Prevalence of Demodex in Association with Ocular Signs and Symptoms: Evidence from a Large Population of Male Soldiers Living in Garrison

Background: The Demodex mite is the most common ectoparasite on human skin. It’s a matter of debate whether this colonization should be an area of concern and can cause pathologic consequences or, in contrast, Demodex should merely be considered as an innocent saprophytic organism living on the skin. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ocular Demodex infestation in a large population of male soldiers with a similar range of age, in whom we expected a high transmission rate due to environmental factors and close contacts. Besides, we evaluated the correlation between Demodex and ocular clinical manifestations. Methods: In total 903 soldiers living on a military base in Iran were enrolled in this epidemiological cross-sectional prevalence study conducted in the summer of 2020. Data were collected using a questionnaire on ocular symptoms, and participants were assessed for the presence of Demodex spp. Results: A total of 904 males with a mean age of 21 ± 2 years (ranging from 19 to 25) were included. The overall prevalence of Demodex infestation was 77.2% (86.8 and 26% in patients with and without blepharitis, respectively). Of 698 patients who were positive for Demodex, 58.6% reported eye discomfort, whereas it was experienced by 23.9% of Demodex negative participants, the difference was statistically significant (P-value < 0.001). Conclusions: There is a strong association between the prevalence of Demodex spp. and symptoms, in particular itchy eyes. However, some patients are asymptomatic. This finding supports the notion that the number of mites may be important concerning the manifestation of clinical signs of blepharitis; however, the role of Demodex spp., as a commensal, should not be overlooked. Treatment should not be aimed at full eradication of the mite but rather restoring the ocular ecology to a balanced state.

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The frequency and clinical presentation of Zika virus coinfections: a systematic review

BMJ Global Health ◽

10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002350 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. e002350

Author(s):

Ludmila Lobkowicz ◽

Anna Ramond ◽

Nuria Sanchez Clemente ◽

Ricardo Arraes de Alencar Ximenes ◽

Demócrito de Barros Miranda-Filho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Case Report ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Clinical Presentation ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Case Series ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Epstein Barr

BackgroundThere is limited knowledge on the influence of concurrent coinfections on the clinical presentation of Zika virus (ZIKV) disease.MethodsTo better understand the types, frequencies and clinical manifestations of ZIKV coinfections, we did a systematic review of four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS) without restrictions for studies on ZIKV coinfections confirmed by nucleic acid (quantitative real-time-PCR) testing of ZIKV and coinfecting pathogens. The review aimed to identify cohort, cross-sectional, case series and case report studies that described frequencies and/or clinical signs and symptoms of ZIKV coinfections. Conference abstracts, reviews, commentaries and studies with imprecise pathogen diagnoses and/or no clinical evaluations were excluded.ResultsThe search identified 34 articles from 10 countries, comprising 2 cohort, 10 cross-sectional, 8 case series and 14 case report studies. Coinfections were most frequently reported to have occurred with other arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses); out of the 213 coinfections described, ZIKV infections co-occurred with chikungunya in 115 cases, with dengue in 68 cases and with both viruses in 19 cases. Other coinfecting agents included human immunodeficiency, Epstein-Barr, human herpes and Mayaro viruses, Leptospira spp, Toxoplasma gondii and Schistosoma mansoni. ZIKV-coinfected cases primarily presented with mild clinical features, typical of ZIKV monoinfection; however, 9% of cases in cohort and cross-sectional studies were reported to experience complications.ConclusionBased on the evidence collated in this review, coinfections do not appear to strongly influence the clinical manifestations of uncomplicated ZIKV infections. Further research is needed to confirm whether risk of severe complications is altered when ZIKV infection co-occurs with other infections.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018111023.

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Observation of initial clinical manifestations and repercussions from the treatment of 314 human injuries caused by black sea urchins (Echinometra lucunter) on the southeastern Brazilian coast

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical ◽

10.1590/s0037-86822012000300021 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 390-392 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Vidal Haddad Junior

Keyword(s):

Foreign Body ◽

Black Sea ◽

Sea Urchins ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Early Observation ◽

The Black Sea ◽

Brazilian Coast ◽

Marine Animals

INTRODUCTION: Injuries caused by sea urchins are the most common caused by marine animals in humans in Brazil, with the black sea urchin (Echinometra lucunter) causing the most injuries to bathers. METHODS: This study observed 314 human wounds with emphasis on the early observation of clinical signs and symptoms and their implications on the recommended treatment. RESULTS: All the injuries were caused by black sea urchins and were observed in bathers. The lesions and the pain were associated with penetration of the spines; there was no early inflammation or pain without pressure on the wounded places. Complications arising from this kind on injury, including infections and foreign body granulomas, are associated with the permanence of the spines in the wounds. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed that this kind of injury is the most common accident caused by aquatic animals in Brazil. The main therapeutical recommendation is early removal of the spines to prevent late complications, such as infections and the formation of foreign body granulomas.

