Prevalence and characteristics of Epidermophyton floccosum skin infections: A 12-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Epidermophyton floccosum (E. floccosum), an anthropophilic dermatophyte, is the primary causative agent of skin conditions such as tinea cruris, tinea pedis and tinea corporis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of E. floccosum-induced dermatophytosis, with particular emphasis on the types of infections and demographic profiles. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patient records from the dermatology outpatient clinic were scrutinized, covering the timeframe from January 2009 to December 2020. Eligibility for the study required a dermatophytosis diagnosis verified by microscopic examination and fungal culture. RESULTS: Of the 4669 confirmed dermatophytosis cases, 82 (1.8%) were attributable to E. floccosum infection. The proportions of male and female patients with E. floccosum infections were 50.0% each. The most common presentation was tinea pedis (39.0%), followed by tinea cruris (37.8%) and tinea corporis (26.8%). The mean age at disease onset for tinea cruris was 38.7 ± 18.7 years, which was lower than that for tinea pedis (50.6 ± 14.2 years) and tinea corporis (53.5 ± 16.4 years). However, these age differences were not statistically significant. A continuous decrease in E. floccosum isolation was observed over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: There was a steady decline in the prevalence of E. floccosum dermatophytosis over the 12-year study period. Despite the decreasing trend, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and tinea pedis remained the predominant clinical manifestations of E. floccosum infection.

Prevalence and factors for anxiety and depression among secondary school teachers from Sfax city of Tunisia in times of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: teachers have to adapt during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to many changes that could potentially make them more vulnerable to psychological distress. We aimed to assess anxiety and depression in Tunisian secondary school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore their associated factors. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional survey concerning Tunisian secondary school teachers between May 1st, 2021, and June 30th, 2021, using an online survey platform via Google Forms. Participants were asked to fill in a form including two psychometric tests: the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). We performed both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: a total of 170 secondary school teachers were included, of whom 22.4% (n=38) were males and 77.6% (n=132) were females. The median age was 45.5 years (Q1=39, Q3=49). The overall anxiety prevalence was 34.7% (n=59) while it was 41.7% (n=71) for depression. In multivariable analysis, anxiety was strongly associated with sleep disturbances (aOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 1.80-14.45; p=0.002) and depression (aOR: 33.91; 95% CI: 12.32-93.33; p<0.001) while depression was strongly associated with dissatisfaction with working conditions (aOR: 3.99; 95% CI: 1.49-10.65; p=0.006), the irregular wearing of protective masks (aOR: 3.94; 95% CI: 1.33-11.66; p=0.013) and anxiety (aOR=51.63; 95% CI: 17.74-150.25; p<0.001). Conclusion: secondary school teachers in Tunisia are characterized by a high rate of anxiety and depressive disorders which are related to personal and professional factors on which we can act by supplying of educational institutions by protective masks, the implementation of programs for adjusting working conditions and the practice of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia management.

Comparative prevalence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli between children below five years with close contact to food animals in Kisumu County, Kenya.

Introduction: diarrheal infections in young children below five years and food animals are caused by diarrheagenic Escherichia coli strains. The study focused on understanding the association between DEC pathotypes in children below five years and food animals to establish the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Methods: samples from 150 children who presented with diarrhea at the Kisumu County Hospital and 100 stool samples from food animals were collected and processed using culture methods. Molecular identification of the pathotypes was assayed using a primer-specific polymerase chain reaction that targeted the six virulence genes related to the diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes. Results: one hundred and fifty-six study subjects (100 children samples and 56 food animals) samples were positive for E. coli polymerase chain reaction detection revealed a prevalence of (23%) among children below five years and a prevalence of (20%) among the food animals. Children samples showed Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, having high phenotypic frequency of (12%) followed by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, (5.3%) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia (3.3%) the least being mixed infections Enteroaggregative/Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Enteroaggregative/Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli with (1.3%) respectively. The food animals found in children homesteads were detected to harbor pathogenic strains of E. coli. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathotypes detected in cattle (13%) followed by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli detected in goats at (4%) and poultry at (3%). Conclusion: presence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in food animals could serve as reservoirs of transmitting these bacteria to children below five years.

