The new cases of thelaziosis on the Balkan Peninsula

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), known as oriental eyeworm, is a parasite infesting the eyes of many domestic and wild carnivores which can also cause human infections. Due to the fact that infections by T. callipaeda have been recently spreading through the Balkan Peninsula, the main aims of this mini review are to give a clear and concise overview of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of thelasiosis in animals and humans as well as to update epidemiological data about thelaziosis in this area. Clinical manifestations of thelaziosis can vary from subclinical to severe. In both animals and humans, treatment of thelaziosis can be effectively achieved with the removal of the nematodes from the eye under local anesthesia using a cotton swab or fine forceps. In the treatment of animals, antiparasitic drugs should be used supplementarily to the mechanical removal of parasites, while in humans, the topical use of antibiotics is desirable in order to prevent secondary bacterial infection. The growing number of diagnosed thelasiosis cases in dogs in the Balkan Peninsula, and particularly among owned pets in urban areas of Serbia previously considered free of infection, indicates the spread of zoonotic T. callipaeda in the area and in close proximity to humans. Finally, cooperation between veterinarians and physicians is strongly advocated in favour of the development of effective preventive measures and strategies.

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Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Lebanon: A Retrospective Study and Molecular Epidemiology

Acta Parasitologica ◽

10.1007/s11686-021-00453-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gaelle Joanny ◽

Maria Grazia Cappai ◽

Francesca Nonnis ◽

Claudia Tamponi ◽

Giorgia Dessì ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Echinococcus Granulosus ◽

Cystic Echinococcosis ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Sensu Stricto ◽

Control Measures ◽

Mediterranean Countries ◽

High Gene ◽

Human Infections ◽

And Control ◽

Human Cystic Echinococcosis

Abstract Purpose Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease that constitutes a public health challenge and a socio-economic burden in endemic areas worldwide. No specific surveillance system of CE infections in humans exists in Lebanon. The incidence and trends over time have not been documented. The current study aimed to assess the demographic and epidemiologic features of human CE surgical cases over a 14-year period in the five main regions of Lebanon. Methods From 2005 to 2018, a total of 894 surgically confirmed cases of hydatidosis were recorded from five anatomy and pathology laboratories. Results The mean annual surgical incidence was 1.23/100,000 inhabitants. Over the span of these years, the incidence increased from 0.53 to 1.94 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2005 and 2018, respectively. CE is present in Lebanon with an uneven distribution from one region to the other with higher prevalence in Bekaa (29.0%), a rural area where sheep raising is widespread. Human CE cases were more common in females (60.1%) than in males (39.9%) and a high burden of infection was reported for the age group of 30–39 years. Besides, 66.7% of the cases expressed only liver complications whereas, 20.5% showed predilection towards lungs. The 7.8% of cases presented cysts in other organs, and 1.3% showed multiple localizations. Additionally, predominant involvement of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto was recorded in human infections. Comparison of Echinococcus granulosus s.s. populations from different Mediterranean countries also revealed high gene flow among this region and sharing of alleles. Conclusion The current study is a step forward to fill the gap of knowledge for the hydatidosis in Lebanon where the lack of epidemiological data and control measures have resulted in higher incidence of human CE. Graphic Abstract

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Geophysical Variables and Behavior: LIII. Epidemiological Considerations for Incidence of Cancer and Depression in Areas of Frequent UFO Reports

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.2466/pms.1988.67.3.799 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 67 (3) ◽

pp. 799-803 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael A. Persinger

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Health Risks ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Strain Fields ◽

Close Proximity ◽

Geophysical Processes ◽

Power Frequency ◽

Physical Forces ◽

And Behavior

Luminous phenomena and anomalous physical forces have been hypothesized to be generated by focal tectonic strain fields that precede earthquakes. If these geophysical processes exist, then their spatial and temporal density should be greatest during periods of protracted, localized UFO reports; they might be used as dosimetric indicators. Contemporary epidemiological data concerning the health risks of power frequency electromagnetic fields and radon gas levels (expected correlates of certain tectonic strain fields), suggest that increased incidence (odds ratios greater 1:3) of brain tumors and leukemia should be evident within “flap” areas. In addition the frequency of variants of temporal lobe lability, psychological depression and posttraumatic stress should be significantly elevated. UFO field investigators, because they have repeated, intermittent close proximity to these fields, are considered to be a particularly high risk population for these disorders.

