Longitudinal changes in crystalline lens thickness and power in children aged 6-12 years old

This work was supported by the Noor Ophthalmology Research Center and Shahroud University of Medical Sciences (Grant Number: 9329, 960351).Objectives: To determine the three-year changes in crystalline lens power (LP) and thickness (LT) in children and their associated factors. Methods: Schoolchildren aged 6-12 years living in Shahroud, northeast Iran were examined in 2015 and 2018. The Bennett formula was used to calculate LP. Multiple generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Among the 8089 examined eyes, the mean LP in Phase 1 and 2, and the three-year change were 21.61 ± 1.47D, 21.00 ± 1.42D, and -0.61 ± 0.52D, respectively. The GEE model showed that negative shifts in LP were less pronounced with increasing age (β = 0.176; p < 0.001), and were also less noticeable in hyperopes compared to emmetropes (β = 0.120; p < 0.001). The changes in LP decreased when outdoor activity increased among urban residents (β = 0.013; p = 0.039), while it increased in rural areas (β = -0.020; p = 0.047). The mean three-year change in LT was 0.002 ± 0.13 mm. Female sex and aging by one year increased the LT by 0.022 mm (P < 0.001). However, LT decreased in 6-8-year-olds, while it increased in 10-12-year-old children, both in a linear fashion. The change in LT was less in myopes than in emmetropes (β = -0.018, P-value = 0.010). Conclusion: LP decreases after three years in 6 to 12-year-old children. LT increases slightly after three years in 6 to 12-year-old children. The changes in LP and LT were associated with refractive errors, place of residence, age and gender, and outdoor activity time.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Female representation among editorial boards of social, clinical, and educational pharmacy journals

Background: Recent studies on editorial team members of healthcare journals have been showing disparities in this distribution. However, there are limited data with respect to pharmacy journals. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of women among editorial board members of social, clinical, and educational pharmacy research journals around the globe. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2022. Data were extracted from Scimago Journal & Country Rank and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Journal Citation Reports The top 10 journals in each region of the world (continents) were analyzed. Editorial board members were categorized into four groups and determined based on information available on the journal's website. The sex was classified in binary form through name and photography, the personal and institutional web pages, or the Genderize program. Results: A total of 45 journals were identified in the databases, of which 42 of them were analyzed. We identified 1482 editorial board members with only 527 (35.6%) being female. Analyzing the subgroups, there were 47 total editors-in-chief, 44 total co-editors, 272 associate editors, and 1119 editorial advisors. Of these, 10 (21.27%), 21 (47.72%), 115 (42.27%), and 381 (34.04%) were female, respectively. Only 9 journals (21.42%) presented more females among their editorial board members. Conclusion: A notable sex disparity among social, clinical, and educational pharmacy journals' editorial board members was identified. Efforts should be made to involve more female sex in their editorial teams.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Microbial contamination in grocery stores from Portugal and Spain: the neglected indoor environment to be tackled in the scope of the One Health approach

BioSkyNet workshop held by the University of Essex (Ref: NE/V008293/1).FCT_UIDB/05608/2020. FCT_UIDP/05608/2020.Microbial contamination in grocery shops (GS) should be evaluated since food commodities are commonly handled by workers and customers increasing the risk of food contamination and disease transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial contamination in Portuguese and Spanish GS with a multi-approach protocol using passive (electrostatic dust cloths and surface swabs) sampling methods. The molecular detection of Aspergillus sections, mycotoxin analysis, screening of azole resistance as well as cytotoxicity measurement was conducted to better estimate the potential health risks of exposure and to identify possible relations between the risk factors studied. The fruits/vegetables sampling location was the one identified as being the most contaminated (bacteria and fungi) area in GS from both countries. Aspergillus section Fumigati and Fusarium species were observed in samples from Portuguese groceries with reduced susceptibilities to azoles commonly used in the clinical treatment of fungal infections. Fumonisin B2 has been detected in Portuguese GS possibly unveiling this emergent threat concerning occupational exposure and food safety. Overall, the results obtained raise concerns regarding human health and food safety and must be surveilled by applying a One Health approach.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ocular repercussions in COVID-19 patients: structural changes of the retina and choroid