PTSD prevalence and factors in intern nursing students after COVID-19 full liberalization in China: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its influencing factors among intern nursing students after the full liberalization of the COVID-19 prevention and control policy in China. Methods: Participants completed the online survey from January 14 to January 19, 2023. A demographic questionnaire, COVID-19 and internship-related questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 scale, the Primary Care PTSD Screen, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were used to conduct the online survey. Results: Of 438 participants, 88.4% tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 6 months. The prevalence of fear, resilience, and PTSD was 16.9, 15.5, and 11.2%, respectively. Direct care of COVID patients in hospital (OR = 2.084, 95%CI 1.034 ~ 4.202), the experience of occupational exposure (OR = 2.856, 95%CI 1.436 ~ 5.681), working with an experienced team (OR = 2.120, 95%CI 1.070 ~ 4.198), and fear COVID-19 (OR = 8.269, 95%CI 4.150 ~ 16.479) were significantly and positively associated with PTSD in nursing internship students. Conclusion: After COVID-19 full liberalization in China, intern nursing students still experienced pandemic-related mental distress, which can bring PTSD. Adequate support and counseling should be provided, as needed, to intern nursing students who are about to enter the workforce and have experienced severe PTSD symptoms related to COVID-19. Our findings indicated that should understand the importance of screening, formulate intervention strategies and preventive measures to address psychosocial problems, and provide coping skills training to intern nursing students.

Age-group associations of schistosomiasis prevalence from trial data, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Objective: To determine if the prevalence of schistosomiasis in children aged 9-12 years is associated with the prevalence in 5-8-year-olds and adults after preventive chemotherapy in schools or the community. Methods: We combined data from four community-randomized, preventive chemotherapy trials in treatment-naïve populations in Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania during 2010-2016 according to the number of praziquantel treatments and the delivery method. Schistosoma mansoni infection was sought on two slides prepared from each participant's first stool using the Kato-Katz technique. We assessed associations between S. mansoni prevalence in 9-12-year-olds and 5-8-year-olds and adults in the community before and after treatment using Bayesian regression models. Findings: Stool samples from 47 985 5-8-year-olds, 81 077 9-12-year-olds and 20 492 adults were analysed. We found associations between the prevalence in 9-12-year-olds and that in 5-8-year-olds and adults after preventive treatment, even when only school-age children were treated. When the prevalence in 9-12-year-olds was under 10%, the prevalence in 5-8-year-olds was consistently under 10%. When the prevalence in 9-12-year-olds was under 50%, the prevalence in adults after two or four rounds of preventive chemotherapy was 10%-15% lower than before chemotherapy. Post-chemotherapy age-group associations were consistent with pre-chemotherapy associations in this analysis and previous studies. Conclusion: The prevalence of S. mansoni infection in 9-12-year-olds was associated with the prevalence in other age groups and could be used to guide community treatment decisions.

District-Wise Heterogeneity in Blood Pressure Measurements, Prehypertension, Raised Blood Pressure, and Their Determinants Among Indians: National Family Health Survey-5.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of ever-measured blood pressure, prehypertension, and raised blood pressure at national, state and district levels in India. Methods: We analysed data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), on 743,067 adults aged 18-54 years. The sample consisted of 87.6% females and 12.4% males. We estimated prevalence rates and determined adjusted odds ratios for various dependent variables related to blood pressure. Geographical variations were visualized on the map of India, and multivariate logistic regression was employed at state and district levels, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of ever-measured blood pressure varied widely, from 30.3% to 98.5% across districts, with southern and northern regions showing higher rates. Prehypertension affected 33.7% of the population, with varying prevalence across districts. Raised blood pressure was there in 15.9%, with notably higher rates in southern region (16.8%). Determinants included age, gender, education, wealth, lifestyle, obesity, and blood glucose levels. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the subnational variations in blood pressure, can guide evidence-based interventions at the state and district level, towards reducing the burden of raised blood pressure and enhancing overall population health.

Is asthma in children still increasing? 20-year prevalence trends in northern Sweden.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we describe prevalence trends of asthma and investigate the association with asthma symptoms, use of asthma medication, and asthma severity among 8-year-old children in Norrbotten, Sweden in 1996, 2006, and 2017. METHODS: Within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, three pediatric cohorts were recruited in 1996, 2006, and 2017 respectively. Identical methods were used; all children in first and second grade (median age 8 years) in three municipalities were invited to a parental questionnaire survey, completed by n = 3430 in 1996 (97% participation), n = 2585 in 2006 (96%), and n = 2785 in 2017 (91%). The questionnaire included questions about respiratory symptoms and diagnosis, treatment, and severity of asthma. RESULTS: The prevalence of wheezing was stable during the study, 10.1% in 1996; 10.8% in 2006; and 10.3% in 2017, p = .621, while physician-diagnosed asthma increased: 5.7%, 7.4%, and 12.2%, p < .001. The use of asthma medication in the last 12 months increased: 7.1%, 8.7%, and 11.5%, p < .001. Among children diagnosed with asthma, the prevalence of asthma symptoms, the impact on daily life, and severe asthma decreased, while the use of inhaled corticosteroids increased from 1996 until 2017. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of wheezing was stable among 8-year-old in this area from 1996 to 2017, while the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma doubled but without an increase in asthma morbidity. The increase of physician-diagnosed asthma without a coincident increase in asthma morbidity can partly be explained by more and earlier diagnosis among those with mild asthma.

