scholarly journals Melatonin and Cancer: A Polyhedral Network Where the Source Matters

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Maria-Angeles Bonmati-Carrion ◽  
Antonia Tomas-Loba
Keyword(s):  
Night Shift ◽  
Intrinsic Factor ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
World Health ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Cancer Hallmarks ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Multicellular Organisms

Melatonin is one of the most phylogenetically conserved signals in biology. Although its original function was probably related to its antioxidant capacity, this indoleamine has been “adopted” by multicellular organisms as the “darkness signal” when secreted in a circadian manner and is acutely suppressed by light at night by the pineal gland. However, melatonin is also produced by other tissues, which constitute its extrapineal sources. Apart from its undisputed chronobiotic function, melatonin exerts antioxidant, immunomodulatory, pro-apoptotic, antiproliferative, and anti-angiogenic effects, with all these properties making it a powerful antitumor agent. Indeed, this activity has been demonstrated to be mediated by interfering with various cancer hallmarks, and different epidemiological studies have also linked light at night (melatonin suppression) with a higher incidence of different types of cancer. In 2007, the World Health Organization classified night shift work as a probable carcinogen due to circadian disruption, where melatonin plays a central role. Our aim is to review, from a global perspective, the role of melatonin both from pineal and extrapineal origin, as well as their possible interplay, as an intrinsic factor in the incidence, development, and progression of cancer. Particular emphasis will be placed not only on those mechanisms related to melatonin’s antioxidant nature but also on the recently described novel roles of melatonin in microbiota and epigenetic regulation.

scholarly journals Training physicians in India to interpret pediatric chest radiographs according to World Health Organization research methodology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric D. McCollum ◽  
Melissa M. Higdon ◽  
Nicholas S. S. Fancourt ◽  
Jack Sternal ◽  
William Checkley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Chest Radiography ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Chest Radiographs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Pediatric Chest ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Chest radiography is the standard for diagnosing pediatric lower respiratory infections in low-income and middle-income countries. A method for interpreting pediatric chest radiographs for research endpoints was recently updated by the World Health Organization (WHO) Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies project. Research in India required training local physicians to interpret chest radiographs following the WHO method. Objective To describe the methodology for training Indian physicians and evaluate the training’s effectiveness. Materials and methods Twenty-nine physicians (15 radiologists and 14 pediatricians) from India were trained by two WHO Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies members over 3 days in May 2019. Training materials were adapted from WHO Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies resources. Participants followed WHO methodology to interpret 60 unique chest radiographs before and after the training. Participants needed to correctly classify ≥80% of radiographs for primary endpoint pneumonia on the post-training test to be certified to interpret research images. We analyzed participant performance on both examinations. Results Twenty-six of 29 participants (89.7%) completed both examinations. The average score increased by 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.0–14.1%) between examinations (P<0.001). Participants correctly classifying ≥80% of images for primary endpoint pneumonia increased from 69.2% (18/26) on the pretraining to 92.3% (24/26) on the post-training examination (P=0.003). The mean scores of radiologists and pediatricians on the post-training examination were not statistically different (P=0.43). Conclusion Our results demonstrate this training approach using revised WHO definitions and tools was successful, and that non-radiologists can learn to apply these methods as effectively as radiologists. Such capacity strengthening is important for enabling research to support national policy decision-making in these settings. We recommend future research incorporating WHO chest radiograph methodology to consider modelling trainings after this approach.

Fullerene Derivatives (CN-[OH]β) and Carbon Nanotubes Modelled as Transporters for Doxorubicin Drug in Cancer Therapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakim AL Garalleh
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Anticancer Drugs ◽  
Carbon Nanomaterials ◽  
Aqueous Media ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
World Health ◽  
Fullerene Derivative ◽  
Fullerene Derivatives ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Carbon nanomaterials have received increasing attention in drug delivery applications because of their distinct properties and structures, including large surface areas, high conductivity, low solubility in aqueous media, unique chemical functionalities and stability at the nano-scale size. Particularly, they have been used as nano-carriers and mediators for anticancer drugs such as, combination with Cisplatin, Camptothecin and Doxorubicin. Cancer has become the most challenging disease because its sophisticated therapy and classified as one of the top killers according to the World health organization records. The aim of the current work is to study and investigate the mechanism of combination between single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and the fullerene derivatives (C N -[OH] β ) as mediators, and anticancer drugs for photodynamic therapy directly to destroy the infected cells without damaging the normal ones. Here, we obtain a bio-medical model to determine the efficiency of usefulness of Doxorubicin (DOX) as an antitumor agent conjugated with SWCNTs with variant radii r and fullerene derivative (C N -[OH] β ). The two sub-models are obtained mathematically to evaluate the potential energy arising from the DOX-SWCNT and DOX-(C N -[OH] β ) interactions. DOX modelled as two-connected spheres, small and large, each interacting with different SWCNTs (variant radii r ) and fullerene derivatives C N -[OH] β , forming based on the number of carbon atoms (N) and the number of Hydroxide molecules (OH) ( β ), respectively.

