Machine learning thermal comfort prediction models based on occupant demographic characteristics.

This study aims to investigate the predictive occupant demographic characteristics of thermal sensation (TS) and thermal satisfaction (TSa) as well as to find the most effective machine learning (ML) algorithms for predicting TS and TSa. To achieve this, a survey campaign was carried out in three mixed-mode buildings to develop TS and TSa prediction models by using six ML algorithms (Logistic Regression, Naïve Bayes, Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighborhood (KNN) and Support Vector Machine). The prediction models were developed based on six demographic characteristics (gender, age, thermal history, education level, income, occupation). The results show that gender, age, and thermal history are significant predictors of both TS and TSa. Education level, income, and occupation were not significant predictors of TS, but were significant predictors of TSa. The study also found that RF and KNN are the most effective ML algorithms for predicting TS, while DT and RF are the most effective ML algorithms for predicting TSa. The study found that the accuracy of TS prediction models ranges from 83% to 99%, with neutral being the most correctly classified scale. The accuracy of TSa prediction models ranges from 84% to 97%, with dissatisfaction being the most common misclassification.

MTF1 genetic variants are associated with lung cancer risk in the Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND: Metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1), a conserved metal-binding transcription factor in eukaryotes, regulates the proliferation of cancer cells by activating downstream target genes and then participates in the formation and progression of tumors, including lung cancer (LC). The expression level of MTF1 is down-regulated in LC, and high expression of MTF1 is associated with a good prognosis of LC. However, the association between MTF1 polymorphism and LC risk has not been explored. METHODS: The genotyping of MTF1 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including rs473279, rs28411034, rs28411352, and rs3748682 was identified by the Agena MassARRAY system among 670 healthy controls and 670 patients with LC. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by logistics regression to assess the association of these SNPs with LC risk. RESULTS: MTF1 rs28411034 (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45, p = 0.024) and rs3748682 (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.47, p = 0.014) were associated with higher LC susceptibility overall. Moreover, the effect of rs28411034 and rs3748682 on LC susceptibility was observed in males, subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2, smokers, drinkers, and patients with lung squamous carcinoma (OR and 95% CI > 1, p < 0.05). Besides, rs28411352 (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.97, p = 0.028,) showed protective effect for reduced LC risk in drinkers. CONCLUSIONS: We were first who reported that rs28411034 and rs3748682 tended to be relevant to increased LC susceptibility among the Chinese Han population. These results of this study could help to recognize the pathogenic mechanisms of the MTF1 gene in LC progress.

[Analysis of food carbon footprint and its socio-demographic disparities in China in 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze food carbon footprint and its socio-demographic disparities among adults in China. METHODS: A total of 12 777 adults aged 18 years and above from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2018 who have completed dietary and socio-demographic data were analyzed. The information of food intake were collected by 24 h recalls combined with the weighing of household seasonings. Food consumption was converted into energy intake by the China Food Composition Table. Carbon footprint of 26 food groups were calculated by the food carbon footprint database based on life-cycle assessment(LCA), multinomial logit model was used to analyze the association of socio-demographic factors and food carbon footprint. RESULTS: Average food carbon footprint were decreased with increasing age while increased with increasing income and education levels, and was higher among male than that among female, was higher among urban residents than that among rural residents, was higher in the south than that in the north. Multinomial logit analysis showed that compared with people aged 18-44, the likelihood of occurring high carbon footprint in 60y and above group were 29%(OR=0.71, 95%CI 0.61-0.83) lower than that occurring low carbon footprint. Women were 11%(OR=0.89, 95%CI 0.81-0.99) and 25%(OR=0.75, 95%CI 0.67-0.84) less likely to appear medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint, compared with their male counterparts. In comparison to people living in cities, rural dwellers were 24%(OR=0.76, 95%CI 0.69-0.85) and 38%(OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.55-0.70) less likely to appear medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint. People in the south were 3.89 times(95%CI 3.52-4.30) and 11.35 times(95%CI 10.01-12.88) more likely to occur medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint, compared with people in the north. Participants were more likely to occur medium carbon footprint and high carbon footprint with the increasing income level(OR>1), and were more likely to occur high carbon footprint with the increasing education level(OR>1). CONCLUSION: The food carbon footprint of adults in China in 2018 show different socio-demographic disparities, gender, income and education level are significant factors.

