scholarly journals Potential impact of oral flora dispersal on patients wearing face masks when undergoing ophthalmologic procedures

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000804
Author(s):  
Santiago Angaramo ◽  
Janice C Law ◽  
Alexander Spyros Maris ◽  
Jonathan Edward Schmitz ◽  
Yuhan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ocular Surface ◽  
Agar Plate ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Blood Agar Plate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Oral Flora ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Mean Differences

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to investigate the amount of oral flora dispersion towards the ocular surface in relation to various face mask scenarios.Methods and analysisThirty participants were recruited for this prospective cross-sectional study. Each participant was seated and instructed to hold a blood agar plate perpendicular to the bridge of their nose and facing downward. Participants then partook in three unique face mask scenarios: no face mask, surgical face mask and surgical face mask with tape securing the superior edge. During each scenario, participants were instructed to forcefully exhale for 5 s three times. The primary outcome measure was the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) grown on each face mask scenario-specific plate.ResultsThirty participants were recruited for the study, and a total of 90 chocolate agar plates were successfully incubated. The proportion of detecting any CFU was 6.67% (95% CI: 0.818% to 22.1%) for no mask scenario, 0% (95% CI: 0% to 11.6%) for mask scenario and 3.33% (95% CI: 0.0844% to 17.2%) for mask-taped scenario. The mean differences in proportion of detecting any CFU were 3.33% (95% CI: 0% to 10%, p=0.309) for no mask versus mask taped, 3.35% (95% CI: 0% to 10%, p=0.307) for mask taped versus mask and 6.68% (95% CI: 0% to 16.7%, p=0.142) for no mask versus mask.ConclusionThis study showed no difference in bacterial dispersion towards the ocular surface when comparing no face mask, a surgical face mask without tape or a surgical face mask with tape.

scholarly journals A Survey on How Ocular Surface Demodex Infestation Interactively Associates with Diabetes Mellitus and Dry Eye Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Huang ◽  
Shuze Chen ◽  
Sheng Fu ◽  
Yingli Li ◽  
Zhenhao Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Dry Eye ◽  
Ocular Surface ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
General Information ◽  
Potential Interaction ◽  
Dry Eye Disease ◽  
Eye Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Demodex Infestation

Abstract Purpose Prevention of ocular surface (OS) Demodex infestation plays an important role in OS hygiene and variety of factors may be associated with it, in which diabetes mellitus (DM) or dry eye disease (DED) has caught the attention of most scholars. However, there has been no research on whether there was a potential interaction between DM and DED in the process of OS Demodex infestation. This cross-sectional study was implemented in Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University. Methods Ophthalmologic interviews, questionnaires, and examinations were conducted. Factors including general information, DM status, dry eye condition, etc. were collected to study the correlation of DM and DED on OS Demodex infestation. Results After statistical analysis, we found that both DM (P < 0.001) and DED (P = 0.013 < 0.05) are closely associated with OS Demodex infestation. Compared with DED, DM has higher priority association with OS Demodex infestation, and patients with both diseases have a significant higher risk of OS Demodex infestation (R = 0.197, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, age (R = 0.299, P < 0.001) and hypertension (P < 0.05) were also correlated with OS Demodex infestation. Conclusion This study provides a new evidence-based basis for clinical prevention and management of OS Demodex infestation.

Dry Eye Syndrome-Related Quality of Life in Glaucoma Patients

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 572-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Caterina Maria Rossi ◽  
Carmine Tinelli ◽  
Gian Maria Pasinetti ◽  
Giovanni Milano ◽  
Paolo Emilio Bianchi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Dry Eye ◽  
Ocular Surface ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dry Eye Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ocular Surface Disease Index ◽  
Symptom Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose To verify the presence of dry eye syndrome (DES) in treated patients with glaucoma and to analyze DES's impact on the patients' quality of life (QOL) versus the control group. Methods In this observational cross-sectional study, 61 patients were enrolled at a clinical practice. Patients were divided into three groups by number of glaucoma drops instilled per day (G1=1 drop/day, G2=2 drops/day, G3=3 drops/day). A control group of 20 subjects was also selected (G0). All subjects were submitted to a complete ocular examination (including tear function and ocular surface status) and completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS) questionnaire, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). DES was defined as presence of punctate keratitis and decreased break-up time. Statistical analysis was performed applying the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests (to compare median values between groups) as well as the χ2 and Fisher test (to verify significant differences). Results A total of 40% of G3 and 39% of G2 patients presented DES versus 11% of G1 and 5% of G0 (p=0.01). QOL was significantly influenced and altered (NEI-VFQ 25 total mean and GSS total mean and symptoms average: p=0.0085, p=0.006, and p=0.03, respectively). OSDI pointed out differences by group: 26% of G2 and 15% of G3 presented moderate OSDI and 15% of G3 and 8.7% of G2 severe OSDI (p>0.05). Conclusions Patients with topically treated glaucoma present DES more often than a similar control group (p=0.01). The presence of DES negatively influences the patient's QOL. The patients with glaucoma's ocular surface status should be evaluated regularly to ensure the timely detection and treatment of pathologic signs on the ocular surface.

