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Background Air quality health index (AQHI) is derived from exposure-response coefficients calculated from air pollution and morbidity/mortality time series, which helps to understand the overall short-term health impacts of air pollution. Objective To study the effects of common air pollutants on respiratory diseases in Urumqi and to develop an AQHI for the risk of respiratory diseases in the city. Methods The daily outpatient volume data of respiratory diseases from The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, meteorological data (daily mean temperature and daily mean relative humidity), and air pollutants [fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO), and ozone (O3)] in Urumqi City, Xinjiang, China were collected from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. A distributed lag nonlinear model based on quasi-Poisson distribution was constructed by time-stratified case crossover design. Adopting zero concentration of air pollutants as reference, the exposure-response coefficient (β value) was used to quantify the impact of included air pollutants on the risk of seeking medical treatment for respiratory diseases, and the AQHI was established. The association of between AQHI and the incidence of respiratory diseases and between air quality index (AQI) and the incidence of respiratory diseases was compared to evaluate the prediction effect of AQHI. Results Each 10 µg·m−3 increase in PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 concentrations presented the highest excess risk of seeking outpatient services at 3 d cumulative lag (Lag03) and 2d cumulative lag (Lag02), with increased risks of morbidity of 0.687% (95%CI: 0.101%, 1.276%), 17.609% (95%CI: 3.253%, 33.961%), 13.344% (95%CI: 8.619%, 18.275%), and 4.921% (95%CI: 1.401%, 8.502%), respectively. There was no statistically significant PM2.5 or CO lag effect. An AQHI was constructed based on a model containing PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3, and the results showed that the excess risk of respiratory disease consultation for the whole population, different genders, ages, or seasons for each inter-quartile range increase in the AQHI was higher than the corresponding value of AQI. Conclusion PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 impact the number of outpatient visits for respiratory diseases in Urumqi, and the constructed AQHI for the risk of respiratory diseases in Urumqi outperforms the AQI in predicting the effect of air pollution on respiratory health.
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Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p<0.05) variation was found in the concentration of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas, and industries studied. The concentration of PM2.5 was positively correlated with the concentration of PM10 in all the sampling sites. Therefore, from 1-14 scale standard of health index, the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited that the ambient air quality of Haripur city Pakistan is under high risk. If the regulatory authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency, Health Department and Local Government monitor PM pollution in different settings of Haripur city, then a decrease can be possible in the pollution level. The remedies that can be taken to overcome the problem of ambient air pollution such as PM are plantation of trees at the sites where there are higher levels of air pollutants and use of masks on personal protection basis along with implementation of pollution control system in industries of Hattar Industrial Estate Haripur city, Pakistan.
O material particulado (MP) é um importante poluente do ar que causa sérios problemas de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a concentração de MP no ar ambiente e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão. Vinte e três amostras foram coletadas em várias instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias na cidade de Haripur. A concentração de MP2,5 (µg/m3) e MP10 (µg/m3) foi medida por meio do contador de MP portátil Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A. Os resultados revelaram que os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 estavam acima dos limites permitidos (35 µg/m3 para MP2,5 e 150 µg/m3 para MP10) estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental do Paquistão (Pak-EPA) em todas as instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias investigadas. Além disso, foi encontrada variação significativa (p < 0,05) na concentração de MP2,5 e MP10 em todos os locais estudados. A concentração de MP2,5 correlacionou-se positivamente com a concentração de MP10 em todos os locais de amostragem. Portanto, a partir da escala padrão 1-14 do índice de saúde, os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 mostraram que a qualidade do ar ambiente na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão, está sob alto risco. Se as autoridades reguladoras, como a Pak-EPA, o Departamento de Saúde e o governo local, monitorarem a poluição por MP em diferentes configurações da cidade de Haripur, pode ser que haja uma diminuição no nível de poluição. As medidas que podem ser tomadas para superar o problema da poluição do ar ambiente, como o MP, são o plantio de árvores nos locais onde há maiores níveis de poluentes atmosféricos, o uso de máscaras e a implantação de sistema de controle de poluição nas propriedades industriais de Hattar, na cidade Haripur, Paquistão.