Evolutionary Diversity of Coxsackievirus A6 Causing Severe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease - China, 2012-2023.

Introduction: Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has emerged as a significant pathogen responsible for severe cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). This study aims to delineate the demographic characteristics and analyze the viral evolution of severe HFMD associated with CVA6, thereby assisting in its surveillance and management. Methods: In this investigation, 74 strains of CVA6 were isolated from samples collected from severe HFMD cases between 2012 and 2023. The VP1 gene sequences of CVA6 were amplified and analyzed to assess population historical dynamics and evolutionary characteristics using BEAST, DnaSP6, and PopART. Results: A significant portion (94.4%) of severe CVA6-associated HFMD cases (51 out of 54, with 20 lacking age information) were children under 5 years old. Among the 74 CVA6 strains analyzed, 72 belonged to the D3a sub-genotype, while only two strains were D2 sub-genotype. The average genetic distance between VP1 sequences prior to 2015 was 0.027, which increased to 0.051 when compared to sequences post-2015. Historical population dynamics analysis indicated three significant population expansions of severe CVA6-associated HFMD during 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2019-2020, resulting in the formation of 65 distinct haplotypes. Consistent with the MCC tree findings, transitioning between regional haplotypes required multiple base substitutions, showcasing an increase in population diversity during the evolutionary process (from 14 haplotypes in 2013 to 55 haplotypes over the subsequent decade). Conclusions: CVA6, associated with severe HFMD, is evolving and presents a risk of outbreak occurrence. Thus, enhanced surveillance of severe HFMD is imperative.

Unveiling the patterns: exploring social and clinical characteristics of frequent mental health visits to the emergency department-a comprehensive systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Frequent presenters (FPs) are a group of individuals who visit the hospital emergency department (ED) frequently for urgent care. Many among the group present with the main diagnosis of mental health conditions. This group of individual tend to use ED resources disproportionally and significantly affects overall healthcare outcomes. No previous reviews have examined the profiles of FPs with mental health conditions. AIMS: This study aims to identify the key socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who frequently present to ED with a mental health primary diagnosis by performing a comprehensive systematic review of the existing literature. METHOD: PRISMA guideline was used. PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) were searched in May 2023. A manual search on the reference list of included articles was conducted at the same time. Covidence was used to perform extraction and screening, which were completed independently by two authors. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. RESULTS: The abstracts of 3341 non-duplicate articles were screened, with 40 full texts assessed for eligibility. 20 studies were included from 2004 to 2022 conducted in 6 countries with a total patient number of 25,688 (52% male, 48% female, mean age 40.7 years old). 27% were unemployed, 20% married, 41% homeless, and 17% had tertiary or above education. 44% had a history of substance abuse or alcohol dependence. The top 3 diagnoses are found to be anxiety disorders (44%), depressive disorders (39%) schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (33%). CONCLUSION: On average, FPs are middle-aged and equally prevalent in both genders. Current data lacks representation for gender-diverse groups. They are significantly associated with high rates of unemployment, homelessness, lower than average education level, and being single. Anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders are the most common clinical diagnoses associated with the group.

Population characteristics and self-assessment of speaking and singing voice in Polish contemporary commercial music singers-an exploratory, cross-sectional study.

