The Prevalence, Awareness, and Associated Risk Factors of Inguinal Hernia Among the Adult Population in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: Inguinal hernias lead to several potentially fatal complications such as strangulation. Assessing the prevalence, risk factors, and beliefs of a population is essential to develop appropriate preventive strategies. This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and awareness of inguinal hernia in the adult population of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 461 adults aged between 18 and 60 years after excluding those aged <18 and >60 years. This study was conducted in five regions of Saudi Arabia (north, west, central, south, and east). A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on the prevalence, perception, and awareness of the participants. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for inguinal hernia. RESULTS: The study revealed that most participants were men n=262 (56.8%), aged between 18 and 25 years n=241 (52.3%), were single n=278 (60.3%), had a bachelor's degree n=225 (48.8%) and earned less than 50,000 Saudi Riyals annually n=285 (61.8%). Most participants resided in urban areas n=366 (79.4%) with their parents n=230 (49.9%). The prevalence of inguinal hernias in adults was low (5.2%). Our results indicated a significant association between family history of inguinal hernia, chronic cough, bronchial asthma, smoking, and inguinal hernia (p < 0.001). Young adults and undergraduates displayed significantly low awareness of inguinal hernias (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Family history of inguinal hernia, chronic cough, bronchial asthma, and smoking were factors associated with inguinal hernia. Low awareness levels were observed among young undergraduates, with a moderate overall level of awareness.

Pathogenesis of uterine fibroids: current understanding and future directions.

Fibroids are benign uterine tumors characterized by the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells, embedded in an abundant extracellular matrix. Their prevalence is estimated to be >50% in women aged >45 years. Fibroids represent a considerable health burden. It is time to acquire a deeper mechanistic understanding of uterine fibroid-related etiology and pathogenesis, which may help pinpoint new strategies and an individualized approach. There is a need to gather prospective data and conduct studies to compare alternative approaches and assess long-term outcomes with respect to quality of life, recurrence of symptoms (bleeding and bulk symptoms), fertility, and even complications The goal of this review was to evaluate the widely accepted pathogenesis and identify risks factors and future directions for clinical and basic research into fibroids.

Risk factors associated with neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.

Globally, several children die shortly after birth and many more of them within the first 28 days of life. Sub-Sharan Africa accounts for almost half (43%) of the global neonatal death with slow progress in reduction. These neonatal deaths are associated with lack of quality care at or immediately after birth and in the first 28 days of life. This study aimed to determine the trends and risk factors of facility-based neonatal mortality in a major referral hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. We conducted retrospective analysis involving all neonates admitted in the University Teaching Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (UTH-NICU) in Lusaka from January 2018 to December 2019 (N = 2340). We determined the trends and assessed the factors associated with facility-based neonatal mortality using Generalized Linear Models (GLM) with a Poisson distribution and log link function. Overall, the facility-based neonatal mortality was 40.2% (95% CI 38.0-42.0) per 1000 live births for the 2-year period with a slight decline in mortality rate from 42.9% (95% CI 40.0-46.0) in 2018 to 37.3% (95% CI 35.0-40.0) in 2019. In a final multivariable model, home delivery (ARR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.46-1.96), preterm birth (ARR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.36-1.85), congenital anomalies (ARR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.34-1.88), low birthweight (ARR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.37-1.79), and health centre delivery (ARR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.25-1.75) were independently associated with increase in facility-based neonatal mortality. Conversely, hypothermia (ARR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.22-0.60), antenatal attendance (ARR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.85), and 1-day increase in neonatal age (ARR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97) were independently associated with reduction in facility-based neonatal mortality. In this hospital-based study, neonatal mortality was high compared to the national and global targets. The improvement in neonatal survival observed in this study may be due to interventions including Kangaroo mother care already being implemented. Early identification and interventions to reduce the impact of risks factors of neonatal mortality in Zambia are important.

Factors Associated With Low Birth Weight Among the Tribal Population in India: A Narrative Review.