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Risco à Saúde Humana , Poluentes Atmosféricos , Poluição do Ar , Material Particulado , PaquistãoRESUMO
Abstract Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p 0.05) variation was found in the concentration of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas, and industries studied. The concentration of PM2.5 was positively correlated with the concentration of PM10 in all the sampling sites. Therefore, from 1-14 scale standard of health index, the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited that the ambient air quality of Haripur city Pakistan is under high risk. If the regulatory authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency, Health Department and Local Government monitor PM pollution in different settings of Haripur city, then a decrease can be possible in the pollution level. The remedies that can be taken to overcome the problem of ambient air pollution such as PM are plantation of trees at the sites where there are higher levels of air pollutants and use of masks on personal protection basis along with implementation of pollution control system in industries of Hattar Industrial Estate Haripur city, Pakistan.
Resumo O material particulado (MP) é um importante poluente do ar que causa sérios problemas de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a concentração de MP no ar ambiente e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão. Vinte e três amostras foram coletadas em várias instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias na cidade de Haripur. A concentração de MP2,5 (µg/m3) e MP10 (µg/m3) foi medida por meio do contador de MP portátil Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A. Os resultados revelaram que os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 estavam acima dos limites permitidos (35 µg/m3 para MP2,5 e 150 µg/m3 para MP10) estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental do Paquistão (Pak-EPA) em todas as instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias investigadas. Além disso, foi encontrada variação significativa (p 0,05) na concentração de MP2,5 e MP10 em todos os locais estudados. A concentração de MP2,5 correlacionou-se positivamente com a concentração de MP10 em todos os locais de amostragem. Portanto, a partir da escala padrão 1-14 do índice de saúde, os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 mostraram que a qualidade do ar ambiente na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão, está sob alto risco. Se as autoridades reguladoras, como a Pak-EPA, o Departamento de Saúde e o governo local, monitorarem a poluição por MP em diferentes configurações da cidade de Haripur, pode ser que haja uma diminuição no nível de poluição. As medidas que podem ser tomadas para superar o problema da poluição do ar ambiente, como o MP, são o plantio de árvores nos locais onde há maiores níveis de poluentes atmosféricos, o uso de máscaras e a implantação de sistema de controle de poluição nas propriedades industriais de Hattar, na cidade Haripur, Paquistão.
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Abstract Introduction Appropriate quality and quantity of sleep are critical for good mental health, optimal body functioning, memory consolidation, and other cognitive processes. Objectives To evaluate the sleeping patterns of medical students in Saudi Arabia and their relationships with psychological distress. Methods This was a cross-sectional, self-administered, questionnaire-based study. The study included medical students from a university in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were used to evaluate the prevalence and burden of inadequate sleep quality and insomnia in the participants. Results The majority of the participants was women (76.6%). Furthermore, most participants (96.2%) were aged between 18 and 24 years old, while 54.4% of the participants were in their senior year. According to the AIS scores (mean: 15.85 ± 4.52), 98.7% of the participants exhibited insomnia symptoms. The PSQI scores (mean: 9.53 ± 5.67) revealed that 70.5% of the participants had poor sleep quality. Students in their fundamental and junior years had significantly higher percentages of insomnia symptoms and poor sleep quality compared with students in their senior years. Conclusion The prevalence of insomnia and poor sleep quality is high among medical students. Therefore, appropriate strategies for early detection and intervention are warranted.
