Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Overweight and obesity is a global epidemic. Forecasting future trajectories of the epidemic is crucial for providing an evidence base for policy change. In this study, we examine the historical trends of the global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity from 1990 to 2021 and forecast the future trajectories to 2050. Methods: Leveraging established methodology from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, we estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals aged 25 years and older by age and sex for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2050. Retrospective and current prevalence trends were derived based on both self-reported and measured anthropometric data extracted from 1350 unique sources, which include survey microdata and reports, as well as published literature. Specific adjustment was applied to correct for self-report bias. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression models were used to synthesise data, leveraging both spatial and temporal correlation in epidemiological trends, to optimise the comparability of results across time and geographies. To generate forecast estimates, we used forecasts of the Socio-demographic Index and temporal correlation patterns presented as annualised rate of change to inform future trajectories. We considered a reference scenario assuming the continuation of historical trends. Findings: Rates of overweight and obesity increased at the global and regional levels, and in all nations, between 1990 and 2021. In 2021, an estimated 1·00 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 0·989–1·01) adult males and 1·11 billion (1·10–1·12) adult females had overweight and obesity. China had the largest population of adults with overweight and obesity (402 million [397–407] individuals), followed by India (180 million [167–194]) and the USA (172 million [169–174]). The highest age-standardised prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in countries in Oceania and north Africa and the Middle East, with many of these countries reporting prevalence of more than 80% in adults. Compared with 1990, the global prevalence of obesity had increased by 155·1% (149·8–160·3) in males and 104·9% (95% UI 100·9–108·8) in females. The most rapid rise in obesity prevalence was observed in the north Africa and the Middle East super-region, where age-standardised prevalence rates in males more than tripled and in females more than doubled. Assuming the continuation of historical trends, by 2050, we forecast that the total number of adults living with overweight and obesity will reach 3·80 billion (95% UI 3·39–4·04), over half of the likely global adult population at that time. While China, India, and the USA will continue to constitute a large proportion of the global population with overweight and obesity, the number in the sub-Saharan Africa super-region is forecasted to increase by 254·8% (234·4–269·5). In Nigeria specifically, the number of adults with overweight and obesity is forecasted to rise to 141 million (121–162) by 2050, making it the country with the fourth-largest population with overweight and obesity. Interpretation: No country to date has successfully curbed the rising rates of adult overweight and obesity. Without immediate and effective intervention, overweight and obesity will continue to increase globally. Particularly in Asia and Africa, driven by growing populations, the number of individuals with overweight and obesity is forecast to rise substantially. These regions will face a considerable increase in obesity-related disease burden. Merely acknowledging obesity as a global health issue would be negligent on the part of global health and public health practitioners; more aggressive and targeted measures are required to address this crisis, as obesity is one of the foremost avertible risks to health now and in the future and poses an unparalleled threat of premature disease and death at local, national, and global levels. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Drying characteristics, environmental and economic analysis of a solar dryer with evacuated tube solar collector for drying Nile Tilapia slices

Abstract Lake Nasser in Egypt contains significant tilapia fish quantities, yet consumption remains low due to its geographical isolation from marketing and consuming areas. Therefore, investigating efficient and economical Tilapia fish drying methods is essential. The current study developed and tested a solar dryer based on solar energy collection, using evacuated tubes at three Nile Tilapia slice (NTS) thicknesses of 4, 8, and 12 mm, and an air velocity of 0.5 m/s. The obtained result of the solar dryer with evacuated tubes (SDET) was compared with the other results of the oven liquid petroleum gas (OLPG) as an industrial drying method. The results obtained showed that the air temperature inside the drying room of the SDET ranged between 44 and 75 °C. The average initial moisture content (MC) was 74.83% (w.b.). For both systems, the drying time ranged between 13 and 17 h at the same slice thickness. The effective moisture diffusivity was in the range of 0.87 × 10–11 to 5.66 × 10–11 m2/s. Furthermore, the mathematical modeling revealed the Modified Midilli (II) and Modified Henderson and Pabis models as the most suitable models to describe the drying behavior of NTS dried on SDET. On the other hand, the environmental analysis indicates that the developed SDET can mitigate approximately 273.6 tons of CO2 during its lifetime, resulting in a carbon credit equivalent of approximately 19,838.89 $. Additionally, the economic analysis of the SDET showed that the annual production of dried fish was 450 kg; this may result in substantial cost savings, amounting to a total of 608.4$ per year. Also, the developed SDET had a payback period of approximately 0.413 years or less than half a year