scholarly journals Leading causes of blindness and visual impairment in the region of Eastern Herzegovina

2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 15-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lala Ceklic ◽  
Slobodanka Latinovic ◽  
Petar Aleksic
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
World Health ◽  
Visual Disability ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Blind Persons

Introduction. Visual impairment and blindness are serious social and health problems in the world. 1992 classification of visual disorders by World Health Organization has recently been implemented. The goal of this study was to determine common causes of visual impairment and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina. Material and methods. In this population based study we have analyzed medical records stored in the regional Association of Visually Impaired and Blind Persons of the Republic of Srpska (Trebinje, Bileca, Foca, Eastern Sarajevo). The analysis included sex and age distribution of registered population, classification and leading causes of visual disability and blindness. Results. There are 298 registered persons with visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina and Eastern Sarajevo. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in the aforementioned region is 0.1%. Among the studied population, there are more males than females with visual disability or blindness (56% versus 44%). Most (78%) of registered persons are blind, and only 22% are visually impaired. 43% of registered population are in the IV category and only 8.38% are registered in the II category. Only 2% of registered population are children. Common causes of visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina are: glaucoma (22%), cataract (17%), myopia alta (13%), diabetic retinopathy (12%) and ocular trauma (11%). Common causes of children's visual impairment include: optic nerve anomalies, congenital cataract and premature retinopathy. Discussion and conclusion Compared with literature data, common causes of blindness and visual impairment in the region of Eastern Herzegovina do not differ significantly from those in other regions. Registration is based on the WHO model, but it is possible only by performing active epidemiological studies. .

A global perspective on suicides and suicide attempts

2021 ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
Elise Paul
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
World Health ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
World Mental Health Survey ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Ongoing Monitoring

Specific populations at risk for suicide differ considerably according to region, country, sex, age, and the most common suicide methods used, highlighting the need for ongoing systematic surveillance to inform prevention efforts. The magnitude of the problem is not limited to suicide deaths. It is estimated that for every suicide, there are 20 more persons who have made an attempt. Individuals who have made a suicide attempt are at increased risk for dying by suicide. This chapter explores differences in the suicide and suicide attempt rates in the general population on different continents, by examining data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Estimates and the World Mental Health Survey Initiative. Differences across contexts in suicidal behaviours and the need for ongoing monitoring are emphasized.

scholarly journals Validation of the Turkish Version of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth M. J. Huis In ‘T Veld ◽  
Ceylan Makine ◽  
Arie Nouwen ◽  
Çağatay Karşıdağ ◽  
Pinar Kadıoğlu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Self Report ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diabetes Distress ◽  
Turkish Version ◽  
Health Organization

The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale is a widely used self-report measure that can facilitate detection of diabetes-specific emotional distress in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the factor structure and validity of the Turkish version of the PAID. A validation study was conducted among 154 patients with insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes. Participants completed the PAID, Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS), and World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) questionnaires. Exploratory factor analyses yielded a 2-factor structure, identifying a 15-item “diabetes distress” factor and a 5-item “support-related issues” factor. The total PAID-score and the two dimensions were associated with higher levels of depression and poor emotional well-being. In the present study, the Turkish version of the PAID had satisfactory psychometric properties, however, the factorial structure was found to differ from factor solutions from other countries.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Hospitalised Current Smokers and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus González-Rubio ◽  
Carmen Navarro-López ◽  
Elena López-Nájera ◽  
Ana López-Nájera ◽  
Lydia Jiménez-Díaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
World Health ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Patient Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Health Organization

SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus that has caused a worldwide pandemic. It produces severe acute respiratory disease (COVID-19), which is fatal in many cases, characterised by the cytokine release syndrome (CRS). According to the World Health Organization, those who smoke are likely to be more vulnerable to infection. Here, in order to clarify the epidemiologic relationship between smoking and COVID-19, we present a systematic literature review until 28th April 2020 and a meta-analysis. We included 18 recent COVID-19 clinical and epidemiological studies based on smoking patient status from 720 initial studies in China, the USA, and Italy. The percentage of hospitalised current smokers was 7.7% (95% CI: 6.9–8.4) in China, 2.3% (95% CI: 1.7–2.9) in the USA and 7.6% (95% CI: 4.2–11.0) in Italy. These percentages were compared to the smoking prevalence of each country and statistically significant differences were found in them all (p < 0.0001). By means of the meta-analysis, we offer epidemiological evidence showing that smokers were statistically less likely to be hospitalised (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.14–0.23, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the analysis of data from 18 studies shows a much lower percentage of hospitalised current smokers than expected. As more studies become available, this trend should be checked to obtain conclusive results and to explore, where appropriate, the underlying mechanism of the severe progression and adverse outcomes of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Fasciolosis

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Parkinson ◽  
John P. Dalton ◽  
Sandra M. O’Neill
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
World Health ◽  
Complex Life Cycle ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Specific Stage ◽  
Health Organization

