Dermatological disorders

2013 ◽  
pp. 454-462
Author(s):  
Ursula T. Ferriday ◽  
I. S. Foulds

The skin acts as a protective barrier against a number of hazards within our environment. These hazards can be: chemical, e.g. acids, alkalis, solvents, cutting, or soluble oils; biological, e.g. bacteria, plant allergens, or raw food; or physical, e.g. ultraviolet light, or mechanical shearing forces. In some situations the defensive properties of the skin are exceeded resulting in cuts, grazes, inflammation, ulceration, infection, and occasionally malignant change. The risk factors for breakdown of skin defences can be categorized as: (i) occupational—common at-risk groups are cleaners, food handlers, hairdressers, and workers in contact with cutting fluids; and (ii) non-occupational—where genetic predisposition to skin disorders is an important factor. Workers with non-occupational skin disorders can suffer exacerbations of their underlying dermatological condition in workplaces where the environment is hot and humid or extremely cold or dry.

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice N. Kiyong’a ◽  
Elizabeth A. J. Cook ◽  
Nisreen M. A. Okba ◽  
Velma Kivali ◽  
Chantal Reusken ◽  
...  

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory disease caused by a zoonotic coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camel handlers, including slaughterhouse workers and herders, are at risk of acquiring MERS-CoV infections. However, there is limited evidence of infections among camel handlers in Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of antibodies to MERS-CoV in high-risk groups in Kenya. Sera collected from 93 camel handlers, 58 slaughterhouse workers and 35 camel herders, were screened for MERS-CoV antibodies using ELISA and PRNT. We found four seropositive slaughterhouse workers by PRNT. Risk factors amongst the slaughterhouse workers included being the slaughterman (the person who cuts the throat of the camel) and drinking camel blood. Further research is required to understand the epidemiology of MERS-CoV in Africa in relation to occupational risk, with a need for additional studies on the transmission of MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans, seroprevalence and associated risk factors.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian Dunning ◽  
Nang Khaing Zar Aung ◽  
Abigail Ward ◽  
Moe Moe Aye ◽  
Christopher Lourenço ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundAyeyarwady Region in Myanmar has made significant progress towards malaria elimination, with confirmed cases decreasing from 13,522 in 2013 to 122 in 2019. As transmission declines, malaria becomes increasingly focalized both in geographic hotspots and among population groups sharing certain risk factors. Developing a thorough profile of high-risk activities associated with malaria infections is critical to ensure intervention approaches are evidence-based. MethodsA test-negative study was conducted from September 2017 to May 2018 in Ngaputaw, Pathein and Thabaung townships in Ayeyarwady Region. Patients that presented to selected public facilities or community health volunteers with fever answered survey questions on demographic and behavioral risk factors, including exposure to malaria interventions, and were assigned to case and control groups based on the result of a malaria rapid diagnostic test. A random-effects logistic regression model adjusted for clustering at the facility level, as well as any variables along the causal pathway described by a directed acyclic graph, was used to determine odds ratios and association with malaria infections. ResultsA total of 119 cases and 1,744 controls were recruited from 41 public facilities, with a mean age of 31.3 and 63.7% percent male. Higher risk groups were identified as males (aOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.9) and those with a worksite located within the forest (aOR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4–5.3), specifically working in the logging (aOR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5–4.6) and rubber plantation (aOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.4–6.8) industries. Additionally, links between forest travel and malaria were observed, with risk factors identified to be sleeping in the forest within the past month (aOR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1–6.3), and extended forest travel with durations from 3 to 14 days (aOR 8.6, 95% CI: 3.5–21.4) or longer periods (aOR 8.4, 95% CI: 3.2–21.6). ConclusionMalaria transmission is highly focalized in Ayeyarwady, and results illustrate the need to target interventions to the most at-risk populations of working males and forest goers. It will become increasingly necessary to ensure full intervention coverage of at-risk populations active in forested areas as Myanmar moves closer to malaria elimination goals.


Author(s):  
Anja Kräplin ◽  
Anna E. Goudriaan

Abstract. Aims: To provide an overview of characteristics and risk factors of gambling disorder (GD) in order to systematically identify corresponding targets for responsible gambling strategies. Methods: We conducted a literature review on the concept and characteristics of GD and on the correlates and risk factors for GD. Results and conclusions: GD is characterized by low prevalence rates, but detrimental individual and public health consequences. Responsible gambling strategies therefore need to provide transparent and safe gambling for the majority of gamblers and strategies for early identification, intervention, and harm reduction for the minority of individuals at risk for GD. As individuals at risk for GD are characterized by multiple correlates and risk factors, a multifaceted array of strategies is required. Individual and environmental risk factors provide an important basis for responsible gambling strategies, for instance, which specific high-risk groups (e. g., youth) or gambling behaviours (e. g., high gambling intensity) need to be targeted. As there is no evidence for risk-free gambling, all land-based and online gambling segments should be regulated and controlled within a common framework. Within this process, scientists, practitioners, and stakeholders need to collaborate and translational efforts are required.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s294-s294
Author(s):  
Verinsa Mouajou ◽  
Lucila Baldassarre