Background: The domination of the Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) industry in music markets has led to a significant increase in the number of CCM performers. Performing in a wide variety of singing styles involves exposing CCM singers to specific risk factors potentially leading to voice problems. This, in turn, necessitates the consideration of this particular group of voice users in the Occupational Health framework. The aim of the present research was threefold. First, it sought to profile the group of Polish CCM singers. Second, it was designed to explore the prevalence of self-reported voice problems and voice quality in this population, in both speech and singing. Third, it aimed to explore the relationships between voice problems and lifetime singing involvement, occupational voice use, smoking, alcohol consumption, vocal training, and microphone use, as potential voice risk factors. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Poland from January 2020 to April 2023. An online survey included socio-demographic information, singing involvement characteristics, and singers' voice self-assessment. The prevalence of voice problems was assessed by the Polish versions of the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) and the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI). Also, a self-reported dysphonia symptoms protocol was applied. The perceived overall voice quality was assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of 100 mm. Results: 412 singers, 310 women and 102 men, completed the survey. Nearly half of the studied population declared lifetime singing experience over 10 years with an average daily singing time of 1 or 2 h. 283 participants received vocal training. For 11.4% of respondents, singing was the primary income source, and 42% defined their career goals as voice-related. The median scores of the VTDS were 11.00 (0-44) and 12.00 (0-40) for the Frequency and Severity subscales, respectively. The median SVHI score of 33 (0-139) was significantly higher than the normative values determined in a systematic review and meta-analysis (2018). Strong positive correlations were observed between SVHI and both VTD subscales: Frequency (r = 0.632, p < 0.001) and Severity (r = 0.611, p < 0.001). The relationships between most of the other variables studied were weak or negligible. Conclusion: The examined CCM singers exhibited substantial diversity with regard to musical genre preferences, aspirations pertaining to singing endeavors, career affiliations, and source of income. Singing voice assessment revealed a greater degree of voice problems in the examined cohort than so far reported in the literature, based on the SVH and VTDS.

Trends in statin use for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among US adults by demographic characteristics, 1999-2020.

PURPOSE: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Statins, which are effective in preventing ASCVD, are underused, particularly for primary prevention. This study examined trends in statin use for primary ASCVD prevention from 1999 to 2020, focusing on demographic variations. METHODS: Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the present study includes individuals aged 18 years and older who had a greater than 10% risk of ASCVD over 10 years, and excluded patients with existing ASCVD. Subgroup analyses by demographic categories were performed. We calculated the changes in statin usage and used linear and quadratic tests to assess the linear and nonlinear trends in those changes. RESULTS: A total of 10,037 participants were included. Statin usage increased from 16.16% in 1999 to 36.24% in 2010, and 41.74% in 2020 (quadratic P-value < 0.001). In the 18-44 years age group, statin usage increased from 2.52% in 1999 to 8.14% in 2020 (linear P-value = 0.322), showing no significant linear trend. In the "never-married" group, statin usage increased from 19.16% in 1999 to 30.05% in 2020 (linear P-value = 0.256). CONCLUSION: Statin usage has shown a positive trend among populations requiring primary prevention for ASCVD. Currently, health policies are proving effective. However, the overall statin usage rate remains less than 50%. Additionally, young and never-married individuals should also receive special attention regarding statin usage as primary treatment for ASCVD.

The epidemiology and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit in an Iranian hospital in Neyshabur city.

Background and Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic and the infection of numerous individuals from diverse societies have emerged as major global challenges. Given the limited resources in intensive care units, effective bed management and resource allocation require a deep understanding of the disease. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit in an Iranian hospital in Neyshabur city. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care units in Razavi Khorasan, Iran in 2021. Census sampling was used to include all intensive care units. Of the initial 480 cases, 54 cases were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, leaving 426 cases for the study. Data were collected with the help of a data collection form that was designed by the researcher and its content validity and reliability were measured with Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 89%.). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Mean, standard deviation, and interquartile range indicators were used for descriptive statistics, and absolute frequency and relative frequency (percentage) were used to show numbers and ratios. Results: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 66.33 (15.05) years, and 49.3% were female. The results showed that arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and Alzheimer's disease were significant variables for predicting mortality. Furthermore, arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and the need for transfusion of blood products were significant variables in predicting hospitalization and the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and Alzheimer's disease are crucial variables for predicting death. Furthermore, arterial blood oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are significant factors in predicting the risk of ARDS.

