Nevin Manimala

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2022 Dec 27;29(4):568-574. doi: 10.26444/aaem/155846. Epub 2022 Nov 3.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Zinc is a trace element that plays a role in stimulating innate and acquired immunity. The aim of the study was to determine the antiviral effect of the administration of zinc in COVID-19 patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in P Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases from 1 January 2020 – 22 August 2022. In addition, reference lists of the included articles and their related citations in PubMed were also reviewed for additional pertinent studies.

RESULTS: A total of 9 eligible studies were identified. In-hospital mortality in zinc supplementation patients, and patients treated without zinc, varied and amounted to 21.6% vs. 23.04% difference (OR=0.71; 95%CI: 0.62-0.81; p<0.001). 28-day to 30-day mortality in patients treated with zinc was 7.7%, compared to 11.9% for patients treated without zinc (OR=0.61; 95%CI: 0.35-1.06; p=0.08). In-hospital adverse events among patients treated with and without COVID-19 did not show any statistically significant differences in relation to acute kidney injury occurrence (12.8% vs. 12.4%, respectively; OR=0.63; 95%CI: 0.19-2.12; p=0.45, as well as need for mechanical ventilation (13.2% vs. 14.1%; OR=0.83; 95%CI: 0.52-1.32; p=0.43).

CONCLUSIONS: Zinc supplementation is associated with lower COVID-19 in-hospital mortality. Additionally, it is risk-free in COVID-19 patients since there have been no negative side effects, such as acute renal damage or the requirement for mechanical ventilation compared to patients without COVID-19. Due to scientific evidence and the role it represents in the human body, zinc supplementation should be taken into consideration for COVID-19 patients as an adjunct therapy.

PMID:36583325 | DOI:10.26444/aaem/155846

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2022 Dec 27;29(4):560-567. doi: 10.26444/aaem/153960. Epub 2022 Sep 21.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is a highly contagious coronavirus disease that has had a significant impact on the functioning of society. On 11 March 2020, due to the rapid spread of the virus, the WHO declared a global pandemic. By the end of 2021, 5 variants of SARS-CoV-2 had been identified since the beginning of the pandemic. The course of the disease varied depending on the age of the patients and the presence of possible comorbidities. Most patients were asymptomatic or sparsely symptomatic of the infection; however, in about 6% of cases, the course of the disease was critical. Typical symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, muscle pain and headache, lack of smell and taste, cough, dyspnea, diarrhoea and nausea. According to epidemic guidelines, infected patients were subjected to isolation, which harmed their mental state, especially the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of isolation on the biopsychosocial functioning of elderly patients with COVID-19.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 360 elderly patients in hospital wards operating as a unit in a hospital complex dedicated to patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires: ADL Scale, IADL, GDS, SF-36 Quality of Life Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and supplementary questions about, among others, the oxygen therapy provided, length of stay in the unit, and the support received from relatives.

RESULTS: Almost half (48%) of the subjects received oxygen therapy, and 36% had a length of disease of 7-14 days. A correlation was observed between the quality of life and the above-mentioned factors. Correlations of quality of life indicators with the length of illness were moderate (except for the level of pain) and positive, meaning that the longer the patients were ill, the lower their quality of life. Correlations of disease severity were moderate for pain, vitality, and emotional limitations, while vital for physical functioning and limitations and general and mental health. The intensity of oxygen therapy was moderately correlated with physical and emotional limitations and general health and strongly correlated with physical functioning, vitality and mental health. Correlations between functional status and mental status of elderly patients were also studied. Analysis of variance showed that the constructed model was an excellent fit to the data, F = 37.14; p < 0.001, explaining 42% of the variance in the dependent variable (R²= 0.42). As many as 80% of the respondents felt that isolation harmed their well-being. Examining the impact of quality of life on their well-being showed that most of the associations tested were statistically significant, and all were positive. Associations of moderate strength were shown for physical functioning, physical limitations and general health, while strong associations were shown for vitality, emotional limitations and mental health. Pain complaints were associated with changes in well-being at the level of statistical trend (p = 0.055). This means that the lower the patients’ quality of life, especially in terms of vitality and mental health, the more significant the impact of isolation on their well-being. The study also investigated the effect of social support on mental state. The model proved to be an excellent fit to the data, F = 5.91, p = 0.002, and explained 23% of the variance in the dependent variable (Adjusted R² = 0.23). At the same time, support from friends turned out to be the only significant predictor (Beta = 0.53), and this means that the more support the subjects received from them, the lower the level of depression they manifested.