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ABSTRACT Objective: Sleep quality in those with cardiovascular disease is significantly lower than in the general population. This study aimed to explore the effect of transcatheter or surgical closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) on sleep quality. Methods: One hundred nineteen adult patients with ASD who underwent transcatheter or surgical closure were included in the study. Sleep quality was investigated prospectively just before defect closure and six months after defect closure. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality of these patients. Results: PSQI scores were similar in both groups before the procedure in patients who underwent both transcatheter and surgical closure. The PSQI scores six months after transcatheter closure was significantly improved compared to the PSQI score before transcatheter ASD closure (3.5 ± 2.0 vs. 6.9 ± 3.4, respectively; P<0.001). The PSQI scores six months after surgical ASD closure was significantly improved compared to the PSQI score before surgical closure (4.8 ± 2.1 vs. 7.1 ± 2.0, respectively; P<0.001). Total PSQI scores were also statistically different at six months after transcatheter and surgical closure (3.5 ± 2.0 vs. 4.8 ± 2.1, P=0.014). However, six months after both transcatheter and surgical closure, PSQI scores were significantly decreased in both groups which was more pronounced in patients who underwent transcatheter closure. Conclusion: Transcatheter or surgical closure of the defect may be beneficial in improving the sleep quality of adult patients with ASD. Delayed improvement of sleep quality after surgical closure may be an important advantage for transcatheter closure.
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Background: Continuous and long-term exposure to the screens of electronic devices, especially smartphones, cell phones, and tablets, is associated with poor quality of sleep. Aim and Objectives: The study was undertaken to correlate screen time exposure and the quality of sleep in undergraduate medical students and to find out the effects of increased screen time exposure on the health of students. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 200 undergraduate medical students at Smt. B. K. Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat with the help of an online pre-validated questionnaire constructed on Google Form after obtaining ethical approval. The questionnaire was comprised demographic profiles, screen time exposure, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) statements. Data were entered into an Microsoft Excel sheet. For the descriptive statistical part, means, standard deviations, and frequency tables were used. A Chi-square test was applied to detect the strength of the association. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of increased screen time among the study population was found 79%. The prevalence of PSQI scores >5 observed in the present study was 73%. There was a significant association observed between increased screen time exposure and PSQI score >5. Conclusion: Increased screen time was significantly associated with poor sleep quality. The most common effect of increased screen time exposure among students found was a headache.
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Objective:To observe the effect of combined acupuncture and medication on hyperarousal state and serum copeptin(CPT)in patients with chronic insomnia(CI),and to explore its possible mechanism of action.Methods:A total of 70 CI patients meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was given estazolam tablets before bedtime,1 mg/time,once a day.The observation group was treated with additional Yi Nao An Shen acupuncture therapy(acupuncture for benefiting the brain and tranquillization)on the basis of the medication treatment,4 times a week.After 4 weeks of treatment,the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score,insomnia severity index(ISI)score,pre-sleep arousal scale(PSAS)score,hyperarousal scale(HAS)score,and the change in serum CPT level were compared between the two groups.Results:During the study,there were 2 dropout cases in the observation group and 1 dropout case in the control group.After treatment,the PSQI,ISI,PSAS,and HAS scores and the serum CPT level in both groups decreased compared with the same group before treatment,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,changes in each above scale score and the serum CPT level in the observation group were much more significant and were statistically different from those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture plus medication can improve sleep quality,reduce the degree of insomnia,and regulate hyperarousal state in patients with CI,and its mechanism of action may be related to the down-regulation of serum CPT level.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with music biofeedback on insomnia.Methods:Sixty patients with insomnia who received treatment in Outpatient Department of Seventh People's Hospital of Dongyang from January to August 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into an observation group ( n = 30) and a control group ( n = 30) using the random number table. The control group was given music biofeedback therapy and conventional drug treatment, and the observation group was treated with rTMS based on music biofeedback therapy. The changes in polysomnography sleep structure and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score after 1 month of treatment relative to before treatment were determined in each group. Results:After 1 month of treatment, the total sleep time, sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, non-REM sleep phase II (N2%) and non-REM sleep phase III (N3%) in the observation group were (419.87 ± 42.63) minutes, (83.69 ± 13.39)%, (25.27 ± 3.26)%, (53.75 ± 11.36)% and (16.27 ± 2.25)%, respectively, and they were (388.74 ± 40.39) minutes, (76.38 ± 13.17)%, (23.16 ± 2.68)%, (51.62 ± 12.27)%, and (14.36 ± 2.21)%, respectively. There were significant differences in these indices between the two groups ( t = -2.90, -2.13, -2.22, -2.26, -3.31, P = 0.005, 0.037, 0.030, 0.027, 0.002). The sleep latency, actual wake time, numbet of awakenings, non-REM sleep phase I (N1%), and total score of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in the observation group were (24.16 ± 7.82) minutes, (23.18 ± 6.95) minutes, (1.76 ± 0.28) times, (9.74 ± 2.12)%, (9.17 ± 1.56) minutes, respectively. They were (28.35 ± 7.74) minutes, (28.36 ± 7.21) minutes, (2.25 ± 0.79) times, (11.12 ± 1.17)%, and (10.26 ± 1.42) minutes, respectively in the control group. There were significant differences in these indices between the two groups ( t = 2.09, 2.83, 3.20, 3.12, 2.83, P = 0.041, 0.006, 0.002, 0.003, 0.038). Conclusion:rTMS combined with music biofeedback for the treatment of insomnia can effectively improve sleep quality in patients with insomnia.
