scholarly journals Tungiasis in Northern Tanzania: a clinical report from Qameyu village, Babati District, Manyara Region

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1456-1460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Dassoni ◽  
Ilaria Polloni ◽  
Sulle Baltazar Margwe ◽  
Stefano Veraldi
Keyword(s):  
Gravid Female ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Oral Antibiotic ◽  
Clinical Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Oral Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Northern Tanzania

Introduction: Tungiasis is an infestation caused by the penetration in the skin of the gravid female of the flea Tunga penetrans (T. penetrans). The current epidemiological situation of tungiasis in Eastern Africa is poorly known. We present the results of a cross-sectional study on tungiasis which was carried out in Qameyu (Northern Tanzania). Methodology: Sixty-two schoolchildren with suspected cases of tungiasis were examined. Location, number, morphology and symptoms associated with T. penetrans infestation were recorded for each patient. Results: A total of 62 schoolchildren (38 males and 24 females), with ages ranging from 6 to 14 years, were examined. Sixty children were infested by T. penetrans. A total of 865 lesions were observed: 170 lesions were vital and 695 were non-vital. The first and the fifth toes were especially involved. The highest number of lesions observed in a single patient was more than 55 lesions. Pain was reported by 42 children, itching by 39 and difficult walking by 28. One child presented with fever which was considered to be caused by superinfected tungiasis. Complications were nail dystrophy (48 patients), deformity of the fingers or toes (12 patients), scarring (4 patients) and nail loss (4 patients). Thirteen children needed oral antibiotic therapy because of bacterial superinfections. Conclusions: Tungiasis is a public health concern in this region of Tanzania and it is associated with high morbidity. Improvement in housing hygiene, confining domestic animals and increasing the knowledge of the disease via health education are measures that should be taken to control the disease.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Concurrent Malaria and Dengue Infections among Febrile Patients- A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangita Devubhai Vasava ◽  
Sucheta Jitendra Lakhani ◽  
Jitendra Devjibhai Lakhani
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Infection ◽  
Peripheral Blood Smear ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Smear Microscopy ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Vector ◽  
Test Kit

Introduction: There are several tropical mosquito borne infections, such as Malaria and Dengue, these are the two major and common arthropod borne infections that cause high morbidity and mortality in many patients and are major public health concern worldwide. Concurrent malaria and dengue infection is an important condition that is infrequently reported. Aim: To find out the prevalence rate of co-infection for both dengue and malaria and also to associate the severity of such co-infections with symptoms and haematological parameters. Materials and Methods: In observational cross-sectional study, samples were collected from 604 febrile patients clinically suspected for malaria and dengue attending the Medicine Out Patient Department (OPD) of Dhiraj Hospital, Gujarat, India. The samples were diagnosed for malaria by using rapid malaria antigen test kit and peripheral blood smear microscopy for the identification of Plasmodium spp. The dengue NS-1 antigen, (Immunoglobulin) IgM and IgG antibodies rapid kit were use to rule out dengue infection. The statistical analysis done by software EPI info. Results: In the present study, out of 604, 58 patients (9.6%) were positive for malaria and 80 patients (13.24%) were positive for dengue, while 21 patients (3.47%) were having concomitant infection with both dengue and malaria. The most affected age group was 31-60 years, 45.53%. The study revealed male preponderance (61.59%), hepatomegaly and jaundice were seen in 52.38% patients, haemorrhagic manifestations in 23.80%, kidney failure in 4.76% (1), and thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150,000/cubic millimeter (cmm)) were noted in 95.23% patients. Conclusion: It is mandatory to test any febrile patient for both malaria and dengue so that the diagnosis of the patient is not held back by missing any one. The clinicians who treat febrile patients in or from endemic areas must thoroughly examine and diagnose for both malaria and dengue, still one or the other is positive. Vector control, health education and good hygiene are community based preventive measures that are needed to control both the diseases.

scholarly journals The Role of New Technologies to Prevent Suicide in Adolescence: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Alberto Forte ◽  
Giuseppe Sarli ◽  
Lorenzo Polidori ◽  
David Lester ◽  
Maurizio Pompili
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
English Language ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background and objectives: Suicide in adolescents represents a major public health concern. To date, a growing number of suicide preventive strategies based on the use of new technologies are emerging. We aimed to provide an overview of the present literature on the use of new technologies in adolescent suicide prevention. Materials and methods: An electronic search was run using the following keywords: Technology OR Technologies OR APP OR Application OR mobile application) AND (Adolescent OR youth OR puberty) AND (Suicid* OR Self-harm OR self-destruction). Inclusion criteria were: English language, published in a peer-reviewed journal, suicide prevention with the use of new technologies among adolescents. Results: Our search strategy yielded a total of 12 studies on the use of telemedicine, 7 on mobile applications, and 3 on language detection. We also found heterogeneity regarding the study design: 3 are randomized controlled trials (RCT), 13 are open-label single group trials, 2 are randomized studies, and 1 is a cross-sectional study. Telemedicine was the most adopted tool, especially web-based approaches. Mobile applications mostly focused on screening of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, and for clinical monitoring through the use of text messages. Although telepsychiatry and mobile applications can provide a fast and safe tool, supporting and preceding a face-to-face clinical assessment, only a few studies demonstrated efficacy in preventing suicide among adolescents through the use of these interventions. Some studies suggested algorithms able to recognize people at risk of suicide from the exploration of the language on social media posts. Conclusions: New technologies were found to be well accepted and tolerated supports for suicide prevention in adolescents. However, to date, few data support the use of such interventions in clinical practice and preventive strategies. Further studies are needed to test their efficacy in suicide prevention among adolescents and young adults.