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Pediatric triage variations among nurses, pediatric and emergency residents using the Canadian triage and acuity scale

BMC Emergency Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12873-021-00541-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Saleh Alshaibi ◽

Tala AlBassri ◽

Suliman AlQeuflie ◽

Winnie Philip ◽

Nesrin Alharthy

Keyword(s):

Clinical Signs ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Weighted Kappa ◽

P Value ◽

Kappa Statistics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pediatric Residents ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Right ◽

Triage Level

Abstract Background Emergency care continues to be a challenge, since patients’ arrival is unscheduled and could occur at the same time which may fill the Emergency Department with non-urgent patients. Triaging is an integral part of every busy ED. The Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) is considered an accurate tool to be used outside Canada. This study aims to identify the chosen triage level and compare the variation between registered nurses, pediatric and adult emergency residents by using CTAS cases. Method This study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City,Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire was used, and which contains 15 case scenarios with different triage levels. All cases were adopted from a Canadian triage course after receiving permission. Each case provides the patient’s symptoms, clinical signs and mode of arrival to the ED. The participants were instructed to assign a triage level using the following scale. A non-random sampling technique was used for this study. The rates of agreement between residents were calculated using kappa statistics (weighted-kappa) (95%CI). Result A total of 151 participants completed the study questionnaire which include 15 case scenarios. 73 were nurses and 78 were residents. The results showed 51.3, 56.6, and 59.9% mis-triaged the cases among the nurses, emergency residents, and pediatric residents respectively. Triage scores were compared using the Kruskal Wallis test and were statistically significant with a p value of 0.006. The mean ranks for nurses, emergency residents and pediatric residents were 86.41, 73.6 and 59.96, respectively. The Kruskal Wallis Post-Hoc test was performed to see which groups were statistically significant, and it was found that there was a significant difference between nurses and pediatrics residents (P value = 0.005). Moreover, there were no significant differences found between nurses and ER residents (P value> 0.05). Conclusion The triaging system was found to be a very important tool to prioritize patients based on their complaints. The results showed that nurses had the greatest experience in implementing patients on the right triage level. On the other hand, ER and pediatric residents need to develop more knowledge about CTAS and become exposed more to the triaging system during their training.

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High Anti-HCV Seroprevalence and Low Performance of ICT Strip in Diagnosing Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Children in Enugu Metropolis

The Open Virology Journal ◽

10.2174/1874357901812010149 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 149-156

Author(s):

Maryann C. Ezeilo ◽

Godwill A. Engwa ◽

Romanus I. Iroha ◽

Damian N. Odimegwu

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Test Performance ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Cross Sectional

Background:The lack of a vaccine for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) places children at a high risk of contracting the infection. It becomes necessary to accurately diagnose this infection for proper treatment as well as identifying potential risk factors for effective management.Aim:This study was conceived to assess the test performance of the commonly used Immunochromatographic test (ICT) strip and identify the associated clinical manifestations and risk factors of HCV in children in Enugu Metropolis.Method:A cross-sectional study involving randomly selected 270 children below six years of age was conducted in Enugu Nigeria. The subjects were screened for anti-HCV by ICT and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the demographic, signs and symptoms and risk factors were collected.Results:A total of 50 out of 270 children were positive for anti-HCV with a seropositivity of 18.5%. ICT strip had a very low sensitivity of 38.00% with an accuracy of 88.52% in detecting anti-HCV. The presence of dark urine was associated (p= 0.01) with HCV infection.Conclusion:A seroprevalence of 18.5% of Anti-HCV was found in children below six years old in Enugu metropolis and the performance of ICT in diagnosing HCV infection was poor compared to ELISA.

