Effectiveness of low dose computed tomography to detect fractures in paediatric suspected physical abuse: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The skeletal survey X-ray series is the current 'gold standard' when investigating suspected physical abuse (SPA) of children, in addition to a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) brain scan. This systematic literature review synthesised findings of published research to determine if low dose computed tomography (LDCT) could detect subtle fractures and therefore replace the skeletal survey X-ray series in the investigation of SPA in children aged under 3 years. METHODS: Five electronic databases and grey literature were systematically searched from their inception to 28 April 2022. Primary studies were included where the population comprised paediatric patients up to 16 years and LDCT was used to detect fractures associated with SPA. Studies involving imaging investigations of the head, standard dose CT examinations or accidental trauma were excluded. RESULTS: Three studies met the inclusion criteria, all of which were case series. These studies did not report many of the criteria required to compare the accuracy of LDCT to X-ray, i.e. they did not meet the criteria for a diagnostic accuracy test. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude from the case series if LDCT is accurate enough to replace X-rays. CONCLUSION: Due to the gap in current literature, a phantom study and subsequent post-mortem CT study are recommended as the primary investigative methods to assess the ability of low-dose CT to identify the subtle fractures associated with SPA and to calculate how low the achievable CT dose can be.

Comparison of typical radiation doses and risks using an anthropomorphic 'bone fracture' phantom for commonly performed X-ray projections in a 5-year-old.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are typical dose levels for medical imaging examinations for groups of standard-sized patients or standard phantoms for broadly defined types of equipment used as a tool to aid optimisation of protection for medical exposures. Currently, there are no paediatric DRLs for conventional radiography (i.e. general X-rays) published in Australia. The aim of this study was to establish typical radiation doses and risks that are representative of those delivered for commonly performed X-ray projections for a 5-year-old/20 kg child using a 5-year-old anthropomorphic 'bone fracture' phantom in three dedicated paediatric radiology departments in Victoria. METHODS: A total of 20 projection images were acquired for a standard 5-year-old/20 kg phantom using digital radiography X-ray equipment. The air kerma-area product (KAP) measured at each centre by a KAP metre, which was calibrated to a national primary standard, was considered to represent the median value for that centre for each X-ray projection. Organ doses and effective dose were estimated using PCXMC software, and risks of radiation-induced cancer and radiation-induced death were calculated based on the BEIR VII report. RESULTS: The typical doses for the individual X-ray projections ranged from 3 mGy•cm2 to 86 mGy•cm2 , whilst the effective doses ranged from 0.00004 to 0.07 mSv. The radiation risks were 'minimal' to 'negligible'. CONCLUSION: The estimation of typical radiation doses and associated risks for a 5-year-old/20 kg phantom study provides reference values for guidance and is a first step in assisting optimisation at other institutions until national DRLs, based on patient data from the clinical setting, are published.

Online survey of consumer awareness and perceptions of a Massachusetts law for 12-month supply of contraception.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize awareness of a 2017 Massachusetts (MA) law that ensures access to a 12-month supply of short-acting contraceptive methods (e.g., pill, patch, and vaginal ring) among short-acting contraceptive users in MA and to identify perceived benefits and concerns of a 12-month supply. STUDY DESIGN: An online survey was administered to a Qualtrics panel of MA women who were using short-acting contraceptive methods and were insured by an eligible health plan. The survey's primary outcome was general awareness of the law; interest in, receipt of, and perceived benefits and risks of a 12-month supply were also elicited. Analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable analyses examining factors associated with awareness of the law. RESULTS: Among the 207 survey respondents, 76% were aware of the law, and 93% expressed interest in receiving a 12-month supply of a short-acting method; however, only 9% received it. Respondents identified as White (66%), privately insured (59%), and pill users (44%). Concerns about a 12-month supply included privacy, product expiration, and change in personal medical status. Perceived benefits included avoiding multiple trips to pharmacy and increased compliance. Multivariable analyses showed general awareness of the law was only associated with employer-based insurance, with those respondents having 75% lower odds of being aware of the law than respondents with Medicaid coverage. CONCLUSION: Although a high percentage of women surveyed were aware of the law and most were interested in receiving a 12-month supply of their short-acting method, the low percentage who have received a 12-month supply suggests barriers to policy uptake. IMPLICATIONS: This study describes perceptions of the 12-month supply provision of the contraception Act Advancing Contraceptive Coverage and Economic Security in our State law. Addressing consumer concerns may be important to improve the implementation and dissemination of this state policy change.