scholarly journals SAT0330 NEW IMMUNOMODULATORY COMBINATION THERAPIES IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1110.1-1111
Author(s):  
J. Qiao ◽  
S. X. Zhang ◽  
T. T. Zhang ◽  
J. Zhang ◽  
M. T. Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Lymphocyte Subsets ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Peripheral Lymphocyte ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Combination Therapies ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Background:Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is a rare complex connective tissue disease associated with high mortality and high morbidity1. Active SSc are typically treated with immunosuppressants, which may create a variety of severe side-effects, especially for long-term treatment2. As the pathogenesis of SSc is still a matter of debate, growing evidences have focused on the immune disorders3. However, the quantitative status of lymphocyte subsets in SSc patients are unclear and effects of immunomodulatory combination therapies (avoiding side-effects of conventional therapy) on the lymphocyte subsets are unknown.Objectives:To investigate the quantitative status of peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations and CD4+T subsets in SSc patients for the exploration of SSc pathogenesis and evaluate the effects of new immunomodulatory combination therapies on those cells.Methods:From July 2014 to December 2019, total 166 patients with SSc and 206 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study, in which, 79 follow-up patients received immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) such as low-dose interleukin-2, rapamycin, metformin, retinoic acid and coenzyme Q10. The absolute numbers of T, B, NK, CD4+T, CD8+T, Th1, Th2, Th17 and Tregs in peripheral blood of these subjects were detected by flow cytometry combined with standard absolute counting beads.Results:Patients with SSc had lower absolute counts of total T, NK, Th2, Th17 and Tregs as compared with those of HCs (P<0.05) (Figure 1). After immunomodulatory combination treatments, there were increases in a various of peripheral lymphocyte subsets such as T, B and CD8+T (P< 0.05). Moreover, the increased level of Tregs was much more dramatical than those of other lymphocyte subsets, resulting in the decrease ratios of Teffs/Tregs such as Th1/Tregs and Th2/Tregs and rebuilding immunologic equilibrium (Figure 2).Conclusion:This cross-sectional study clarified the abnormal status of lymphocyte subsets in SSc patients, suggesting lymphocyte subsets, especially Tregs, might be relevant and play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SSc, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for SSc patients. Immunomodulatory combination therapies effectively increase the level of Tregs as well as other lymphocytes to some degree and maintain the immunologic equilibrium, which may help for SSc patients’ symptom remission.References:[1]Denton CP, Khanna D. Systemic sclerosis. Lancet 2017;390(10103):1685-99. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30933-9 [published Online First: 2017/04/18][2]Winthrop KL, Weinblatt ME, Bathon J, et al. Unmet need in rheumatology: reports from the Targeted Therapies meeting 2019. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79(1):88-93. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-216151 [published Online First: 2019/10/31][3]Skaug B, Khanna D, Swindell WR, et al. Global skin gene expression analysis of early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis shows a prominent innate and adaptive inflammatory profile. Ann Rheum Dis 2019 doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215894 [published Online First: 2019/11/27]Acknowledgments :None.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals 218. Changes in Dental Antibiotic Prescribing in the United States, 2012–2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S111-S111
Author(s):  
Swetha Ramanathan ◽  
Connie H Yan ◽  
Colin Hubbard ◽  
Gregory Calip ◽  
Lisa K Sharp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Prescription Data ◽  
Oral Antibiotic ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prescribing Trends ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Linear Regressions