Prevalence of impaired renal function among childless men as compared to fathers: a population-based study.

Male reproductive impairment has been linked with an increased risk of numerous non-communicable diseases. Yet, epidemiological data on renal disease among subfertile men is scarce. Therefore, by using male childlessness as a proxy for male infertility, we aimed to investigate its association with renal function. Data was sourced from a population-based cohort including 22,444 men. After exclusion of men aged < 45 years (n = 10,842), the remaining men were divided into two groups: these being childless (n = 5494) and fathers (n = 6108). Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between male childlessness and renal impairment. Childless men as compared to fathers, were more likely to have an estimated-glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (OR 1.36, 95 CI 1.08-1.70; p = 0.008). After adjustment for age, marital status, smoking habits, diabetes, hypertension and other components of metabolic syndrome, childless men were also more likely to have dipstick proteinuria (OR 1.85, 95 CI 1.16-2.95; p = 0.01). With the growing panorama of disease associated with male reproductive impairment, men with fertility issues may constitute a target population with potential benefit from closer follow-up of their renal function.

A household survey of the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment among urban community-dwelling adults aged 30 to 65.

While it is possible to detect cognitive decline before the age of 60, and there is a report indicating that certain cognitive abilities peak in one's 30s, the evidence regarding cognitive problems in populations younger than 65 years is scarce. This study aims to (1) determine the proportion of community-dwelling adults with different cognitive status, and (2) determine the prevalence of neuropsychiatric behaviors. A population-based survey was conducted in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Individuals aged 30 to 65 were recruited and assessed for demographic data, memory complaints, cognitive performance, and neuropsychiatric symptoms using self-reported questionnaires. In a total of 539 participants, 33.95% had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 7.05% had subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and 52.50% had neuropsychiatric symptoms. The risk of MCI increased with age, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were significantly higher in those with MCI or SCD than in those without (p < 0.001). The most common complaints were sleep problems, anxiety, and irritability. Screening for MCI in adults aged < 65 years might be useful. However, further investigation on the appropriate age to screen and the program's cost-effectiveness is suggested.

The prevalence of headache in the adult population of Morocco: a cross-sectional population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The series of population-based studies conducted by the Global Campaign against Headache has, so far, included Pakistan and Saudi Arabia from the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The Maghreb countries of North Africa, also part of this Region, are geographically apart and culturally very different from these countries. Here we report a study in Morocco. METHODS: We applied the standardised methodology of Global Campaign studies, with cluster-randomized sampling in regions of Morocco selected to be representative of its diversities. In three of these regions, in accordance with this methodology, we made unannounced visits to randomly selected households and, from each, interviewed one randomly selected adult member (aged 18-65 years) using the HARDSHIP structured questionnaire translated into Moroccan Arabic and French. In a fourth region (Fès), because permission for such sampling was not given by the administrative authority, people were randomly stopped in streets and markets and, when willing, interviewed using the same questionnaire. This was a major protocol violation. RESULTS: We included 3,474 participants, 1,074 (41.7%) from Agadir, 1,079 (41.9%) from Marrakech, 422 (16.4%) from Tétouan and 899 from Fès. In a second protocol violation, interviewers failed to record the non-participating proportion. In the main analysis, excluding Fès, observed 1-year prevalence of any headache was 80.1% among females, 68.2% among males. Observed 1-day prevalence (headache yesterday) was 17.8%. After adjustment for age and gender, migraine prevalence was 30.8% (higher among females [aOR = 1.6]) and TTH prevalence 32.1% (lower among females [aOR = 0.8]). Headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+) was very common (10.5%), and in more than half of cases (5.9%) associated with acute medication overuse (on ≥ 15 days/month) and accordingly diagnosed as probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH). Both pMOH (aOR = 2.6) and other H15+ (aOR = 1.9) were more common among females. In the Fès sample, adjusted prevalences were similar, numerically but not significantly higher except for other H15+. CONCLUSIONS: While the 1-year prevalence of headache among adults in Morocco is similar to that of many other countries, migraine on the evidence here is at the upper end of the global range, but not outside it. H15 + and pMOH are very prevalent, contributing to the high one-day prevalence of headache.