Higher knee flexion moment during walking is associated with a lower risk of knee pain developing among the elderly after 24 months.

BACKGROUND: Knee pain is one of the main problems associated with knee osteoarthritis. The peak external knee adduction moment (KAM) in gait is commonly used to estimate medial knee loading, and elevated KAM has been related to a higher risk of developing knee pain in older adults. Although knee flexion moment (KFM) also contributes to medial knee loading, its role in the development of knee pain remains unclear. AIM: To investigate the association between knee moments and the incidence of knee pain in 24 months in asymptomatic older adults. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University laboratory. POPULATION: Community-dwelling adults aged 60-80 years were recruited. We excluded participants with knee pain/known arthritis, knee injury, knee/hip joint replacement, cognitive impairment, or neurological conditions. METHODS: Three-dimensional gait analysis was conducted to compute the peak KFM and KAM. Telephone surveys were conducted 12 and 24 months after the baseline assessment. Self-reported knee pain and its intensity and frequency were captured. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to examine associations between knee moments and the risk of knee pain. RESULTS: Of the 162 eligible participants who completed the baseline assessment (age: 65.8±4.0 years, 61.1% females), 157 and 138 were also assessed for incident knee pain after 12 and 24 months, respectively. Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of KFM was significantly related to a lower incidence of frequent knee pain (RR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.85, P=0.027) in 24 months. In addition, a higher KFM was significantly associated with the lower intensity of incident knee pain after 24 months (ß=-1.513; 95% CI: -2.879, -0.147; P=0.030). We also observed trends showing that a higher peak KAM was related to higher risks of developing any (RR=2.48, 95% CI: 0.99-6.20, P=0.053) and frequent (RR=3.82, 95% CI: 0.96-15.1, P=0.057) knee pain in 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: A higher sagittal knee moment is associated with a lower risk of knee pain developing in 24 months in older adults. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Interventions for promoting sagittal knee moment may be considered in preventative training programs for reducing knee pain among older adults.

Hepatitis E virus and Zoonosis: Recent Advances and Therapeutic Implications.

Hepatitis E is viral hepatitis caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). This article aims to review HEV disease and recent advances in the management of hepatitis E. We used PubMed Clinical Queries and keywords of "hepatitis E", "hepatitis E virus" AND "zoonosis" as the search engine. "Therapy", "Clinical Prediction Guides", "Diagnosis", "Etiology" and "Prognosis" were used as filters, and "Narrow" scope was used. The search was conducted in April 2022. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Hepatitis E is viral hepatitis caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E has mainly a fecal-oral transmission route. Hepatitis E infection usually follows an acute and self-limiting course of illness with low death rates in resource-rich areas; however, it can be more severe in pregnant women and immunocompromised people. The mortality rates in these groups are substantially higher. A vaccine for HEV is available but is not universally approved. Ribavirin remains the most efficacious medication for the treatment of HEV but is contraindicated in pregnancy. Sofosbuvir and pegylated interferon, with or without ribavirin, have not been shown in the latest literature reviews to provide reliable additional benefits to the treatment of hepatitis. Sofosbuvir should not be used as monotherapy for HEV. Food is an important source of infection in many countries while rats are the primary vector in developing nations. Management must include an understanding of the rat habitats for this zoonotic disease. Hepatitis E remains an important cause of hepatitis and a zoonotic disease globally. Public health policies are key to containing this viral infectious disease, including policy in the transfusion of blood products.

Passive stiffness of the quadriceps predicts the incidence of clinical knee osteoarthritis in twelve months.

