Search

BackgroundStudies on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women, especially in relation to different modes of delivery, are limited. The relationship between the emergence of LUTS and the decline of pelvic muscle function after childbirth remains uncertain.Study designThis observational study was carried out at the Peking University First Hospital over a time span of 2019–2022. A total of 2,462 women were recruited and surveyed 6 weeks after delivery, utilizing questionnaires for data collection. Additionally, gynecological physical examinations and pelvic floor muscle screenings were conducted as part of the study. To assess individual LUTS and the level of discomfort caused by these symptoms, a modified Chinese version of the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire was employed. Data analysis methods such as descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, one-way ANOVAs, and multivariate logistic regressions were used to thoroughly examine the collected data.ResultsA high prevalence of LUTS was observed in the study participants, with 70.6% experiencing any symptoms. Storage symptoms were reported by 65.4%, while voiding symptoms were reported by 23.0%. Nocturia was the most commonly reported symptom (35.4%), followed by frequency (25.6%) and urgency (25.3%). Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was reported by 20.8% of women. Interestingly, nocturia and frequency were generally perceived as less troublesome, with only a minority rating them as problematic. In contrast, urinary incontinence (UI) was frequently reported as highly bothersome, with SUI and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) accounting for significant proportions. Vaginal delivery (VD) and forceps delivery (FD) were identified as significant predictors of LUTS, with statistical significance observed (P

Introduction: This study examines factors associated with psychostimulant misuse, including polysubstance use and social factors, among the understudied American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) college student population. Methods: Data were from the 2015 to 2019 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment IIc (ACHA-NCHA IIc) survey. Multivariable logistic regression models and odds ratios were used to estimate associations between psychostimulant misuse and potential risk and protective factors among AI/AN/NH college students, including licit and illicit substance use, social support, relationship factors, exposure to violence or abuse, mental health symptoms, drug and alcohol education, and sample demographics. Results: Opioid misuse among AI/AN/NH college students significantly increased the odds of using psychostimulants. Specifically, for cocaine use, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 3.17 with a 95% confidence interval (C.I.) of 2.17 to 4.63; for methamphetamine use, the aOR was 38.87 (95% C.I. 19.24-78.52). For amphetamine misuse among non-Tobacco users, the aOR was 5.47 (95% C.I. 3.49-8.55), while among Tobacco users, the aOR was 2.65 (95% C.I. 2.07-3.41). For cocaine and other stimulant misuse, the aOR was 3.64 (95% C.I. 2.30-5.67). Additionally, the use of other types of licit and illicit substances was associated with greater odds of psychostimulant use and misuse. Conversely, factors such as age, living on campus, and residing in parental/guardian housing were linked with lower odds of psychostimulant use and misuse. Conclusion: Substance use prevention and treatment interventions targeting AI/AN/NH college students should address polysubstance use, including the combined use of opioids and psychostimulants. Substance use interventions should not be siloed to focus narrowly on single substances but rather should leverage potential protective factors against substance use, such as promoting supportive campus and family living conditions and other social support networks, in broad efforts to reduce multiple forms of substance use among AI/AN/NH students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While psychiatric and physical comorbidities in severe mental illness (SMI) have been associated with increased mortality and poor clinical outcomes, problem has received little attention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study established the prevalence of psychiatric (schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, and recurrent major depressive disorder) and physical (HIV/AIDS, syphilis, hypertension and obesity) comorbidities and associated factors among 1201 out-patients with SMI (schizophrenia, depression and bipolar affective disorder) attending care at two hospitals in Uganda. Participants completed an assessment battery including structured, standardised and locally translated instruments. SMIs were established using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview version 7.2. We used logistic regression to determine the association between physical and psychiatric comorbidities and potential risk factors. Bipolar affective disorder was the most prevalent (66.4%) psychiatric diagnoses followed by schizophrenia (26.6%) and recurrent major depressive disorder (7.0%). Prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was 9.1%, while physical disorder comorbidity was 42.6%. Specific comorbid physical disorders were hypertension (27.1%), obesity (13.8%), HIV/AIDS (8.2%) and syphilis (4.8%). Potentially modifiable factors independently significantly associated with psychiatric and physical comorbidities were: use of alcohol for both syphilis and hypertension comorbidities; and use of a mood stabilisers and khat in comorbidity with obesity. Only psychiatric comorbidity was positively associated with the negative outcomes of suicidality and risky sexual behaviour. The healthcare models for psychiatric care in LMICs such as Uganda should be optimised to address the high burden of psychiatric and physical comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors reviewed foreign publications on the issue of moral injury, its causes, diagnosis, and psychotherapy. Foreign experts do not consider this phenomenon as a mental pathology. They define it as a syndrome characterized by a sense of shame, guilt, and obsessive thoughts as a consequence of one’s inability to prevent one’s own actions or the actions of other people. The authors made an attempt to compare and contrast the concepts of "post-traumatic stress disorder" and "moral injury". The review also featured psychotherapy of moral injury and methods of psychological first aid to different categories of people, e.g. psychologists, medical workers, and others. Unfortunately, the issue of moral injury still remains largely understudied in domestic science.

