scholarly journals Estimation of Urinary Delta Aminolevulinic Acid Levels in Females of Reproductive Age as an Index of Lead Exposure

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 823-827
Author(s):  
Sachin A. Patharkar ◽  
Uzma M J Shaikh ◽  
Neelam J. Patil ◽  
Alka V. Nerurkar ◽  
Umesh- Shinde
Keyword(s):  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Aminolevulinic Acid ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metal ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
High Level

Lead is a toxic heavy metal whose widespread use has caused extensive environmental contamination and health problems particularly in children and women of reproductive age. It affects multiple body systems, including the neurologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Recent studies have shown that lead, has the potential to harm not only the young and the occupationally-exposed, but also older people and females with in the reproductive age. They may have been exposed to lead while working in unregulated occupations, or they may have encountered more lead in the environment on a daily basis. The Aim of the present study is to estimate urinary δ-ALA levels in heterogenous population of females in the reproductive age as an index of lead exposure. This cross- sectional study was conducted on randomly chosen 80 females of reproductive age from different areas of Mumbai with brief history related lead exposure. The morning first mid stream urine samples were collected with all standard precautions and analyzed for δ-ALA using modified Ehrlich’s reagent method. Out of the 80 samples – 69 samples (86.25%) urinary δ-ALA had levels above reference level i.e. (< 5mg/l). This is alarming. The reasons for this exposure may vary and we could not find a single cause for such a high level exposure, but we can say that it is closely related to the duration of exposure. Hence it is to conclude that it is difficult to stop lead exposure completely but by taking necessary precautions and providing health education we can reduce the lead exposure and its ill effects on health.

scholarly journals Estimation of Urinary Delta Aminolevulinic Acid (δ-ALA) Levels in Students of Age Group 15 to 25 Years as an Index of Lead Exposure

2020 ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Sachin A. Patharkar ◽  
Suraj H. Jain ◽  
Alka V. Nerurkar ◽  
Neelam J. Patil ◽  
Pradeep N. Surve
Keyword(s):  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Aminolevulinic Acid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Body ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group 15

Background: Lead poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs when lead builds up in the body. Students exposed to lead by eating junk foods wrapped in newspaper, the licking of fingers for turning the photocopies, book pages, printout etc. and use of same fingers for eating purpose. Additionally young population get exposed to lead by use of Kohl or Kajal eyeliners, some traditional ethnic medicines, time spent at firing ranges and some hobbies like wall paintings or jobs related to plumbing and soldering. Damage caused by lead poisoning cannot be reversed. Lead inhibits necessary enzymes required for heme synthesis, and this result in increased levels of delta-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) excretion through urine. Aim: To Estimate the urinary δ-ALA levels in the students of age group 15 to 25 years as an index of lead exposure. Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study in Mumbai from a suburban locality. Methodology: The study was done on 70 students of age group between 15 years and 25 years with their brief history related to lead exposure. Their urine samples were analyzed for δ-ALA by using Ehrlich reagent. Results: According to our observation, out of 70 students 46 student’s (65.71%)urine samples shown δ-ALA level  above reference level and remaining 24 (34.28%) were considered as below reference level. Conclusion: The prevalence of lead exposure among our study population is 65.71%. Clinical Significance: We conclude that there is high prevalence of lead exposure in students of age group 15 to 25 years in Mumbai and necessary precautions need to be taken to avoid detrimental effects of lead poisoning.

Personal Audio System: Hearing Symptoms, Habits, and Sound Pressure Levels Measured in Real Ear and a Manikin

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 2016-2026
Author(s):  
Tamara R. Almeida ◽  
Clayton H. Rocha ◽  
Camila M. Rabelo ◽  
Raquel F. Gomes ◽  
Ivone F. Neves-Lobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Real ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels ◽  
Audio System

Purpose The aims of this study were to characterize hearing symptoms, habits, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) of personal audio system (PAS) used by young adults; estimate the risk of developing hearing loss and assess whether instructions given to users led to behavioral changes; and propose recommendations for PAS users. Method A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 subjects with normal hearing. Procedures included questionnaire and measurement of PAS SPLs (real ear and manikin) through the users' own headphones and devices while they listened to four songs. After 1 year, 30 subjects answered questions about their usage habits. For the statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, Lin and Spearman coefficients, the chi-square test, and logistic regression were used. Results Most subjects listened to music every day, usually in noisy environments. Sixty percent of the subjects reported hearing symptoms after using a PAS. Substantial variability in the equivalent music listening level (Leq) was noted ( M = 84.7 dBA; min = 65.1 dBA, max = 97.5 dBA). A significant difference was found only in the 4-kHz band when comparing the real-ear and manikin techniques. Based on the Leq, 38% of the individuals exceeded the maximum daily time allowance. Comparison of the subjects according to the maximum allowed daily exposure time revealed a higher number of hearing complaints from people with greater exposure. After 1 year, 43% of the subjects reduced their usage time, and 70% reduced the volume. A volume not exceeding 80% was recommended, and at this volume, the maximum usage time should be 160 min. Conclusions The habit of listening to music at high intensities on a daily basis seems to cause hearing symptoms, even in individuals with normal hearing. The real-ear and manikin techniques produced similar results. Providing instructions on this topic combined with measuring PAS SPLs may be an appropriate strategy for raising the awareness of people who are at risk. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12431435

Spectrum of Pathological Lesions in Uterine Specimens with Focus on Gestational Trophoblastic Disease in Karachi

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Hydatidiform Mole ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma ◽  
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Endometrial Polyps ◽  
Trophoblastic Disease ◽  
Proliferative Endometrium

Background: The most common benign pathological lesion in women of reproductive age is uterine leiomyoma. Gestational trophoblastic disease includes tumors and tumor like lesions originating from trophoblastic tissue. The aim of this study was to find the spectrum of molar pregnancy and uterine pathologies focusing on gestational trophoblastic disease as no study has been done in the past few years. Methods: Endometrial and uterine specimens of patients (n=436) between the ages of 15-65 years were collected from a private hospital in Karachi from December 2018 to December 2019. This cross-sectional study was carried out by pathological diagnosis of patients’ samples under light microscopy using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Stratification was done about age and nature of specimen to control the effect modifiers. The post stratification Chi square test was applied and p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age of the patients was 36.1 years ±7.8. Total 436 uterine biopsies included 260(59.6%) hysterectomies, 56(12.8%) endometrial curetting’s, 117(26.8%) evacuation specimens and 3(0.7%) polypectomies. Common pathologies included 124(28.4%) leiomyomas, 61(14%) proliferative endometrium, 52(11.9%) adenomyosis and 32(7.3%) endometrial polyps. Gestational trophoblastic disease was seen in 9(2.06%). Seven (87.5%) were partial hydatidiform moles, one (12.5%) exaggerated placental site reaction and one choriocarcinoma. Mole was common between 26-30 years with mean age of 27.2 years and prevalence was 6/100 abortions. Conclusion: Leiomyoma was the commonest (28.4%) uterine pathology followed by proliferative endometrium (14.5%). However, endometrial stromal sarcoma and endometriosis were found 0.2% each. High prevalence of mole was seen in this study. Partial mole was most common and choriocarcinoma was least common. Keywords: Hydatidiform Mole; Pathology; Prevalence.

Comparison of Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis and Ankylosing Spondyltis from a Single Rheumatology Hospital in Morocco

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nessrine Akasbi ◽  
Siar Nihad ◽  
Zoukal Sofia ◽  
El Kohen Khadija ◽  
Harzy Taoufik
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Back ◽  
New Classification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Asas Criteria ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Level

Background: According to the new classification criteria developed by The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society, patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) can be classified in 2 subgroups: Patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: ankylosing spondylitis patients (AS) and those with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe and discuss the differences and similarities between the two subgroups. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a single rheumatology hospital in Morocco. These included patients diagnosed as having axial spondyloarthritis according to ASAS criteria 2010, during a period of 6 years. The AS and the nr-axSpA subgroups were compared for the various axSpA-related variables. Results: Of the 277 patients with a diagnosis of axial SpA who were included in this study, 160 had AS and 117 had nr-axSpA. AS and nr-ax-SpA shared a similar age at diagnosis, similar prevalence of low back pain, lumbar stiffness, extra-articular manifestations, BASDAI and BASFI. In the multivariate analysis, AS patients were mainly male with cervical stiffness, enthesitis, coxitis and high level of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). The females generally had a family history of SpA and arthritis and were associated to the nr-axSpA form in the univariate analysis. Conclusion: This was the first study to characterise patients with AS and nr-axSpA in Morocco. Consistent with other studies published, this study showed that patients with nr-axSpA and patients with AS shared a comparable degree of disease burden.