BACKGROUND: Quadriceps weakness is a known risk factor for the onset of knee osteoarthritis (OA). In addition to muscle weakness, increased passive stiffness of the quadriceps may affect knee biomechanics and hence contribute to the pathogenesis of knee OA. However, the association between quadriceps stiffness and the risk of knee OA development has not been prospectively investigated. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate how baseline quadriceps passive stiffness predicts the incidence of clinical knee OA at the 12-month follow-up. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University laboratory. POPULATION: Community-dwelling adults aged 60-80 years were recruited. We excluded participants with: 1) knee pain or known arthritis; 2) knee injury; 3) knee or hip joint replacement, 4) cognitive impairment; or 5) neurological conditions. METHODS: At baseline, passive stiffness of the three superficial quadriceps muscle heads (rectus femoris [RF], vastus lateralis [VL], and vastus medialis oblique [VMO]) was evaluated using shear-wave ultrasound elastography. Knee muscle (quadriceps and hamstrings) strength was tested using a Cybex dynamometer. Knee OA was defined based on clinical criteria 12 months after baseline measurements. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations of quadriceps stiffness and knee muscle strength with the risk of knee OA, controlling for age, sex, Body Mass Index, comorbidities, and activity level. RESULTS: The analyses included 158 knees (58.2% females, age: 65.6±4.1 years). Twenty-eight knees (17.7%) were classified as having clinical OA at 12 months. Compared with the lowest stiffness tertiles, the highest stiffness tertiles of the RF (relative risk =5.31, 95% CI: 1.34-21.0), VMO (4.15, 1.04-16.6), and total superficial quadriceps (6.35, 1.48-27.3) at baseline were significantly associated with a higher risk of knee OA at the follow-up. The highest strength tertile of quadriceps has a trend of association with a lower risk of knee OA than the lowest tertile (0.18, 0.03-1.25, P=0.083). CONCLUSIONS: Greater passive stiffness of the quadriceps at baseline was associated with a higher risk of clinical knee OA incidence at the 12-month follow-up. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Interventions for reducing the passive stiffness of the quadriceps should be included in preventative training programs for older adults.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is the Most Common Causative Agent of Viral Bronchiolitis in Young Children: An Updated Review.

BACKGROUND: Viral bronchiolitis is a common condition and a leading cause of hospitalization in young children. OBJECTIVE: This article provides readers with an update on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of viral bronchiolitis, primarily due to RSV. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted in December 2021 in Clinical Queries using the key terms "acute bronchiolitis" OR "respiratory syncytial virus infection". The search included clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, case control studies, cohort studies, meta-analyses, observational studies, clinical guidelines, case reports, case series, and reviews. The search was restricted to children and English literature. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of this article. RESULTS: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common viral bronchiolitis in young children. Other viruses such as human rhinovirus and coronavirus could be etiological agents. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestation. Viral testing is useful only for cohort and quarantine purposes. Cochrane evidence-based reviews have been performed on most treatment modalities for RSV and viral bronchiolitis. Treatment for viral bronchiolitis is mainly symptomatic support. Beta-agonists are frequently used despite the lack of evidence that they reduce hospital admissions or length of stay. Nebulized racemic epinephrine, hypertonic saline and corticosteroids are generally not effective. Passive immunoprophylaxis with a monoclonal antibody against RSV, when given intramuscularly and monthly during winter, is effective in preventing severe RSV bronchiolitis in high-risk children who are born prematurely and in children under 2 years with chronic lung disease or hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease. Vaccines for RSV bronchiolitis are being developed. Children with viral bronchiolitis in early life are at increased risk of developing asthma later in childhood. CONCLUSION: Viral bronchiolitis is common. No current pharmacologic treatment or novel therapy has been proven to improve outcomes compared to supportive treatment. Viral bronchiolitis in early life predisposes asthma development later in childhood.

Typical median effective radiation doses using an anthropomorphic bone fracture phantom for initial radiographic skeletal surveys in the investigation of suspected physical abuse.

BACKGROUND: A series of 31 radiographs is recommended by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) when investigating suspected physical abuse (SPA). OBJECTIVE: To determine the radiation dose delivered for skeletal surveys performed for SPA in Victorian radiology departments based on their local protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 5-year-old paediatric bone fracture phantom was radiographed at five radiology sites using both the RCR recommended protocol and, where applicable, the local departmental SPA protocol. The radiation doses were measured and recorded. These were scaled down to estimate the effective radiation doses for a 2-year-old child at each site and the associated radiation risks estimated. RESULTS: The median effective dose for all radiographic projections in the RCR skeletal survey radiographic series was 0.09 mSv. The estimated risk of radiation-induced cancer and radiation-induced death from cancer for 2-year-old children is classified as "very low," with girls having a higher risk than boys. CONCLUSION: The median effective radiation dose for the RCR skeletal survey for imaging in SPA was 0.09 mSv resulting in a "very low" additional risk of radiation-induced cancer. The authors will now aim to ascertain whether whole-body CT skeletal survey can replace the radiographic series for imaging in SPA while maintaining a comparable radiation dose.