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OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of Tiaoshen (regulating the spirit) acupuncture on cognitive function and sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia (PI).@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with PI were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off, 1 case was excluded). The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Benshen (GB 13), Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The patients in the control group were treated with shallow needling at non-effective points. Each treatment was provided for 30 min, once every other day, 3 treatments per week for 4 weeks. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), digit span test (DST), trail making test (TMT)-A, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) were used to assess cognitive function and sleep quality before and after treatment, as well as in follow-up of 4-week after treatment completion. Correlation analysis was conducted between the differences in PSQI scores and differences in MoCA scores before and after treatment in the observation group.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, the total score, visuospatial and executive function score and delayed memory score of MoCA as well as DST backward score were increased (P<0.01), while TMT-A time, PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly reduced (P<0.01) after treatment and in follow-up in the observation group. Compared with before treatment, the PSQI score in the control group was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and in follow-up, the observation group had significantly higher total score, visuospatial and executive function score, delayed memory score of MoCA, and DST backward score compared to the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the observation group, the TMT-A time was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). In the observation group, there was a negative correlation between the difference in PSQI scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.481, P<0.01). A similar negative correlation was found between the difference in PSQI scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.282, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Tiaoshen acupuncture could improve cognitive function, enhance sleep quality, and alleviate daytime fatigue in patients with PI. The improvement in cognitive function in patients with PI is correlated with the improvement in sleep quality.
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Humanos , Projetos Piloto , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/terapia , Terapia por Acupuntura , Cognição , FadigaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of Bushen Anshen acupuncture (acupuncture for tonifying kidney and calming spirit ) in treating perimenopausal insomnia (PMI) of kidney-yin deficiency.@*METHODS@#A total of 72 patients with PMI of kidney-yin deficiency were randomized into an observation group (36 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (36 cases, 1 case dropped off). Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20) and bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), Taixi (KI 3), Anmian (Extra) in the observation group, while sham acupuncture of shallow needling at non-acupoints was applied in the control group. The treatment was required once every other day, 3 times a week for 10 times in the two groups. Before and after treatment, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to evaluate the subjective sleep quality, and polysomnography (PSG) was used to monitor the objective sleep quality in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, hypnotic, daytime dysfunction and total score of PSQI were decreased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01), the scores of sleep duration, sleep efficiency and total score of PSQI were decreased compared with those before treatment in the control group (P<0.05); the scores of sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, hypnotic and total score of PSQI in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the sleep time was prolonged, the sleep efficiency was improved, the sleep latency and the awake time after falling asleep were shortened, the arousal awake index was reduced (P<0.01) when PSG indexes were monitored, and the percentage of non-rapid eye movement sleep period 1 (N1%) was decreased while the percentage of non-rapid eye movement sleep period 3 (N3%) was increased (P<0.05) compared with those before treatment in the observation group; there was no statistical difference in the PSG indexes compared with those before treatment in the control group (P>0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the sleep time was prolonged, the sleep efficiency was improved, the sleep latency and the awake time after falling asleep were shortened, the arousal awake index and N1% were decreased in the observation group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Bushen Anshen acupuncture can effectively improve the subjective and objective sleep quality in PMI patients of kidney-yin deficiency.