The surge of bromazolam-related fatalities replacing other novel designer benzodiazepines-related fatalities in San Francisco.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bromazolam, a novel designer benzodiazepine (NBD), exhibits potent sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic effects, raising concerns regarding its potential for misuse and fatal outcomes, particularly when combined with opioids such as fentanyl. Despite limited documented fatalities globally, its use poses a significant threat, exacerbated by under-reporting and a lack of routine testing. This study analysed NBD-related deaths in a major US city over a 4-year period. METHODS: Analysis of accidental overdose deaths involving NBDs in San Francisco, CA, USA from 2020 to 2023, was performed utilizing medico-legal death investigations including comprehensive forensic toxicology, pathology and demographic information. San Francisco conducts thorough investigations into all non-natural and sudden unexpected deaths, including routine alcohol and drug testing of decedents under its jurisdiction, including etizolam, flualprazolam, flubromazolam and bromazolam analysis. RESULTS: There was a sudden surge in bromazolam-related deaths, with 44 fatalities documented in 2023, contrasting with relatively fewer deaths related to other NBDs. Bromazolam fatalities frequently involved co-ingestion with opioids, primarily fentanyl, and stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Demographic characteristics indicated a predominance of males, with a significant proportion lacking fixed addresses. Blood concentrations of bromazolam increased during the study period, suggesting heightened availability and/or purity in the community. CONCLUSION: There was a surge in bromazolam-related deaths during 2023 in San Francisco, CA, USA, contrasting with relatively stable numbers of deaths associated with other NBDs over the preceding years. The findings underscore the urgency for enhanced death investigation, testing and reporting to facilitate targeted harm reduction strategies for individuals at risk of bromazolam-related morbidity and mortality.

[The social, demographic and professional characteristics of general practitioners and district therapists of state and private sectors of health care].

The article presents comparative analysis of demographic, social and professional characteristics of general practitioners and district therapists in state and private medical organizations. Sociological, statistical and analytical research methods were applied. The study was carried out on the basis of polyclinics of both Moscow Health Department and Moscow private health care sector. The sampling consisted of 399 questionnaires subjected to statistical processing. It is established that in state and private medical organizations, in this group of physicians prevail women 36-55 years old, born in the Russian Federation, in Moscow, married, having children and assessing one's income level as average. Most of them received their higher education in Moscow, graduated residency in therapy and have no medical category or academic degree. The professional experience consists 10 years or more. All physicians in state polyclinics hold more than one position and in private polyclinics 8.6% of physicians are underemployment. In the state sector, paternalistic model of communication with patient is preferable, in the private sector - a collegiate one. In the state sector, the collegiate management style of CEO is convenient and in the private sector - collegiate or dynamic one. In both sectors, adhocratic organizational culture is comfortable. Against the background of readiness to proceed working in current conditions, work in another sector is not excluded. The material factor is considered as main driver of professional motivation. The social, demographic and professional characteristics of general practitioners and district physicians in both sectors of health care in the main are similar, but have their own characteristics.

Demographic characteristics and mental health condition of Tehran Municipality employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health issue with various effects on the physical and mental state of the societies. The aim of this study was to identify the demographic characteristics and mental health condition of Tehran Municipality employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on Tehran Municipality employees in 2020-2021. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling and were divided into COVID-19 and uninfected groups. Demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk behaviors, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and Well- Being Social Inventory were filled for all participants. RESULTS: A total of 510 participants (363 uninfected participants and 147 participants with COVID-19) were evaluated. The prevalence of female gender was significantly higher in COVID-19 group compared to uninfected group (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of education level (p < 0.001), prevalence of excess weight (p < 0.001), and working sector (p < 0.001). The uninfected group mainly had low contact with clients (p < 0.001) and few underlying diseases (p = 0.004) compared to the COVID-19 group. The mean GHQ-28 and Well- Being Social Inventory were significantly higher in the uninfected group compared to the COVID-19 group (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). The prevalence of no and low contact level was significantly higher in the high infection cluster compared to moderate and low infection clusters (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated that all workers should be educated about the significance of social distancing and follow the recommendations regardless of their level of contact with clients.

