Case-series study of hepatic echinococcal cysts in Serbia: viability of scolices, seropositivity and epidemiological characteristics

AbstractCystic echinococcosis (CE) is an endemic helminthic disease caused by infection with Echinococcus granulosus metacestodes. Although CE is endemic in the Balkan region, the exact epidemiology remains unknown. We conducted a case-series study with the aim of evaluating the correlation between seropositivity, socio-epidemiological data, pre-operative treatment with albendazole and viability of protoscolices in human hepatic hydatid cysts. Consecutive patients with hepatic CE underwent surgery to extract E. granulosis cysts. The viability of protoscolices was measured by their ability to absorb 0.1% eosin. Socio-epidemiological data were collected and serological testing was performed. In the present study, 38 patients (28 adults and 10 children) with hepatic CE were treated surgically. The scolex viability test was positive in 30/38 (79%) samples. All patients with non-viable cysts had seronegative results. The viability test was positive in 11/12 (91.6%) adult patients with pre-operative albendazole treatment and in 9/10 (90%) children. Statistically more patients were from an urban area compared with a rural area (65.8% vs. 15.7%). The increasing number of stray dogs shedding E. granulosus eggs in urban public areas in the Balkans might be the reason for the significant difference in the rate of infection between urban and rural areas in the present study. In addition, uncontrolled slaughtering of livestock, common in rural settlements, and feeding the infected viscera to dogs, favour the maintenance of the parasite cycle. We believe that the results of our study will encourage physicians, veterinarians and health authorities to initiate a programme to prevent and control CE in the Balkan region.

Download Full-text

Visual Acuity and Size of Choroidal Neovascularization in Highly Myopic Eyes with a Dome-Shaped Macula

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2020/8852156 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Lu Wang ◽

Bin-wu Lin ◽

Xiao-fang Yin ◽

Wei-lan Huang ◽

Yi-zhi Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Choroidal Neovascularization ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Case Series ◽

Protective Mechanism ◽

Fundus Fluorescein Angiography ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Imagej Software ◽

Series Study

Introduction. A dome-shaped macula (DSM) is an inward convexity or anterior deviation of the macular area. DSM is believed as a protective factor in maintaining visual acuity in highly myopic eyes. Objective. To investigate the correlation between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and a dome-shaped macula (DSM) in highly myopic eyes. Methods. In this retrospective and observational case series study, BCVA tests and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed in a total of 472 highly myopic eyes (refractive error ≥6.5 diopters or axial length ≥26.5 mm). CNV was detected by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and the CNV area was measured by ImageJ software. BCVA, central retinal thickness (CRT), and the CNV area were compared between highly myopic eyes with and without DSM. Results. The data revealed 13 eyes with DSM complicated by CNV, for an estimated prevalence of 25%. The eyes with CNV in the DSM group showed worse BCVA than those in the non-DSM group (1.59 ± 0.69 and 0.63 ± 0.64, respectively, p < 0.05 ), and the CNV area in the DSM group was larger than that in the non-DSM group (2793.91 ± 2181.24 and 1250.71 ± 1210.36 pixels, respectively, p < 0.05 ). After excluding the eyes with CNV, the DSM group had better BCVA than the non-DSM group (0.33 ± 0.17 and 0.44 ± 0.48, respectively, p < 0.05 ); however, no significant difference was observed in the CRT of eyes with CNV between the DSM group and the non-DSM group. Conclusion. These results show that DSM might be a protective mechanism for visual acuity, but its protective capability is limited. DSM eyes have better visual acuity within the protective capability. If a more powerful pathogenic factor exceeding the protective capability is present, then the eye will have more severe CNV and worse visual acuity.