scholarly journals Burnout and Its Relationship with Demographic and Job-Related Variables among Dentists in Lithuania: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3968
Author(s):  
Eglė Slabšinskienė ◽  
Andrej Gorelik ◽  
Aistė Kavaliauskienė ◽  
Apolinaras Zaborskis
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Satisfaction Index ◽  
Sum Score ◽  
Sum Scores ◽  
High Level

Although burnout has been described as a serious hazard for personal and professional lives and has been surveyed among dentists in many countries, no study has been published regarding burnout among dentists in Lithuania. This study aimed to evaluate the burnout level among Lithuanian dentists and its association with demographic variables, job satisfaction, and other job-related variables. The data were collected among dentists online or during professional conferences while using an anonymous questionnaire (n = 380). The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to evaluate the burnout level. A Poisson regression was applied for the analysis of relationships between variables. We observed that 42.3% of the respondents had a high emotional exhaustion (EE) (95% confidence interval (CI): 37.4–42.3%), while 18.7% (95% CI: 15.0–22.9%) and 28,2% (95% CI: 23.4–32.6%) had high depersonalization (DP) and low personal accomplishment (PA), respectively. Nonetheless, 15.3% (95% CI: 11.8–18.9%) of the study population experienced a high level of overall burnout. An original job satisfaction index was elaborated. It was significantly associated with sum scores of all burnout dimensions: with the EE sum score (Ratio of Sum Score Means (RSSM) 1.54; 95% CI: 1.46–1.62), DP sum score (RSSM 1.59; 95% CI: 1.45–1.74), and PA sum score (RSSM 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84–0.92). It was concluded that Lithuanian dentists can be characterised by high burnout intensity and high prevalence of burnout, being especially evident in emotional exhaustion. The dentist with low job satisfaction appeared to be the most vulnerable to all burnout dimensions.

scholarly journals HANDLING DISTRUST ON RISK COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA: A STRATEGY TO STRENGTHENING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK RESPONSE

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi ◽  
Priscilla Onaopemipo Akosile ◽  
Aanuoluwapo Adeyimika Afolabi ◽  
Victor Okoliko Ukwenya
Keyword(s):  
Risk Communication ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the level of trust in the COVID-19 risk communication efforts in Nigeria. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among community members aged 15 years and above in Ondo state in October, 2020. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies. Trust was ranked from “1” implying “Low level of trust” to “7” denoting “High level of trust”. We conducted bivariate Chi-square test on respondents’ level of trust in the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and socio-demographic characteristics. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results Among the 691 respondents, 244 (35.3%) were aged 21 to 29 years, and 304 (51.4%) used the NCDC to obtain COVID-19 knowledge. Overall, 205 (41.8%) had high level of trust in the NCDC. Furthermore, 51 (51.5%) individuals aged 30-39 years had high level of trust in the NCDC (ᵡ2=17.455, p= 0.001). Also, 114 (48.5%) persons who lived with children below 18 years had high level of trust in the NCDC (ᵡ2= 8.266, p= 0.004). Conclusion Policy makers should prioritize the involvement of young and educated persons in COVID-19 risk communication strategies.

scholarly journals Patient health engagement model: explaining citizens noncompliance and maladaptive behaviors

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Graffigna ◽  
S Barello ◽  
L Palamenghi ◽  
M Savarese ◽  
G Castellini
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Prevention ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
High Level ◽  
Restrictive Measures