CONCLUSIONS: 1) The better the functional state of a senior and the support received from relatives, the lower the severity of depression. 2) The lower the quality of a senior’s life, especially in terms of mental state, the greater the negative impact on his/her well-being in isolation. 3) The low quality of life of a senior increased the likelihood of depression. 4) The quality of life of older Covid-19 patients was higher in those without chronic disease. 5) The quality-of-life level was lower in patients with a more severe course of COVID-19, and longer duration of disease and oxygen therapy.

PMID:36583324 | DOI:10.26444/aaem/153960

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2022 Dec 27;29(4):543-553. doi: 10.26444/aaem/152408. Epub 2022 Sep 6.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: In recent years, researchers have pointed to the growing popularity of energy drinks (EDs) in adolescents. This is a worrying trend due to the fact that energy drink (ED) consumption in this age group poses health risks. Among factors that could predict ED consumption, are attitudes towards EDs. The aim of the study was to identify attitudes towards EDs, and to investigate associations between these attitudes and ED consumption behaviours. The study also aimed to assess whether attitudes and ED consumption behaviours were differentiated by variables, such as gender, stage of education, socio-economic status and academic achievement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among adolescents aged 13-19 years living in the Pomeranian Province (northern Poland). An anonymous questionnaire with a scale to identify attitudes towards EDs was used in the study. Results were assessed as statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: According to the results, 2/3 of the surveyed adolescents consumed EDs. Boys, high school students and students with poorer academic achievement consumed EDs more often than girls, middle school students and very good students. The adolescents preferred a single ED intake at the level of 250 mL. The distribution of the results in this regard was differentiated by gender and academic achievement. The prevailing percentage of the respondents had ambivalent attitudes towards EDs. It was found that negative attitudes towards EDs were expressed by a higher percentage of the girls and the very good students. Positive attitudes towards EDs were associated with frequent ED consumption and with a high level of single ED intake.

CONCLUSIONS: The results allow the conclusion that attitudes towards EDs identified in the studied sample can be considered an important factor related to ED consumption behaviorus.

PMID:36583322 | DOI:10.26444/aaem/152408

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2022 Dec 27;29(4):513-517. doi: 10.26444/aaem/155254. Epub 2022 Oct 25.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica) is a significant representative of the High Tatra Mountains endemic fauna species. In terms of health hazards for these animals, an important role is played by parasitic infections that can lead to a significant depletion of the entire population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites of Tatra chamois in the current environmental and climatic conditions of the High Tatra Mountains.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the pilot project in 2014 – 2017, a total of 494 chamois faecal samples were collected from the Slovak High Tatra and 114 samples in the Polish part of the mountain and examined using standard coprological methods.

RESULTS: The results revealed that the overall positivity for gastrointestinal parasites in chamois of the Slovak High Tatra reached 74.7%. Most frequent were protozoa – Eimeria spp. (42.7%), helminths were represented by Moniezia spp. tapeworms (23.5%), eggs of GIS-strongylids (7.1%), and sporadically Capillaria spp. (1.4%). The chamois from the Polish Tatra Mts. were infected with Eimeria spp. (43.9%), GIT-strongylids (9.6%), and Moniezia spp. (6.1%). Parasitic infection was determined in 59.6 % of faecal samples from the Polish part of the mountains. Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference in Moniezia spp. occurrence in different Slovak Tatra Mts. Regions, as well as between Slovak and Polish Tatra Mts.

CONCLUSIONS: Initial research on the gastrointestinal parasites of the Tatra chamois revealed one indisputable finding – a relatively high prevalence of the genus Moniezia, which is closely linked to the climate and microclimate conditions of the mountains. Further intensive research on parasite composition and distribution in Tatra chamois is needed in broader temporal, ecological, and zoological contexts.

PMID:36583317 | DOI:10.26444/aaem/155254

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2022 Dec 27;29(4):489-501. doi: 10.26444/aaem/158547. Epub 2022 Dec 27.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The disabled are a group with heterogeneous structure of causes and needs. Assessment of these causes and needs requires prospective studies in order to use the results within public health actions, indispensable for pursuing the challenges of sustained development. The aim of the study was determination of the problems and needs of the disabled in various areas of their functioning, according to such characteristics as: gender, age, causes of disability, place of residence, level of education, formal status of disability, and socio-economic standard.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined population were 676 disabled aged from 19-98, including 56.4% of females, and 43,6% of males; rural inhabitants constituted 38.0%. The study was conducted by the method of purposive sampling, using the following research tools: the Disability Questionnaire, and the Scientific-Research Protocol. Statistical analyses were performed by means of the statistical package IBM SPSS Statistics v. 27; the p values p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The most frequently occurring problems were material difficulties, lack of rehabilitation in the place of residence, hindered access to a physician, difficulties with settling official matters, loneliness, too infrequent contacts with the family, negative attitudes of the local community towards disability, and family disagreements. Some of these problems were significantly more frequent among rural inhabitants.