Download Full-text

Regenerative Biotechnologies in Plastic Surgery: A Multicentric, Retrospective, Case-Series Study on the Use of Micro-Needling with Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy as a Hair Growth Boost in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app12010217 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 217

Author(s):

Pietro Gentile ◽

Simone Garcovich ◽

Soo-Ik Lee ◽

Sangbum Han

Keyword(s):

Laser Therapy ◽

Case Series ◽

Androgenic Alopecia ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Low Level ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Assessment Scales ◽

Series Study

A new biotechnology based on micro-needling (MND) with low-level light/laser therapy (LLLT) that is used for hair re-growth (HR-G) needs to be standardized. The study aims to report the clinical outcomes resulting from a multicentric, retrospective, observational, case-series study in which MND with LLLT was used on patients affected by androgenic alopecia (AGA). Twenty-six patients were initially enrolled of which 15 males were classified as stages I–III of vertex by the Norwood–Hamilton scale, and 11 females was classified in stages I–II by the Ludwig scale. Twenty patients (10 females and 10 males) were analyzed after their screening (the exclusion and inclusion criteria evaluation). The HR-G assessment was evaluated with photography, as well as the physician’s and patient’s global assessment scales, in addition to standardized phototrichograms, during a short follow-up at T0-baseline, T1-16 weeks. Encouraging results represented by a hair density increase of 12 ± 2 hairs/cm2 at T1 after 16 weeks (16 weeks vs. 0 weeks) in the targeted area, compared with the baseline results (59 ± 2 hairs/cm2 at T1 versus 47 ± 2 hairs/cm2 at baseline), were observed using computerized trichograms with a statistically significant difference in hair re-growth (p = 0.0238). The effectiveness of MND with LLLT use has been demonstrated in mild to moderate AGA patients.

Download Full-text

Retrospective Case Series Study on Basic Epidemiological Characteristics of the Cancer Diagnosed Syrian Refugees in South of Turkey

Eurasian Journal of Medical Investigation ◽

10.14744/ejmi.2021.20969 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Ayse Kotek Sedef

Keyword(s):

Case Series ◽

Syrian Refugees ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Retrospective Case Series ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics ◽

Series Study

Download Full-text

Evaluation of the consequences of early permission of mothers with cesarean delivery

International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ◽

10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20214153 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 1824

Author(s):

Faranak Jalilvand ◽

Maryam Sadat-Razavi ◽

Afshan Sharghi ◽

Zahra Ghavami ◽

Reza Izadi

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Cesarean Section ◽

Vital Signs ◽

Case Series ◽

Early Discharge ◽

High Tendency ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Good General Condition ◽

Series Study

Background: In Iran, there is a high tendency to give birth by cesarean section, while about 75% of them are unnecessary and selective. In many hospitals in the country, mothers who have undergone cesarean section are permission 24 hours after the operation if they have stable vital signs and are in good general condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of early discharge in mothers who underwent cesarean section.Methods: This descriptive case-series study was performed on 400 pregnant women aged 18-40 years with a gestational age of 37 weeks and more who were admitted to the hospital in Ardabil city for cesarean section at year 2019. Patients without any preference were divided into two groups. The first group was discharged 24 hours and second group was discharged 72 hours after surgery. Individuals in both groups were followed up by telephone 1 and 6 weeks after permission. The relevant checklist was completed for all of them. Other necessary data were collected through a questionnaire containing demographic and clinical information.Results: Two groups were matched in terms of age and body mass index. At one and six weeks after discharge; there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of fever, readmission, symptoms of infection and use of antibiotics.Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that after cesarean section, if the patient's vital signs are stable, the patient can be discharged after 24 hours.

Download Full-text

Epidemiological Characteristics of 69,382 COVID-19 Patients in Oman

Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health ◽

10.1007/s44197-021-00001-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 326-337

Author(s):