Seaweeds, also known as macroalgae, are abundant sources of various vital bioactive components with a wide range of biological functions. They are sold commercially and are primarily used in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and other related industries. The diverse biological activities linked with bioactive compounds obtained from seaweeds have the potential to expand their health benefit value in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Studies revealed that seaweeds have the potential to be used as complementary medicine due to its variety of biological properties that have been shown to be therapeutic for health and disease management, such as antibacterial, anticoagulant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiestrogenic, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, antiviral, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, thyroid stimulant, tissue healing properties, and many more. Although seaweeds are generally beneficial to humans, they may still pose possible health risks due to high iodine concentration and exposure to heavy metals and arsenic concentrations. However, information on this topic is still limited. With the great importance of seaweeds, various green extraction methods such as Microwave-assisted Extraction (MAE), Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), Pressurized Solvents Extraction (PSE) and Enzyme-ssisted Extraction (EAE) were used as an alternative to the conventional method to isolate bioactive components and further purified using chromatographic technique analysis to ensure the purity of the extract. This review covers the following topics: general structure and characteristics of seaweeds, seaweed production, bioactive components and properties of seaweed, possible risk factors of seaweeds, applications of seaweeds, extraction, and purification of seaweed extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcus has gained medical importance over the last decade, as it is an emerging pathogen among immunocompetent individuals. There are no epidemiological data on the prevalence of this fungus in donkeys. The current research was conducted to investigate the possible role of the Egyptian donkeys in the epidemiology of such pathogen. Bacteriological analysis of nasal swabs of 52 diseased and healthy donkeys at different localities in Egypt revealed that the overall occurrence of Cryptococcus spp. was 11.5%. The highest proportion was in El-Fayoum Governorate (25). Phenotypic identification of Cryptococcus indicated that 13.2 % and 7.1% among healthy and diseased donkeys were positive for this pathogen, respectively. The study of the potential risk factors associated with Cryptococcus colonization in the donkeys did not show any statistically significant differences. Molecular serotyping of 6 identified Cryptococcus spp. evidenced C. gattii in the nasal passages of 4 healthy donkeys (7.7%); while the other 2 C. neoformans serotype A (3.8%) isolates identified in healthy and diseased donkeys. Four C. gattii and C. neoformans isolates demonstrated higher laccase (LAC1) genes among the identified virulence factors. While capsular associated protein (CAP59) gene identified alone or associated with LAC1 gene in the other 2 C. gattii isolates. This study underlines a potential association of those fungi with human disease in Egypt. In order to strengthen existing therapeutic and control approaches, further analyses of the main risk factors and the other virulence of these pathogens should be further considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected parasitic zoonosis prioritized by the WHO for control. Several studies have investigated potential risk factors for CE through questionnaires, mostly carried out on small samples, providing contrasting results. We present the analysis of risk factor questionnaires administered to participants to a large CE prevalence study conducted in Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. Methods A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 24,687 people from rural Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. CE cases were defined as individuals with abdominal CE cysts detected by ultrasound. Variables associated with CE at P

The research features modern domestic and foreign fundamental approaches to self-destructive behavior and suicidal risk. The author adduces the data on the structure of suicidal risk, its affective, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics. The paper also describes the concept of increasing potential risk factors and predicates presented by M. D. Rudd, as well as an analysis of the theory of suicidal barometer developed by K. M. Harris, J. J. Syu, O. D. Lello, Y. L. Chew, C. H. Willcox, and R. H. Ho. It also features situational and personal factors of suicidal risk, both potential and actual. The paper focuses on predictors of the genesis and development of predisposition to auto-destructive behavior in adolescents.The research objective was to study the characteristics of risk factors of autodestructive behavior in adolescents. The sample group included 116 participants, 14–16-year-old students of 9–10 grades. The author described situational and personal risk factors of auto-destructive behavior in adolescents. They revealed a correlation between personal relations with inner circle and neighborhood society, as well as affective, cognitive, and behavioral personality factors of autodestructive risk.

Bovine brucellosis recognized by the OIE as a major endemic zoonoses, caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence to Brucella abortus in local and imported cattle breeds Algeria between 2017 to 2019.During the three years a total of 63284 local and 63180 imported cattle in different Algerian regions were sampled. The samples were analyzed using serological tests (RBPT and ELISA) of the local cattle sera analysed, 447 (Prevalence 1.89%),321(prevalence 11.13%) and 213 (1.51%) were found to be positive by RBPT and ELISA, respectively. Of the imported cattle sera analysed screened were a cas RBPT positive. The study reports the first evidence of bovine brucellosis over a vast geographical area of western Algeria Between (2017- 2019) and therefore, an indication of a real animal and humans health problem. This warrants the need of integrated intervention to New strategies to fight this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious, trans-boundary viral disease of sheep and goats that have hindered successful small ruminant farming. Its current status in South East Nigeria with respect to its prevalence and farmers' awareness was studied. Three states, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu, were randomly selected for the study. Sera samples from 113 goats and 172 sheep (collected from December 2017 to June 2018) were randomly collected and analysed for the presence of PPRV antibodies, while structured interview schedules were conducted to elicit information on farmers' awareness of the disease and PPR vaccination and use of veterinary services. An overall seroprevalence of 42.5% (121/285) was recorded. The seroprevalence in decreasing order was 62.2% (Enugu), 34.8% (Anambra) and 20.3% (Ebonyi). There was a significant association (X2 = 36.08, df = 2, p = 0.0001) between seroprevalence and the state sampled. Lack of awareness of PPR vaccination among small ruminant farmers, their limited use of veterinary services (38% consult veterinarians) and non-availability of the vaccine at veterinary establishments in the sampled states are potential risk factors of PPR prevalence in South East Nigeria. Consequently, an effective control measure like mass vaccination is recommended for the study area. Also, there is a need for an extension program for stakeholders and farmers in the study area and country on the grave importance and economic benefits of PPR vaccination and the use of veterinary services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer deaths among Iraqi women. Objective: To determine the potential risk factors associated with breast cancer. Methodology: This was a hospital based case control study which was conducted at Merjan and Al-Hilla teaching hospitals. A sample of three hundred women participants who were selected and divided into 100 patients with established breast cancer (cases) and 200 healthy women without breast cancer who were considered as healthy control group. Data were collected by interviewing both groups using a structured questionnaire which includes information about(tobacco smoking, economic status, age of menarche,age of menopause, use of contraceptives level of education family history of breast cancer). medical records of patients and control group were reviewed to complete the data needed,chi square statistical test and Odds Ratios were calculated. Results: Results of this study showed that the following factors like low economic status,,late age of menopause,positive family history, use of contraceptives were significantly associated with breast cancer(Unadjusted Odds Ratios more than one,p values <0.05).Exposure to cigarette tobacco smoking, levels of education, and age of menarche did not show significant association with breast cancer in this study. Conclusion: Breast cancer was associated positively with the presence of positive family history, Low socioeconomic status, late menopause and using contraceptive pills regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the association between hypoglycemia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and identified risk factors for MCI in patients with hypoglycemia. In this retrospective study, 328 patients with T2DM were screened in 2019 and followed up in 2022. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The diagnosis of MCI was based on established criteria. Risk ratio (RR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) was calculated to estimate the risk of MCI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for MCI in those with hypoglycemia. Patients with hypoglycemia had lower cognitive performance 3 years later. The RR of MCI was 2.221 (95 % CI 1.269–3.885). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that low grip strength, existing diabetic retinopathy (DR), and multiple hypoglycemia episodes were associated with higher odds of MCI in patients with hypoglycemia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.909 [95 % CI 0.859–0.963]), 3.078 [95 % CI 1.158–12.358], and 4.642 [95 % CI 1.284–16.776], respectively, all P < 0.05). Hypoglycemia increased MCI risk among patients with T2DM. Low grip strength, DR, and multiple hypoglycemia episodes may be potential risk factors for hypoglycemia-associated MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a highly prevalent and often underestimated problem. However, large-scale, population-based epidemiological surveys of FSD are scarce in China. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and the potential risk factors of FSD across a selection of social groups in Beijing, China, based on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Methods: A cross-sectional study based on the multiple-stage cluster sampling was performed with adult women throughout the Dongcheng and Shunyi districts of Beijing. The Chinese version of FSFI was used, as well as questions on demographic characteristics, the disease-related context, and social relationships. Results: A total of 6000 consecutive women entered this study, with an actual response from 5024 women, corresponding to a response rate of 83.7%. A total of 4697 (78.3%) questionnaires were effective. The prevalence of adult FSD in Beijing was 2973 (63.3%) using a score of 26.55 as the boundary value, whereas the total mean FSFI score was 23.92 ± 6.37. However, 1423 (30.3%) women did not seek help. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, the possible potential risk factors included age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.051), dissatisfaction with the spouse's sexual ability (OR = 3.520), poor marital affection (OR = 2.087), spouse sexual difficulties (OR = 1.720), dissatisfaction with married life (OR = 1.476), living in a rural area (OR = 1.292), chronic pelvic pain (OR = 1.261), chronic disease (OR = 1.534), previous pelvic surgery (OR = 1.605), vaginal delivery (OR = 2.285), lower education (OR = 3.449) and postmenopausal (OR = 3.183). Conclusions: As suggested by the FSFI scores, female sexual problems are highly prevalent in Beijing. Dissatisfaction with the spouse's sexual ability, poor marital affection, sexual difficulties of the spouse, dissatisfaction with the marriage, rural life, CPP, and postmenopausal were conceivable risk factors for FSD in Beijing women.

Bovine brucellosis is endemic in Rwanda; however, little information is available on seroprevalence and risk factors. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted among cattle farmed at the wildlife-livestock-human interface (n = 1691) in five districts and one peri-urban district (n = 216). Cattle were screened using the Rose Bengal test, then the results were confirmed by indirect enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay. Potential risk factors were determined with a questionnaire and analyzed for their association with seropositivity. In all districts, the animal and herd-level seroprevalence was 7.4% (141/1907) and 28.9% (61/212), respectively, 8.3% (141/1691) and 30.9% (61/198) at the interface, and 0.0% (0/216) in peri-urban areas. Among the potential risk factors, old age (≥5 years), cattle farmed close to wildlife, herds of cattle and small ruminants, history of abortions, and replacement animals were significantly associated with brucellosis (p < 0.05). Low awareness of zoonotic brucellosis, assisting calving without biosafety protection, drinking raw milk, and manual milking were each observed in more than 21.7% of cattle keepers whose herds were seropositive. This study confirmed brucellosis endemicity in cattle farmed close to wildlife in Rwanda, suggesting the need to focus control efforts in these areas. Educated farmers with a high awareness of zoonotic brucellosis had low bovine brucellosis seropositivity, which emphasizes the importance of education.

Copyright of Journal of Society & Social Work is the property of Journal of Society and Social Work and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Infection caused by Human parvovirus B19 (HPVB19) during pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects on fetus such as intrauterine fetal death but there is dearth information about the seroprevalence and risk factors among pregnant women. This study was carried out to determine the incidence of specific IgM antibodies to HPVB19 among pregnant women attending Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. A total of 185 participants, in the age range 18-49 years, who consented voluntarily after thorough explanation of the purpose of the study were recruited for the study. Specific IgM antibodies were detected using commercially available third-generation ELISA kits. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Chi-square (χ2) test was utilized to assess the association between the socio-demographic variables and HPVB19 status (P ˂ 0.05). Logistic regression was done to determine the strength of association between the potential risk factors and HPVB19 status (P ˂ 0.05). The overall incidence of IgM antibody recorded was 2.70% (5/185). Pregnant women in the age group 36-45 (7.7%) years had the highest record. None of the socio-demographic characteristics and risk factor considered were significantly associated with acquiring HPVB19. However, a one-fold risk was observed among those who had previous history of blood transfusion (95% CI = 0.949-0.997, OR = 1.0) The findings in this study confirmed the presence of antibodies to HPVB19 among pregnant women in Ogbomoso. Public awareness, enlightenment, and screening for the virus should be encouraged to prevent fetal complications during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral cancer is the sixth most common form of cancer reported globally which includes lip, tongue, mouth, and throat. Developing countries face several challenges to identify and remove potential risk factors. Chewing tobacco/pan masala is considered to be the most potential risk factor for oral precancerous lesions