Voice Disorders Among Teachers in Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background Voice disorders (VD) pose significant challenges for teachers as they impact their professional and personal lives. Teaching requires extensive use of the voice, making teachers particularly susceptible to vocal health issues. VD can hinder the quality of education. Objectives This study aimed to comprehensively explore the prevalence, associated factors, and impact of VD among teachers and their health-seeking behavior regarding VD. Methodology A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), between November and December 2023. The data were collected through a questionnaire covering demographic variables, occupational factors, voice-related symptoms, associated health conditions, and the impact of VD. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), and chi-squared tests were used to assess associations. Results The study involved 568 teachers, 61.8% of whom had VD. The study identified significant associations between VD and demographic characteristics, habits, and teaching-related variables. Age, gender, teaching subject, class size, and weekly teaching load were associated with the prevalence of VD. Hoarseness, throat pain, and throat dryness were prevalent symptoms among teachers with VD. The impact of VD on teachers was evident, with a considerable proportion reporting work absenteeism (28.7%) and even contemplating retirement due to voice problems (6.3%). Conclusion This study offers a nuanced understanding of VD among teachers in the Taif region, emphasizing the complex interplay of demographic, symptomatic, and behavioral factors. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including awareness campaigns, preventive strategies, and streamlined healthcare access, to address the unique challenges that different subgroups of teachers face. Future research should further explore longitudinal trajectories and objective measures to enhance our understanding of VD in educational settings.

Microbial Spectrum of Keratitis at a Rural Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Microbial keratitis poses a significant threat to vision and is a common ocular infection. Its causative agents encompass a wide spectrum, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The microbiological profile of microbial keratitis is influenced by factors such as patient demographics, geographical location, climate, and occupational hazards and evolves over time. METHODOLOGY: Corneal scrapings were collected from 75 patients with a provisional diagnosis of microbial keratitis. The samples were processed in the microbiology laboratory, and the bacterial and fungal growth isolated in the study were identified according to standard procedures. RESULTS: Among the 75 patients, 48 (64%) were male and 27 (36%) were female. Corneal ulceration was found in individuals of all age groups, with the highest prevalence of 77.33% (58/75) observed in the 21-60 age range. Farmers exhibited a higher susceptibility, constituting 66.67% (50/75) of the cases. The study noted a higher occurrence of keratitis from November to February, accounting for 69.33% (52/75). Microbial etiology was identified in 25.33% (19/75) of scrapings, with fungi accounting for 68.42% (13/19) and bacteria for 31.57% (6/19). The prevalent fungal species included Fusarium (7/13, 53.84%), Aspergillus (3/13, 23.07%), Colletotrichum (2/13, 15.38%), and Curvularia â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹(1/13, 7.69%). Bacterial isolates featured Streptococcus pneumoniae (5/6, 83.33%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1/6, 16.66%). CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the importance of regularly updating local microbial profiles and understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns. Such updates are critical for informed decision-making in selecting optimal topical treatments for microbial keratitis.

The Impact of Demographic Characteristics on Parenting Stress among Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Even though it is already known that parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities experience higher parenting stress than families of typically developing children, the contributing factors need to be analyzed in more detail. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the influence of demographic characteristics on parenting stress from caring for a disabled child and to identify possible protective or additional stressful social factors. A total of 611 mothers and fathers of children with developmental delays, chronic diseases, or disabilities completed two questionnaires during their medical appointments at the Children's Development Center (CDC) of Leipzig University Hospital between June 2020 and February 2021. These consisted of the German versions of the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Impact on Family Scale (IOFS). To determine differences between the various groups, we used parametric and non-parametric tests. Mothers and single parents are significantly more strained than fathers and non-single parents. Parents with vocational training, those who graduated with a higher-level diploma, and those within employment report a higher financial burden. While unemployed and full-time workers experience the lowest stress, parents who work part-time or exclusively take care of their child show higher levels of stress. Looking at the age of the child, parents of children of young primary school age are the most stressed, and those of infants are the least stressed. These findings suggest that mothers and single parents especially should receive more support, and parents need to be provided with more attention during their child's entry into school. Possible limitations and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.