Low birth weight (LBW) is defined by the WHO as a birth weighing less than 2500 g (5.5 lb). The highest burden of any nation is LBW infants. In countries where the frequency of neonate babies is high, short gestation is a major cause. LBW babies have an 11-13 times greater risk of delayed developmental milestones and other medical diagnoses. Greater than the global incidence, LBW prevalence is a severe public health problem in India. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using internet sources like PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The words "birth weight," "abnormal birth weight," "LBWs," "neonates," "premature birth," "risks factors," "causes," "factors," "prevalence," and "frequency" were searched. In this review, we examine the causes of LBW, implementation of pre-birth prevention strategies, and post-birth multifaceted health promotion interventions. The mother's knowledge, dietary requirements, and prenatal services need to be addressed to decrease the prevalence of LBWs among tribal districts of India.

Risk Factors Linked to Violence in Female Same-Sex Couples in Hispanic America: A Scoping Review.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among women is an understudied topic in Hispanic Americans; therefore, we aim to describe this phenomenon and its associated risk factors in comparison with other sexual orientations and practices. A scoping review was carried out using the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Redalyc, Scielo.org, and Dialnet. The following keywords were used: same-sex, intragender, couple, domestic, and partner violence. The inclusion criteria applied were studies published between 2000 and 2022 with a minimum participation of 15% of Hispanic Americans, resulting in 23 articles. The findings showed a lower presence of studies on violence in women compared to men. Minority stress, power dynamics, social support, and childhood experiences of violence, which are related and complementary to each other, were identified as risk factors. We concluded that there is little research on IPV among women. In addition, studies require a renewed focus to comprehend this type of violence, which cannot be equated with those of heterosexual couples. This approach continues to perpetuate the invisibility of this problem, and, therefore, a more inclusive and specific perspective is needed.

History of dental caries in Inuit populations: genetic implications and 'distance effect'.

Dental caries is considered the third most important scourge in the world. In North America, Inuit populations are the population the most severely affected by dental caries. It is often assumed that this situation can be explained by a combination of factors classical for Indigenous populations: remoteness (geographical distance), low economic status and low health literacy (cultural distance). Using a bibliographic approach, we tested this hypothesis of the "distance effect" by exploring the caries prevalence in other Indigenous populations living in high-income countries. Next, we tested whether the high prevalence of caries is due to population-specific characteristics by tracking caries prevalence over the past few centuries. In result, we showed that while other Indigenous populations are more impacted by caries than the general populations, the Inuit populations present the highest prevalence. Paradoxically, we showed also that past Inuit populations were almost immune to caries before 1950. These two elements suggest that the prevalence of caries observed presently is a recent maladaptation and that beyond the effect of cultural and geographical distance, specific biocultural factors have to be investigated.

Incidence Pattern, Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Risk Factors of Bacterial Uropathogens Among General Population of Pakistan.

Purpose: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are of the most common bacterial infections in Pakistan. Rapid increase in antibiotic resistance has resulted in a limited number of treatment options available. This study aimed to determine the incidence patterns of uropathogens, their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and risk factors for UTI among the general population. Methods: This laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 and March 2021. Urine samples were collected, cultured and bacterial isolates were identified. Bacterial isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, clinical features and risk factors were collected using structured questionnaire. Results: Of 459 urine samples, 299 (65.1%) showed positive urine cultures (105 CFU/mL). Both gram-negative and gram-positive isolates were obtained, with a prevalence of 230 (76.9%) and 69 (23%), respectively. Escherichia coli was the predominant bacteria isolated 146 (48.8%), and it showed most susceptibility to cefoperazone and imipenem. Most of the gram-negative isolates were resistant towards ampicillin. Most risk factors were not significantly associated with UTI, except for age, income, and previous history of hospitalization. Conclusion: UTI is an important problem in the study area, with a prevalence rate of 65%. All bacterial isolates developed resistance towards most antibiotics available on the market. Therefore, there is a need to develop management strategies based on susceptibility pattern of uropathogens. Additionally, proper public education regarding causes of disease transmission and control strategies is required.