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What women know about breast cancer: In the case of Ethiopia

Nursing Practice Today ◽

10.18502/npt.v8i2.5122 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yonas Biratu Terfa ◽

Samuel Abdu Aliyu ◽

Ebrahim Yimam Reta ◽

Gugsa Nemera Germossa ◽

Adugna Olani Akuma

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Positive Family History ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

P Value ◽

Screening Methods ◽

Cancer Knowledge ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breast Cancer Knowledge ◽

Jimma Town

Background & Aim: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Good knowledge of breast cancer enhances timely screening, early detection, and treatment; however, women's knowledge about breast cancer is very low. Thus, this study assesses the level of knowledge regarding breast cancer among women of childbearing age living in Jimma town. Methods & Materials: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma town in 2018. Respondents were identified using multistage sampling methods. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire developed by cancer research UK and used in different languages in many parts of the world. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify a variable with a significant association based on OR, with 95%CI and P-value of less than 0.05. Results: Out of 724 respondents, 686 gave their complete responses. The majority of 496 (72.3%) of the respondents were young adults with a mean age of 31, and about 307 (44.8%) of them had completed secondary school (9-12). Only 35% of respondents knew breast cancer; more specifically, 20% had knowledge of risk factors, 45% had knowledge of signs and symptoms, and 39 % had knowledge of screening methods. Maternal age, educational level, marital status, occupation, source of information, and monthly income, and positive family history of breast cancer were significantly associated with women’s breast cancer knowledge. Conclusion: Just over one-third (35%) of women are knowledgeable about breast cancer. However, women's breast cancer knowledge plays a great role in controlling before reaching an advanced stage.

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STUDY OF ABSOLUTE, IMMATURE NEUTROPHIL COUNT AND CRP AS DIAGNOSTIC MARKERS FOR EARLY ONSET NEONATAL SEPSIS.

10.36106/ijsr/5926619 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 25-26

Author(s):

Pooja Poswal ◽

Manisha Rohilla ◽

Sunil Arora ◽

Irbinder Kour Bali

Keyword(s):

Blood Culture ◽

Neutrophil Count ◽

Neonatal Sepsis ◽

Hematological Parameters ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Introduction: Neonatal Sepsis is difcult to differentiate from other conditions due to non- specic clinical signs and symptoms. Inammation in neonates shows variations in hematological parameters. Our study is to evaluate the hematological parameters and C-reactive protein estimation in neonatal sepsis for early diagnosis. Material And Methods: It was a cross-sectional study including 80 neonates admitted in the neonatal care unit, 40 (proven sepsis) and 40 probable cases); blood culture being the gold standard. Hematological parameters, immature to total neutrophil ratio (I/T ratio), Absolute neutrophil count (ANC), CRP and Blood culture were done as per standard protocols. Results: ANC had highest sensitivity of 90% followed by I/T ratio (87.5%) and CRP (77.5%). The sensitivity and specicity for the combination of ANC and I/T ratio was 78.3% and 83.6% respectively. Conclusion: ANC, I/T Ratio and CRP are quick, simple and cost-effective routine laboratory tests which help in neonatal sepsis prediction and to start proper and timely antibiotic therapy.

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Seroprevalence Study of Anti-HEV IgG among Different Adult Populations in Corsica, France, 2019

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms7100460 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. 460 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Capai ◽

Masse ◽

Gallian ◽

Souty ◽

Isnard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

General Practice ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Adult Population ◽

Strong Association ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Antibody Detection ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. In France, hyperendemic areas including Corsica have an anti-HEV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) prevalence higher than 50%. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG in three adult populations in Corsica and the risk factors associated with antibody detection. Between 2017 and 2019, a total of 930 individuals, including 467 blood donors, 393 students or university staff members and 70 patients from general practice, were tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG using the Wantai HEV IgG enzyme immunoassay kit and filled a questionnaire. The association between seropositivity and potential risk factors was tested with univariate and multivariate analyses. Out of the 930 samples, 52.3% (486/930) were seropositive—54.4% (254/467) among blood donors, 47.6% (187/393) among university students and 64.3% (45/70) among patients of general practice. Three main risk factors were identified: (i) skinning and butchering (Adjusted Odds Ratio aOR = 2.76, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] [1.51–5.37]; p-value < 10−3), (ii) consumption of a local pork live raw sausage (fittonu) (aOR = 1.95 95% CI [1.45–2.64]; p-value = 10−5), and (iii) increasing age (p-value = 0.003). Seropositivity rates between the different populations were homogeneous after age stratification. This cross-sectional study indicates a high anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in the Corsican adult population, not significantly different between women and men and increasing with age. This serosurvey also showed homogeneity regarding the exposure to HEV among three different types of populations. Finally, we confirmed the endemicity of Corsica with respect to HEV and identified a strong association between consumption of figatellu/fittonu and the practice of skinning and butchering with the detection of anti-HEV IgG.