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Humanos , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/terapia , Perimenopausa , Deficiência da Energia Yin , Terapia por Acupuntura , Rim , Hipnóticos e SedativosRESUMO
AIM: To study the correlation between meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)patients and their sleep quality.METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. A total of 150 MGD patients treated in our hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were selected and divided into sleep disorder group(75 cases, PSQI>10 points)and control group(75 cases, PSQI≤10 points)according to the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI). Both groups were scored using the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), underwent meibomian gland-related examinations(eyelid margin morphology, meibomian gland secretion ability, meibomian gland secretion quality score), corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score, Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt), tear film break-up time(BUT)was measured, and sleep indicators(sleep quality, sleep latency, subjective sleep quality, sleep time)were evaluated.RESULTS: There were significant differences in OSDI score, FL score, SⅠt, BUT, eyelid margin morphology score, meibomian gland secretion ability score, and meibomian gland secretion quality score between the two groups(P<0.05). In the sleep disorder group, PSQI score, sleep latency score, subjective sleep quality score, and sleep time score were significantly positively correlated with OSDI score, FL score, meibomian gland secretion ability score, and meibomian gland secretion quality score(P<0.05); PSQI score, subjective sleep quality score, and sleep time score were significantly positively correlated with eyelid margin morphology score(P<0.05); PSQI score, sleep latency score, and subjective sleep quality score were significantly negatively correlated with BUT and SⅠt(P<0.05); sleep time score was significantly negatively correlated with BUT(P<0.05); sleep latency score was not significantly correlated with eyelid margin morphology score(P>0.05); sleep time score was not significantly correlated with SⅠt(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:The ocular surface condition of MGD patients is correlated with multiple sleep quality indicators, and a decline in sleep quality may increase the risk of MGD.
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Introduction@#Movement restrictions and changes in medical education around the world due to the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic have been sources of stress, which affect sleep and compound the demands of medical education. In the Philippines, stay-at-home orders were implemented in the National Capital Region on 15 March 2020, and despite various readjustments and re-definitions, remain in effect to date, March 2022. Objectives. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the sleep quality and daytime sleepiness of Filipino medical students during prolonged stay-at-home orders, to compare them with pre-pandemic evaluations, and to explore associations between scores and participant characteristics.@*Methods@#The medical student population of a state-run university in the City of Manila was included, while those on a leave of absence were excluded. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index which measure excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep quality, respectively, were disseminated via Google Forms from April to May 2021. @*Results@#Response rate was 87.75% (n=709) with a mean age of 22.9 ± 2.0 years and a 1:1.09 male-to-female ratio. Among the respondents, 41.18% had excessive daytime sleepiness, and was significantly higher for first-year premedicine students. Compared to pre-pandemic scores, daytime sleepiness decreased during the pandemic. On the other hand, 62.34% of the respondents had poor sleep quality, with global scores being significantly higher for the first-year pre-medicine students. Relationships between participants' characteristics and their scores were extremely weak, while a moderately significant correlation existed between global daytime sleepiness and sleep quality scores.@*Conclusion@#Both excessive daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality remain prevalent during prolonged stay-athome orders. These reflect the effect of the pandemic on stress inherent to medical education, and may be additional facets to be regarded in evaluating the general well-being of medical students.