The prevalence and demographic associations of headache in the adult population of Peru: a national cross-sectional population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The Global Campaign against Headache is conducting a series of population-based studies to fill the large geographical gaps in knowledge of headache prevalence and attributable burden. One major region not until now included is South America. Here we present a study from Peru, a country of 32.4 million inhabitants located at the west coast of South America, notable for its high Andes mountains. METHODS: The study was conducted in accordance with the standardized methodology used by the Global Campaign. It was a cross-sectional survey using cluster randomised sampling in five regions to derive a nationally representative sample, visiting households unannounced, and interviewing one randomly selected adult member (aged 18-65 years) of each using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire translated into South American Spanish. The neutral screening question ("Have you had headache in the last year?") was followed by diagnostic questions based on ICHD-3 and demographic enquiry. RESULTS: The study included 2,149 participants from 2,385 eligible households (participating proportion 90.1%): 1,065 males and 1,084 females, mean age 42.0 ± 13.7 years. The observed 1-year prevalence of all headache was 64.6% [95% CI: 62.5-66.6], with age-, gender- and habitation-adjusted prevalences of 22.8% [21.0-24.6] for migraine (definite + probable), 38.9% [36.8-41.0] for tension-type headache (TTH: also definite + probable), 1.2% [0.8-1.8] for probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) and 2.7% [2.1-3.5] for other headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+). One-day prevalence of headache (reported headache yesterday) was 12.1%. Migraine was almost twice as prevalent among females (28.2%) as males (16.4%; aOR = 2.1; p < 0.001), and strongly associated with living at very high altitude (aOR = 2.5 for > 3,500 versus < 350 m). CONCLUSION: The Global Campaign's first population-based study in South America found headache disorders to be common in Peru, with prevalence estimates for both migraine and TTH substantially exceeding global estimates. H15 + was also common, but with fewer than one third of cases diagnosed as pMOH. The association between migraine and altitude was confirmed, and found to be strengthened at very high altitude. This association demands further study.

The trend of dental check-up and prevalence of dental complications following the use of bone modifying agents in patients with metastatic breast and prostate cancer: analysis of data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service.

BACKGROUND: Bone-modifying agents (BMA) are key components in the management of cancer patients with bone metastasis. Despite their clinical benefits, the use of BMA is associated with dental adverse events (AEs) including medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This study investigated the frequency of dental surveillance before BMA treatment and the prevalence of dental AEs including MRONJ, after BMA treatment in patients with bone metastasis from breast and prostate cancer using data from the national health insurance system. METHODS: Data, including age, cancer diagnosis, administered BMA, and dental AEs during cancer treatment, of patients with bone metastasis from breast and prostate cancer who received at least one infusion of BMA between 2007 and 2019 were extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) dataset. RESULTS: Of the 15,357 patients who received BMA, 1,706 patients (11.1%) underwent dental check-ups before BMA treatment. The proportion of patients receiving dental check-up increased from 4.4% in 2007 to 16.7% in 2019. Referral to dentists for a dental check-up was more active in clinics/primary hospitals than general/tertiary hospitals, and medical doctors and urologists actively consulted to dentists than general surgeons, regardless of the patient's health insurance status. After BMA treatment, 508 patients (3.8%) developed dental AEs, including abscess (42.9%), acute periodontitis (29.7%), acute pericoronitis (14.9%), and MRONJ (12.5% of dental AEs cases, 0.5% of total BMA treated patients). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the long treatment period in patients with metastatic cancer, coordination between dentists and oncologists is necessary to ensure appropriate dental management before the initiation of BMA.

Assessing urogenital schistosomiasis and female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) among adolescents in Anaocha, Anambra State, Nigeria: implications for ongoing control efforts.