Sharps Disposal Practices Among People With Diabetes in a Community Care Clinic.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine sharps disposal practices among people with diabetes in a community care clinic. Secondary objectives were to identify patterns of sharps use and barriers to proper use. Methods: Surveys were distributed to patients at a community care clinic in person and via mail. Survey questions focused on how sharps are used and disposed of, the frequency of sharps changes, sharps disposal training, sharps identification, and confidence in sharps disposal. Participant demographics and diabetes profiles were also collected. Findings: Among 89 respondents, mean age was 60 years (range 29-93 years), 61.8% were Caucasian, 88.8% had type 2 diabetes, and 60.7% had had a diabetes diagnosis for ≤10 years, with diverse diabetes management methods; 57.3% did not receive or were unsure of sharps training, 25.8% discarded used sharps without a designated sharps container, and 37.1% properly disposed of sharps containers at sharps disposal facilities. Barriers to proper sharps practices included perceived safety of reusing sharps and waste with single use, cost, and the hassle of disposal. Those with prior sharps training were more likely to properly use and discard sharps; however, gaps in knowledge were still evident in this population. Conclusion: Results indicate gaps in proper sharps use and disposal knowledge among people with diabetes. Responses revealed sharps practices that are inconsistent with current federal and state regulations and are potentially dangerous for those handling improperly discarded sharps. Targeted sharps usage and disposal education resources are needed for individuals with and without prior sharps training.

Twelve-month supply of short-acting contraception methods: Pharmacists' perspectives on implementation of new state law.

BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptives and other short-acting reversible contraceptive (SARC) methods such as the patch, vaginal ring, and medroxyprogesterone injections are used by approximately 30% of people using contraception. People may face barriers in obtaining a timely and adequate supply of their SARCs. It is well established that dispensing more than 1-month supply at a time is more convenient for patients, improves continuation, and decreases the risk of unintended pregnancy. Given the potential for public health impact, 20 states, including Massachusetts, have expanded access to a 12-month supply of SARCs. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this qualitative study was to explore Massachusetts pharmacists' general awareness and specific knowledge of the state's 2017 Act Advancing Contraceptive Coverage and Economic Security in Our State (ACCESS) law, explore barriers to the implementation of the law, and elicit recommendations to improve uptake of this practice. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of community pharmacists in Massachusetts between September 2020 and May 2021 using a pretested interview guide. Interviews were audio recorded and professionally transcribed. Data collection ceased when theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using modified grounded theory, including code book development and line-by-line and axial coding. RESULTS: Sixteen pharmacists from diverse practice settings participated in the interviews. All the pharmacists (100%) reported that they had received no training on the ACCESS law, and only 1 pharmacist reported having complete knowledge of the specifics of the law. We identified key themes and subthemes related to pharmacists' concerns about implementation of the law at the system, pharmacy, and patient level, including insurance coverage, communication of new laws, stocking, supply, and misuse by patients. CONCLUSION: Addressing the need for pharmacist training and communication regarding new regulations may improve provision of an extended supply of SARC methods.

Pharmacologic Evidence of Green Tea in Targeting Tyrosine Kinases.

BACKGROUND: Green tea has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits against diseases, such as cancers, cognitive degenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: The authors undertook a structured search of peer-reviewed research articles from three databases including PubMed, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE. Recent and up-to-date studies relevant to the topic were included. RESULTS: Green tea extract exerts its functions by interacting with multiple signalling pathways in human cells. Protein tyrosine kinase is one of the examples. Abnormal activation of tyrosine kinase is observed in some tumour cells. Green tea extract inhibits phosphorylation, reduces expression, or attenuates downstream signalling of epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and non-receptor tyrosine kinase. Combination of green tea extract with tyrosine kinase inhibitors may provide synergistic effects by overcoming acquired resistance. CONCLUSION: Green tea extract can affect multiple receptor targets. In the current review, we discuss the pharmacological mechanisms of green tea on tyrosine kinases and their implications on common diseases.