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Risk of Lyme disease development after a tick bite

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp1005369m ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 67 (5) ◽

pp. 369-374 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jovan Mladenovic ◽

Radovan Cekanac ◽

Novica Stajkovic ◽

Milena Krstic

Keyword(s):

Lyme Disease ◽

Absolute Risk ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Infectious Agent ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Tick Bite ◽

Healthcare Personnel ◽

Tick Attachment ◽

The Way

Background/Aim. Despite numerous research of Lyme disease (LD), there are still many concerns about environmental of infectious agent of LD, as well as its prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this work was to determine the risk of LD in relation to the way of removing ticks and duration of tick attachment. Methods. In the period from 2000 to 2007 a prospective study was conducted including persons with tick bite referred to the Institute of Epidemiology, Military Medical Academy, and followed for the occurrence of early Lyme disease up to six months after a tick bite. Epidemiological questionnaire was used to collect relevant information about the place and time of tick bites, the way of a removing tick, duration of tick attachment, remnants of a tick left in the skin (parts of the mouth device) and the signs of clinical manifestations of LD. Duration of tick attachment was determined on the basis of size of engorged tick and epidemiological data. Removed ticks were determined by the key of Pomerancev. Professional removing of attached tick was considered to be removing of tick with mechanical means by healthcare personnel. Fisher's exact test, Chi squares test and calculation of the relative risk (RR) were used for data analysis. Results. Of 3 126 patients with tick bite, clinical manifestations of LD were demonstrated in 19 (0.61%). In the group of subjects (n = 829) in which a tick was not removed professionally there were 17 (2.05%) cases with LD, while in the group of respondents (n=2 297) in who a tick was removed professionally there were 2 (0.09%) cases with LD after tick bite (RR, 23.55; p < 0.0001). The disease was most frequent in the group of respondents with incompletely and unprofessionally removed ticks (2.46%). In the groups of patients with unprofessionally but completely removed ticks LD occurred in 0.89%, while in the group of subjects with a tick removed by an expert, but incompletely in 0.78% cases. The disease occurred rarely in the group with a tick removed completely and professionally (0.05%). There was no case of LD in the group of patients with a tick removed within 24 hours. The longer time of exposure after 24 hours, the higher absolute risk of disease was reported. Conclusion. In prevention of Lyme disease it is important to urgent remove a tick, to use a correct procedure of removing and to remove the whole tick without any remnants.

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Staphylococcus intermedius Brain Abscess as a Complication of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation in a Patient With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa467 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

Author(s):

Leon S Moskatel ◽

Joslyn N Vo ◽

Keshav R Nayak ◽

Nancy F Crum-Cianflone

Keyword(s):

Arteriovenous Malformation ◽

Brain Abscess ◽

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Complete Recovery ◽

Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation ◽

Staphylococcus Intermedius ◽

First Case ◽

Human Infections ◽

The Brain

Abstract Staphylococcus intermedius is a rare cause of human infections ranging from skin and soft tissue infections to bacteremia. It is particularly known for its association with exposure to dogs. We report an unusual case of a 73-year-old female with a brain abscess caused by S intermedius who was recently diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. The patient underwent debridement of the brain abscess followed by a 6-week course of vancomycin and rifampin, after which she made a near complete recovery. This is the first case of a brain abscess in an adult due to S intermedius in the published literature, and we provide a comprehensive review of the literature of all human infections caused by this pathogen and summarize its clinical manifestations, treatment recommendations, and outcomes.

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Systematic review on infection and disease caused by Thelazia callipaeda in Europe: 2001–2020

Parasite ◽

10.1051/parasite/2020048 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

pp. 52

Author(s):

Beatriz do Vale ◽

Ana Patrícia Lopes ◽

Maria da Conceição Fontes ◽

Mário Silvestre ◽

Luís Cardoso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Correct Diagnosis ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Thelazia Callipaeda ◽

Red Foxes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Treatment And Prevention ◽

Cross Sectional Studies ◽

Available Information

Cases of thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda have been increasing considerably in Europe throughout the 21st century, with recent emphasis on Eastern Europe. A systematic review was conducted using defined search terms across three major databases and, additionally, with the examination of the references of the 56 articles selected. Available information about epidemiological and clinical features of all cases of thelaziosis by T. callipaeda in companion animals, wildlife and humans was extracted, evaluated and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. In all cross-sectional studies about dogs, cats and red foxes, males were more frequently infected than females (dogs: p = 0.0365; cats: p = 0.0164; red foxes: p = 0.0082). Adult dogs seem to be more prone to infection (p < 0.0001), as well as large-sized dogs (p < 0.0001), and companion animals that live exclusively outdoors (p < 0.0001). Dogs and red foxes involved in these cross-sectional studies harboured significantly more female than male nematodes (p < 0.0001). Thelaziosis by T. callipaeda is far from controlled in Europe. Only through updated epidemiological data, knowledge improvement and awareness can correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment and prevention be ensured to tackle this zoonosis.

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CFD Investigation of the Multiple Rotors Darrieus Type Turbine Performance

Volume 9: Oil and Gas Applications; Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles; Wind Energy ◽

10.1115/gt2019-91491 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Omar Sherif Mohamed ◽

Ahmed Ibrahim ◽

Ahmed M. R. El Baz

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Low Cost ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Power Coefficient ◽

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽

Cfd Simulations ◽

Close Proximity ◽

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines ◽

Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd ◽

Overall Performance

Abstract The last few years have witnessed researches concerned by vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) performance considering its advantages compared to the horizontal axis wind turbines, as it can be operated in urban areas without producing noise, ease of maintenance and simple construction, in addition to its low cost. More interest is growing in developing efficient clusters of VAWT in order to increase power generation at specific sites by using multiple turbines. In the present work, the performance of various configurations of Darrieus type VAWT clusters is examined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The objective of this work is to increase the overall power coefficient of the turbines cluster compared to single rotor performance. This objective shall be achieved by examining mutual interactions between rotors arranged in close proximity and examining the effect of oblique angle between rotors on overall performance of the cluster of rotors. The performance is assessed by observing the overall power coefficient of the cluster. Also, the velocity wake of the simulated three rotors turbine cases was analyzed and compared to the that of the single rotor.

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Outcomes and radiographic findings of symptomatic isolated mesenteric artery dissection with conservative management

Vascular ◽

10.1177/1708538120918415 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 170853812091841

Author(s):

Yingjiang Xu ◽

Xiujuan Gao ◽

Dan Shang ◽

Jianyong Liu ◽

Bi Jin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conservative Management ◽

Mesenteric Artery ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Dissecting Aneurysm ◽

First Episode ◽

Artery Dissection ◽

Type I ◽

Radiographic Findings

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography follow-up outcomes and radiographic findings of symptomatic isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) after conservative management. Methods In this retrospective study, 130 consecutive patients with symptomatic IMAD from three institutions were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2019. The general epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, first-episode symptoms, imaging findings, and treatment strategy selection were analyzed from the medical records. Results Among 130 patients diagnosed with symptomatic IMAD, positive remodeling of the SMA was achieved in 75.38% (98/130), and negative remodeling of the SMA was achieved in 24.62% (32/130). In the positive remodeling group, complete remodeling was achieved 39.23% (51/130) (type I 6 patients, type IIa 10 patients, type IIb 35 patients), in which type IIb was the most ( p = 0.004). Moreover, of the 32 patients in whom negative remodeling of the SMA was achieved, significant differences were observed between the type IIa with respect to dissecting aneurysm formation ( p = 0.04).Of the seven factors analyzed with a logistic regression model identified three factors significantly associated with negative remodeling: length of dissection (Waldχ2 13.331; OR 6.945; 95% CI 2.762–10.498; p = 0.014), true lumen residual diameter (TLRD) (Waldχ2 9.626; OR 7.85; 95% CI 1.892–19.063; p = 0.022), and branch involvement (Waldχ2 11.812; OR 7.247; 95% CI 1.245–14.830; p = 0.011). Conclusion The prognosis of most symptomatic IMAD has a tendency to positive remodeling after conservative management, in which the initial type IIb classification is common. In contrast, risk factors for negative remodeling were type IIa, length of dissection, TLRD, and branch involvement. Patients with these morphological characteristics may not benefit from conservative management.

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Echinococcus multilocularis – a zoonosis of anthropogenic environments?

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1079/joh2006347 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 80 (2) ◽

pp. 207-212 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

T. Romig ◽

D. Thoma ◽

A.-K. Weible

Keyword(s):

Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Host Population ◽

Anthropogenic Factors ◽

Crop Fields ◽

Infection Pressure ◽

Animal Hosts ◽

Natural Grassland

AbstractTransmission of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis, is known to depend on various environmental factors which are subject to human influence. Epidemiological data suggest that in most endemic regions anthropogenic landscape changes (e.g. deforestation and agricultural practices) have led to more favourable conditions for the parasite's animal hosts, especially arvicolid rodents, thereby increasing the risk for parasite transmission and human disease. Examples are the conversion of forests or crop fields into meadows and pastures in Europe, China and North America, and overgrazing of natural grassland in central Asia. Other anthropogenic factors include interference with host population densities by wildlife disease control, changing hunting pressure and provision of new habitats, e.g. in urban areas. Domestic dogs may, under certain conditions, get involved in the otherwise largely wildlife-based transmission, and thereby greatly increase the infection pressure to humans. The introduction of neozootic host species may increase transmission, or even initiate the parasite's life-cycle in previously non-endemic regions. Lastly, the parasite itself may be accidentally introduced into non-endemic areas, if suitable host populations are present (e.g. in northern Japan).

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Advantage and disadvantage of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision

Vietnam Journal of Endolaparoscopic Surgery ◽

10.51199/vjsel.2018.2.6 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Thanh Xuân Nguyễn

Keyword(s):

Choledochal Cyst ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Postoperative Outcome ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Postoperative Treatment ◽

Biliary Leakage ◽

Cyst Excision ◽

Operation Duration ◽

Tu 5 ◽

High Level

Tóm tắt Đặt vấn đề: Đánh giá những thuận lợi và khó khăn trong phẫu thuật nội soi cắt nang ống mật chủ. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: Gồm 70 người bệnh nang ống mật chủ được chẩn đoán và điều trị bằng phẫu thuật nội soi tại Bệnh viện Trung ương Huế từ tháng1/2012 đến tháng 12/2017. Kết quả: Thuận lợi: Thời gian phẫu thuật trung bình (219,79 ± 64,88 phút) ngắn hơn so với thời gian phẫu thuật của nhiều nghiên cứu khác. Không có người bệnh tái khám sau mổ từ 10 ngày đến 3 tháng có đánh giá kết quả điều trị trung bình hoặc xấu. 94,1% người bệnh được rút dẫn lưu trong vòng 1 - 4 ngày sau mổ. 71,4% số người bệnh nằm viện sau mổ từ 5 - 10 ngày. Có 94,9% người bệnh hài lòng với kết quả điều trị sau mổ từ 10 ngày đến 3 tháng. Khó khăn: Có 5 trường hợp dò mật sau mổ trong đó 3 trường hợp theo dõi sau 5 ngày người bệnh ổn định, 2 trường hợp dò mật kéo dài phải mổ lại để làm lại miệng nối. Có 2 người bệnh phải truyền máu do kích thước nang lớn, dính nhiều tổ chức xung quanh và thời gian phẫu thuật kéo dài. Kết luận: Phẫu thuật nội soi trong điều trị cắt nang ống mật chủ là phương pháp an toàn, hiệu quả và khả thi ở các trung tâm y tế lớn, tuy nhiên đòi hỏi cao về kỹ năng của phẫu thuật viên, trình độ gây mê cũng như trang thiết bị phòng mổ. Abstract Introduction: Evaluating the advantage and disadvantage of the laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision. Material and Methods: We analysed 70 patients who were treated at the Hue Central Hospital from January 2012 to December 2017 with statistical analysis of epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and postoperative outcome. Results: Advantages: Average operation duration (219.79 ± 64.88 minutes) was shorter than typical intervention. Postoperative treatment results were evaluated from 10 days to 3 months after surgery: No average or bad result. 94.1% of patients were withdrawn drains within 1- 4 days after surgery. There were 71.4% of patients who hospitalized from 5 - 10 days postoperatively and 94.9% of patients were satisfied with the results. Disadvantages: 5 cases of postoperative biliary leakage were found, including 3 cases that were stabilized after 5 days of medical treatment and 2 cases requiring surgical intervention for prolonged anastomotic leakage. Blood transfusions were seen in 2 cases because the large size of the cyst, adherences to surrounding tissues and prolonged operation duration. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cyst resection is a safe and effective method. However, it requires a high level of anaesthesia and operating room equipment. Keyword: Laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision, Advantage and disadvantage.

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Skull Base Osteomyelitis from Otitis Media Presenting as the Collet-Sicard Syndrome

Case Reports in Otolaryngology ◽

10.1155/2018/1407417 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Wong-Kein Low ◽

Hui-Ling Lhu

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Otitis Media ◽

Cranial Nerves ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Jugular Foramen ◽

Cotton Swab ◽

Suppurative Otitis Media ◽

Atypical Case ◽

Skull Base Osteomyelitis ◽

Clinical Syndromes

Skull base osteomyelitis can involve the jugular foramen and its associated cranial nerves resulting in specific clinical syndromes. The Collet-Sicard syndrome describes the clinical manifestations of palsies involving cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII. We present a rare atypical case of skull base osteomyelitis originating from infection of the middle ear and causing the Collet-Sicard syndrome. Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, this occurred in an elderly diabetic man subsequent to retention of a cotton swab in an ear with chronic suppurative otitis media. This case report illustrates the possibility of retained cotton swabs contributing to the development of otitis media, skull base osteomyelitis, and ultimately the Collet-Sicard syndrome in the ears of immune-compromised patients with chronically perforated eardrums.

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