BACKGROUND: Urogenital schistosomiasis (UgS) remains a persistent health challenge among adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria, despite ongoing control efforts. Mass praziquantel treatment programs, initiated in 2013, primarily target primary school-aged children (5-14 years old), leaving adolescents (10-19 years old) enrolled in secondary schools vulnerable to urogenital schistosomiaisis. Additionally, the extent of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a neglected gynaecological manifestation of UgS remains unclear. METHODOLOGY: To address these gaps, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Anaocha Local Government Area from February to May 2023. Four hundred and seventy consenting adolescents aged 10-19 years were enrolled. Urinalysis including urine filtration was employed to confirm haematuria and detect urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) among the participants. For females with heavy infections (≥ 50 eggs/10 ml urine), a gynaecologist performed colposcopy examinations, complemented by acetic acid and Lugol's iodine staining to assess for female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) lesions or other related reproductive health conditions. Socio-demographic data, including information on potential risk factors, were systematically collected using the Kobo ToolBox software, following gender-sensitive data collection guidelines. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, incorporating descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, odds ratios, and significance testing. RESULTS: Among the 470 adolescents (52.8% females, 47.2% males) examined, an overall UgS prevalence of 14.5% was observed, with an average of 5.25 eggs per 10 ml of urine. Females had a slightly higher prevalence (16.1%), and 7.5% had heavy infections. Although gender differences in infection rates were not statistically significant, males had slightly higher odds of infection (OR: 1.332; 95% CI: 0.791-2.244; p-value: 0.280). Adolescents aged 10-14 had the highest prevalence, with significantly increased odds of infection (OR: 1.720; 95% CI: 1.012-2.923; p-value: 0.045). Colposcopy examinations of females with heavy infections revealed FGS lesions and co-infections with Trichomonas vaginalis. Haematuria, though prevalent (24.6%), was not the sole indicator, as those without it faced significantly higher odds of infection (OR: 2.924; 95% CI: 1.731-4.941; p-value: 0.000). Dysuria and genital itching/burning sensation were other UgS and FGS associated symptoms. Direct water contact was associated with higher infection odds (OR: 2.601; 95% CI: 1.007-6.716; p-value: 0.048). Various risk factors were associated with UgS. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need for a comprehensive Urogenital Schistosomiasis (UGS) control strategy that includes secondary school adolescents, emphasizes risk factor management, promotes safe water practices, and raises awareness about UGS and Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) among adolescents, thus improving control efforts and mitigating this health challenge in the region.

The association between serum copper concentration and prevalence of diabetes among US adults with hypertension (NHANES 2011-2016).

The objective of this study was to examine the association between the serum copper concentration and the prevalence of diabetes among US adults with hypertension using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study population was selected from adults aged over 20 years old in the three survey cycles of NHANES from 2011 to 2016. Logistic regression model analyses were applied to determine the independent risky effect of copper to the prevalence of diabetes. Also, a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was performed to explore the potential nonlinear association between serum copper concentration and the prevalence of diabetes. A total of 1786 subjects (742 cases and 1044 controls) were included, and 924 were men (51.7%), and 742 (41.5%) were diabetic. Compared with non-diabetic individuals, the concentration of serum copper in diabetic patients with hypertension was higher. After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, marital status, body mass index (BMI), family poverty income ratio (PIR), smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and hyperlipidemia, the highest quartile of serum copper concentration significantly increased the risk of diabetes as compared with the lowest quartile (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.01-1.92, ptrend = 0.036). The results of RCS analysis showed significant non-linear relationship between serum copper concentration and prevalence of diabetes (p-non-linear = 0.010). This study finds that serum copper concentration are significantly associated with risk of diabetes in hypertensive patients, which suggests copper as an important risk factor of diabetes development.

Prevalence of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the prevalence of motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) among community-dwelling older adults and provide evidence-based support for policymakers planning health and social care policies. METHOD: Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for cross-sectional, prospective cohort, or population-based longitudinal studies of community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years with MCR from inception of the database through December 18, 2021. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included. Pooled prevalence of MCR was found to be 10% (95% confidence interval [8%, 12%], I2 = 98.4%). Results of a subgroup analysis revealed a combined prevalence of MCR of 8.2% in males and 9.2% in females. Pooled prevalence of MCR was 9.7% in Asia and 10.2% in other regions. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of MCR in community-dwelling older adults is high. Our research may improve the epidemiological understanding of MCR, draw attention to older adults with MCR, and thus promote research of MCR and the formulation of relevant public health policies. With early identification and intervention of MCR, cognitive function can be improved, and the onset of dementia can be delayed or prevented. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(4), 16-24.].

Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa in a sample of italian young adults.