Aerobic exercise capacity is normal in obesity with or without metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Obesity might be a cause of limited aerobic exercise capacity. It is often associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) that includes cardiovascular comorbidities as arterial hypertension. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold-standard to assess aerobic capacity and discriminate causes of dyspnea. AIM: To evaluate aerobic capacity in obesity and if MS or hypertensive treatment impacts on the CPET profile. METHODS: CPET of 146 obese patients, whom 33 and 31 were matched for MS and antihypertensive medication, were analyzed. VO2peak (mL/min/Kg) was reported in percentage of predicted value, or, divided by body weight, fat free mass (FFM) or body weight expected for a body mass index of 24 (BMI24). RESULTS: VO2peak (20,8 ± 4,4 mL/min/Kg) was normal when expressed in percentage predicted for obesity (111 ± 22%pred) or divided by FFM and weightBMI24 (33,6 ± 5,6 and 30,6 ± 6,2 respectively). The latter correlated better with maximal work rate (r = 0,7168, p < 0,001). Obese patients showed normal ventilatory efficiency (ventilation to carbon dioxide production slope: 28 ± 4), VO2 to work rate (10,2 ± 1,6 mLO2/Watt) and, slightly elevated heart rate to VO2 slope (4,0 ± 1,1 bpm/mL/min/Kg). Compared to normotensives, hypertensive medicated patients had higher blood pressure at anaerobic threshold (142 ± 23 vs 158 ± 26 mmHg, p = 0,001) but not at maximal exercise (189 ± 31 vs 201 ± 23 mmHg, p = NS), and, had lower actual maximal heart rate (155 ± 23 vs 143 ± 25 bpm, p = 0,03). There was no difference between obese patients with or without MS. CONCLUSION: Obese people with or without MS present with similar and normal aerobic profile related to the excessive body weight. VO2peak divided by weightBMI24 is an easy and clinical meaningful index for obese patients.

Investigation ways of causes needle sticks injuries, risk factors affecting on health and ways to preventive.

Needle sticks injuries (NSIs) has caused many health concerns, including the widespread infection disease. Needle sticks injuries can have high threaten health human especially, all those who are in contact with health and medical centers. The purpose of this review study was the determination the effects of needle sticks injuries (NSIs) on health care worker and patents. In this a review study of literature studied conducted on international databases included Google Scholar, ISI/WOS (Web of Science), Springer, Scopus, Medline/PubMed. The literature signs a notable undesirable affect from potential needle sticks injuries related to ways to preventive and risks factors among patents and health care worker. The literature was shown needle stick injuries can cause with a variety of ways including needle recapping, non-standard safety boxes, thin gloves, and inadequate personal protective equipment. According to the result this study, needle stick injuries can transfer infectious disease (Human Immunodeficiency viruses [HIV], Hepatitis C virus [HCV]) and increase risk health on health care worker and patients. According to research related to the subject, the ways to prevent reduce needle sticks include personal protective equipment, holding retraining courses for medical staff in the direction to raise awareness can significantly reduce cases of needle sticks injuries. Further research using more sophisticated methodology is warranted.

Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Mortality Risk in High Cardiovascular Risk Population with and without Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.

Background: Increased leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is linked with decreased mortality risk, while also with increased left ventricular mass, which may induce left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). We investigated whether LVH modifies the association between higher LTPA and lower mortality risk in population at high cardiovascular risk. Methods: In a prospective national cohort, we used the left ventricular mass/body surface area (LVM/BSA) method to define LVH. Baseline LTPA was self-reported and divided into: low ( < 500 metabolic equivalent of task [MET]) min/week), moderate (500-1999 MET min/week) and high ( ≥ 2000 MET-min/week). Analyses of the dose-response relationship between LTPA and left ventricular mass were performed using restricted cubic spline regression. A multivariate adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Results: A total of 163,006 participants (55.3% females, mean [standard deviation] age, 62.4 [7.4] years) were included. During a median of 4.8 years of follow-up, 6586 (4.0%) died from all causes and 3024 (1.9%) from cardiovascular causes. Multivariate adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses revealed that moderate and high LTPA were linked with less cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk than low LTPA in the absence of LVH. In those with LVH, the association of high (0.83, 0.69-0.99) or moderate (0.72, 0.56-0.91) LTPA with cardiovascular mortality risk persisted. For all-cause mortality risk, this association was only significant in high LTPA (0.73, 0.61-0.86), while marginal in moderate LTPA (0.96, 0.84 to 1.08). Overall, the correlation patterns between LTPA and mortality risk appears distinct between those with LVH and those without LVH; the modification of LVH was not significant regarding mortality risk among the high cardiovascular risk population (all-cause: p-value for interaction = 0.074; cardiovascular cause: p-value for interaction = 0.581), except in females regarding all-cause mortality risk (p-value for interaction = 0.006). Conclusions: The association between higher LTPA and lower mortality risk was not modified by LVH in high cardiovascular risk population. However, the presence of LVH altered this association in females regarding the all-cause mortality risk.

