival.
BACKGROUND:Skin diseases are prevalent in Bangladesh, affecting individuals across all age groups and significantly impacting both personal and community health. OBJECTIVE:This study aims to identify risk factors associated with certain skin diseases in Bangladesh, specifically examining lifestyle, environmental, food-related, and heritable factors. METHODOLOGY:A cross-sectional study was conducted across three major divisions in Bangladesh (Dhaka, Rangpur, and Chattogram) from December 2022 to July 2023. Data were collected from 788 respondents using a structured questionnaire through a purposive quota sampling technique. The questionnaire covered self-reported skin disease status, sociodemographic characteristics, and potential risk factors. The analysis employed univariate tools, principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce correlated risk factors into uncorrelated components, and principal component logistic regression (PCLR) to assess associations. Goodness-of-fit testing was conducted to validate model calibration, and sensitivity analyses adjusting for sociodemographic confounders were performed to confirm the robustness of identified associations. RESULTS:Among the 788 respondents, 61.80% (n = 487) reported skin diseases. Among these, atopic dermatitis was the most prevalent condition (72.07%), followed by fungal infection (26.90%), acne vulgaris (20.74%), seborrheic dermatitis (13.55%), and psoriasis (8.21%); as multiple conditions could be reported concurrently, these percentages are not mutually exclusive. Through PCA and PCLR analyses, several associations were initially identified. Following rigorous goodness-of-fit testing, two associations demonstrated adequate model calibration: heritable factors were significantly associated with fungal infection, and environmental factors were significantly associated with acne vulgaris. A one-unit increase in heritable factors (for instance, having an additional family member with skin disease) increased the odds of fungal infection by 34% in unadjusted models (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08-1.66), and a one-unit increase in environmental factors increased the odds of acne vulgaris by 45% in unadjusted models (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.16-1.80). After adjusting for age, sex, division, and disease-specific confounders, these associations remained significant (adjusted OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09-1.74 for fungal infection; adjusted OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.67 for acne vulgaris), confirming their robustness. CONCLUSION:This study provides valuable insights into risk factors associated with skin diseases in Bangladesh. The findings highlight that family history plays a significant role in fungal infection susceptibility, while environmental exposures are important determinants of acne vulgaris. The study underscores the importance of rigorous goodness-of-fit testing and confounder adjustment in observational research, as several initially significant associations did not demonstrate adequate model calibration or lost significance after adjustment. These validated findings suggest the need for targeted interventions addressing heritable predisposition for fungal infections and environmental mitigation strategies for acne vulgaris in Bangladesh.
BackgroundAlthough breast cancer incidence has continued to rise worldwide, the disease burden of premenopausal breast cancer remains unclear, particularly given that attributable risk factors may vary across age groups and socioeconomic contexts.MethodsRegional data on premenopausal breast cancer burden and related risk factors were derived from the updated Global Burden of Disease dataset for 1990-2021, with joinpoint regression applied to characterize time-dependent changes in disease burden by attributable factor. Disease burden up to 2039 was forecasted using a Bayesian age-period-cohort model, with further comparisons of risk-specific attributable burden.ResultsCountries with a high sociodemographic index (SDI) ranked highest for premenopausal breast cancer incidence (51.5 per 100,000 population), whereas countries with medium-low SDI showed the highest mortality and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) (7.0 per 100,000 population and 359.2 per 100,000 population, respectively). Disease burden has shown an upward trend in recent years, apart from high SDI areas, while this increase is expected to persist through 2039. Among the attributable risk factors assessed in the GBD framework, diet high in red meat accounted for the greatest share of attributable burden (11.2%), and the mortality and DALY attributed to red meat have both increased, with the largest increase occurring in low-middle SDI countries.ConclusionsThe global burden of premenopausal breast cancer is increasing, with diet high in red meat contributing the greatest proportion of attributable burden among the assessed risk factors. Differences in major attributable risk factors across countries with different SDI levels highlight the need for tailored interventions to reduce the increasing burden of premenopausal breast cancer.