Abstract: There is only limited epidemiological information on Orthorexia Nervosa; the aim of the present study is, therefore, to assess the prevalence of ON in a population of young adults and to identify possible specific features and eventual psychopatological dimensions. 1317 participants (732 females and 585 males; mean age 22.36 yrs) completed a battery containing the orthorexia measure (ORTHO-15), statements about demographic characteristics as well as physiological parameters. The mean ORTO-15 score was 31.89; considering the cut-off of 40 in the reference test, our results showed a 11.9% prevalence of ON. Analyzing the characteristics of the orthorexic group, the prevalence in females compared to males appears to be statistically very significant (115 vs 43; 72.8% vs 27.2%); moreover shows higher and statistically significant scores in each of the 15 items of the reference test compared to the non-orthorexic group. Our data confirming that ON might be a relevant and potentially underestimate phenomenon in the community. Further studies are warranted in order to explore the diagnostic boundaries of this syndrome, its course and outcome, and the possible therapeutic strategies.

Prevalence of pathogens in honey bee colonies and association with clinical signs in southwestern Quebec, Canada.

Honey bees can be affected by a variety of pathogens, which impacts their vital role as pollinators in agriculture. A cross-sectional study was conducted in southwestern Quebec to: i) estimate the prevalence of 11 bee pathogens; ii) assess the agreement between beekeeper suspicion of a disease and laboratory detection of the causative pathogen; and iii) explore the association between observed clinical signs and pathogen detection in a colony. A total of 242 colonies in 31 apiaries owned by 15 beekeepers was sampled in August 2017. The prevalence of Varroa destructor detection was estimated as 48% for colonies and 93% for apiaries. The apparent prevalence of colonies infected by Nosema spp. and Melissococcus plutonius was estimated as 40% and 21%, respectively. At least 180 colonies were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for deformed wing virus (DWV), acute-Kashmir-Israeli complex (AKI complex), and black queen cell virus (BQCV), which were detected in 33%, 9%, and 95% of colonies, respectively. Acarapis woodi, Paenibacillus larvae, and Aethina tumida were not detected. Varroasis was suspected by beekeepers in 14 of the 15 beekeeping operations in which the mite was detected. However, no correlation was found between suspected European foulbrood and detection of M. plutonius or between suspected nosemosis and detection of Nosema spp. Colony weakness was associated with Nosema spore counts of at least 0.5 × 106 per bee. Melissococcus plutonius was more frequently detected in colonies showing scattered brood.

Les abeilles mellifères peuvent être affectées par plusieurs agents pathogènes, impactant leur rôle vital de pollinisateur en agriculture. Une étude transversale a été réalisée dans le sud-ouest du Québec afin 1) d'estimer la prévalence de onze agents pathogènes de l'abeille, 2) d'évaluer l'accord entre la suspicion d'une maladie par l'apiculteur et la détection de l'agent causal, 3) d'explorer les associations entre les signes cliniques et la détection d'un agent pathogène dans une colonie. Au total, 242 colonies de 31 ruchers appartenant à 15 apiculteurs ont été échantillonnées en août 2017. La prévalence de Varroa destructor a été estimée à 48 % pour les colonies et à 93 % pour les ruchers. La prévalence apparente de colonies infectées par Nosema spp. ou Melissococcus plutonius a été estimée à respectivement 40 % et 21 %. Le virus des ailes déformées, le complexe viral AKI et le virus de la reine noire ont été détectés dans respectivement 33 %, 9 % et 95 % dans des 180 colonies testées par PCR. Acarapis woodi, Paenibacillus larvae et Aethina tumida n'ont pas été détectés. La varroase était suspectée par les apiculteurs de 14 des 15 entreprises où la mite a été détectée. Aucune corrélation n'a été trouvée entre la suspicion de loque européenne et la détection de M. plutonius ou entre la suspicion de nosémose et la détection de Nosema spp. La faiblesse des colonies a été associée à des comptes de Nosema d'au moins 0,5 × 106 spores par abeille. Melissococcus plutonius était plus fréquemment détecté parmi les colonies présentant du couvain en mosaïque.(Traduit pas les auteurs).