Abstract Background At the end of February 2020 a new case was diagnosed with COVID-19 in north Italy, suddenly followed by new cases. Italian health authorities decided to enforce restrictive measures. Northern areas of Italy were identified as “red areas” to slow down the epidemic and its impact on the healthcare system. From this perspective, the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy constitutes a testing ground for the assessment of the ability of consumers to cope with this health risk. Methods A cross-sectional study on a representative sample of 1000 Italian citizens was conducted over the period 27 February- 5 March exploring the following hypotheses: 1) less engaged individuals are more concerned for the health emergency and feel more vulnerable; 2) less engaged have higher probability to develop negative attitudes and dysfunctional behaviors. Results only the 16% the interviewees presented a high level of engagement. Lower levels of engagement were measured in the southern parts of Italy (not yet touched by the epidemics at the time of data collection). People with lowers levels of engagement reported higher fears for the contagion and sense of vulnerability. Furthermore, they showed the lower levels of trust in the Public Health Authorities, in medical research and in vaccines. Finally, they appeared more dismissive in their preventive behaviors and more disorganized in the fruition of the healthcare services. Conclusions A psychological analysis of processes of attitudinal and role change in the direction of becoming more engaged in health prevention is worthy in order to forecast potential dysfunctional reactions to restrictive health prevention measures and to orient personalized education initiatives to consumers with different level of engagement. Key messages Profiling based on the levels of health engagement is important in order to plan more effective healthcare measures during epidemics. Targeted educational initiatives should take into account citizens' engagement profiles.

scholarly journals The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Menstrual Abnormalities—a Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 4505-4509
Author(s):  
Anna Różańska-Walędziak ◽  
Paweł Bartnik ◽  
Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik ◽  
Krzysztof Czajkowski ◽  
Maciej Walędziak
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contraception Use ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Obesity is associated with hyperestrogenism along with other hormonal abnormalities affecting the menstrual cycle. The most effective and decisive method of obesity treatment is bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of bariatric surgery on menstrual cycle, the incidence of menstrual abnormalities, hyperandrogenism manifestation, and contraception use. Materials and Methods It was a cross-sectional study of 515 pre-menopausal women who had undergone bariatric surgery between 1999 and 2017 in a bariatric center. Data was collected via anonymous questionnaire, and the questions covered a 1-year period before the surgery and the last year before questionnaire completion. Results Before the surgery, 38.6% of the patients reported irregular menstruations in comparison with 25.0% after bariatric surgery (RR = 0.65; 95%CI 0.53–0.79). The mean number of menstruations per year did not differ before and after surgery (10.2 ± 3.9 vs 10.4 ± 3.3; p < .45). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of prolonged menstruations, acne, and hirsutism prevalence. A total of 14.4% of patients before surgery reported estrogen-based contraception use in comparison with 15.0% after the surgery (p < .95). There were no significant differences in the frequency of OC use (11.0% before surgery vs 13.6% 12 months after the surgery vs 11.5% at the moment of survey administration; p < 0.46). Conclusion Bariatric surgery improves the regularity of the menstrual cycle in obese women in reproductive age. The lack of any changes in the combined hormonal contraception (CHC) use, especially OC, before and after bariatric surgery may be a result of a possibly low level of contraception counseling.

Radiation and its associated health risks: assessment of knowledge and risk perception among adolescents and young adults in Saudi Arabia

2018 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heba Shaaban ◽  
Mohsina Bano Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Radiation Sources ◽  
Risks Assessment

Abstract Electromagnetic radiation is the fastest growing environmental factor due to the vast development in technology in the last decades. Awareness about radiation has received more attention worldwide due to its health hazards. Adolescents are exposed to radiation from various sources on a daily basis. The number of studies conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of adolescents and young adults regarding radiation and its risks is limited, especially in the Middle East. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception about radiation and its associated hazards among adolescents and young adults. Additionally, our aim was to identify the best methods of education regarding radiation and its protective measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 participants in Saudi Arabia. It was found that the overall knowledge and awareness on radiation sources and its hazards among adolescents and young adults is inadequate. The majority of participants had misconceptions regarding radiation sources and its detriments to health. Socio-demographic variables were associated with the participants’ perception. Educating adolescents on radiation and its safety measures is much needed. It was found that the most preferred methods of education are social media and health care providers. The findings of this study will provide insight when designing future interventions to promote specific messages to enhance knowledge and improve awareness regarding radiation.

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