Liver fluke disease, or fasciolosis, of livestock and humans is caused by endoparasitic trematodes of the genus Fasciola. Fasciola hepatica is responsible for the disease in temperate climates whereas F. gigantica is found in tropical zones. Recently, hybrids between F. hepatica and F. gigantica have been described (Le et al. 2008, Periago et al. 2008). Fasciolosis is a true zoonoses as it is predominantly a disease of animals that can be transmitted to humans at a specific stage of the parasite’s complex life cycle. There are a number of definitive hosts which includes sheep, cattle, and humans but this parasite has evolved to infect many other mammalian hosts including pigs, dogs, alpacas, llamas, rats, and goats (Apt et al. 1993; Chen and Mott 1990; Esteban et al. 1998). While prevalence of infection in humans may be relatively low in relation to animals, in specific geographic locations, for example in Bolivia, the prevalence of fasciolosis is so high in the human populations (hyperendemic) that it contributes to the spread of disease in animals (Esteban et al. 1999; Mas-Coma et al. 1999).Archeological studies showing Fasciola eggs in ancient mummies in Egypt demonstrate that fasciolosis is an ancient human disease (David 1997). Sporadic cases of fasciolosis were reported in Egypt in 1958 (Kuntz et al. 1958). The first to carry out an extensive review on human fasciolosis were Chen and Mott (1990). They reported 2,595 cases in over 40 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the western Pacifi c from 1970 – 1990. This review raised awareness of fasciolosis in humans and triggered a growth in epidemiological studies and a consequential dramatic increase in reporting of cases in the literature. Now human fasciolosis is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an important disease in humans with an estimated 2.4 million people infected annually and 180 million at risk to infection in over 61 countries (Haseeb et al. 2002). There have been several cases of large scale epidemics in France (Dauchy et al. 2007), Egypt (Curtale et al. 2007) and Iran (Rokni et al. 2002).However, the only extensive epidemiological studies to determine the rate of infection have been carried out in Egypt and Bolivia (Curtale et al. 2003, 2007; Esteban et al. 2002; Parkinson et al. 2007). These studies have shown that co-infection with other diseases is a common occurrence and this may lead to under-reporting of the incidence of fasciolosis (Esteban et al. 2003; Maiga et al. 1991). In many countries, the overall rates of infection are extrapolated from sporadic reports of the disease and, consequently, worldwide disease prevalence is uncertain. In this chapter we will review the cause and effect of human fasciolosis, and particularly highlight important considerations in designing control strategies to reduce infection in at-risk communities.

scholarly journals Examining The Ravaging (Covid 19) And Its Implications For Educational Institutions On A Global Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
Bright Okanezi ◽  
Amadi Mercy Steve
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Private School ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
World Health ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Wild Fire ◽  
Academic Calendar ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization

The study examined the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for educational institutions on a global perspective. COVID-19 outbreak occurred in Wuhan City, China at the twilight of the year 2019 and spread like wild fire to other countries. Globally, over eight million people have been infected with the coronavirus, over four million people recovered and more than half a million deaths recorded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The disease was so dreadful that various nations adopted the lockdown measure to forestall further spread. Consequently, educational institutions at all levels were shut-down along-side other sectors. Corollary to the above, it was found that the academic calendar would be affected; international students’ enrolment might reduce; schools that depend more on foreign students for funding may experience a down-turn during the period of COVID-19 outbreak; schools may not be able to be liberal with their financial aid offerings; private school owners may find it difficult to pay the salaries of their employees during the period of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. It was however, recommended that schools should source revenue through entrepreneurial practices; the government of each country should allocate 26% of her annual budget to education sector; tuition fee for international students should be cut down by at least 20%; World Health Organization (WHO) should sponsor more research towards getting a vaccine for COVID-19.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Noise Pollution in Sari’s Educational Hospitals in 2015-16

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Alizadeh ◽  
Fatemeh Taghavi ◽  
Jamshid Yazdani Charati
Keyword(s):  
Noise Control ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Engineering Controls ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization

Introduction: Noise is one of the most important pollutants in worksites. Hospitals are imposed to noise pollution.  Considering lack of research in Sari educational hospitals and applicability of noise control by engineering controls and education, we proposed this research to evaluate the sound pressure level (SPL) in three educational hospitals of Sari, Iran. Methods: In a descriptive-analytical study, the SPL of three hospitals was evaluated using sound level meter (model; CACELLA CELL-490, made in England). The evaluation was performed in 1.5 meter height, in three shifts, and in three days of the week. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic methods and SPSS software version 24.  For assessing the rate of effective factors, the GEE (Generalized estimating Equation) methods were used. Results: According to the results, the mean SPL was 63.30 ± 7.33 dB and a significant difference was observed between the mean SPL and the standard (35 dB) (p <0.001). Moreover, the highest mean of sound in hospitals was observed in Fatemeh Al-Zahra Hospital. Considering the week days, Saturday and among shifts, the night shift had the highest mean SPL. Conclusion: The findings showed that SPL was higher than the Iranian National Construction Regulations and World Health Organization (WHO) standards in all evaluated places. So, the noise control programs should be considered seriously.

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