Anemia, mainly caused by hemoglobin (Hb) deficiency, is a serious health issue in countries that are developing, such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the Maldives, and Myanmar. This study examines the factors influencing Hb levels in women aged 15-49 across these nations using data from the Demographic Health Surveys (2011-2016). Analyzing 716,273 women from 71 subnational regions, we employed multilevel linear mixed-effect modeling to identify key determinants. The study revealed that its mean Hb level was 117.5 g/L with a standard deviation (SD) of 16.5 g/L overall, with its highest mean in Nepal (123 g/L) with SD 15.4 g/L and the lowest in the Maldives (115.3 g/L) with SD 3.8 g/L. Anemia affected 51.3% of women, with the highest prevalence in the Maldives (58.5%) and the lowest in Nepal (40.6%). Regarding socioeconomic status and education level, Nepal exhibited the highest mean Hb levels among different socioeconomic groups, while the Maldives had the lowest. Linear mixed models identified several factors affecting Hb levels, including socioeconomic status, education level, contraceptive method, menstrual cycle, literacy, pregnancy, marriage, breastfeeding, amenorrhea, age, BMI, parity, access to water, and sanitation. Furthermore, a four-level random intercept model proved more effective than other models in fitting the data. Our findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce anemia rates in South and Southeast Asia, emphasizing socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental influences. These insights are crucial for policymakers and program managers aiming to enhance women's health in these regions.
BackgroundHealth developments are based on family-specific health traditions, which play a central role as a foundation of individuals' growth and development in Southeast Asia. Families can influence disease susceptibility and promote well-being by encouraging healthy habits, providing support and aiding in disease recovery. Moreover, education, economic conditions, access of hygiene latrines and cooking fuel affect individuals' health. Few studies have assessed family health as a composite construct in Bangladesh. There is a lack of research on how a family individual's risk factors contribute to overall family health performance.MethodsFamily- and country-specific data were obtained from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS-6). MICS data, which were gathered in partnership with UNICEF and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), are a trustworthy secondary data source. MICS offer statistically reliable and globally comparable statistics. For this study, descriptive statistics tools were used for univariate analysis. Multiple Regression models and Multinomial Logistic Regression models were used for assessing family health performance and identifying factors associated with family health performance.ResultsData from 24,000 families were used in this study, where 26.33% were from urban areas and 73.67% were from rural areas. The descriptive findings showed that 78.85% of families use traditional cook stoves for cooking their food. Moreover, 25.81% of families have availability for hand washing and 11.61% of children in families face diarrhoea under worst family health category. Furthermore, 59.50% of family head education level is primary or none and 25.79% of families belong to the poorest wealth category. Further, this study developed a family health score to determine which indicators contribute to various family health terms as "Worst family health," "Average family health," "Better family health," and "Excellent family health." The result of multiple linear regressions and multinomial logistic regression showed that family wealth, types of cook stoves used by families, education level of family head and electricity facilities significantly influence family health performance. This proves that family head education level, family wealth and cook stoves might be influential factors for family health performance.ConclusionsThis study aims to provide insights into family health conditions and identify various significant risk factors. The government must expand educational possibilities, raise public awareness of the value of education and, if at all feasible, mandate that all citizens complete a minimum education. Investments in clean cooking, electricity and education may support to improve family health.