Salah T. Al Awaidy ◽

Faryal Khamis ◽

Badria Al Rashidi ◽

Ahmed H. Al Wahaibi ◽

Abdulrahim Albahri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Series ◽

Intervention Strategies ◽

Shortness Of Breath ◽

Targeted Intervention ◽

Foreign Born ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics ◽

Series Study ◽

Related Mortality

Abstract Objectives To describe the epidemiological characteristics of the first 69,382 patients with COVID-19 infection in Oman. Methods A retrospective case series study of patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Oman from 24 February to 23 July 2020. The data were obtained from the National surveillance COVID-19 network. Results The overall mean age of patients was 34 (± 14) years, 74% (n = 51,391) were males, 40,859 (59%) were Omani citizens, and 28,523 (41%) were foreign-born individuals. The most common symptoms at presentation were fever 50% (n = 34,600), cough 46% (n = 32,062), sore throat 46% (n = 31,953) and shortness of breath (SOB) 35% (n = 24,567). Overall, 8,960 (12.9%) patients required hospitalization with 1189 (13.3%) individuals requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation (MV). Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection were mostly Omani nationals and males between 30 and 39 years old (p < 0.001). The mortality rate was 7.7 per 100,000 population (n = 359) with rates of 9.4 (n = 278) and 4.8 (n = 81) deaths per 100,000 population in Omani nationals and foreign-born individuals, respectively. Females hospitalized with COVID-19 had a mean age of 64 (± 18) years versus a mean age of 55 (± 17) years in males. Mean age of patients with COVID-19-related mortality was 58 (± 18) years with significant differences in mean age between females and males 64 (± 18) versus 55 (± 17) years, respectively. Conclusions Young Omani males accounted for the highest incidence of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization, while mortality rates were higher among males and the older age (> 50 years). Identifying the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19-infected patients is essential for developing targeted intervention strategies and preparing for the resurgence of anticipated second and third waves of this pandemic.

Download Full-text

Etiologic Causes and Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients with Intraocular Foreign Bodies: Retrospective Analysis of 1340 Cases over Ten Years

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2018/6309638 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lin Li ◽

Hai Lu ◽

Kai Ma ◽

Yun-Yun Li ◽

Hai-Yan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Foreign Bodies ◽

Case Series ◽

Population Characteristics ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Young Males ◽

The Past ◽

Pathogenic Factors ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics ◽

Series Study

Objective. Patients with intraocular foreign bodies were retrospectively analyzed. Population characteristics, pathogenic factors, and the outcomes during the past ten years were discussed. Design. Retrospective case series study. Method. Medical records of 1340 patients hospitalized in Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2013, were collected. Results. Average age was 33.0 ± 13.8 (1–76) years old in 1340 patients. There were more males (1270, 94.8%) than females (70, 5.2%). Patients from outside of Beijing (82.1%, n=1100) prevailed. Farmers (32.1%, n=430) and workers (22.3%, n=299) were the top two affected professions. Leading two causes were splashing of foreign bodies (SFB) (58.6%, n=785) and explosives (31.8%, n=426). More males than females were injured by SFB (59.4% versus 44.3%, P=0.009). Firework injury was the commonest (41.6% versus 3.1%–15.3%, P<0.05) in patients under nine. The annual percentages in patients over 50 increased (P<0.001) and in patients by explosives decreased (P=0.027). Conclusion. Most patients in this study were young males from outside of Beijing and farmers. SFB accounted most for patients over 10 years old and fireworks for those under ten. Patients over 50 increased while those by explosives decreased annually over the period.

Download Full-text

Aesthetics outcome of immediately restored single implants placed in extraction sockets in the anterior maxilla: A case series study

Journal of Dental Research Dental Clinics Dental Prospects ◽

10.34172/joddd.2020.007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 48-53

Author(s):

Amin Saedi Germi ◽

Vadoud Ghasemi Barghi ◽

Karim Jafari ◽

Rahman Nemati ◽

Saeed Yeganzad

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Case Series ◽

T Test ◽

Facial Soft Tissue ◽

Anterior Maxilla ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Status ◽

The Aesthetic ◽

Series Study

Background . Immediate single implant placement and restoration (IIR) is recognized as a novel method and is the main request of many patients. This study was designed to evaluate the aesthetic outcomes of immediately restored single implants placed in extraction sockets in theanterior maxilla. Methods. In this case series study, 18 patients were selected from two private clinics after placing a single-tooth implant in the anterior maxilla. Immediate provisional crowns were delivered on the following day or at most 48 hours later, and guidelines were provided. The Pink Esthetic Score (PES) questionnaire was used at 6- and 12-month follow-ups to assess aesthetic outcomes. Data were analyzed with single t-test and dependent t-test. Results. In general, the results showed that the status of the mesial papilla, distal papilla, curve of the facial soft tissue line, level of the facial peri-implant mucosa and root convexity soft tissue in IIR method were optimal (P<0.05), with total PES means of 9.44±0.783 and 8.58±1.003 after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Also, the results showed a significant difference in PES between the 6-month and 12-month intervals (P<0.05). Conclusion. IIR is a viable method that resulted in optimal aesthetic outcomes based on PES in the short term. Considering its confirmation in this study and previous studies, it is recommended that dentists apply this method.

Download Full-text