Infantile Hemangioma: An Updated Review.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas are the most common vascular tumors of infancy, affecting up to 12% of infants by the first year of life. OBJECTIVE: To familiarize physicians with the natural history, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of infantile hemangiomas. METHODS: A Pubmed search was conducted in November 2019 in Clinical Queries using the key term "infantile hemangioma". The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 20 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. RESULTS: The majority of infantile hemangiomas are not present at birth. They often appear in the first few weeks of life as areas of pallor, followed by telangiectatic or faint red patches. Then, they grow rapidly in the first 3 to 6 months of life. Superficial lesions are bright red, protuberant, bosselated, or with a smooth surface, and sharply demarcated. Deep lesions are bluish and dome-shaped. Infantile hemangiomas continue to grow until 9 to 12 months of age, at which time the growth rate slows down to parallel the growth of the child. Involution typically begins by the time the child is a year old. Approximately 50% of infantile hemangiomas will show complete involution by the time a child reaches age 5; 70% will have disappeared by age 7; and 95% will have regressed by 10 to 12 years of age. The majority of infantile hemangiomas require no treatment. Treatment options include oral propranolol, topical timolol, and oral corticosteroids. Indications for active intervention include hemorrhage unresponsive to treatment, impending ulceration in areas where serious complications might ensue, interference with vital structures, life- or function-threatening complications, and significant disfigurement. CONCLUSION: Treatment should be individualized, depending upon the size, rate of growth, morphology, number, and location of the lesion (s), existing or potential complications, benefits and adverse events associated with the treatment, age of the patient, level of parental concern, and the physician's comfort level with the various treatment options. Currently, oral propranolol is the treatment of choice for high-risk and complicated infantile hemangiomas. Topical timolol may be considered for superficial infantile hemangiomas that need to be treated and for complicated infantile hemangiomas in patients at risk for severe adverse events from oral administration of propranolol.

An Overview of the Pediatric Toxidromes and Poisoning Management.

BACKGROUND: Poisoning is one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the advancement of poison detection by modern investigation methods, the clinical skill of toxidrome recognition by combining the findings from a detailed history, thorough physical examination, and the results of basic investigations is still indispensable for the management of children with suspected poisoning. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to review pediatric toxidromes and poisoning management. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on PubMed (between February 1 and 15, 2020) with keywords "toxidrome" "poisoning" "intoxication" "children" and "pediatric". The search was customized by applying the appropriate filters so as to get the most relevant articles to meet the objective of this review article. RESULTS: Toxidrome recognition may offer a quick guide to possible toxicology diagnosis so that specific antidote can be administered in a timely manner. This article discusses a few commonly encountered toxidromes in pediatric poisoning, with an emphasis on the symptomatology and source of exposure. The antidote and specific management for each toxidrome are also discussed. Although most patients with intoxication can be managed with close observation, supportive measures and antidote treatment, it is unfortunate that antidotes are only available for a limited number of poisons responsible for intoxication. Extracorporeal toxin removal is being increasingly recognized as a mode of treatment for patients with rapid deterioration who are unresponsive to conventional management. The decision to apply such technique and the choice of modality are frequently individualized due to the paucity of high-level evidence. The various patient and toxin/medication factors involved in the decision- making process are discussed. CONCLUSION: Poisoning is a common cause of pediatric accidents and injuries. Physicians should be familiar with common toxidromes and poisoning management.

Childhood Infectious Encephalitis: An Overview of Clinical Features, Investigations, Treatment, and Recent Patents.