INTRODUCTION:Pregnancy is linked to hormonal fluctuations, making pregnant women more susceptible to gingival and periodontal diseases. Hence, oral hygiene interventions, such as mouthwashes and toothpastes, play a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene among women. However, the interventions used should be effective as well as safe to use. Hence, this systematic review assesses the effectiveness of various oral hygiene interventions, which include mouthwashes, saltwater rinses, and toothpastes, on the oral health of pregnant women. METHODS:A detailed literature search was done using PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, including studies published in the last 6 years. Only randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and systematic reviews relevant to the objective of this study were included. The quality assessment of the included studies was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. According to this tool, all the selected studies had moderate-to-high quality. RESULTS:The three studies were finally selected that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria based on the PRISMA flowchart. Alcohol-free mouthwashes including fluorides, antibacterial toothpastes, and saltwater rinses were found to improve gingival health and decrease plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Some additional agents were found to be as effective as chlorhexidine during pregnancy. CONCLUSION:Oral hygiene interventions based on saltwater rinses, fluoridated mouthwashes, and toothpastes improve oral health in pregnant women. These agents are effective and easily available for better oral hygiene during pregnancy and better pregnancy outcomes.
BackgroundMost health-related conditions depend on blood transfusions for their care. However, transfusion-related infections (transfusion-transmitted infections [TTIs]) remain one of the most important concerns in the area of health care across settings of resource-poor regions.ObjectiveThe study aimed to determine the status of TTI and some of the risks related to donated blood.MethodsThe study involved 347 participants who donated blood voluntarily to participate in a cross-sectional research study. Blood samples were tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and malaria. Structured questionnaire was used to gather demographic information and health history data. Data analysis was done through descriptive statistics while using Fisher's exact test to evaluate exploratory associations.ResultsThe prevalence of TTIs was low with hepatitis B occurring in 1.85% of blood donations and malaria in 2.78% of blood donations. The testing process identified no instances of HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis C. The study could only analyze associations between variables because there were so few positive cases.ConclusionThe prevalence of TTIs among blood donors was low. More extensive multicenter research is necessary to determine risk factors and enhance blood safety protocols.
Introduction:With growing recognition of the prolonged effects of COVID-19, there is an urgent need to understand its extended clinical and public health implications across diverse settings. Long-term consequences following SARS-CoV-2 infection remain insufficiently studied in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of persistent COVID-19 symptoms among Palestinian adults and to evaluate their associations with hospitalization and recovery duration. Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomized sample of 407 adult COVID-19 patients confirmed by the Palestinian Ministry of Health between November 25 and December 15, 2020. We used a standardized Arabic questionnaire to cover demographics, medical history, symptoms, complications, and physical activity. Data were gathered by phone interviews in October 2021. All data came from self-reports. With significance defined at p < 0.05, associations between the symptom duration, hospitalization, and recovery time were examined using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results:The study population had a mean age of 40 years; 54% were female, and 70.3% had no previous medical history. Common complaints were fatigue (64.9%), anosmia (61.9%), joint pain (52.6%), and headache (51.8%). Hospitalization was necessary in 7.6% of patients, while 5.9% required oxygen or intubation. Most patients (92.6%) recovered in 4 months. The persistence of chest pain (χ 2, 16.225), shortness of breath (χ 2, 13.257), and lethargy (χ 2, 8.194) was significantly associated with hospitalization (p < 0.001). The persistence of the previously mentioned symptoms was significantly associated with the duration of recovery. Conclusion:This study offers valuable insights into the long-term symptoms experienced by individuals recovering from COVID-19 in the West Bank. The findings carry implications for clinicians, public health authorities, and affected individuals, highlighting the importance of integrated care strategies and sustained support throughout the postacute phase of the disease.