scholarly journals Refractive Outcomes of  Table-Mounted and HandheldAuto-Refractometers in Children: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
müjdat karab ◽  
sinem karabulut ◽  
Aylin karalezli
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Spherical Equivalent ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Refractive Outcomes ◽  
Spearman's Rho ◽  
Spearman’S Rho ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Cylinder Power

Abstract Background: To compare the refractive results of two autorefractors.Methods: We designed this study as an observational, cross-sectional study. We compared the mean spheric and cylinder power, spherical equivalent, Jackson cross-cylinder values, determined the limits of agreement (LoA), and evaluated reliability.Results: Nidek HandyRef-K autorefractor measured more astigmatism and myopia in terms of the mean cylindrical power (P<.001) and spherical equivalent (P=.024). Nidek HandyRef-K showed significantly more myopic results in subgroups with spherical power more than +1.50 Diopters (D) hyperopia and -3.00 D myopia (P=.031; P=.045; P=.026; respectively) and higher astigmatism in the subgroup with the cylindric power less than -1.00 D (P<.001). The mean differences and 95% LoA were 0.06 D ± 0.47 D (-0.82 D to 0.98 D) in spherical power, 0.08 D ± 0.28 D (-0.47 D to 0.64 D) in cylindrical power, 0.11 D ± 0.47 D (-0.81 D to 1.01 D) in spherical equivalent, 0.02 D ± 0.36 D (-0.73 D to 0.69 D) in Jackson cross-cylinder power at 0°, 0.005 D ± 0.54 D (-1.07 D to 1.06 D) in Jackson cross-cylinder power at 45°. There was a strong correlation for spherical power (Spearman’s rho=0.99, P<.001), cylindrical power (Spearman’s rho=0.88, P<.001), spherical equivalent (Spearman’s rho=0.98, P<.001).Conclusion: Nidek HandyRef-K showed more myopic results regarding spherical equivalent and cylindrical power. Nidek HandyRef-K showed significantly more myopia in spherical power more than +1.50 D hyperopia, -3.00 D myopia, and more prominent astigmatism in cylindrical power less than -1.00 D subgroups.

scholarly journals Evaluation of facemask associated acne/ “Maskne” among health care workers and non-health care workers of India during COVID-19 pandemic-A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-248
Author(s):  
Krina B Patel ◽  
Savfeena M. Nagani ◽  
Aanal T. Patel ◽  
Nirav Bapat
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Front Line Workers

“MASK-NE”-Mask associated Acne, is a common form of acne during COVID-19 pandemic. It is type of acne mechanica seen when external factor occludes the skin, leads to irritation, inflammation and starts/aggravates all grades of acne.We conducted a cross-sectional study among 773 participants, using a Self-administered, aim oriented, questionnaire which includes demographic data, acne related history, type and duration of wearing mask & other mask related skin problems in COVID-19 pandemic during 15 October to 15December,2020.: Among 773 participants, age ranged 18-45 years with mean 30.69 (SD: 61.30) and M:F was 1:1.78. After starting of Pandemic, occurrence of new development of mask associated Acne/ Maskne was higher among Health Care Workers (HCW) (34.98%) as compared to non- Health Care Workers (non-HCWs) (17.36%). Moreover, more number of HCWs had aggravation of their pre-existing acne and/or development of new of acne during pandemic (81.2%) than non-HCWs (61%). Wearing N95 type of mask showed the highest aggravation (82%) of Maskne as compare to wearing Surgical mask (75.5%) and wearing cloth (cotton) mask (65.6%).Wearing a face mask for 4 to 8 hours/day and &#62;8 hours/day showed increase in the aggravation of Maskne as compared to wearing a facemask &#60;4 hrs/day.Though wearing face masks can be the best strategy against COVID-19 infection, HAZARD OF THIS SAFETY is not negligible especially in front-line workers-doctors, nurses, pharmacist, policemen, hospital staff who are at higher risk due to several factors including type of mask use, duration of mask use etc.

scholarly journals Investigating the Burden of Mental Distress Among Nurses at A Provincial COVID-19 Referral Hospital In Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marthoenis Marthoenis ◽  
Maskur Maskur ◽  
Liza Fathiariani ◽  
Jacqueline Nassimbwa
Keyword(s):  
Mental Distress ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
Financial Hardship ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: The current outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic distorts not only the physical, but also mental and psychological condition of healthcare providers, especially the nurses who directly working with the COVID-19 patients. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety and stress among nurses working in a COVID-19 referral hospital in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire, DASS21, along with the demographic questions was used to screen the presence of psychological problems and their associated factors. Results: the prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress was 8.7%, 20.7% and 5.8%, respectively. The prevalence rate was significantly higher among those with financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 10.5%, 23.5% and 8.1% for depression, anxiety and anxiety (P<.05), respectively. Regression analysis confirmed that these mental problems were associated with the experience of social rejection, either by family or neighbor, because they were working in the hospital during the pandemic. Conclusions: The financial hardship experienced by the nurses during disease pandemic increases their burden of mental illness therefore, providing the financial subsidiary might reduce their financial uncertainty. Furthermore, the motivation to have a positive attitude toward the pandemic, promotion of healthy behavior such as the use of face mask and the provision of sufficient information on the diseases, may help them properly manage their mental distress.

scholarly journals Association of the combination of weight gain after 20 years of age and current obesity with chronic kidney disease in Japan: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e027752
Author(s):  
Hirotaka Ochiai ◽  
Takako Shirasawa ◽  
Takahiko Yoshimoto ◽  
Satsue Nagahama ◽  
Mariko Kobayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Obese Subjects ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesWeight gain after 20 years of age is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the impact of weight gain on CKD might differ by current obesity status. We investigated the association of the combination of weight gain after 20 years of age and current obesity with CKD among adults in Japan.DesignA cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsWe analysed data from 94 822 adults aged 40–64 years who had an annual health check-up in Japan from April 2013 to March 2014.Primary outcome measureCKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2and/or proteinuria.ResultsBoth weight gain ≥10 kg after 20 years of age plus obesity (OR 2.21, 95% CI 2.07 to 2.36) and weight gain of ≥10 kg plus non-obesity (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.42) significantly increased the OR for CKD when compared with weight gain <10 kg plus non-obesity in men. In women, weight gain ≥10 kg plus obesity (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.84 to 2.25) and weight gain ≥10 kg plus non-obesity (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.72) significantly increased the OR for CKD compared with weight gain <10 kg plus non-obesity. These results persisted even after adjustment for age, lifestyle factors, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes.ConclusionsWeight gain ≥10 kg after 20 years of age was significantly associated with CKD in both obese and non-obese subjects. Moreover, the influence of weight gain ≥10 kg plus obesity on CKD was greater than that of weight gain ≥10 kg plus non-obesity on CKD. The present study results suggest that it is important to consider weight gain after maturity in both obese and non-obese subjects to prevent CKD among Japanese middle-aged adults.

scholarly journals Who is at risk of occupational Q fever: new insights from a multi-profession cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e030088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Groten ◽  
Karola Kuenzer ◽  
Udo Moog ◽  
Beate Hermann ◽  
Katrin Maier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seroprevalence Data ◽  
Regular Contact