Scrutinizing the Profile and Risk Factors of Suicide: A Perspective from a Case-Control Study Focused on a Northern Region of Spain.

Suicide is a major public health problem the prevention of which has become a priority, and, to this end, knowledge of its risk factors is essential. This study aims to evaluate the impact of some social, medico-legal, and clinical issues on suicide deaths. A total of 135 cases were identified as suicides that occurred in a region of northern Spain between 2018 and 2020. Controls (three for each case) were matched by age, sex, and urban-rural areas. The information was collected retrospectively through electronic health record systems. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between individual risk factors and suicide. Being male (78.5%), between 40 and 60 years of age, unmarried (70.9%), and unemployed (85%) were associated with suicide deaths. Although the existence of a previous self-harm attempt is presented as the most robust risk factor (OR 22.121 [8.997-54.389]), the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis (OR 12.583 [7.686-20.601]) and cancer (OR 3.729 [1.845-7.536]) also showed a significant relationship with suicide (p < 0.05). Defining and knowing the risk factors for suicide helps to better understand the profiles of those individuals who are vulnerable, and enables prevention actions to be taken in both social and medical spheres.

Seroprevalence and Risks Factors Associated with Coxiella burnetii Infection in Slaughterhouse Zebu Cattle (Bos indicus) from Northern Regions of Cameroon.

A study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risks factors of Coxiella burnetii in zebu cattle from the northern regions of Cameroon. From a total of 2016 (1754 females and 262 males) sera sampled, 801, 762 and 453 were collected, respectively, from Adamawa, North and Far North, and screened for Coxiella burnetii using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). A total of 23.76% (479/2016) were serologically positive. The seroprevalence of Adamawa, North and Far North were 29.09% (233/801), 19.95% (152/762) and 20.75% (94/453); respectively. The seropositivity of male and female were 4.58% and 26.62%; respectively. Cattle from Adamawa region were more likely to have been exposed to C. burnetii than animals from Far North region (OR = 3.28; 95%CI: 1.13-7.85; p = 0.02). The Gudali breed was significantly more infected than Aku (OR =2.52; 95%CI: 1.06-5.99; p = 0.03), and animals aged of (6-9) years were 1.89 times more likely to have been infected to C. burnetii than young animals (p = 0.03). The seropositivity to this bacterium was significantly associated to pregnant cattle than non-pregnant (OR = 1.71; 95%CI: 1.01-2.90; p = 0.04). Female cattle were more likely to have been infected by C. burnetii than male and the rainy season were 1.66 more associated to this disease than dry season. The linear regression model indicated that C. burnetii seropositivity were positively correlated to the regions (0.09, CI: 0.04; 0.18; p = 0.007), age (0.01, CI: -0.01; 0.04; p = 0.02), sex (0.19, CI: 0.08-0.32, p = 0.001) and physiological status (0.11, CI: -0.04; 0.26; p = 0.006). This study revealed that C. burnetii infection is widespread among zebu cattle of Adamawa, North and Far North of Cameroon.