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the problems hindering daily life of the disabled fell within social rather than medical categories. Age, level of education, degree of disability, legal status, and material standard were most frequent determinants of the occurrence of health and social problems according to the place of residence.

PMID:36583315 | DOI:10.26444/aaem/158547

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2022 Dec 27;29(4):483-488. doi: 10.26444/aaem/152745. Epub 2022 Sep 23.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Wood dust is regarded as one of the human carcinogen based on an increased risk of nasal and sinonasal cancer. This study was conducted in two sawmills to measure and determine the time-weighted average (TWA) exposure level to wood dust, and compare the results with the South African occupational exposure limit (OEL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Personal and area respirable and total inhalable wood dust samples were collected using calibrated Giliair-3 personal air sampling pump (Sensidyne, USA). Data was analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2019 Analysis Tool Pak for a summary of descriptive statistics. Both the geometric means and standard deviation as well as the minimum and maximum values were calculated.

RESULTS: The geometric mean = GM (geometric standard deviation = GSD) for personal respirable wood dust exposure at sawmill A was 0.9(4.8) mg/m³ while at sawmill B – 0.57(0.75) mg/m³. The GM(GSD) for personal total inhalable wood dust exposure at sawmill A was 0.37(0.94) mg/m³ while at sawmill B – 1.19(16.91) mg/m³. Besides that, the GM(GSD) for area respirable wood dust at sawmill A was 0.13(0.09) mg/m 3 , while at sawmill B – 0.8(0.6) mg/m³. Likewise, the GM(GSD) for area total inhalable wood dust at sawmill A was 0.13(0.16) mg/m³ while at sawmill B – 0.54(0.55) mg/m³ .

CONCLUSIONS: Results for the majority of samples were below the OEL. Workers smoking tobacco or cigarettes should be encouraged to stop smoking since smoking, especially when associated with exposure to wood dust, may increase the risk of respiratory health symptoms.

PMID:36583314 | DOI:10.26444/aaem/152745

Int J Dent Hyg. 2022 Dec 30. doi: 10.1111/idh.12664. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This multi-arm, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 0.5% Green Tea (GT), 0.2 % Chlorhexidine (CHX) and Aloe Vera (AV) mouthwash as compared to the control (CNT) group (scaling and polishing alone with no mouthwash) in the management of dental biofilm induced gingivitis among 18-40-year-old patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients with generalized dental biofilm-induced gingivitis) were randomly allocated to four study groups (n=15 each) for treatment, namely, Group GT, Group CHX, Group AV and Group CNT after scaling and polishing were administered to all the patients. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and sulcular bleeding index (SBI) were recorded at baseline, 14^th, and 21^st day.

RESULTS: PI, GI and SBI at various time intervals (baseline, 14^th day and 21^st day) showed high statistically significant differences within the group (p < 0.01). Among these, the maximum percentage change was found in the CHX group followed by GT when evaluated from baseline to 21^st day. The least percentage change was found in the AV group for PI and GI while the CNT group showed the least percentage change for sulcular index when evaluated from 14^th day to 21^st day. Inter-group results showed high statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) for PI and GI when evaluated between baseline to 14^th day and baseline to 21^st day. SBI also showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) when evaluated between baselines to 14^th day and baseline to 21^st day.

CONCLUSION: Green tea mouthwash displayed a significant reduction in plaque index, gingival index, and sulcular bleeding index. 0.5% Green tea catechin has equivalent anti-plaque efficacy as 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate and can be considered a potent alternative to prevent and treat gingival diseases.