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) awareness among young women of central India

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20183853 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. 3960

Author(s):

Jaya Patel ◽

Shailesh Rai

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome ◽

Central India ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The People ◽

Study Participants ◽

Ovarian Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) associated with multiple presentation in females although it is common disorder but due to lack of knowledge females often delays in getting confirm diagnosis and treatment. PCOS remains a syndrome and as such no single diagnostic criterion is sufficient for clinical diagnosis. Objective: To assess the knowledge about PCOS in young women.Methods: Cross sectional study was performed on 400 women of age group 18-30 years either studying in Colleges or working in Indore city. Written informed consent was obtained and simple random technique was applied for selection of study participants. Pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed through percentages and frequencies using Excel. Relevant statistical test was applied was applied and p value was calculated where ever required and considered statistically significant when it is <0.05.Results: Among 400 participants, only 41% of the women were aware of the term PCOS. 46% of the subjects who were aware about the organ system involved in this disease. Most of the people know about this disorder through friends or relatives. 49% of the women knew about the various signs and symptoms associated with PCOS.Conclusions: The results of present study show that very few of the young women understand what this disease is and what are the earliest symptoms that should alarm them to consult a physician. Discussion with the girls in college authors came to know that most of the people are considering menstrual pain and irregularities as a part of their physiological process and do not consider consulting a doctor.

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An Update of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome

Primary Dental Journal ◽

10.1177/205016841800700306 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 38-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Aliya Hasan ◽

Dapo Akintola ◽

Aliya Hasan ◽

Dapo Akintola

Keyword(s):

Clinical Signs ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Oral Manifestations ◽

Early Referral ◽

Goltz Syndrome ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Wide Range ◽

Risk Of Malignancy ◽

Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome encompasses a variety of clinical signs and symptoms including important oral manifestations which general dental practitioners should be aware of. In light of the risk of malignancy it is important to be aware of this syndrome and recognise the need for early referral for multidisciplinary management. This paper aims to discuss Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, the pathophysiology of the condition and address the wide range of clinical manifestations. The author will pay particular attention to the oral manifestations of the condition and the management of such anomalies.

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Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors: Could They Be Beneficial for the Treatment of COVID-19?

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21155338 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (15) ◽

pp. 5338 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mauro Giorgi ◽

Silvia Cardarelli ◽

Federica Ragusa ◽

Michele Saliola ◽

Stefano Biagioni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Signs ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

World Health ◽

Pde Inhibitors ◽

Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽

Hydrolyzing Enzymes ◽

Health Organization ◽

Restrictive Measures

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection to be a pandemic disease. SARS-CoV2 was first identified in China and, despite the restrictive measures adopted, the epidemic has spread globally, becoming a pandemic in a very short time. Though there is growing knowledge of the SARS-CoV2 infection and its clinical manifestations, an effective cure to limit its acute symptoms and its severe complications has not yet been found. Given the worldwide health and economic emergency issues accompanying this pandemic, there is an absolute urgency to identify effective treatments and reduce the post infection outcomes. In this context, phosphodiesterases (PDEs), evolutionarily conserved cyclic nucleotide (cAMP/cGMP) hydrolyzing enzymes, could emerge as new potential targets. Given their extended distribution and modulating role in nearly all organs and cellular environments, a large number of drugs (PDE inhibitors) have been developed to control the specific functions of each PDE family. These PDE inhibitors have already been used in the treatment of pathologies that show clinical signs and symptoms completely or partially overlapping with post-COVID-19 conditions (e.g., thrombosis, inflammation, fibrosis), while new PDE-selective or pan-selective inhibitors are currently under study. This review discusses the state of the art of the different pathologies currently treated with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, highlighting the numerous similarities with the disorders linked to SARS-CoV2 infection, to support the hypothesis that PDE inhibitors, alone or in combination with other drugs, could be beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19.

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