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SARS-CoV-2RESUMO
Background Few studies have investigated the association between air pollution and arterial stiffness in Chinese population, and the findings are inconsistent. The problem of multicollinearity exists when modeling multiple air pollutants simultaneously. Objective To investigate potential association between air quality index (AQI) and population brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Beijing. Methods This study retrieved medical examination data of 2971 participants from the Beijing Health Management Cohort, who were under 60 years old and not yet retired, from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. The most recent medical examination data available were utilized for this analysis. AQI data from 35 air pollution monitoring sites in Beijing and meteorological data (including atmospheric pressure, air temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity) from 16 meteorological monitoring stations from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 were collected. An average AQI exposure level for 365 d before the date of physical examination for each participant was computed using inverse distance weighting. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between AQI and baPWV in Beijing, after adjusting for confounding variables including age, gender, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, medication history of diabetes, medication history of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, education, smoking status, drinking status, and physical activity intensity. Subgroup analysis was performed by age, sex, presence of diabetes, and presence of hypertension. Results AQI demonstrated an overall decreasing trend during the study period and was lower in the northern regions and higher in the southern regions of Beijing. After adjusting the confounding variables, each 10 unit increase in AQI was associated with 6.18 (95%CI: 1.25, 11.10) cm·s−1 increase in baPWV in all participants, 8.05 (95%CI: 2.32, 13.79) cm·s−1 increase in the participants <50 years, 15.82 (95%CI: 8.33, 23.31) cm·s−1 increase in the female group, 10.10 (95%CI: 4.66, 15.55) cm·s−1 increase in the participants without diabetes, and 9.41 (95%CI: 4.21, 14.62) cm·s−1 increase in the participants without hypertension. However, there was no statistically significant association observed between AQI and baPWV in the age group ≥50 years, the male group, the diabetic group, and the hypertensive group (P>0.05). Conclusion An increase in long-term AQI levels is associated with an elevation in the degree of arterial stiffness. Individuals under 50 years old, females, without hypertension or diabetes are susceptible populations to arterial stiffness when being exposed to air pollution. Improving air quality may contribute to prevent arterial stiffness.
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Objective@#To examine the impact of heat waves and cold spells on the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke, so as to provide insights into prevention of hemorrhagic stroke.@*Methods@#Data pertaining to the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in Zibo City from 2015 to 2019 were collected from Shandong Provincial Management Information System for Chronic Diseases and Cause of Death Surveillance, and the meteorological data during the period from 2015 to 2019 were captured from National Meteorological Information Center of China. The air quality index (AQI) was collected from the National Daily Report of Urban Air Quality in China. Heat wave was defined as the highest daily temperature that was no less than the 90th percentile (P90), P92.5, P95 and P97.5 of the highest daily temperature in the warm season for at least 2, 3 or 4 days, and cold spell was defined as the lowest daily temperature that was no more than the P10, P7.5, P5 and P2.5 of the lowest daily temperature in the cold season for at least 2, 3 or 4 days. The effect of heat waves and cold spells on the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was evaluated using a generalized additive model and described with relative risk (RR) and its 95%CI.@*Results@#A total of 8 844 case with first-onset hemorrhagic stroke were recorded in Zibo City from 2015 to 2019. The lowest daily temperature that was no more than P10, P7.5 or P5 of the lowest daily temperature in the cold season for at least two days, or that was no more than P10 or P7.5 of the lowest daily temperature for at least 3 days resulted a remarkably increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (lowest RR=1.187, 95%CI: 1.031-1.366; highest RR=1.242, 95%CI: 1.042-1.480), and after adjusting the effect of daily mean temperature, the lowest daily temperature that was no more than P10 or P7.5 of the lowest daily temperature in the cold season for at least two days, or that was no more than P10 of the lowest daily temperature for at least 3 days resulted a remarkably increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (lowest RR=1.236, 95%CI: 1.009-1.513; highest RR=1.274, 95%CI: 1.023-1.585). However, there was no significant association between heat waves and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.@*Conclusion@#Cold spells may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, while no significant association is examined between heat waves and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
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@#Introduction: Poor sleep quality is frequently related to poor mental health and is a common medical disorder. It may differ by population, but limited studies have been done in Malaysia. This study was conducted to measure the prevalence of poor sleep quality among academic staff at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar Campus. Methods: In total, 344 randomly selected academic staff were approached to answer the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Results: Unexpectedly, 42.7 % of them were affected by poor sleep quality (global PSQI score >5). The average actual sleep duration was recorded at 6.68 hours. Age and global PSQI scores were not significantly correlated. Female staff had poorer subjective sleep quality (P= 0.027). The elder age group (P= 0.012) and associate professors and professors (P= 0.006) consumed more sleep medications. Non-Ph.D. holders had poorer subjective sleep quality (P= 0.008) and sleep latency (P= 0.032) as well as global PSQI score (P= 0.045) compared to Ph.D. holders. Conclusion: Prevalence of poor sleep quality was higher than expected among academic staff. This may affect workplace functioning and burden the staff with more health issues related to poor sleep quality.