Assessing mental health among students in the UAE: A cross-sectional study utilizing the DASS-21 scale

Background: The escalating worldwide concerns for mental health, significantly amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitates understanding the impact on vulnerable populations, such as university students. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and implications of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21). Methods: This study utilized convenience sampling to investigate the mental health of undergraduates in UAE universities using a bilingual DASS-21 questionnaire via Google Forms. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 29.0, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, Mann–Whitney tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Multinomial Logistic Regression to analyze relationships between sociodemographic variables and mental health scores. Results: The study examined 332 students, with most female participants (81 %, n = 269) and individuals aged 18–20 (89.8 %, n = 298). It revealed higher mean DASS scores among females: Depression (M = 15.80, p = 0.030), Anxiety (M = 17.63, p < 0.001), and Stress (M = 22.61, p < 0.001). Fourth-year students exhibited the highest DASS scores for depression (M = 30.33, p = 0.002), anxiety (M = 21.33, p = 0.002), and stress (M = 27.00, p = 0.005). Younger participants aged 18–20 had an odds ratio (OR) of 4.925 for depression, indicating they were approximately five times more likely to experience depression. Conclusions: This study reveals gender, age, and academic-year variations in depression, anxiety, and stress among UAE university students. Specifically, our findings indicate higher levels of anxiety and stress among females and reveal academic-year and age-related patterns in mental health conditions. University support services in the UAE should better address student needs, including counseling focused on high school to university transition challenges

Antimicrobial resistance of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>: navigating clinical impacts, current resistance trends, and innovations in breaking therapies

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium, is recognized for its adaptability and opportunistic nature. It poses a substantial challenge in clinical settings due to its complicated antibiotic resistance mechanisms, biofilm formation, and capacity for persistent infections in both animal and human hosts. Recent studies revealed a potential zoonotic transmission of P. aeruginosa between animals, the environment, and human populations which highlights awareness of this microbe. Implementation of the One Health approach, which underscores the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, we aim to offer a comprehensive perspective on the current landscape of P. aeruginosa management. This review presents innovative strategies designed to counteract P. aeruginosa infections. Traditional antibiotics, while effective in many cases, are increasingly compromised by the development of multidrug-resistant strains. Non-antibiotic avenues, such as quorum sensing inhibition, phage therapy, and nanoparticle-based treatments, are emerging as promising alternatives. However, their clinical application encounters obstacles like cost, side effects, and safety concerns. Effectively addressing P. aeruginosa infections necessitates persistent research efforts, advancements in clinical development, and a comprehension of host-pathogen interactions to deal with this resilient pathogen

Seroprevalence of Alkhurma and Other Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Saudi Arabia

A 2009 deployment of military units from several Saudi Arabian provinces to Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, enabled us to evaluate exposure to Alkhurma, Crimean-Congo, dengue, and Rift Valley hemorrhagic fever viruses. Seroprevalence to all viruses was low; however, Alkhurma virus seroprevalence was higher (1.3%) and less geographically restricted than previously thought

Exploration of laser-assisted chemical bath for enhancing synthesis of undoped and nickel-doped zinc oxide and its potential applications in water purification and mitigating antimicrobial resistance

This study aims to explore the antimicrobial and photocatalytic efficiencies of pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures produced via Laser-assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) to develop sustainable solutions for water treatment and pathogen control amid the global water crisis exacerbated by climate change and environmental pollution. Utilizing zinc acetate dihydrate and hexamethylenetetramine, the nanostructures were synthesized with Ni doping levels of 0.0 %, 1.5 %, 3.0 %, and 4.5 %, targeting their promising photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties to combat contaminants from pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industries. Morphological analyses using Scanning Electron Microscopy showed a transition from hexagonal particles to nanoflowers, enhancing photocatalytic activity due to increased surface-to-volume ratio. X-ray Diffraction confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure, with variations in peak intensities indicating improved crystallinity with Ni doping. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis verified the purity and successful incorporation of Ni. Photocatalytic assessments indicated up to 99.24 % degradation of Methylene Orange dye under blue laser irradiation within 60 minutes, correlating with Ni content. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated effective inhibition of pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and additional strains like Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumonia, with increasing zones of inhibition corresponding to higher Ni levels, extending up to 37 mm. The results underscore the dual functionality of ZnO nanostructures for applications in sustainable water treatment and antimicrobial controls, highlighting the need for future studies to examine the impacts of further increased doping concentrations on the material properties and efficacy