Abstract Background Data suggest dental antibiotic prescribing is increasing with relatively less documented about prescribing trends in adults and children. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate trends in antibiotic prescribing by US dentists from 2012–2017. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of US dental prescribing using IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Data from 2012 to 2017. Prescribing rates (prescriptions [Rx] per 100,000 dentists), mean days’ supply, and mean quantity dispensed were calculated monthly across eight oral antibiotic groups: amoxicillin, clindamycin, cephalexin, azithromycin, penicillin, doxycycline, fluoroquinolone, and other antibiotics. Descriptive frequencies and multiple linear regressions were performed to obtain trends overall and stratified by adults (≥ 18) and children (&lt; 18). Results 220, 325 dentists prescribed 135 million Rx (94.0% in adults). 61.0% were amoxicillin, 14.4% clindamycin, 11.7% penicillin, 4.4% azithromycin, 4.3% cephalexin, 2.0% other antibiotics, 1.4% doxycycline, and 0.7% fluoroquinolones. Prescribing increased by 33 Rx/100,000 dentists (p&lt; 0.0001) each month for all antibiotics. Amoxicillin (p&lt; 0.0001) and clindamycin (p=0.02) prescribing rate increased by 73 and 5 Rx/100,000 dentists, respectively. Prescribing decreased by 8, 12, and 2 Rx/100,000 dentists for cephalexin (p&lt; 0.0001), doxycycline (p&lt; 0.0001), and fluoroquinolones (p=0.008), respectively. Mean days’ supply increased for amoxicillin, penicillin, and clindamycin (p&lt; 0.0001), and decreased for cephalexin (p&lt; 0.0001).Mean quantity dispensed decreased (p&lt; 0.0001) for all groups except azithromycin and doxycycline. Among adults, cephalexin prescribing rates (7 Rx/100,000 dentist; p&lt; 0.0001) and other antibiotics days’ supply (p&lt; 0.0001) decreased. Among children, azithromycin prescribing rates (1 Rx/100,000 dentists, p=0.02), and fluoroquinolone and other antibiotics days’ supply (p&lt; 0.0001) decreased. Conclusion These findings support dental antibiotic prescribing is increasing, specifically for amoxicillin and clindamycin. Further, trends differed between adults and children. Understanding what is driving these trends is important to target dental antibiotic stewardship efforts. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Pattern of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Among Anemic Under-Five Children of Northern Bangladesh: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Abdur Rafi ◽  
M. Morsed Zaman ◽  
Md. Golam Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hemoglobin E ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
Thalassemia Minor ◽  
Different Types

Abstract Background Congenital hemoglobin defects are significant global health concern affecting more than 330,000 newborns every year. In Bangladesh more than half of the under-five children are anemic, but the contribution of hemoglobin disorders to childhood anemia is quite unexplored. Hence, the objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of hemoglobinopathies among anemic under-five (age 6–59 months) children visiting the hematology department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study among anemic patients aged between 6 to 59 months conducted in the hematology department of RMCH from July 2018 to June 2020. The guideline of WHO was used to define the severity of anemia. Hemoglobinopathies was measured using standard methods. Chi-square test was used to find the association between two categorical factors. Results Female and younger children included in the study were more likely to suffer from moderate to severe form of anemia compared to their counterparts. Out of 534 patients 183 were suffering from different types of hemoglobinopathies (prevalence 34.3%). E-β-Thalassemia was the most common type of hemoglobinopathy (14%) followed by Hemoglobin E trait (11%) and β-Thalassemia minor (5.6%). Prevalence of these hemoglobin disorders was comparatively higher among female and older children (p < 0.05). Patients with E-β-Thalassemia and β-Thalassemia major of our study were mostly suffering from severe form of anemia while patients with hemoglobin E trait and β-Thalassemia minor were mostly suffering from mild anemia (p < 0.01). Conclusions A remarkable number of children were suffering from severe anemia and different types of hemoglobinopathies. Gender and age group were the risk factors of anemia and hemoglobinopathies among under-five children. Health authorities of Bangladesh should especially take care of anemic children in this country.

Detection of Genetic markers associated with Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance among malaria patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-213
Author(s):  
G.Y. Benjamin ◽  
H.I. Inabo ◽  
M.H.I. Doko ◽  
B.O. Olayinka
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Phylogenetic Tree ◽  
Genetic Markers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Test Kit

Malaria is a disease of public health concern in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by intracellular parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The aim of this study was to detect genetic markers associated with Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance among malaria patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional study that lasted from May 2018 to October 2018. Three hundred blood samples were collected from consenting individuals attending selected hospitals, in the three senatorial districts of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire were used to obtain relevant data from study participants. The blood samples were screened for malaria parasites using microscopy and rapid diagnostic test kit. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for detection of the drug resistance genes. Pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfatpase6 genes were detected at expected amplicon sizes from the malaria positive samples. The pfatpase6 PCR amplicons were sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was created to determine their relatedness. Result showed that Pfcrt (80%) had the highest prevalence, followed by pfdhfr (60%), pfmdr1 (36%) and pfdhps (8%). Pfatpase6 was also detected in 73.3% of the samples, and a phylogenetic tree showed relatedness between the pfatpase6  sequences in this study and those deposited in the GenBank. In conclusion, the study detected that Plasmodium falciparum genes were associated with drug resistance to commonly used antimalarials.