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Introduction: The Postgraduate medical training is long and emotionally taxing. These occupations are associated with stress and good workload along with night shifts which effects the sleep quality. Studies have documented that high levels of stress among medical residents have been associated with sleep problems. Our study aims to investigate sleep quality among the postgraduate residents of a tertiary care hospital using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Material and Methods: It was a cross sectional study that was conducted from 1 November 2021 to 31 December 2021. Study participants included Postgraduate medical residents working at a tertiary care hospital in district Srinagar of Kashmir valley. A total of 400 participants took part in the study. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.4 years (S.D 4.9). Majority of the participants (54%) were females. The mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (±SD) for sleep quality was 8.46 (±4.5) with a median score of 6 and Inter Quartile Range of 6.5. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality was reported in 75% of the residents. This highlights the need for awareness about this problem. There is a need for early interventions in order to introduce flexible working hours for medical residents and to provide shifts of manageable durations.
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El cultivo de cacao en el trópico peruano presenta bajos rendimientos, lo que exige buscar alternativas para aumentar la producción. Frente a esta situación, los estudios geoespaciales facilitan el diagnóstico de fertilidad y la aplicación de planes de fertilización. Por lo tanto, se evaluó la distribución espacial de indicadores fisicoquímicos y calidad del suelo en Padre Abad, región Ucayali, Perú. Se evaluaron indicadores fisicoquímicos y la calidad del suelo y se sometieron al análisis geoestadístico, a través del interpolador Kriging, encontrándose coeficientes de variación bajos para arcilla, pH y potasio K y medios para arena, limo, materia orgánica (MO), nitrógeno (N), fósforo (P), potasio (K+), calcio (Ca2+), magnesio (Mg2+), aluminio (Al3+), capacidad de intercambio de cationes (CIC), saturación de bases (SB), acidez cambiable (AC) y saturación de aluminio (SAl). La calidad del suelo varió entre baja a muy baja, con una distribución espacial de 52,24 y 47,76 %. El análisis de componentes principales encontró significancia para arena, limo, MO, N, K+, Al3+, CIC, %AC, %BC y %SAl, todos presentan variación espacial, según su nivel de fertilidad, excepto K+. Los modelos de interpolación con mejores ajustes fue el exponencial y lineal con dependencia espacial fuerte para arena, limo y K, moderada para MO, N, Al, CIC, %SAl e índice de calidad del suelo y débil para %BC y %AC, con una eficiencia de predicción confiable. Se encontró alta variabilidad espacial con valores medios de los diferentes indicadores de fertilidad bajos, no favorables para el desarrollo del cultivo de cacao.
Cocoa cultivation in the Peruvian tropics has low yields, which requires seeking alternatives to increase the production. Faced with this situation, geospatial studies facilitate the diagnosis of fertility and the efficient application of fertilization plans. Therefore, the spatial distribution of physicochemical indicators and soil quality in Padre Abad, Ucayali region, Peru were evaluated. Physicochemical indicators and soil quality were evaluated and subjected to geostatistical analysis through the Kriging interpolator, finding low coefficients of variation for clay, pH and potassium (K+), and medium for sand, silt, organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), aluminum (Al3+), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (BS), exchangeable acid (EA) and aluminum saturation (AlS). Soil quality ranged from low to very low quality with a spatial distribution of 52.24 % and 47.76 % respectively. Principal component analysis found significance for sand, silt, OM, N, K+, Al3+, CEC, %EC, %BS and %AlS, all showing spatial variation according to their fertility level, except K+. The interpolation models with best fits were the exponential and linear with strong spatial dependence for sand, silt and K, moderate for MO, N, Al, CEC, %AlS and soil quality index (SQI), and weak for %BS and %EC, with reliable prediction efficiency. The research found high spatial variability with low mean values of the different fertility indicators, not favorable for cocoa crop development.