Sociodemographic characteristics and their association with survival in women with cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, the highest incidence and mortality from cervical cancer (CC) were detected in low and middle-income countries. CC remains a health problem for women living in them. In Mexico, CC ranks second in cancer incidence and mortality in women. The main characteristics of this population are low income, low educational level, and inadequate medical coverage. The present study characterized the Mexican population by CC, and the sociodemographic variables that impacted overall survival (OS) were identified. METHODS: A retrospective study that included a cohort of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CC at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia between 2003 and 2016. Information was collected on sociodemographic variables related to the disease and OS. RESULTS: Four thousand six hundred thirty-one patients were included. The median age was 51 years, 78.5% were unemployed, 44.4% lived in a rural/suburban area, 50.8% had a partner when collecting this information, and 74.3% were classified as having low socioeconomic status. Age, living in a rural/suburban area, more advanced stages of the disease, and not receiving cancer treatment were associated with lower OS. CONCLUSION: CC continues to affect mainly women with minimal resources, low educational levels, and living in marginalized areas. These characteristics influence the OS. Prevention and timely detection programs, education, and training focused on this population and with broader coverage are required to identify patients with CC at earlier stages.

Demographic and clinical characteristics, seizure disorders, and antiepileptic drug usage in different types of corpus callosum disorders: a comparative study in children.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics, types of seizure disorders, and antiepileptic drug usage among individuals with different types of corpus callosum disorders. METHODS: A total of 73 individuals were included in the study and divided into three groups based on the type of corpus callosum abnormality: hypoplasia (H), agenesis (A), and dysgenesis (D). Demographic data, including gender and preterm birth, as well as clinical characteristics such as seizure disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), severe developmental delay/intellectual disability, and other brain malformations, were analyzed. The types of seizure disorders and antiepileptic drugs used were also examined. RESULTS: The H group had the highest number of participants (n = 47), followed by the A group (n = 11) and the D group (n = 15). The A group had the highest percentage of males and preterm births, while the D group had the highest percentage of seizure disorders, other brain malformations, and severe developmental delay/intellectual disability. The A group also had the highest percentage of ADHD. Focal seizures were observed in all three groups, with the highest proportion in the A group. Focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS) were present in all groups, with the highest proportion in the D group. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) were observed in all groups, with the highest proportion in the H group. Different types of antiepileptic drugs were used among the groups, with variations in usage rates for each drug. CONCLUSION: This study provided insights into the demographic and clinical characteristics, seizure disorders, and antiepileptic drug usage among individuals with different types of corpus callosum disorders. Significant differences were found between the groups, indicating the need for tailored management approaches. However, the study has limitations, including a small sample size and a cross-sectional design. Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is warranted to validate these findings and explore the relationship between corpus callosum abnormality severity and clinical outcomes.

Public Views About Cosmetic Procedures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background In the past decade, there has been a clear, massive increase in the number of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This study aims to compare the demographic characteristics of patients in Riyadh undergoing cosmetic procedures. Methodology This is an analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study used to seek the public views about cosmetic procedures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia using the snowball sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically among the target population via social media. The questionnaire was pre-tested in a pilot study of 10 individuals to ensure comprehension and ease of administration and to determine the time needed to complete it. The final adjustments were made after the pilot study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 25.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Results In the current study, we were able to collect the data from 600 participants, of whom females represented 527 (87.8%) of the sample. Satisfaction with their current physical appearance (370, 61.7%), financial factors (73, 12.2%), and fear of having the procedure (59, 9.8%) were the main reasons for refusing to undergo cosmetic procedures, while pleasing themselves (432, 72.1%), influence from others who have undergone cosmetic procedures (188, 31.4%), and personal dislike of one's appearance (184, 30.7%) were the main reasons for conducting cosmetic procedures. Firstly, gender showed a significant relationship with having undergone a cosmetic procedure (p-value = 0.018), with 9 (12.3%) of males and 131 (24.9%) of females reporting having undergone such a procedure. Age also played a role, with the 29-39 age group having the highest number of individuals (31.9%) who had undergone a cosmetic procedure. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the demographic characteristics, attitudes, and perceptions surrounding cosmetic procedures in Riyadh. The findings highlight the influence of cultural expectations, self-acceptance, social factors, and media on individuals' motivations and decision-making processes. The increasing acceptability of cosmetic interventions and the rising demand for aesthetic modifications in the locality suggest a shifting societal landscape.