Background:Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is a widespread problem globally, particularly in rural areas. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of STH infection is high. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections has not diminished in spite of the nation's strict STH prevention and control measures for decants. Additionally, variables linked to the high prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections are not adequately addressed. Objective:This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of STHs among students in the Fogera district, northwest Ethiopia. Method:A cross-sectional study design was employed in two primary schools in the Fogera district in February-March 2023. The stool samples were collected from the students and examined using saline wet mount and double Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to compute the prevalence of STHs. Factors associated with hookworm and A. lumbricoides infections were analyzed by logistic regression. Variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariate logistic regression were considered significant. Results:Among 463 schoolchildren, totally, the prevalence of STHs was 25.3%. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections was 55 (11.9%) and 62 (13.4%), respectively. Mothers' lack of education (AOR = 24.99; 95% CI = 7.05-88.67; p < 0.001), fathers' lack of education (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.18-7.7; p = 0.021), school latrine nonusage at school (AOR = 4.53; 95% CI = 1.89-10.95; p < 0.001), untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 7.31; 95% CI = 2.57-20.81; p < 0.001), no handwashing after toilet use (AOR = 14.87; 95% CI = 3.97-55.75; p < 0.001), no handwashing before eating (AOR = 30.05; 95% CI = 11.05-81.74; p < 0.001), the absence of handwashing facility at home (AOR = 5.86; 95% CI = 2.19-15- 64; p < 0.001), and irregular wearing of shoes (AOR = 18.59; 95% CI = 6.89-50.13; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with STH infection. Conclusion:The prevalence of A. lumbricoides was significant. Poor implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene was a risk factor for A. lumbricoides and hookworm infection. Hence, health education on the transmission of STHs should be advocated to parents and schoolchildren.
Background:Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a global public health issue, impacting individuals physiologically, socially, and mentally. Limited studies were conducted to explore associated factors in Nepal. This study aims to assess AUD prevalence and associated factors among people attending primary healthcare services in Rupandehi, Nepal. Methods:An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 688 individuals attending primary healthcare facilities of Rupandehi district, Nepal, using multistage probability sampling technique. The study utilized validated AUD identification test (AUDIT) in its Nepali version for screening AUD. To assess relationships between dependent and independent variables, bivariate analysis was initially conducted. Variables that showed significant association with dependent variable having p value < 0.05 were then included in a multivariate logistic regression model to identify final associated factors. Results:The prevalence of AUD was 30.8% (CI: 27.4-34.4). About 62.8% are in low risk, 26.7% higher risk, 5.1% harmful and hazardous, and 5.4% in alcohol dependence. Respondents aged ≥ 50 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.26, CI: 0.11-0.61), female (AOR = 0.14, CI: 0.07-0.28), non-Hindu (AOR = 0.05, CI: 0.01-0.43), ≥ SLC education (AOR = 0.16, CI: 0.08-0.31) were negatively associated with AUD. Whereas, Newar (AOR = 4.10, CI: 1.00-16.88), rural areas (AOR = 1.57, CI: 1.02-2.42), joint family (AOR = 1.58, CI: 1.05-2.37), daily wages (AOR = 3.57, CI: 1.10-11.56), food sufficiency of 6-9 months (AOR = 1.94, CI: 1.01-3.75), habit of alcohol (AOR = 8.46, CI: 5.28-13.55) friends' history of alcohol (AOR = 2.16, CI: 1.19-3.94) and intimate partners' history of alcohol (AOR = 2.16, CI: 1.30-3.75) were positively associated with AUD. Conclusions:Nearly one-third of the respondents' experiences AUD, with factors including age, sex, ethnicity, residential status, religion, family type, education, occupation, food sufficiency from own land, personal alcohol habits, and social connections. Hence, this study recommends screening and treatment in primary healthcare, emphasizing government orientation for healthcare workers.
Oral health significantly impacts overall health, with increasing evidence linking poor oral health to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Periodontal disease, a chronic gum condition, is associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Systemic inflammation and bacterial translocation are proposed mechanisms connecting periodontal disease to pregnancy complications. Maternal immune responses may be impaired, increasing systemic inflammation, and triggering preterm labor. In addition, oral bacteria may reach the uterus, causing localized inflammation and poor outcomes. Intervention trials show mixed results—some small studies report improved birth outcomes after periodontal treatment, while larger trials show no significant effect. These discrepancies highlight the need for further research on patient subgroups, disease categories, and treatment strategies. Prenatal care should emphasize preventive dental care, including regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and treatment of periodontal disease. Addressing oral health during pregnancy can improve outcomes for both mother and child. Future studies should explore the oral-systemic connection, host susceptibility, and effective interventions for at-risk individuals. Comprehensive oral health care during pregnancy offers the potential to reduce adverse outcomes and promote better maternal and fetal health.