Prevalence of mental health problems among stranded international students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread fast throughout China and the rest of the world, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020. Many countries have implemented travel bans, lockdowns, and stay-at-home policies to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of mental health problems among international students stranded outside of China during the pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted among non-Chinese international students enrolled at Chinese universities who were stranded in their home countries. The participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Following informed consent, in-depth interviews were conducted with the help of a semi-structured guide. Two independent investigators transcribed and coded the interview data. The investigators established themes after going through a detailed discussion. RESULTS: Participants reported several mental health risk factors, such as a rise in hopelessness and level of uncertainty, worry, lost interest and focus, lack of support, unemployment and financial hardships, social pressure, behavioral and mood changes, sleep disorder, and increased smoking. These mental health problems will affect the concentration and deep learning, thereby increasing academic stress. In addition, we found that the outbreak of the delta-variant led to a further increase in these mental health risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic scenario, along with international travel restrictions, increased the likelihood of mental health problems among stranded international students. Thus, preventing further rises in mental health disorders and reducing the effects of pandemic-related measures on stranded international students, such as researchers and policymakers can mitigate the pandemic's effects and achieve national or international health and educational goals. Adequate intervention for this group is strongly recommended.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Other Vascular Risk factors' Impact on Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Previous studies revealed an association between vascular comorbidities and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the severity of motor and cognitive symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is a lack of studies assessing the entire spectrum of non-motor symptoms (NMS). Objective: To investigate the relationship between vascular comorbidities and NMS in PD patients. Methods: Patients were assessed at baseline and 4 years later with the Non-Motor Symptom Assessment Scale, Parkinson's Psychosis Questionnaire, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Apathy scale. After tetrachoric correlation matrix, we conducted linear regression models (adjusted for age, gender, disease duration, and UPDRS-III) to investigate the relationship between vascular comorbidities and NMS. Results: In 73 PD patients, (mean disease duration 7.1 [5.3]), 57% had hypertension, 44% body mass index >25, 44% elevated cholesterol, 15% diabetes mellitus, 15% OSA, 14% cigarette-smoking history, 8% prior stroke, and 8% coronary disease. Cognition, psychotic symptoms, apathy, urinary function, and miscellaneous domains significantly worsened at the 4-year follow-up. OSA was significantly associated with higher severity of hallucinations/illusions at baseline and with a more severe deterioration of attention/memory, psychotic symptoms, and apathetic mood at the 4-year follow-up. At baseline, but not at follow-up, hypertension was negatively associated with miscellaneous domain scores and coronary disease with autonomic function scores (gastrointestinal tract and urinary function domains). Conclusion: Among PD-associated comorbidities, OSA was the main factor of decline. In addition to cognitive impairment, OSA might also potentially worsen psychotic symptoms and apathy. Treatment of OSA could be a strategy to improve these important NMS.

Bleeding profile of women with cardiovascular risk factors using a drospirenone only pill with 4 mg over nine cycles compared to desogestrel 0.075 mg.

OBJECTIVE: Progestin-only pills are associated with irregular bleeding patterns, including amenorrhea. Desogestrel (DSG) 75 mcg, a pill that inhibits ovulation, shows poor cycle control that may harm acceptability and compliance. A Drospirenone (DRSP)-only pill was developed with 24 & 4 days of active & placebo days every 28-day cycle to improve cycle control. STUDY DESIGN: A phase III study in healthy women aged 18 to 45 years was performed to compare the bleeding profile of women taking a DRSP versus DSG over nine cycles. 249 women were older > 35 years: 173 using DRSP and 73 DSG. 259 women had a BMI > 25 kg/m2: 189 using DRSP and 70 DSG and 340 women were smokers: 237 using DRSP and 103 DSG. The amount of unscheduled bleeding/spotting days was analyzed in each of these sub-groups and compared statistically. RESULTS: Age: During cycles 2-4, the mean number of unscheduled bleeding days and spotting was 8.1 (SD10.53) for DRSP and 20.1 (19.41) for DSG; p = .0089. BMI > 25 kg/m2: During cycles 2-4 the mean number of unscheduled bleeding days and spotting was 7.8 (SD 12.18) for DRSP and 17.7 for DSG (SD 19.39); p = .0001. Smokers: During cycles 2-4, the mean number of unscheduled bleeding days and spotting was 9.6 (SD 11.69) for DRSP and 17.4 for DSG (SD 17.47); p = .0016. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses show the improvement in the bleeding profile of women with specific cardiovascular risk factors using the DRSP only oral contraceptive product compared to DSG.ImplicationsAn improvement in the bleeding profile of women with specific cardiovascular risk factors like age > 35 years, BMI > 25kg/m2, and smokers using the DRSP only oral contraceptive product is described.Herby a higher contraceptive efficacy in these patients that additionally benefit from estrogen-free contraceptive methods is expected.