PMID:36583292 | DOI:10.1111/idh.12664

Int J Biostat. 2022 Dec 30. doi: 10.1515/ijb-2022-0039. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

For non-inferiority/superiority and equivalence tests of two Poisson rates, the determination of the required number of sample sizes has been studied but the studies for the number of events to be observed are very limited. To fill the gap, the present study first is aimed toward determining the number of events to be observed for testing non-inferiority/superiority and equivalence of two Poisson rates, respectively. Also, considering the cost for each event, the second purpose is to apply an exhaustive search to find the unequal but optimal allocation of events for each group such that the budget is minimal for a user-specified power level, or the statistical power is maximal for a user-specified budget. Four R Shiny apps were developed to obtain the number of events needed for each group. A simulation study showed the proposed approach to be valid in terms of Type I error and statistical power. A comparison of the proposed approach with extant methods from various disciplines was performed, and an illustrative example of comparing the adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines was demonstrated. By applying the proposed approach, researchers also can estimate the most economical number of subjects or time intervals after determining the number of events.

PMID:36583245 | DOI:10.1515/ijb-2022-0039

BMC Pulm Med. 2022 Dec 29;22(1):490. doi: 10.1186/s12890-022-02292-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous disease with different subtypes, multidisciplinary teams-led management, and a poor prognosis. Currently, the clinical benefits of stage III NSCLC in the neoadjuvant setting are still unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of published data on neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in stage III NSCLC to systematically evaluate its efficacy and safety.

METHODS: We searched the databases to identify eligible studies of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for stage III NSCLC. The primary outcomes mainly included pathological and radiological response outcomes, the feasibility of surgery, and the safety of the regimen. The pathological and radiological response included the rate of major pathologic response (MPR), complete pathologic response (pCR), radiological response outcomes, and R0 resection; The feasibility included the rate of surgical resection, conversion to thoracotomy, surgical complications, pathological downstaging of clinical disease stage. The safety included the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and severe adverse events (SAEs). R 4.1.3 software was conducted for data analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Nine trials containing a total of 382 populations were eligible for the meta-analysis, with the pooled surgical resection rate of 90%. Owing to the large heterogeneity of the single-rate meta-analysis, the random effect model was adopted. The estimated pooled prevalence of MPR was 56% (95%CI 0.39-0.72) and of pCR was 39% (95%CI 0.28-0.51). The pooled rate of TRAEs was 65% (95%CI 0.17-0.99) and SAEs was 24% (95%CI 0.05-0.49).

CONCLUSION: Compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy, neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy achieved more pathological and radiological relief, and has a high surgical resection rate and low risk of conversion to thoracotomy and surgical complications, with poor tolerance of toxicity but rarely developing life-threatening adverse events. In conclusion, neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy is suggested to be beneficial for stage III NSCLC.

PMID:36582007 | DOI:10.1186/s12890-022-02292-5

BMJ Open. 2022 Sep 1;12(9):e061931. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061931.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the level of life satisfaction and identify associated factors among elderly people living in two cities in northwest Ethiopia.

DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Two cities in northwest Ethiopia (Gondar and Bahir Dar).

PARTICIPANTS: 816 elderly people age 60 years and above living in Gondar and Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Level of life satisfaction. Considering the mean and SD, three levels of satisfaction appeared to suffice as the basis for analysis and discussion: 23.5-34.4 dissatisfied, 34.5-56.5 averagely satisfied and 56.6-67.5 satisfied. Multivariable ordinal regression analysis was done to control the confounders. Since the outcome variable has an ordinal category, ordinal regression analysis is appropriate. A p≤0.05 and AOR (adjusted OR) with a 95% CI were considered to determine the statistically significant variables and strength of the association.

RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 68.2 years with an SD±7.2. The level of life satisfaction was: dissatisfied 17.2%, moderately satisfied 63.8% and well satisfied 19.0%. Overall, 45.8% (95% CI 42.2% to 49.2%) of the participants had a score equal to or above the mean. Regarding associated factors; retired current occupation (AOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.55), good self-rated health status (AOR=2.54, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.99), having no chronic disease (AOR=1.48, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.11), somewhat-good (AOR=2.15, 95% CI 1.12 to 4.13) and good (AOR=4.51, 95% CI 2.40 to 8.45) self-perception on ageing life, moderate functional impairment on daily living activities (AOR=5.43, 95% CI 1.81 to 16.24), high sense of coherence (AOR=3.80, 95% CI 2.04 to 7.08), house rent as a source of finance (AOR=2.60, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.52) and high perceived social support (AOR=2.13, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.16) had statistically significant association with the life satisfaction.

CONCLUSION: The life satisfaction level in our study group was lower than in some more highly developed countries. To improve the level of life satisfaction in Ethiopia, a holistic programme of nursing care for elderly people, particularly as concerns about their health and psychosocial conditions is crucial in both community and clinical settings.

PMID:36581991 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061931