Background: Breast cancer remains one of the major diseases affecting women in the world. Relative to high-income settings, women in low-income settings such as Africa are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer and are more likely to die when they are affected by the disease. Apart from the negative health consequences of breast cancer, it could also reduce the labour productivity (LP) of the affected persons, at both the micro- and macrolevels. Nonetheless, empirical evidence on LP effects of breast cancer are scant and mostly focused on the microlevel and, hence, do not provide broader insights into the productivity losses associated with the disease. This study, to the best of our knowledge, therefore, provides the first cross-country macrolevel empirical evidence of the effect of breast cancer (among women) on LP in Africa. Methods: The study uses data on 47 African countries spanning the period 1992-2021. Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) associated with breast cancer in women is used as the baseline measure of breast cancer, while Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and deaths associated with the disease in women are used as robustness measures. The system Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) regression is used as the main estimation technique, while two other estimators are used for robustness purposes. Results: Our analysis reveals a negative statistically significant association between breast cancer DALYs and LP. Specifically, we find a percentage increase in breast cancer DALYs to be associated with a 0.27% and 0.87% fall in LP in the short- and long-run periods, respectively, at the 1% level of significance. The findings are robust using the other measures of breast cancer and different estimation techniques. Conclusion: There is a need to enhance measures towards breast cancer prevention and control in Africa such as timely diagnosis, all-inclusive management of breast cancer, health promotion geared towards early detection and the creation of dependable referral systems to significantly reduce its associated LP losses.
Purpose: Disparities in Global Cancer Care outcomes continue to grow between high- and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Specific competencies are required to provide effective oncologic care in low-resource settings. We assessed trainee interest and participation in global oncology and training activities at a major cancer center to determine support for future global oncology program development. Methods: An online survey was administered to trainees at MD Anderson Cancer Center in November 2020. Questions addressed interest in global health, prior experience, perceptions of mentorship and opportunities, career aspirations, and interest in participation in global oncology training. Results: Survey links were emailed to all trainees (n = 318) enrolled in oncology-related residency and fellowship training programs. Completed surveys were returned by 72 trainees (22.6%) spanning 17 programs. Thirty-three trainees expressed interest in global health, and 8 (24.2%) had previous or ongoing experience specific to global oncology. Seven (21.2%) indicated they had good access to global oncology faculty mentorship, while 26 (78.8%) indicated little to no access to mentorship. Thirty (90%) indicated that they wished to include global oncology activities in their future careers. More than half of the respondents indicated interest in participating in global oncology activities in training, including collaborative research projects with partners abroad, clinical work and education abroad, and global oncology grand rounds and journal clubs. Thirteen (39.4%) were interested in a global health track and 12 (36.4%) requested formalized coursework. Conclusions: We found significant interest in global health among trainees in oncology specialties at MD Anderson. As a result, the institution is implementing the Global Cancer Care Track for all trainees. The track includes a formalized curriculum, mentorship, research, and clinical opportunities to develop future leaders in global oncology with the goal of improving cancer care in low-resource settings.