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Introduction: The basic requirements for human survival include air, food, and water; a decrease in quality of which has a deep impact on health. An increase in population with increasing globalization, industrialization, and increased energy demand has led to increased air pollution in cities world over. Multiple national programs to improve air quality have been unsuccessful. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-led lockdown is a large-scale experiment that is unprecedented and could not have been done at regular times. Indirect effects include cutting down emissions from industries, vehicles, and diesel generators. Materials and methods: In this ambispective observational study, we compared the air quality index (AQI) and levels of other pollutants in the two cities of Delhi and Kanpur during the period of the lockdown, the same period during the preceding year, and during the rainy season. Results: It was observed that the cities of India with notoriously polluted air, i.e., Delhi and Kanpur, had unprecedented improvement in air quality during lockdown (Delhi, AQI: 86.91 � 32.38 vs 249.36 � 60.25 and Kanpur, AQI: 81.60 � 38.54 vs 137.06 � 46.74). The improvement was even better than the preceding year's monsoon for Delhi. The AQI was comparable in both cities during the lockdown. Conclusion: The AQI was falling in the 搒atisfactory� range in both Delhi and Kanpur during the lockdown. This may, in turn, favorably unfold a reduction in the incidence, progression, and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses. This is an eye-opening change and calls for urgent action to maintain the same. Timely and well-framed steps should be sought; a revolutionary carbon-free and green energy economic model is much needed. Most air pollution is preventable and can be managed by humans if a stringent action plan is rolled out and implemented sternly by government agencies.
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Background: Intractable COVID-19 outbreak has placed extraordinary demands on health-care systems worldwide. Increased workload, inadequate personal equipment, nosocomial transmission, and the need to make ethically difficult decisions on the rationing of care may have dramatic effects on their physical and mental well-being. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are, therefore, especially vulnerable to mental health problems. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the quality of sleep in medical HCWs during COVID-19 pandemic and to assess its relation with demographic variables. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using anonymized and self-reported questionnaire survey which includes sociodemographic characteristics and Pitsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed by participant on their own smartphone. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 208 respondents who served in COVID-19 pandemic, 137 were having poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5). It has been observed that 20–40 years age group was more affected than 40–60 years group. Nurses were more affected than doctors and technicians. Conclusion: During COVID-19 pandemic, medical healthcare workers had poor sleep quality due to stress of workload and social pressure. This can lead to physical or psychological health problems in the future. Further interventions should be administrated for them, aiming to maintain their health.
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Background: Lesions on the external genitalia could be venereal or non-venereal. Non-venereal genital dermatoses are common and may cause considerable anxiety to patients, particularly if noticed after sexual intercourse. However, this aspect has not been studied much till now. Objectives: Our study proposes to describe the profile of non-venereal genital dermatoses and determine their impact on quality of life both social and sexual, using the dermatology life quality index questionnaire. Methods: We recruited patients aged 18 years and above, who were diagnosed to have non-venereal genital dermatoses during the study period. A detailed history was obtained and clinical examination done with relevant investigations when necessary. The dermatology life quality index was assessed and graded in all patients using Finlay dermatology life quality index questionnaire. Results: A total of 293 patients with non-venereal genital dermatoses were seen and 25 different dermatoses were observed. Men 242(82.6%) outnumbered women. The commonest age group affected was 31–50 years 144(50%). Chronic inflammatory dermatoses 135(41.6%) constituted the majority of cases. Scrotal dermatitis 46(15.7%), lichen simplex chronicus 37(12.6%), vitiligo 31(10.6%) were seen most frequently. In the study group, 111(37.9%) patients had moderate and 133(45.4%) had large impact on the quality of life. Erectile dysfunction was seen in 48(19.8%) men and 9(3.7%) had premature ejaculation. A significant effect on dermatology life quality index was found with increasing age (P = 0.007), positive marital status (P = 0.006), history of unprotected sex (P < 0.001), history of recurrences (P = 0.002) and venereophobia. (P = 0.008). Limitations: The number of women in the study group was less compared to men and we could not ascertain the type of sexual dysfunction in them. Conclusion: Non-venereal genital dermatoses are common, more so among men. They have a significant impact on the quality of life of the individual. Recognizing and addressing this problem will help in managing these patients effectively.