This project was partially supported by an IDI&CA grant [IPL/2020/OCLOVID-19_ESTeSL] by H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa.Background: Neurotropic capabilities of SARS-COVs allow viruses to reach the central nervous system by hematogenous neuronal dissemination. The human retina, as an extension of the Central Nervous System, may have some neurodegenerative and/or vascular modifications related to COVID-19. Objectives: To evaluate choroidal and inner neural layers in participants previously recovered from COVID-19 compared to the control group using optical coherence tomography. Methods: With a cross-sectional approach, the sample (n = 96), consisting of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 (n = 56) and healthy participants control group (n = 40) were ophthalmologically characterized. The neurodegenerative and vascular histological assessment was performed using SD-OCT and the mean thickness was measured in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfields. The retinal nerve fiber layer, Ganglion cell layer, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were obtained through semi-automatic measurement. Results: A total of 40 controls (27 women [67.5%]) and 56 COVID-19 participants (34 women [60.8%]) were included in this first report. There were retinal thickness significant differences in nearly all inner ETDRS subfields: nasal 3 mm (p = .025), I3 (p = .049), and temporal 3 mm (p = .009). Also, a decrease in neural layers was found in the nasal 3 mm (p = .049) and temporal 3 mm (p = .029) during ganglion cell layer assessment. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was thinner in the COVID-19 group in superior temporal (p = .019), nasal (p = .002), inferior temporal (p = .046), and global (p = .014). Concerning the subfoveal choroidal measurement, an increase was observed in the COVID-19 group (p = .002). Conclusion: Participants who had recovered from COVID-19 showed a non-glaucomatous neuropathy trend pattern. We found differences closer to the classic description of the “bow-tie” observed in other neurological as compressive neuropathies at the chiasma location. OCT assessment also showed an increase in choroidal thickness as a result of vascular changes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Heterogeneity in protocols and outcomes to study the effect of renin‐angiotensin system blockers in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review

Background: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), supporting the translational relevance of RAS blockers. Comparability of study design/outcomes is fundamental for data analysis/discussion. Objectives: We aimed at evaluating the heterogeneity among protocols and outcomes to study the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers in IBD. Methods: This study was performed and reported in accordance with the Cochrane recommendations and PRISMA (PROSPERO-CRD42022323853). Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Quality assessment of the studies was done with the SYRCLES's risk of bias tools for animal studies. Results: Thirty-five pre-clinical studies and six clinical studies were included. Chemical induction of colitis was the most used model, but variable doses of the induction agent were reported. All studies reported at least a disease activity index, a macroscopic score, or a histologic assessment, but these scores were methodologically heterogeneous and reported for different characteristics. Great heterogeneity was also found in drug interventions. Inflammatory markers assessed as outcomes were different across studies. Conclusion: Lack of standardization of protocols and outcomes among studies threatens the evidence on how RAS blockers influence IBD outcomes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evidence of the impact of harm minimization programs

People who use drugs (PWUD) account for around 275 million worldwide, with a prevalence of those who inject drugs (PWID) ranging from 0.18–0.30%. Drug injecting behaviors are often associated with harmful forms of use, leading users to a higher risk of infectious diseases, overdose, and death caused, among others, by unsafe practices such as shared needles and syringes. Additional burden from drug use includes costs related to crime combating, social consequences of drug behavior, and lost productivity. From a public health perspective, harm minimization measures – defined as a range of interventions aiming at addressing the negative effects of drug use on both individuals and society – can be implemented for those who are unable or unwilling to stop using drugs. The most common interventions to minimize drug-related harm include access to naloxone, opioid substitution therapy, supply reduction interventions for opioids, integration of testing and treatment of blood-borne diseases, nonprescription sales or provision of sterile syringes, and supervised drug consumption facilities. In this chapter, we provided a brief overview of drug use disorders and synthetized the evidence around the impact of the available interventions to reduce the harm associated, especially, with injectable drug use. Moreover, the contribution of pharmacists to harm minimization interventions was also revised and discussed in the context of pharmacy practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Portuguese Sustainable Campus Network: a knowledge collaboration for sustainability transformation in higher education institutions

Networks are an important mechanism for systemic change toward sustainability in higher education institutions. In Portugal, there is no formal law or regulation at the governmental level pressuring for this change. Also, there was a need for action and a lack of collaboration between the Portuguese higher education community to allow an advanced sustainability implementation in higher education institutions. This chapter presents the activities that the Portuguese Network Sustainable Campus—Rede Campus Sustentável (RCS) has been undertaking. The history and organization of the network are presented as well as a summary of its main initiatives, namely the results of the first survey report on the Implementation of Sustainability in Higher Education in Portugal, where the actual practices in the main dimensions are listed. This work aims to contribute to the studies about sustainability-oriented networks in higher education, addressing its current and future challenges.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Towards an integrated approach on occupational health to tackle COVID-19 pandemic