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) links to oxidative stress in both its origin and progression. Vitamin E has the potential to be a highly effective therapeutic intervention in fighting against T2DM as it protects cells against oxidative stress. While some interventional studies have explored the effect of vitamin E on T2DM, there is a lack of cross-sectional studies globally, and none to our knowledge on the Bangladeshi population. Consequently, it is worthwhile to investigate the serum vitamin E levels in Bangladeshi T2DM patients. Methods: 94 T2DM patients and 30 healthy subjects were evaluated for their serum vitamin E concentration for a comparative cross-sectional study. Mean serum concentrations were compared between these two groups, as well as among different sex and age groups using independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA, as appropriate. Results: The serum vitamin E concentration was significantly lower in T2DM patients (mean ± standard deviation: 8.97 ± 2.99 μg/mL) than in healthy subjects (13.13 ± 2.70 μg/mL), p < 0.001. Additionally, male T2DM patients had significantly higher serum vitamin E levels compared to those in female patients (9.73 ± 3.02 μg/mL in males vs. 7.74 ± 2.53 μg/mL in females; p=0.001). The study showed a significant fall in serum vitamin E concentration with increasing age in T2DM patients (≤ 30 years: 12.7 ± 1.05 μg/mL vs. 31-50 years: 11.06 ± 2.65 μg/mL vs. 51-70 years: 8 ± 2.04 μg/mL vs. 71-90 years: 6.05 ± 0.78 μg/mL; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that lower serum vitamin E levels are significantly associated with T2DM, particularly among female and older patients, highlighting the potential relevance of antioxidant status in T2DM management.
Background: Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is essential for preventing neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. Despite global recommendations, supplementation remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries, including Guatemala, where disparities persist across regions and populations. Objective: To investigate the association between the quality of antenatal care and folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Guatemala. Design and Setting: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2014-2015 Encuesta Nacional de Salud Materno Infantil (ENSMI), part of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). A total of 9523 women aged 15-49 with children under two years were included. Folic acid supplementation was assessed through self-reported responses to survey questions. Multilevel logistic regression examined the association between antenatal care quality and folic acid supplementation, accounting for individual, household, and community-level factors. Results: Overall, 15.4% of women reported not taking folic acid during pregnancy. Lower folic acid supplementation was most notable among women who received no or inadequate antenatal care, indigenous women, and those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Women without antenatal care had 97% lower odds of folic acid supplementation compared with those with adequate care (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02-0.04, and p < 0.001), while intermediate care was associated with 41% lower odds (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47-0.74, and p < 0.001). Indigenous women had 26% lower odds of supplementation (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.86, and p < 0.001), and women in communities with high levels of no media exposure had 33% lower odds of folic acid supplementation (OR = 0.67 and 95% CI: 0.53-0.84). Conclusions: Quality antenatal care plays a critical role in improving maternal nutrition behaviors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as culturally tailored education, mass media campaigns, and improved access to antenatal careto increase folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Guatemala.
Objectives: Oral cancer (OC) poses a growing health concern in Pakistan, emerging as the second‐most diagnosed cancer in the country. The escalating incidence and mortality rates of OC place considerable strain on the health system. This study aims to delineate the factors contributing to the elevated incidence of OC in Pakistan. Methods: A hospital‐based case–control study involving 688 participants above 18 years old was conducted. Participants were evaluated for reported OC risk factors. Results: Findings indicate a heightened susceptibility among men (71.5%) to develop OC in Pakistan. Factors contributing to OC include advancing age (AOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.13–1.18, p = 0.001), low SES (61.4%), and limited education. Significant risk was associated with chewing tobacco (niswar) AOR 6.83, 95% CI 2.67–17.45, p = 0.001), areca nut (AOR 4.99, 95% CI 1.51–16.45, p = 0.001), and pan (AOR 7.90, 95% C1 3.19–19.59, p = 0.001). Parental consanguinity increased OC incidence (AOR 4.72, 95% CI 1.12–4.14, p = 0.02). Physical activity had no association with OC (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23–0.75, p = 0.004). Excessive sunlight exposure appeared to be associated with OC (AOR 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08–0.28, p ‐value: 0.001). At the same time, cigarette smoking and alcohol are not significant factors for the development of OC in Pakistan. Conclusion: The study underscores the elevated prevalence of OC among Pakistani men, attributable in part to lower literacy rates and inadequate access to healthcare facilities. The implementation of targeted prevention strategies informed by these epidemiological insights is essential for mitigating the burden of OC in the region.
Cholera continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, driven by socioeconomic disparities, poor sanitation, and environmental factors such as recurrent flooding. This narrative review examines cholera outbreaks in Nigeria, exploring epidemiological trends, socioeconomic and meteorological drivers, and advancements in diagnostic technologies. Emphasis is placed on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming cholera management through predictive modeling, early detection, and resource optimization. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), molecular diagnostics, and biosensors are highlighted as tools for enhancing surveillance and improving outbreak response. Despite these advancements, Nigeria faces significant challenges, including inadequate laboratory infrastructure, insufficient environmental monitoring, and limited access to diagnostic tools in rural areas. Recommendations include strengthening diagnostic capacity, integrating AI-driven tools, and implementing proactive environmental surveillance. The manuscript underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among federal and state health agencies, international partners, and local communities to address the persistent cholera burden. By leveraging these strategies, Nigeria can improve its outbreak preparedness and mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with cholera. This review provides actionable insights for public health interventions and policy-making, offering a forward-looking perspective on combating cholera through innovation and collaboration.
Clade 1b of the MPox virus has emerged as a highly virulent strain, causing significant public health challenges globally. Initially endemic to Central Africa, this strain has spread to nonendemic regions, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. With its high transmission rate and severe outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations like children, Clade 1b has raised global concerns. The Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared it a public health emergency of international concern. Clade 1b MPox shows a higher case fatality rate and increased transmissibility compared to other strains. It has moved beyond traditional zoonotic transmission to widespread human-to-human transmission. The variant’s spread to countries such as Sweden and Thailand demonstrates its global reach. Public health efforts, including cross-border coordination, rapid response teams, and awareness campaigns, have been essential in containing the outbreaks. However, barriers such as limited resources, vaccine shortages, and logistical challenges in conflict-affected areas have hindered effective control, particularly in low-resource regions. The spread and severity of Clade 1b MPox highlight the need for global cooperation to strengthen surveillance, improve diagnostic capabilities, and expand healthcare infrastructure in affected areas. Enhancing access to vaccines and treatments, along with educating the public on preventive measures, will be key to controlling transmission. Ongoing research and monitoring are essential to mitigate future outbreaks and minimize the virus’s global impact.
Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that has a propensity for infecting epithelial cells and the respiratory system. The two important proteins, structural and nonstructural proteins, make the architecture of this virus. Aim: This research aimed at studying significant mutations in spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs) and finding shared mutations among omicron and other four variants (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). The purpose of this study was to draw structural comparisons between wild type and mutant proteins, followed by identifying potent inhibitors (ligand) that could be used against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its latest omicron VoC. Methodology: In this research, we had studied 16 major mutations as well as shared mutations (6) present in spike region of SARS-CoV-2. Subsequently, we determined the structure of the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 protein from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) with the ID 7R4I. Furthermore, the structure of the mutant protein of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant was modeled in SWISS-MODEL. The ligand dataset for spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was also collected from literature and different databases. Both wild type and mutant proteins were docked with ligand database in Molecular Operating Environment (MOE). The docking analysis was performed, and two best ligand molecules, AZ_2 and AZ_13, were finalized based on their energy values, interactions, and docking scores to be used against our wild and mutant proteins. Results: AZ_2 demonstrated a docking score of -6.1753 in MOE, with energy values of -4.3889 and -6.1753. It formed key hydrogen bond interactions. AZ_13 showed a docking score of -5.9, with energy values of -9.3 and -5.9, forming hydrogen donor and acceptor interactions with Asp950 (3.06 Å), Ile312 (3.13 Å), and Glu309 (3.27 Å). These interactions suggest strong binding affinity and potential efficacy. Thus, present research work emphasized on identification of significant mutations and finding a potent target-based drug against SARS-CoV-2 and its omicron variant. Outcomes: Based on this computational analysis performed, it is suggested that proposed compound can be used as remedy against SARS-CoV-2 and its omicron variant.