[Evaluation of the management and follow-up of diabetic patients in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy]. / Evaluación del manejo y seguimiento de los pacientes diabéticos en la prevención de la retinopatía diabética.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality, affecting 537 million adults worldwide. Spain is the second European country in prevalence, with 14.8% in the population aged twenty/seventy-nine years; with 11.6 cases per 1,000 people/year. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the fifth cause of vision loss worldwide and the seventh cause of blindness/visual impairment among members of the National Organization of the Blind in Spain (ONCE). Early detection of DR prevents blindness in diabetics and is conditioned by glycosylated hemoglobin. The aim of this paper was to analyze the management of diabetic patients in Aljarafe region (Seville) and identify opportunities for improvement in the coordination of their follow-up between the Primary Care physician and the ophthalmologist. METHODS: A retrospective observational study (2016-2019) was carried out, with patients registered in the diabetic census of the twenty-eight municipalities of Aljarafe. The primary care and hospital health history, and telemedicine program were consulted. About statistical analysis, for qualitative variables, totals and percentages were calculated; for quantitative variables, mean and standard deviation (if normally distributed) and median and quartiles (if non-normally distributed). RESULTS: There were 17,175 diabetics registered in Aljarafe (5.7% of the population); 14,440 patients (84.1%) had some determination of hemoglobin during the period, 9,228 (63.9%) had all of them in the appropriate range. Fundoscopic control was performed on 12,040 diabetics (70.1%), and of those who did not, 346 (10.6%) had all of them out of range. There were 1,878 (10.9%) patients without fundoscopic or metabolic control, 1,019 (54.3%) were women, 1,219 (64.9%) were under sixty-five years of age, 1,019 (54.3%) had severe comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients have adequate screening, and more than half have determinations within range. However, a significant percentage with no glycated hemoglobin within range lack fundoscopic control, and another smaller group lack fundoscopic or metabolic control, with inter-municipal variability. We propose to improve communication channels between levels.

OBJECTIVE: La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad crónica con alta morbimortalidad que afecta a 537 millones de adultos en el mundo. España es el segundo país europeo en prevalencia, con un 14,8% en población de veinte-setenta y nueve años, con 11,6 casos por cada 1.000 personas/año. La retinopatía diabética (RD) es la quinta causa de pérdida de visión a nivel mundial y la séptima causa de ceguera/discapacidad visual entre afiliados a la Organización Nacional de Ciegos de España (ONCE). La detección precoz de RD previene la ceguera en diabéticos y está condicionada por la hemoglobina glicosilada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el manejo de los pacientes diabéticos en la comarca del Aljarafe (Sevilla) e identificar oportunidades de mejora en la coordinación de su seguimiento entre el médico de Atención Primaria y el médico oftalmólogo. METHODS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo (2016-2019) con los pacientes registrados en el censo de diabéticos de los veintiocho municipios del Aljarafe. Se consultó la historia de salud de Atención Primaria y Hospital, así como el programa de Telemedicina. En cuanto al análisis estadístico, para variables cualitativas se calcularon totales y porcentajes; para variables cuantitativas, media y distribución estándar (si distribución normal), y la mediana y cuartiles (distribución no normal). RESULTS: Se registraron 17.175 diabéticos en el Aljarafe (5,7% de población); 14.440 pacientes (84,1%) tenían alguna determinación de hemoglobina durante el periodo, 9.228 (63,9%) las tenían todas en rango adecuado. Tenían control fundoscópico 12.040 diabéticos (70,1%), y de los que no, 346 (10,6%) tenían todas fuera de rango. Hubo 1.878 (10,9%) pacientes sin control fundoscópico ni metabólico, 1.019 (54,3%) eran mujeres, 1.219 (64,9%) menores de sesenta y cinco años, 1.019 (54,3%) con comorbilidad grave. CONCLUSIONS: La mayoría de los pacientes presentan un cribado adecuado y, más de la mitad, determinaciones en rango. Sin embargo, un porcentaje relevante con ninguna hemoglobina glicosilada en rango carecen de control fundoscópico, y otro grupo menor está sin control fundoscópico ni metabólico, con variabilidad intermunicipios. Planteamos mejorar los circuitos de comunicación entre niveles.

Testosterone Deficiency in Hypertensive Men: Prevalence and Associated Factors. / Deficiência de Testosterona em Homens Hipertensos: Prevalência e Fatores Associados.