scholarly journals Examining the Dietary Diversity of Children in Niger

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2961
Author(s):  
Nafissatou Cisse Egbuonye ◽  
Ariun Ishdorj ◽  
E.L.J. McKyer ◽  
Rahma Mkuu
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Child Factors

Malnutrition is a major public health concern in Niger. The stunting rate in children in Niger is over 50%, one of the highest in the world. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine children’s dietary diversity (CDD) and the maternal factors that impact CDD. A total of 1265 mother–child pairs were analyzed. Descriptive analysis was conducted to present maternal and child characteristics. To compare the mean scores of CDD in relation to the region, an independent sample t-test was conducted. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to evaluate the CDD score by different age groups. A linear regression model was estimated to identify household, maternal and child factors that affect the CDD score. Our results indicate that most of the participants of our survey resided in rural areas and the majority (80.7%) of the mothers had no education. Factors such as region, children’s age, woman’s empowerment, vitamin A intake and wealth index were significant predictors of CDD (p < 0.05). The children residing in rural areas were more likely to have lower CDD scores (p < 0.05) than the children in urban areas, therefore becoming more susceptible to malnutrition.

scholarly journals Sputum smear positivity grade and chest X-ray findings in tuberculosis: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Behzadmehr ◽  
E. Nejadkehkha
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sputum Smear ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
X Ray ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Chest X Ray

Despite many advances in the diagnosis, screening, and rapid treatment of tuberculosis, it is still a public health concern in the world. Due to the importance of this issue in diagnosis and reduction of transmission of infection and treatment of the disease especially where this study is conducted due to the high prevalence of tuberculosis, this study was done to determine The relationship between sputum smear positivity grade and chest X-ray findings in pulmonary tuberculosis patients in a hospital in southeast of Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on all patients with pulmonary TB referencing the health centers in Zabol city, southeast of Iran from 1 January 2015 to 30 December 2020. Sputum smear and radiographic findings of the chest X-ray were evaluated. Data was collected using a form of information and finally analyzed by SPSS 22. Out of 101 patients examined in the present study, 71 were women and 30 were men. The mean age of the patients was 62.68 ± 13.61 years. The frequency of opacity in patients with grades 1, 2, and 3 was 71.4, 78.5, and 76.5%, respectively. Frequency of cavitation in patients with Grade 1, 2 and 3 was 11.5%, 28.5% and 52.9% respectively (P value 0.001). The frequency of reticulonodular presentations in patients with grade 1, 2, and 3 was 24.2, 7.1, and 0%, respectively.  In general, the results of this study showed that, with increasing grading of smears (1+, 2+, and 3+), the frequency of cavitation presentation increased significantly and the frequency of reticulonodular presentations decreased significantly. In general, the results of this study showed that, with increasing grading of smears (, the frequency of Cavitation presentation increased significantly and the frequency of reticulonodular presentations decreased significantly. The findings of the present study can help physicians better diagnose TB.

scholarly journals Sero-Prevalence of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia in Goats in Afgoye District Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Omar Mohamed Abdi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Latex Agglutination ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mycoplasma Capricolum ◽  
Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia ◽  
Epidemiological Risk ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Background: Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. Capripneumoniae (Mccp), is one of the most important goat diseases causing high morbidity and mortality, these results in heavy economic losses to countries like Somalia, which is a country affected the civil war of the 1990s. Objective: Generally, the disease presence has been reported in the country. However, there is no quantitative data on the prevalence and distribution of the disease has been scientifically reported in the country. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to June 2020 in three villages of Afgoye district of Somalia to assess the seroprevalence and identify the associated risk factors for the occurrence of the CCPP. The risk factors considered included sex, age, and locations. Results: A total of 100 blood samples were collected and evaluated by Capri-Latex Agglutination Test (Capri-LAT). A total of 49/100 (49%, CI 95%: (38.86%-59.2%) goats were seropositive for anti-CCPP antibody. The epidemiological risk factors considered, sex, age and locations, were not significantly associated with the CCPP sero prevalence (p>0.05). However, the sero positivity was slightly higher in female (51%, 95% CI: 39.8-62.6), >3 years old goats (86.3%, 95% CI: 48.9-87.4) and Markazka village (56%, 95% CI: 41.3-70.0) compared to male (40%, 95% CI: 19.1-63.9), 1-3 years old (57.5%, 95% CI: 40.9- 73.0), and Shareeco (43.8%, 95% CI: 19.8-70.1) and Siinka (41.2%, 95% CI: 24.7-59.3) villages, respectively. Conclusion: The present study indicates the prevalence of CCPP in the studies areas and this requires practicable measures to be put in place towards the control of the disease.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document