ObjectivesQ fever is a zoonosis caused by the bacteriumCoxiella burnetii. It is recognised as an occupational hazard for individuals who are in regular contact with animal birth products. Data from the literature are not comparable because different serological assays perform very differently in detecting past infections. It is therefore essential to choose the right assay for obtaining reliable data of seroprevalence. Obstetricians are another profession potentially at risk of Q fever. They can be infected from birth products of women with Q fever during pregnancy. There is little data, however, for Q fever in this occupational group. Our study therefore had two purposes. The first was to obtain reliable seroprevalence data for occupational groups in regular contact with animal birth products by using an assay with proven excellent sensitivity and specificity for detecting past infections. The second purpose was to obtain primary data for obstetricians.DesignWe carried out a cross-sectional study.SettingThe study included shepherds, cattle farmers, veterinarians and obstetricians from Thuringia.Participants77 shepherds, 74 veterinarians, 14 cattle farmers, 17 office employees and 68 obstetricians participated. The control group consisted of 92 blood donors.Primary outcome measureThe primary outcome measure wasC. burnetiiphase II specific IgG. The assay used was evaluated for this purpose in a previous study.ResultsOf the 250 blood samples we analysed, the very highest seroprevalences (64%–77%) occurred in individuals with frequent animal contact. There were no significant differences between shepherds, cattle farmers and veterinarians. The seroprevalence in people working in administration was lower but still significantly greater than the control. No obstetricians or midwives tested positive.ConclusionsShepherds, cattle farmers and veterinarians have a high risk ofC. burnetiiinfection. However, our study clearly proves that there was no increased risk for people working in an obstetric department.

scholarly journals Meeting UK dietary recommendations is associated with higher estimated consumer food costs: an analysis using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey and consumer expenditure data, 2008–2012

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 948-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas RV Jones ◽  
Tammy YN Tong ◽  
Pablo Monsivais
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Consumer Expenditure ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Nutrition Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Individual Level

AbstractObjectiveTo test whether diets achieving recommendations from the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) were associated with higher monetary costs in a nationally representative sample of UK adults.DesignA cross-sectional study linking 4 d diet diaries in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) to contemporaneous food price data from a market research firm. The monetary cost of diets was assessed in relation to whether or not they met eight food- and nutrient-based recommendations from SACN. Regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors. The primary outcome measure was individual dietary cost per day and per 2000 kcal (8368 kJ).SettingUK.SubjectsAdults (n 2045) sampled between 2008 and 2012 in the NDNS.ResultsOn an isoenergetic basis, diets that met the recommendations for fruit and vegetables, oily fish, non-milk extrinsic sugars, fat, saturated fat and salt were estimated to be between 3 and 17 % more expensive. Diets meeting the recommendation for red and processed meats were 4 % less expensive, while meeting the recommendation for fibre was cost-neutral. Meeting multiple targets was also associated with higher costs; on average, diets meeting six or more SACN recommendations were estimated to be 29 % more costly than isoenergetic diets that met no recommendations.ConclusionsFood costs may be a population-level barrier limiting the adoption of dietary recommendations in the UK. Future research should focus on identifying systems- and individual-level strategies to enable consumers achieve dietary recommendations without increasing food costs. Such strategies may improve the uptake of healthy eating in the population.

scholarly journals MISCARRIAGES AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEPRESSION & QUALITY OF LIFE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Lubna Soomro ◽  
Parvasha Memon ◽  
Muniza Malik ◽  
Saira Almas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Family System ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sample Mean ◽  
Perceived Quality Of Life ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Age Range ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Quality of life describes the way of perception of an individual’s position in life. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of miscarriages on quality of life and depression in women with or without miscarriages. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive Cross sectional study was conducted at different hospitals of Hyderabad, Sindh in six months among 200 participants (100 without miscarriage & 100 with miscarriages). The age range of the participants was 18–40 years. Demographic information was taken to get information about the participants like age, family system, education. Two validated, structured questionnaire namely; Quality of Life (QOL) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 23.0, independent sample t-test was applied to observe difference of depression and quality of life among women with or without miscarriages. RESULTS: In the sample among women with miscarriages 42 % were in the age range of 18-30 years and 58 % were of age 31-40 years. Among females without miscarriages 63% were aged 18-30 years and 37% were 31-40 years. Females without miscarriages have education up to masters (20%) and graduation (23%) and most females with miscarriages have primary education (38%). The independent sample mean differences revealed females with miscarriages more depressive (t = 24.407, p<0.05) than females without miscarriages (women without miscarriage =27.52±5.43; women with miscarriage =8.08±5.82). Females with miscarriages feel hopeless 73.3%, guilty 70.3%, highly self-blaming 68.3, and have feeling of complete failure 88.1%. 98% females reported that they don’t cry even they want to, on the other hand only 3% females without miscarriages reported this feeling. The perceived quality of life is higher in women without miscarriages (t =11.75, p= .000), 58.1% females with miscarriages have emotional problems, feeling nervous 59.4% and lack of cheerfulness 63.8%. CONCLUSION: Depression is increasing rapidly in the women that loss their fetus. They feel high sadness, grief and low quality of life as compared to women without miscarriages.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document