BACKGROUND: Infectious encephalitis is a serious and challenging condition to manage. This overview summarizes the current literature regarding the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and recent patents of acute childhood infectious encephalitis. METHODS: We used PubMed Clinical Queries as a search engine and used keywords of "encephalitis" AND "childhood" Patents were searched using the key term "encephalitis" in google.patents.- com and patentsonline.com. RESULTS: Viral encephalitis is the most common cause of acute infectious encephalitis in children. In young children, the clinical manifestations can be non-specific. Provision of empiric antimicrobial therapy until a specific infectious organism has been identified, which in most cases includes acyclovir, is the cornerstone of therapy. Advanced investigation tools, including nucleic acid-based test panel and metagenomic next-generation sequencing, improve the diagnostic yield of identifying an infectious organism. Supportive therapy includes adequate airway and oxygenation, fluid and electrolyte balance, cerebral perfusion pressure support, and seizure control. Recent patents are related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute infectious encephalitis. CONCLUSION: Viral encephalitis is the most common cause of acute infectious encephalitis in children and is associated with significant morbidity. Recent advances in understanding the genetic basis and immunological correlation of infectious encephalitis may improve treatment. Third-tier diagnostic tests may be incorporated into clinical practice. Treatment is targeted at the infectious process but remains mostly supportive. However, specific antimicrobial agents and vaccines development is ongoing.

Nummular Eczema: An Updated Review.

BACKGROUND: Nummular eczema may mimic diseases that present with annular configuration and the differential diagnosis is broad. OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to provide an update on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of nummular eczema. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed in using the key terms "nummular eczema", "discoid eczema", OR "nummular dermatitis". The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews. The search was restricted to English literature. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Patents were searched using the key terms "nummular eczema", "discoid eczema", OR "nummular dermatitis" in www.google.com/patents and www.freepatentsonline.com. RESULTS: Nummular eczema is characterized by sharply defined, oval or coin-shaped, erythematous, eczematous plaques. Typically, the size of the lesion varies from 1 to 10cm in diameter. The lesions are usually multiple and symmetrically distributed. Sites of predilection include the lower limbs followed by the upper limbs. The lesions are usually intensely pruritic. The diagnosis is mainly clinical based on the characteristic round to oval erythematous plaques in a patient with diffusely dry skin. Nummular eczema should be distinguished from other annular lesions. Dermoscopy can reveal additional features that can be valuable for correct diagnosis. Biopsy or laboratory tests are generally not necessary. However, a potassium hydroxide wet-mount examination of skin scrapings should be performed if tinea corporis is suspected. Because contact allergy is common with nummular eczema, patch testing should be considered in patients with chronic, recalcitrant nummular eczema. Avoidance of precipitating factors, optimal skin care, and high or ultra-high potency topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy. Recent patents related to the management of nummular eczema are also discussed. CONCLUSION: With proper treatment, nummular eczema can be cleared over a few weeks, although the course can be chronic and characterized by relapses and remissions. Moisturizing of the skin and avoidance of identifiable exacerbating factors, such as hot water baths and harsh soaps may reduce the frequency of recurrence. Diseases that present with annular lesions may mimic nummular eczema and the differential diagnosis is broad. As such, physicians must be familiar with this condition so that an accurate diagnosis can be made, and appropriate treatment initiated.

Childhood Alopecia Areata: An Overview of Treatment and Recent Patents.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a systemic autoimmune condition that usually starts in childhood. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to review genetics, therapy, prognosis, and recent patents for AA. METHODS: We used clinical queries and keywords "alopecia areata" AND "childhood" as a search engine. Patents were searched using the key term "alopecia areata" in Patents.google.com and freepatentsonline. com. RESULTS: Due to an immune-mediated damage to the hair follicles, hair is lost from the scalp and other areas of the body temporarily or even permanently. Children with AA are generally healthy. Evidence of genetic association and increased predisposition for AA was found by studying families with affected members. Pathophysiologically, T- lymphocytes attack hair follicles and cause inflammation and destruction of the hair follicles and hair loss. In mild cases, there would be well-demarcated round patchy scalp hair loss. The pathognomonic "exclamation mark hairs" may be seen at the lesion periphery. In more severe cases, the hair loss may affect the whole scalp and even the whole body. The clinical course is also variable, which may range from transient episodes of recurrent patchy hair loss to an indolent gradually deteriorating severe hair loss. The treatment of AA depends on factors including patients' age, the extent of the hair loss, duration of disease, psychological impact, availability and side effect profile of the treatments. For localized patchy alopecia, topical application of corticosteroids and/or intralesional corticosteroids are the treatment of choice. Other topical treatments include minoxidil, anthralin, coal tar and immunotherapy. In severe resistant cases, systemic immunosuppressants may be considered. Although herbal medicine, acupuncture, complementary and alternative medicine may be tried on children in some Asian communities, the evidence to support these practices is lacking. To date, only a few recent patents exist in topical treatments, including Il-31, laser and herbal medications. Clinical efficacy is pending for these treatment modalities. CONCLUSION: None of the established therapeutic options are curative. However, newer treatment modalities, including excimer laser, interleukin-31 antibodies and biologics, are evolving so that there may be significant advances in treatment in the near future. AA can be psychosocially devastating. It is important to assess the quality of life, degree of anxiety, social phobia and mood of the patients and their families. Psychological support is imperative for those who are adversely affected psychosocially.