Project IPL Momento Zero: Assegurar a retoma letiva em pandemia COVID19FCT_UIDB/05608/2020. FCT_UIDP/05608/2020.Background: Serological screening is crucial for the prevention of infection, ensuring the maintenance of the worker’s health, and thus promoting occupational health. It was reported that SARS-CoV-2 can survive in aerosols and on dry surfaces for several days to weeks. Objectives: We aimed to apply an integrated approach to Occupational Health to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: We performed a rapid immunoglobulin IgM-IgG immunoassay, ELISA, and hematologic profile among workers (N = 740), in a Public Higher Education Institution from Portugal and an environmental assessment by two sampling methods (Air N = 49; Surfaces N = 101) and RT-PCR. Results: Regarding workers' serologic surveillance, 1.89% of rapid test positivity was observed for SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibodies and a low prevalence of positivity for IgG (1.21%) in which only 33.3% were confirmed by ELISA. Hematologic surveillance data revealed the presence of 10.44% of abnormal hematological profiles, being anemia (3.78%) being the most relevant. All the environmental samples analyzed were negative regarding SARS-CoV-2 detection. Discussion: Low SARS-CoV-2 immunization and the negative environmental samples strongly indicate the effectiveness of the preventive measures. Nevertheless, COVID-19 disease alters hematologic parameters. Conclusion: In this study, it was possible to implement an integrated approach to Occupational Health combining efforts with the Occupational Health Services.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impact of heat on emergency hospital admissions related to kidney diseases in Texas: uncovering racial disparities

Background and objective: While the impact of heat exposure on human health is well-documented, limited research exists on its effect on kidney disease hospital admissions, especially in Texas, a state with diverse demographics and a high heat-related death rate. We aimed to explore the link between high temperatures and emergency kidney disease hospital admissions across 12 Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) from 2004 to 2013, considering causes, age groups, and ethnic populations. Methods: To investigate the correlation between high temperatures and emergency hospital admissions, we utilized MSA-level hospital admission and weather data. We employed a Generalized Additive Model to calculate the association specific to each MSA and then performed a random effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall correlation. Analyses were stratified by age groups, admission causes, and racial/ethnic disparities. Sensitivity analysis involved lag modifications and ozone inclusion in the model. Results: Our analysis found that each 1 °C increase in temperature was associated with a 1.73 % (95 % CI [1.43, 2.03]) increase in hospital admissions related to all types of kidney diseases. Besides, the effect estimates varied across different age groups and specific types of kidney diseases. We observed statistically significant associations between high temperatures and emergency hospital admissions for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) (3.34 % (95 % CI [2.86, 3.82])), Kidney Stone (1.76 % (95 % CI [0.94, 2.60])), and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) (1.06 % (95 % CI [0.61, 1.51])). Our research findings indicate disparities in certain Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). In Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas metropolitan areas, the estimated effects are more pronounced for African Americans when compared to the White population. Additionally, in Dallas, Houston, El Paso, and San Antonio, the estimated effects are greater for the Hispanic group compared to the non-Hispanic group. Conclusions: This study finds a strong link between higher temperatures and kidney disease-related hospital admissions in Texas, especially for AKI. Public health actions are necessary to address these temperature-related health risks, including targeted kidney health initiatives. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms and address health disparities among racial/ethnic groups.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Exploring ethical principles amongst practicing community pharmacists in Portugal: any reasons for concern?

Pharmacists facing ethical dilemmas have shown weaknesses in principled reasoning and disclosure. The chapter describes research on Portuguese community pharmacists' moral reasoning and narrative ethics. A cross-sectional survey comprising vignettes with practice ethical dilemmas, their possible justifications, and an open box for textual accounts was used as the research tool. More than 270 pharmacists replied, primarily young (<35 years old) female practitioners and 75% were involved in direct contact with patients. At least 50% of the sample showed compliance with the expected ethical-based decisions, except for the non-maleficence principle (10.9%); although receiving the highest proportion of the corresponding justification (30.3%), no open accounts or narratives were registered. The present findings suggest ethical passivity associated with decision-making in practice and a potential conflict between the clinical and the business roles. Explicit ethical norms for practice guidance and additional moral reasoning and narrative training are suggested.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio