scholarly journals Dermatophytes and Dermatophytosis in Cluj-Napoca, Romania—A 4-Year Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 154
Author(s):  
Ioana Alina Colosi ◽  
Odile Cognet ◽  
Horațiu Alexandru Colosi ◽  
Marcela Sabou ◽  
Carmen Costache
Keyword(s):  
Trichophyton Rubrum ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Microsporum Canis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Dermatophyte Species ◽  
North Western ◽  
Western Romania

Dermatophytes are filamentous keratinophilic fungi which affect nails, skin, and hair. Their variable distribution in the world justifies local epidemiological studies. During recent decades, few studies have been published regarding the epidemiology and etiology of dermatophytosis in Romania. The aim of this study was to identify the dermatophytes isolated from superficial fungal infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such study conducted in the area of North-Western Romania. Over the past four years, samples collected from outpatients with suggestive lesions for dermatophytoses (nails, skin, hair), who addressed several private practice dermatologists from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, were sent to a specialized laboratory and examined by microscopy and culture. A total of 350 samples from 322 patients were examined. One hundred samples (28.6%) collected from 90 patients (27.9%) were positive by direct microscopy and/or culture. Among the 63 positive cultures (18%), 44 dermatophytes (69.8%), 2 molds (3.2%), and 17 yeasts (27%) were isolated. The main dermatophyte species identified were Trichophyton rubrum (mostly from onychomycosis) and Microsporum canis (from tinea capitis and tinea corporis in children). Yeasts (Candida species) were isolated from nails, especially from women.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar and Dermatophyte Test Medium in Detection of Candidiasis and Dermatophytosis in Superficial Skin Lesion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Geethalakshmi ◽  
KA Jasmine ◽  
Anu P John ◽  
Priya Prathap
Keyword(s):  
Trichophyton Rubrum ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Potassium Hydroxide Solution ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Trichophyton Mentagrophytes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Test Medium ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Superficial Skin

Introduction: As time evolves fungal infections have increased its prevalence. Among the fungal infections, superficial fungal infections are the most common type. They can be either chronic or recurrent, therefore simple incidence figures are not the most useful means of understanding the burden of disease. Aim: Isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi from clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis and candidiasis of skin, also to compare two media used in isolation of the fungus. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year, clinically suspected cases of dermatophyte infection and candidiasis who attended the Outpatient Department of Dermatology and Venereology Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India, were included randomly in the study. Sample size was taken as 150. Samples were collected from clinically suspected cases of dermatophytic infections and candidiasis of skin and was transported to the Microbiology Department in sterile bottles. Direct examination under KOH (Potassium hydroxide) solution was done. Culture of these samples on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol/gentamycin and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM) was analysed. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the commonest isolate 57%, followed by Trichophyton rubrum 27%. Out of six clinically suspected cases of candidiasis, no organism was isolated in the cultures. Almost all dermatophytes isolated were grown in DTM within one week of incubation except Trichophyton rubrum which appeared in the second week, while in SDA only 31% of isolates were grown. Direct smear positivity was found in 95% of the cases, while culture positivity was 45%. All isolates were grown in DTM while 31% were grown in SDA. Conclusion: Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the commonest species isolated. The next common isolate was Trichophyton rubrum. DTM was more useful as a screening medium as opposed SDA as identification medium and the isolation is more rapid.

scholarly journals Ticks Infesting Humans in North-Western Italy and Associated Pathogens: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Three-Year Period (2017-2019) in North-Western Italy.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Audino ◽  
ALESSANDRA PAUTASSO ◽  
VERONICA BELLAVIA ◽  
VALERIO CARTA ◽  
ALESSIO FERRARI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sanger Sequencing ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
North Western

Abstract Background. Tick-borne diseases are widespread in many European Countries and high incidence has been reported in the past few years. Ticks are able to transmit several pathogens to the host while feeding and are considered the most important vectors of infectious agents worldwide together with mosquitos. As tick-bite events has remarkably increased in North-Western Italy and information about the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from humans in Italy are scarce, this study aimed to identify the species of ticks biting humans and the tick-borne pathogens they can transmit.Methods. Ticks collected from bitten humans during 2017-2019 were morphologically identified and screened by biomolecular essays. A total of 1,290 ticks were analysed. Most of the ticks belonged to the Ixodes genus: 1,009 ticks (78.0%) were classified as Ixodes ricinus. Some Ixodes ticks (n = 158; 12.3%) were identified only at genus level due to lack of morphological features. Overall, 500 ticks were PCR tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., and Anaplasma spp. in at-risk population (elderly and children). Pathogen identity was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results. The overall prevalence was 22.8%; (n = 114; 95%CI 19.19-26.73%), meaning that at least one pathogen was detected. Molecular analysis was carried out on a subset of 500 ticks showing the presence of R. helvetica (n=31), R. monacensis (n=35), R. slovaca (n=3), R. aeshlimannii (n=1), Rickettsia spp. (n=6); B. afzelii (n=11), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (n=1), B. garinii (n=3), B. lusitaniae (n=4), and B. valaisiana (n=2), Borrellia spp. (n=11); Anaplasmaphagocytophilum(n=6).Conclusions. These data highlight the importance of surveillance to assess the epidemiology of TBDs that pose a threat to human health by the implementation of control strategies for both tick infestations and their associated pathogens.

Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mohammed Madadin ◽  
Ritesh G. Menezes ◽  
Maha A. Alassaf ◽  
Abdulaziz M. Almulhim ◽  
Mahdi S. Abumadini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eastern Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Depression Subscale ◽  
History Of

Abstract. Background: Medical students are at high risk of suicidal ideation. Aim: We aimed to obtain information on suicidal ideation among medical students in Dammam located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine affiliated with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Suicidal ideation in the past 12 months was assessed based on responses to four questions in the depression subscale of the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). In addition, data were collected to examine the association of suicidal ideation with various factors. Results: We found that 1 in 3 medical students in the study had suicidal ideation in the past 12 months, while around 40% had lifetime suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was associated with feelings of parental neglect, history of physical abuse, and dissatisfaction with academic performance. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of this study limits its ability to determine causality regarding suicidal ideation. Conclusion: These rates are considerably high when compared with rates from studies in other countries around the world. This study provides a reference in the field of suicidology for this region of Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Knowledge and perceptions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation amongst New Zealand podiatrists: a web-based survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Brenton-Rule ◽  
Daniel Harvey ◽  
Kevin Moran ◽  
Daniel O’Brien ◽  
Jonathon Webber
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Past

Abstract Background Podiatrists in New Zealand have a duty of care to assist patients in an emergency, and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is a requirement for registration. However, it is unknown how competent and confident podiatrists are in administering CPR and how they would respond in an emergency. Having a health professional who has a competent knowledge of CPR and skills in basic life support, can improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, the aim of this study was to survey New Zealand podiatrists to determine their CPR knowledge and qualifications; beliefs about the application of CPR; and perceptions of their competency in CPR. Methods This cross-sectional study used a web-based survey. Participants were New Zealand registered podiatrists with a current annual practising certificate. The 31-item survey included questions to elicit demographic information, CPR practice and attitudes, and CPR knowledge. Responses were collected between March and August 2020. Results 171 podiatrists responded to the survey. 16 % of the podiatrists (n = 28) had performed CPR in an emergency, with a 50 % success rate. Participants were predominantly female (n = 127, 74 %) and working in private practice (n = 140,82 %). Nearly half of respondents were younger than 40 years (n = 75,44 %) and had less than 10 years of clinical experience (n = 73, 43 %). Nearly all (n = 169,97 %) participants had received formal CPR training in the past two years, with 60 % (n = 105) receiving training in the past 12 months. Most respondents (n = 167,98 %) self-estimated their CPR ability as being effective, very effective, or extremely effective. Participants’ knowledge of CPR was variable, with the percentage of correct answers for CPR protocol statements ranging between 20 and 90 %. Conclusions This study provides the first insight into New Zealand podiatrists’ CPR knowledge and perceptions. Podiatrists were found to have high levels of CPR confidence but demonstrated gaps in CPR knowledge. Currently, New Zealand registered podiatrists require biennial CPR re-certification. However, resuscitation authorities in New Zealand and overseas recommend an annual update of CPR skills. Based on this study’s findings, and in line with Australia and the United Kingdom, the authors recommend a change from biennial to annual CPR re-certification for podiatrists in New Zealand. Trial registration The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001144909).

scholarly journals Factors associated with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda: Results from a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110150
Author(s):  
Doreen Nabukalu ◽  
Matthew Ponticiello ◽  
Thomas Bennett ◽  
Sunday Clark ◽  
Rachel King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Male Clients ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Testing Uptake

Uptake of HIV testing is suboptimal in Uganda, particularly in rural communities. Reaching UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals requires strategies to increase HIV testing among hard-to-reach populations. This cross-sectional study sought to characterize engagement with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda. We enrolled 175 traditional healers and 392 adult clients of healers in Mbarara District. The primary outcome for this study was having received an HIV test in the prior 12 months. Most clients ( n = 236, 65.9%) had received an HIV test within 12 months, compared to less than half of healers ( n = 75, 46.3%) who had not. In multivariate regression models, male clients of healers were half as likely to have tested in the past year, compared with female (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.26–0.70). Increasing age negatively predicted testing within the past year (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93–0.97) for clients. Among healers, more sexual partners predicted knowing ones serostatus (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.03–2.48). Healers (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.26) and clients (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.34 for clients) with greater numbers of lifetime HIV tests were more likely to have tested in the past year. Traditional healers and their clients lag behind UNAIDS benchmarks and would benefit from programs to increase HIV testing uptake.

scholarly journals Use of electronic cigarettes and secondhand exposure to their aerosols are associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Alnajem ◽  
Abdullah Redha ◽  
Dalal Alroumi ◽  
Ahmed Alshammasi ◽  
Mohamad Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Uncontrolled Asthma ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Current Asthma ◽  
The Past ◽  
Asthma Symptoms ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Globally, a surge in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has been observed in recent years, with youth being the most susceptible group. Given their recent emergence, studies assessing the health consequences of using e-cigarettes and exposure to their secondhand aerosols (SHA) are limited. Hence, this study sought to assess associations between e-cigarette use and household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling high school students (n = 1565; aged 16–19 years) in Kuwait. Participants self-completed a questionnaire on tobacco products use (e-cigarettes and cigarettes) and asthma symptoms. Current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking were defined as any use in the past 30 days. Household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes in the past 7 days was reported as none (0 days), infrequent (1–2 days), and frequent (≥ 3 days). Asthma symptoms included current (past 12 months) wheeze, current asthma (history of clinical diagnosis and current wheeze and/or medication use), and current symptoms of uncontrolled asthma (≥ 4 attacks of wheeze, ≥ 1 night per week sleep disturbance from wheeze, and/or wheeze affecting speech). Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results Among the analytical study sample (n = 1345), current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking was reported by 369 (27.4%) and 358 (26.6%) participants, respectively. Compared to never e-cigarette users and never cigarette smokers, current e-cigarette users with no history of cigarette smoking had increased prevalence of current wheeze (aPR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.01–2.45) and current asthma (aPR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.03–3.41). Moreover, the frequency of exposure to household SHA from e-cigarettes was associated with asthma symptoms. For example, compared to those with no exposure to household SHA, frequent exposure to household SHA was associated with current wheeze (aPR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.59), current asthma (aPR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.13–2.16), and current uncontrolled asthma symptoms (aPR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.35–2.62). Conclusions E-cigarette use and their household SHA exposure were independently associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Hence, such observations indicate that e-cigarette use and passive exposure to their aerosols negatively impact respiratory health among adolescents.

scholarly journals Prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of imported and local malaria cases in North-Western Province, Zambia: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen N. Chipoya ◽  
Nzooma M. Shimaponda-Mataa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Imported Malaria ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Western Province ◽  
Imported Cases ◽  
North Western

Abstract Background Imported malaria is a major challenge for countries that are in malaria elimination stage such as Zambia. Legitimate cross-border activities add to the risk of transmission, necessitating determination of prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of imported and local malaria. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 103 consented child and adult patients with clinical malaria symptoms, from selected health facilities in north-western Zambia. Patient demographic data and blood samples for malaria microscopy and full blood count were obtained. Chi-square and penalized logistic regression were performed to describe the characteristics and assess the risk factors of imported and local malaria in North-Western Province. Results Overall, malaria prevalence was 78.6% with 93.8% Plasmodium falciparum and 6.2% other species. The local cases were 72 (88.9%) while the imported were 9 (11.1%) out of the 81 positive participants. About 98.6% of the local cases were P. falciparum compared to 55.6% (χ2 = 52.4; p < 0.01) P. falciparum among the imported cases. Among the imported cases, 44% were species other than P. falciparum (χ2 = 48; p < 0.01) while among the local cases only 1.4% were. Gametocytes were present in 44% of the imported malaria cases and only in 2.8% of the local cases (χ2 = 48; p < 0.01). About 48.6% of local participants had severe anaemia compared to 33.3% of participants from the two neighbouring countries who had (χ2 = 4.9; p = 0.03). In the final model, only country of residence related positively to presence of species other than P. falciparum (OR = 39.0, CI [5.9, 445.9]; p < 0.01) and presence of gametocytes (OR = 23.1, CI [4.2, 161.6]; p < 0.01). Conclusion Malaria prevalence in North-Western Province is high, with P. falciparum as the predominant species although importation of Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae is happening as well. Country of residence of patients is a major risk factor for malaria species and gametocyte presence. The need for enhanced malaria control with specific focus on border controls to detect and treat, for specific diagnosis and treatment according to species obtaining, for further research in the role of species and gametocytaemia in imported malaria, cannot be overemphasized.

scholarly journals Prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in Spain: higher than previously reported in other countries?

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (9) ◽  
pp. 2556-2562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raúl Cortés Verdú ◽  
José M Pego-Reigosa ◽  
Daniel Seoane-Mato ◽  
Mercedes Morcillo Valle ◽  
Deseada Palma Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Geographic Origin ◽  
The United States ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Visit ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Objectives Prevalence of SLE varies among studies, being influenced by study design, geographical area and ethnicity. Data about the prevalence of SLE in Spain are scarce. In the EPISER2016 study, promoted by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology, the prevalence estimate of SLE in the general adult population in Spain has been updated and its association with sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle variables has been explored. Methods Population-based multicentre cross-sectional study, with multistage stratified and cluster random sampling. Participants were contacted by telephone to carry out a questionnaire for the screening of SLE. Investigating rheumatologists evaluated positive results (review of medical records and/or telephone interview, with medical visit if needed) to confirm the diagnosis. To calculate the prevalence and its 95% CI, the sample design was taken into account and weighing was calculated considering age, sex and geographic origin. Multivariate logistic regression models were defined to analyse which sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle variables included in the telephone questionnaire were associated with the presence of SLE. Results 4916 subjects aged 20 years or over were included. 16.52% (812/4916) had a positive screening result for SLE. 12 cases of SLE were detected. The estimated prevalence was 0.21% (95% CI: 0.11, 0.40). SLE was more prevalent in the rural municipalities, with an odds ratio (OR) = 4.041 (95% CI: 1.216, 13.424). Conclusion The estimated prevalence of SLE in Spain is higher than that described in most international epidemiological studies, but lower than that observed in ethnic minorities in the United States or the United Kingdom.

scholarly journals Awareness and concern towards anesthesia among patients undergoing surgical procedure: A cross-sectional study at pre-anesthetic clinic of a Teaching Hospital

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-80
Author(s):  
Sushila Lama Moktan ◽  
Ujma Shrestha ◽  
Mona Sharma ◽  
Manan Karki
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Surgical Procedure ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Surgical Patients ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
The Past

Background: With the advent of anesthesia, surgery is no longer a race against the clock and surgeons. Many studies in the past have demonstrated limited knowledge among patients about various aspects of anesthesia.Objectives: To assess the awareness and concern of elective surgical patients towards anesthesia.Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted over two months’ period in adult patients of age eighteen years and above. Two hundred surgical patients accessing services at the pre-anesthesia check-up clinic were interviewed using 12 questions assessing demographic characteristics, educational status and their knowledge about anesthesia.Results: Out of 200 patients, only 32% knew that anesthesiologists provide anesthesia. It was found that 63% didn’t have any knowledge about the types of anesthesia. The most common fear among the participants about anesthesia was the fear of pain during surgery.Conclusion: The study showed poor knowledge of patients regarding anesthesia.

scholarly journals Work-related Injury among Welders Working in Metal Workshops of Dharan Municipality, Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-159
Author(s):  
Anup Ghimire ◽  
Shyam Sundar Budhathoki ◽  
Surya Raj Niraula ◽  
Abha Shrestha ◽  
Paras K Pokharel
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
The Past ◽  
Occupational Characteristics ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background: Injuries are a problem worldwide in all occupations. Welders are exposed to many hazards at work resulting in a variety of health problems including injuries at work. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence and factors associated with injuries among welders in Dharan city of eastern Nepal.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 86 welders in Dharan city. Occurrence of injury in past 2 weeks and past 12 months were recorded. Data regarding sociodemographic along with occupational characteristics was collected using semi structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.Results: All the welders in this study were male with almost half of the welders under the age of 25 years and about a fifth (21.1%) of the welders having received some form of welding training. In the past 12 months, 21.1% of the welders suffered from work related injuries. More than 95% welders used at least one personal protective equipment in this study. More injuries were seen among welders with age ≥35 years, working experience ≥ 5 years, not received training and not using of PPE at work. However, these factors were not found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Work related injuries are high among welders of Dharan. Further research is required to explore the relationship between age, literacy, training and use of personal protective equipment with the occurrence of injuries among the welders.

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