Background: Recurrence rates and risk factors of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are well established in adults, though little is known about the rate of recurrent CDI (rCDI) within the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to identify rates and risk factors of rCDI in pediatric at-risk groups to guide the optimization of targeted prevention efforts against disease recurrence. Methods: We report on the ongoing retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients at the CHU Sainte-Justine with a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of CDI between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2017. Incidence rates of rCDI were obtained per 100 cases. Frequencies of rCDI were compared using the Fisher exact test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for rCDI. Two-tailed P < .05 was considered significant. All statistical calculations were performed using R version 3.5.2 software. Results: Of 80 patients analyzed with CDI, 16 had rCDI, for a rCDI rate in this population of 20%. Most recurrences were observed in secondarily immunosuppressed patients including, but not limited to, oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (30.4%) and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, 29.2%). Patients that were administered vancomycin orally (PO) had recurrent infection less often than patients that administered metronidazole PO or IV (8.3% vs 23.4%, respectively). This trend was observed in all at-risk patient groups. Patients with secondary immunodeficiency had 7.4 times increased odds of recurrence compared to nonimmunodeficient patients (adjusted OR, 7.43,; 95% CI, 1.84–50.4; P = .0126). Conclusions: Initial vancomycin PO therapy seems to be associated with a lower risk of recurrence. Pediatric patients with IBD and with secondary immunodeficiency are at increased risk of rCDI. Given that these populations have an increased underlying risk of diarrhea, it would be worthwhile to determine whether toxin is actually produced (EIA testing) and to prioritize prevention efforts.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e031802
Author(s):  
Dauda Badmus ◽  
Robert Menzies

ObjectiveTo examine the possibility of using data from a network of Australian General Practices (GPs) to estimate influenza vaccination coverage in Australians medically at risk.DesignData electronically extracted from a large national network of Australian GP clinics (MedicineInsight) was analysed for annual influenza vaccination coverage from 2008 to 2014. We compared the results with the 2009 and 2014 Adult Vaccination Survey. We adjusted for differences in the distribution of age, risk groups and provider types.SettingAll states in Australia.ParticipantsGPs participating in MedicineInsight programme.InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresAnnual vaccination coverage across risk groups as recorded in Adult Vaccination Survey in 2009 and 2014 were compared with vaccination coverage in MedicineInsight. The impact of National Immunisation Programme expansion of free vaccine in 2010 to cover patients aged <65 years with medical risk factors.ResultsThe proportion of MedicineInsight patients aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with medical risk factors was higher in 2014 (33.2%), compared with the AVS in 2009 (25%). In 2009, influenza vaccination coverage estimates for those aged 18–64 years with medical risk factors was lower for MedicineInsight patients compared with the AVS (26% vs 36%). There was no evidence of any change in coverage between 2008 and 2014, despite the vaccine being available free of charge to this group from 2010.ConclusionGeneral practice databases have the potential to help fill the gap in vaccination coverage data in patients with medical risk factors.


2019 ◽  
pp. 3-10
Author(s):  
Cécile Couchoud ◽  
Sahar Bayat

More than 30% of the world population will develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) during their life. More than 10% of the world population live with CKD and, therefore, are at higher risk of cardiovascular events, acute kidney injury episodes, progression to end-stage renal disease, and death. Risk factors of kidney disease occurrence may be intrinsic in a “patient at risk” or be related to a “situation at risk.” Primary prevention among the identified risk groups must be organized to decrease the risk of kidney disease appearance. Moreover, many risk factors also contribute to kidney damage progression in patients with CKD, and, therefore, they also are the target of secondary prevention. Because of restricted funding, the issue of unequal access to treatment, in particular to renal replacement therapy, explain most of the geographical differences observed.


2019 ◽  
pp. 647-659
Author(s):  
Hanaa Sayed ◽  
John English

The skin acts as a protective barrier against a number of hazards within our environment. These hazards can be chemical (e.g. acids, alkalis, solvents, or oils), biological, (e.g. bacteria, plant allergens, or raw food), or physical (e.g. ultraviolet light or mechanical shearing forces). Occupational skin diseases are significant, with irritant contact dermatitis being the commonest. Pre-existing skin diseases and occupational skin diseases have implications for employment, where legal considerations are relevant. When workers are exposed to hazardous substances at work, employers have a duty under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations. When severe, occupational skin diseases may warrant workplace adjustments or redeployment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Chiaotzu Lee ◽  
Ashraf Docrat

Abstract Background Despite the continuing decline of HIV/AIDS incidence and prevalence in the general population of Vietnam, HIV rates remains high in three key subpopulations: injecting drug users (IDUs), men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs). This study aims to identify the common sociodemographic characteristics and behavioural risk factors among three key populations for HIV infection in Vietnam. Methods This study used a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise findings from published studies on HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among the three at-risk groups. Five electronic databases were used to identify peer-reviewed articles in relevant topics. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used to estimate pooled prevalence in the combined study population and to determine the effect sizes of the common risk factors on HIV outcome. Results Of the 18 included studies, 6 focused on IDUs, 8 on FSWs and 4 on MSM, accounting for a total of 16,304 participants. The overall prevalence of HIV among the three at-risk groups based on meta-analysis was 11.8% (95%CI: 0.072-0.188). The identified common risk behaviours for HIV infection included injecting drug use (OR: 21.3, 95%CI: 6.5-69.3), sharing injecting equipment (OR: 4.2, 95%CI: 2.1-8.2) and inconsistent condom use (OR: 2.6, 95%CI: 1.5-4.4). The associated socio-demographic characteristics with HIV (+) included young age, single/ unmarried, low education and income. Conclusions/Key messages The findings of this study suggested that injecting drug use may can contribute to developing more affective prevention measures targeting these high-risk groups and reducing the risk of HIV transmission to the general population.


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