Lesiones por presión en la lesión medular: actualización del conocimiento / Pressure injuries in spinal cord injury: knowledge update

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo ofrecer una actualización clínica y bibliográfica del conocimiento enfermero sobre las lesiones por presión en el ámbito de la lesión medular destacando los aspectos específicos y concretos inherentes a la lesión medular. Se desarrolla para ello un exhaustivo análisis del riesgo exponiendo los principales factores sociodemográficos, clínicos asociados a la patología medular, conductuales y sociosanitarios, así como el efecto del daño neurológico sobre la piel y tejidos, escalas, y características de las lesiones por presión en esta población: localización, severidad y recurrencia. Asimismo, se describen las principales estrategias de prevención a lo largo de todo el proceso de cuidado, en el paciente encamado y el paciente en sedestación en silla de ruedas. Se muestran las principales líneas de tratamiento recomendadas desde la evidencia y diferenciadoras de otras poblaciones susceptibles de riesgo. Finalmente se describen intervenciones de educación para la salud desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar y global, así como los retos futuros a los que hacer frente en las unidades especializadas en la lesión medular. (AU)

The objective of this article is to offer a clinical and bibliographic update of nursing knowledge about pressure injuries in the field of spinal cord injury, highlighting the specific and concrete aspects inherent to spinal cord injury. An exhaustive risk analysis is developed for this, exposing the main sociodemographic, clinical factors associated with spinal injury, behavioral and socio-sanitary factors, as well as the effect of neurological damage on the skin and tissues, scales, and characteristics of pressure injuries in this population: location, severity and recurrence. Likewise, the main prevention strategies are described throughout the entire care process, in the bedridden patient and the patient sitting in a wheelchair. The main lines of treatment recommended from the evidence and differentiating it from other populations susceptible to risk are shown. Finally, health education interventions are described from an interdisciplinary and global perspective, as well as the future challenges to be faced in units specialized in spinal cord injury. (AU)

The possible impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dental implant therapy: narrative review / O possível impacto da pandemia de covid-19 na terapia com implantes dentários: revisão narrativa

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 has challenged the professions and Implantology also has its challenges in the pandemic. Several factors can interfere with the osseointegration process and more associated factors, greater the interference risks. Risk assessment in the therapy indication is the main decision to define the best technique, the best biomaterial, the best surgical access and the best moment to intervene. The purpose of this review was to investigate and synthesize the scientific evidence on the factors that may interfere with dental implant therapy in the midst of pandemic. The literature was reviewed in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Sciello and Google Scholar using the keywords "COVID-19", "pandemic", "risk factors", "impact factor", "dental implants", "dentistry", "oral health", "osseointegration", "bone metabolism", "drug risk factors", "chronic stress", "antidepressants", "zinc", "hydroxychloroquine", "ivermectin", "vitamins", "corticosteroids", "surgical risks" and "disinfection". The present review showed that chronic stress and depression caused by the pandemic, the consequent use of antidepressants, the use of prophylactic and therapeutic drugs such zinc, vitamin D, hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids, can interfere with bone metabolism and consequently in osseointegration establishment and/or maintenance. Any osseointegrable biomaterial can be influenced by systemic factors and drugs' actions that can affect the homeostasis of the inflammatory process, cell proliferation and bone remodeling. These factors' influence on dental implant therapy should be investigated through new reviews, observational studies and randomized clinical trial.

RESUMO A COVID-19 desafiou as profissões e a Implantodontia também tem seus desafios na pandemia. Vários fatores podem interferir no processo de osseointegração e quanto mais fatores associados, maiores os riscos de interferência. A avaliação do risco na indicação da terapia é a principal decisão para definir a melhor técnica, o melhor biomaterial, o melhor acesso cirúrgico e o melhor momento para intervenção. O objetivo desta revisão foi investigar e sintetizar as evidências científicas sobre os fatores que podem interferir na terapia com implantes bucais em meio a uma pandemia. A literatura foi revisada em bancos de dados como PubMed, Web of Science, Sciello e Google Scholar usando as palavras-chave "COVID-19", "pandemia", "fatores de risco", "fator de impacto", "implantes dentários", "odontologia", "saúde bucal", "osseointegração", "metabolismo ósseo", "fatores de risco medicamentosos", "estresse crônico", "antidepressivos", "zinco", "hidroxicloroquina", "ivermectina", "vitaminas", "corticosteróides", "riscos cirúrgicos" e "desinfecção". A presente revisão mostrou que o estresse crônico e a depressão causados pela pandemia, o consequente uso de antidepressivos, o uso de drogas profiláticas e terapêuticas como zinco, vitamina D, hidroxicloroquina e corticosteroides, podem interferir no metabolismo ósseo e consequentemente no estabelecimento da osseointegração e/ou sua manutenção. Qualquer biomaterial osseointegrável pode ser influenciado por fatores sistêmicos e ações de drogas que podem afetar a homeostase do processo inflamatório, proliferação celular e remodelação óssea. A influência desses fatores na terapia com implantes dentários deve ser investigada por meio de novas revisões, estudos observacionais e ensaios clínicos randomizados.

Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors for urinary tract infections in pregnant women attending ANC in some integrated health centers in the Buea Health District.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most frequent infections after respiratory tract infections that affect humans, with over 150 million cases per year. The anatomy of the female urinary tract predisposes them to UTIs than men. More so, physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy put pregnant woman at risk of UTIs. Untreated UTI(s) in pregnancy can be detrimental to both the mother and child causing preterm labour, low birth weight and pyelonephritis. The situation is worrisome because the infection can be asymptomatic. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for UTIs, diagnostic potential of dipstick analyses and antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens from pregnant women attending ANC in some Integrated Health Centers (IHCs) in Buea Health District (BHD). METHODS: A structured questionnaire was administered to consenting pregnant women at participating IHCs to collect data on demographic characteristics, risk factors and symptoms of UTI. Urine samples were collected for dipstick analysis and culture. Antibiograms were performed on the isolates by the disc diffusion method. A bivariate analysis was performed to investigate the association of the risk factors to UTI. Chi square (χ2) test, odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to compare statistics and test for associations at a significant level of p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 287 participants recruited, 89(31%) were positive for UTI. There were 150 women with no symptoms of which 43(28.7%) were positive for UTI. E. coli was the most frequent (43.2%) of the organisms implicated in bacteriuria. There was no significant association between the risk factors studied and UTI. Isolates were most sensitive to ciprofloxacin (73.5%) and gentamycin (73.5%) and resistant to ceftriaxone (70.6%) and tetracycline (64.7%). Nitrite test was highly specific (100%) for the diagnosis of UTI while leucocyte esterase was more sensitive (48.3%) than specific (44.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of UTI in BHD was high. In conformity with previous findings in same area, there were no risk factors associated with UTI. We recommended a longitudinal study with a larger sample size to follow up the women to term in order to determine the gravity of this infection on pregnancy outcomes.

Factores asociados con las lesiones percutáneas en personal de enfermería: una revisión sistemática / Factors associated with needlestick injuries in nurses: a systematic review

Objetivos: El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los principales factores relacionados con los accidentes cortopunzantes en el personal de enfermería. Material y Métodos: Este trabajo consiste en una revisión sistemática de los trabajos publicados entre 2007 y 2021 a través de cinco bases de datos; BVS, CINAHL, PUBMED, SciELO y Scopus. Un total 262 artículos fueron encontrados, dejando una selección final de 24 trabajos. Resultados: Los principales factores asociados a las punciones percutáneas fueron la carga de trabajo, la falta de material de seguridad, el número de horas trabajadas, la baja capacitación del profesional y el área donde se desempeña el trabajo. La tasa más alta de lesiones se produjo durante el reencapuchado de las agujas. Conclusiones: La revisión confirma la alta frecuencia con la que se dan las lesiones percutáneas entre los profesionales enfermeros, así como la variedad de factores de riesgo relacionados con estas lesiones, siendo el reencapuchado la acción más peligrosa (AU)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the main factors related to sharps accidents in nursing personnel. Material and Method: This work consists of a systematic review of researches published between 2007 and 2021 through five databases; BVS, CINAHL, PUBMED, SciELO and Scopus. A total of 262 articles were found, leaving a final selection of 24 researches. Results: The main factors associated with percutaneous punctures were the workload, the lack of safety equipment, the number of hours worked, the low professional training and the area where the work was performed. The highest injury rate occurred during recapping of used needles. Conclusions: The review confirms the high frequency with which percutaneous injuries occur among nursing professionals, as well as the variety of risk factors related to these injuries, with recapping being the most dangerous action (AU)