Human Ascariasis: An Updated Review.

BACKGROUND: Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common helminthic infection. More than 1.2 billion people have ascariasis worldwide. OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to provide an update on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ascariasis. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted in February 2020 in Clinical Queries using the key terms "ascariasis" OR "Ascaris lumbricoides". The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. The search was restricted to English literature. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Patents were searched using the key term "ascariasis" OR "Ascaris lumbricoides" in www.freepatentsonline.com. RESULTS: Ascaris lumbricoides is transmitted through the ingestion of embryonated eggs from fecal- contaminated material. Ascariasis has high endemicity in tropical and subtropical areas. Predisposing factors include poverty, poor sanitation, inadequate sewage disposal, and poor personal hygiene. The prevalence is greatest in children younger than 5 years of age. The majority of patients with intestinal ascariasis are asymptomatic. For those with symptoms, anorexia, nausea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, recurrent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and intermittent diarrhea are not uncommon. Other clinical manifestations vary widely, depending on the underlying complications. Complications include Löeffler syndrome, intestinal obstruction, biliary colic, recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, cholecystitis, acalculous cholecystitis, obstructive jaundice, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, and malnutrition. The diagnosis is best established by microscopic examination of fecal smears or following concentration techniques for the characteristic ova. Patients with A. lumbricoides infection warrant anthelminthic treatment, even if they are asymptomatic, to prevent complications from migration of the parasite. Albendazole and mebendazole are the drugs of choice for children and nonpregnant individuals with ascariasis. Pregnant women with ascariasis should be treated with pyrantel pamoate. Recent patents related to the management of ascariasis are also discussed. CONCLUSION: The average cure rate with anthelminthic treatment is over 95%. Unfortunately, most treated patients in endemic areas become re-infected within months. Health education, personal hygiene, improved sanitary conditions, proper disposal of human excreta, and discontinuing the use of human fecal matter as a fertilizer are effective long-term preventive measures. Targeting deworming treatment and mass anthelminthic treatment should be considered in regions where A. lumbricoides is prevalent.

A randomized controlled trial of different young child formulas on upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections in Chinese toddlers.

BACKGROUND: Bioactive proteins and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), important ingredients in breast milk, that protect against infections are lacking in young child formula (YCF). This study investigated the effects of new YCFs on respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in toddlers. METHODS: Four hundred and sixty one healthy Chinese children aged 1-2.5 years were recruited in this randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial of different YCFs. They were randomly assigned to either standard milk formula (YCF-Ref) or one of three new YCFs containing bioactive proteins and/or the HMO 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and/or milk fat for six months. Primary outcomes were incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and duration of gastrointestinal tract infections (GITI). RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences in primary outcomes. For secondary outcomes, subjects receiving 2'-FL-supplemented YCF had longer URTI. Subjects receiving YCF supplemented with milk fat and intact bioactive proteins, and 2'-FL at levels found in breast milk, had more GITI episodes and shorter time to first GITI but similar effects on URTI duration than YCF-Ref recipients. No effects on URTI and GITI were observed in toddlers receiving YCF with bioactive proteins at lower levels than breast milk. Occurrence of adverse events and anthropometry were similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: All three YCFs supplemented with different combinations of intact bioactive proteins, 2'-FL, and milk fat are safe in toddlers. No difference is detected among YCFs on URTI incidence and GITI duration. Further studies are needed to verify these findings especially in infants who may benefit most from the immune-boosting effects of bioactive proteins and HMOs.