and oral cancer. Objective: To study the clinical-epidemiological profile of oral cancer cases and potential risk factor associated with it. Materials and Methods: This is cross-sectional study which includes all major tertiary hospital in Lucknow district. Five hundred and eight cases of oral cancer reported in all major tertiary hospitals in Lucknow district during 2013-2016. Study Variable: Clinicoepidemiological characteristics of oral cancer cases. Statistical Analysis: percentages, proportions. Results: Out of 508 cases, majority of the subjects included in the study belonged to 18-75 years age group. Reported cases of oral cancer in males were higher as compared to females. Most of the subjects belonged to lower middle and upper lower socioeconomic group. It was found that 199 (39.2%) subjects consumed smokeless tobacco. Buccal mucosa was the common site of oral cancer being present in 50.4% of the subjects. Histopathologically, 256 cases of buccal mucosa, 17 cases of lip, 33 cases of alveolar region, 16 cases of mandible region, 156 cases of tongue region, 7 cases of gingival buccal sulcus region, and 23 cases of palate were diagnosed as oral squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: In the present study, the most affected site was buccal mucosa (50.4%), tongue (30.7%), and other diagnosis was <10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epidemiological studies of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are few in China, and none has been conducted nationwide. Objective To estimate the prevalence and potential risk factors of LUTS and the bother they impose on adult women in China. Design, setting, and participants This is the second analysis of a population-based cross-sectional survey on urinary incontinence conducted between February and July 2006 in six regions of China. Cluster samples were randomly selected for interviews. Interventions No intervention was implemented. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis A modified Chinese Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire was administered. The participants were asked about the presence of individual LUTS and rated their symptom bother. Descriptive statistics, χ 2 tests, receiver operating characteristic curves, and multivariate logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Results and limitations A total of 18 992 respondents (94.96%) were included. The prevalence of any LUTS, storage symptoms, or voiding symptoms was 55.5%, 53.9%, and 12.9%, respectively, and increased with age. Nocturia was the most common symptom (23.4%), followed by urgency (23.3%) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI; 18.9%). Nocturia was most frequently rated as bothersome (93.0%) but was generally minor (80.5%). Urgency and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) were most frequently reported as severe (11.5% and 10.8%) or moderate (18.5% and 16.8%) bothers. Any LUTS were more prevalent in urban women (57.1% vs 53.9%). Multiple factors increased the odds of bother and individual LUTS, and older age and coexisting pelvic organ prolapse were strong predictors (p < 0.05). This survey was conducted 8 yr ago and did not assess all LUTS. Conclusions Half of adult women suffered with LUTS; nocturia, urgency, and SUI were more prevalent. Urgency and UUI were most frequently reported as severe or moderate bothers. Multiple factors influenced bother and individual LUTS. Patient summary The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms is high and increases with age in adult women in China. Urgency and urgency urinary incontinence were most frequently regarded as severe or moderate bothers and should be targeted for medical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reaction ( FNHTR) is an acute transfusion complication resulting in fever, chills and/or rigours. Study's objective was to assess FNHTR occurrence and potential risk factors among inpatient U. S. elderly Medicare beneficiaries, ages 65 and older, during 2011-2012. Materials and Methods Our retrospective claims-based study utilized large Medicare administrative databases. FNHTR was ascertained via ICD-9- CM diagnosis code, and transfusions were identified by recorded procedure and revenue centre codes. The study ascertained FNHTR rates among the inpatient elderly overall and by age, gender, race, blood components and units transfused. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess potential risk factors. Results Among 4 336 338 inpatient transfusion stays for elderly during 2011-2012, 2517 had FNHTR diagnosis recorded, an overall rate of 58·0 per 100 000 stays. FNHTR rates (per 100 000 stays) varied by age, gender, number of units and blood components transfused. FNHTR rates were substantially higher for RBCs- and platelets-containing transfusions as compared to plasma only. Significantly higher odds of FNHTR were identified with greater number of units transfused ( P < 0·01), for females vs. males ( OR = 1·15, 95% CI 1·04-1·27), and with 1-year histories of transfusion ( OR = 1·25, 95% CI 1·10-1·42), lymphoma ( OR = 1·22, 95% CI 1·02-1·46), leukaemia ( OR = 1·90, 95% CI 1·56-2·31) and other diseases. Conclusions Our study shows increased FNHTR occurrence among elderly with greater number of units and with RBCs- and platelets-containing transfusions, suggesting need to evaluate effectiveness of prestorage leucoreduction in elderly. The study also suggests importance of prior recipient alloimmunization and underlying health conditions in the development of FNHTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine brucellosis is endemic in Rwanda; however, little information is available on seroprevalence and risk factors. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted among cattle farmed at the wildlife-livestock-human interface (n = 1691) in five districts and one peri-urban district (n = 216). Cattle were screened using the Rose Bengal test, then the results were confirmed by indirect enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay. Potential risk factors were determined with a questionnaire and analyzed for their association with seropositivity. In all districts, the animal and herd-level seroprevalence was 7.4% (141/1907) and 28.9% (61/212), respectively, 8.3% (141/1691) and 30.9% (61/198) at the interface, and 0.0% (0/216) in peri-urban areas. Among the potential risk factors, old age (≥5 years), cattle farmed close to wildlife, herds of cattle and small ruminants, history of abortions, and replacement animals were significantly associated with brucellosis (p < 0.05). Low awareness of zoonotic brucellosis, assisting calving without biosafety protection, drinking raw milk, and manual milking were each observed in more than 21.7% of cattle keepers whose herds were seropositive. This study confirmed brucellosis endemicity in cattle farmed close to wildlife in Rwanda, suggesting the need to focus control efforts in these areas. Educated farmers with a high awareness of zoonotic brucellosis had low bovine brucellosis seropositivity, which emphasizes the importance of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of voice problems and potential risk factors in teacher students at the start of their education. A total of 1494 students from seven teacher education schools participated in the study. The students answered a questionnaire about 11 risk factors, and one with six questions about voice symptoms, Screen6, and 30 statements in the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Students reporting at least 2 weekly voice symptoms in Screen6 were assigned to the group with voice problems. Significance level was P < 0.05. Results: prevalence of risk factors was about the same in the seven groups of teacher students except the group with highest proportion of women that also showed the highest proportion of voice problems, 38%. Prevalence of voice problems in the total group was 17%. Comparison of students with or without voice problems showed that all factors except one were more prevalent among students with voice problems and women were overrepresented. Mean total VHI score was 22 in students with voice problems and eight in students without voice problems. Multiple regression analyses showed that frequent throat infections, hearing problems, previous speech therapy, or voice training were the potential risk factors that had the strongest association with voice symptoms as well as with total score in VHI. Conclusions: results from this study show that it is common that teacher students experience voice problems already at the start of their education and potential risk factors associated with voice problems are identified. Knowing that teaching is a high-risk profession for developing voice disorders, it is crucial that teacher students should receive compulsory preprofessional voice education including voice ergonomics and voice training., (Copyright © 2019 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected parasitic zoonosis prioritized by the WHO for control. Several studies have investigated potential risk factors for CE through questionnaires, mostly carried out on small samples, providing contrasting results. We present the analysis of risk factor questionnaires administered to participants to a large CE prevalence study conducted in Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 24,687 people from rural Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. CE cases were defined as individuals with abdominal CE cysts detected by ultrasound. Variables associated with CE at P < 0.20 in bivariate analysis were included into a multivariable logistic model, with a random effect to account for clustering at village level. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI were used to describe the strength of associations. Data were weighted to reflect the relative distribution of the rural population in the study area by country, age group and sex. Results: Valid records from 22,027 people were analyzed. According to the main occupation in the past 20 years, "housewife" (AOR: 3.11; 95% CI: 1.51–6.41) and "retired" (AOR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.09–7.65) showed significantly higher odds of being infected compared to non-agricultural workers. "Having relatives with CE" (AOR: 4.18; 95% CI: 1.77–9.88) was also associated with higher odds of infection. Interestingly, dog-related and food/water-related factors were not associated with infection. Conclusions: Our results point toward infection being acquired in a "domestic" rural environment and support the view that CE should be considered more a "soil-transmitted" than a "food-borne" infection. This result helps delineating the dynamics of infection transmission and has practical implications in the design of specific studies to shed light on actual sources of infection and inform control campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]