Financial Hardship on Food Security in Ageing Populations.

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of food security, and the association of food security with financial hardship and socio-demographic characteristics among the ageing population in Thailand. Methods: The study extracted data on 1,197 persons age 60 years or older from a nationally-representative sample survey of Thai households. The food security data were collected using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the association between financial hardship, socio-demographic characteristics, and food security. Results: Of the total sample, 71% had food security. The least probability of having food security was observed in the respondents who sometimes and often had income problems (p < 0.001), and felt dissatisfied with their financial situation (p < 0.001). The respondents who were female, at oldest-old age, with lower than primary school education and in the Northeast were less likely to have food security. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for government assistance for those who are experiencing financial hardship to help them manage their finances and food security more effectively, taking into account different socio-demographic characteristics.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Uveitis for Adult Patients Attending Mansoura Ophthalmic Center.

AIM: The aim of this research is to evaluate the demographic attributes and clinical manifestations of uveitis in adult patients frequenting the Mansoura Ophthalmic Center. METHODS: Utilizing a cross-sectional, prospective, analytical study design, this research engaged adult patients visiting the outpatient uveitis clinic at the Mansoura Ophthalmic Center. Comprehensive case evaluations involved collecting detailed patient histories, examining ophthalmic records, and conducting thorough ocular examinations. These examinations encompassed the assessment of visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, and fundus examination. Furthermore, selected cases underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). RESULTS: The Study involved an examination of 411 eyes belonging to 254 uveitic patients. In the Egyptian context, anterior uveitis surfaced as the most prevalent form of uveitis. The average Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) among the cases studied was 0.797 ± 0.77 LogMAR, with the majority of cases demonstrating vision superior to 0.3 LogMAR. Notably, the principal causes of vision loss were generally reversible. Macular edema was identified as the leading cause of vision loss, representing 20.7% of cases as evidenced by OCT. The ratio of non-infectious to infectious uveitis stood at 92.2% to 7.8%. The most commonly observed etiologies of non-infectious uveitis included Behçet's disease (33.3%), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome (19.7%), idiopathic causes (19.2%), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (11.9%). Conversely, the most frequent infectious etiologies were trematode-induced uveitis (2.9%), herpetic uveitis (1.7%), toxoplasmosis (1.5%), tuberculosis (TB) (1.5%), and brucellosis (0.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This study conclusively indicates that anterior uveitis is the predominant anatomical type of uveitis in Egypt. Further, etiological diagnoses of uveitis should particularly emphasize Behçet's disease, VKH syndrome, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Organophosphorus flame retardants and their metabolites in paired human blood and urine.

Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have been shown to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and endocrine disruptive, so it is important to understand the levels of OPFRs in human body as well as the modes of external exposure. In this study, we investigated the levels of 13 OPFRs and 7 phosphodiester metabolites in paired human blood and urine, as well as the influencing factors (region, age and gender), and studied the relationship between OPFRs and oxidative stress by urinary metabolites. We found that the concentrations of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) and tris-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) in the blood of urban populations were higher than those of rural populations, and that younger populations suffered higher TPhP and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) exposures than older populations. In addition, we found that tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tributyl phosphate (TnBP), TPhP and EHDPP exposure induced oxidative stress. The results of the internal load principal component analysis indicated that dust ingestion, skin exposure, respiration and dietary intake may be the most important sources of TCEP, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), tri(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and TEHP, respectively, and dust ingestion and skin exposure may be the main sources of TPhP for humans.