BACKGROUND: Testosterone deficiency (TD) is a prevalent condition in our midst and still very neglected. Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the possible associated factors. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of TD in a hypertensive male population and the factors associated with its occurrence, such as age, time since hypertension diagnosis, number of antihypertensive classes, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), positive symptoms of TD (positive ADAM questionnaire) and use of spironolactone. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with administration of the ADAM questionnaire, assessment of biochemical, clinical, and anthropometric data. Patients were stratified into DT and normal testosterone groups. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-squared test and continuous variables using the Mann-Witney test; variables with significance (p<0,05) were analyzed by multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of TD was 26.36%. There was an association between TD and body mass index (BMI) (p=0.0007) but there was no association with age (p=0.0520), time of hypertension diagnosis (p=0.1418), number of classes of antihypertensive drugs (p=0.732), diabetes (p=0.1112); dyslipidemia (p=0.3888); CKD (p=0.3321); use of spironolactone (p=0.3546) or positive ADAM questionnaire (p=0.2483). CONCLUSIONS: TD was highly prevalent and positively associated with BMI. Total testosterone (TT) declined by 8.44ng/dL with a one unit increase in BMI and dropped by 3.79ng/dL with a one-year increase in age.

FUNDAMENTO: A deficiência de testosterona (DT) é uma condição prevalente em nosso meio e ainda muito negligenciada. A hipertensão arterial (HA) é um de seus possíveis fatores associados. OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência de DT em uma população masculina hipertensa e os fatores associados à sua ocorrência, como idade, tempo de diagnóstico de HA, número de classes de anti-hipertensivos, índice de massa corporal (IMC), diabetes, dislipidemia, doença renal crônica (DRC), sintomas positivos de DT (questionário ADAM positivo) e uso de espironolactona. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com aplicação do questionário ADAM, e avaliação de dados bioquímicos, clínicos e antropométricos. Os pacientes foram estratificados em grupos de DT e testosterona normal. As variáveis categóricas foram comparadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado e as variáveis contínuas pelo teste de Mann-Witney; as variáveis com significância (p<0,05) foram submetidas à regressão linear multivariada. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de DT foi de 26,8%. Houve associação entre DT e IMC (p=0,0007), mas não houve com idade (p=0,0520), tempo de diagnóstico de HA (p=0,1418), número de classes de anti-hipertensivos (p=0,0732), diabetes (p=0,1112); dislipidemia (p=0,3888); presença de DRC (p=0,3321); uso de espironolactona (p=0,3546) e questionário ADAM positivo (p=0,2483). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de DT foi alta e houve associação positiva com IMC. A testosterona total (TT) declinou 8,44 ng/dL com o aumento de 1 kg/m2 no IMC e caiu 3,79 ng/dL com o avanço em um ano na idade.

Chronic Heart Failure in Patients Hospitalized in 2002 and 2021: Comparative Analysis of Prevalence, Clinical Course and Drug Therapy.

AIM: Comparative analysis of the prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF), clinical and medical history data, and drug therapy of patients admitted to a cardiology hospital in 2002 and 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study analyzed the medical records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CHF who were admitted in 2002 (n=210) and 2021 (n=381) to a specialized cardiology hospital. RESULTS: According to medical records of 2021, the proportion of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CHF (87.6%) in the cohort of patients admitted to a cardiology hospital was twice as high as in 2002 (46.4%; p<0.001). The majority of patients with CHF in the study sample were patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). The proportion of such patients significantly increased to reach 75.9% in 2021 compared to 58.6% in 2002 (p<0.001). At the same time, the number of severe forms of CHF (NYHA functional class (FC) IV) decreased by 10% and was 13.2% in 2002 and 1.3% in 2021 (p<0.001). In the majority of patients, ischemic heart disease (98.1 and 91.1% in 2002 and 2021, respectively, p<0.001) and hypertension (80.5 and 98.2%, respectively, p<0.001) were diagnosed as the cause for CHF. Furthermore, the incidence of comorbidity increased significantly: atrial fibrillation was detected in 12.3% of patients in 2002 and 26.4% in 2021 (p < 0.001); type 2 diabetes mellitus, in 14.3 and 32% of patients (p <0.001); and obesity, in 33.3 and 43.7% of patients, respectively (p=0.018). The frequency of using the major groups of drugs increased during the analyzed period: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers were administered to 71.9% of patients in 2002 and to 87.7% in 2021 (p<0.001); beta-blockers were administered to 53.3 and 82.4% of patients (p<0.001); and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, to 1.9 and 18.6% of patients, respectively (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: In 2021, the proportion of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CHF in the patient cohort admitted to a cardiology hospital was twice as high as in 2002; the phenotype with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction predominated in the CHF structure. During the analyzed twenty-year period, the prevalence of comorbidities increased among CHF patients. The prescription frequency of pathogenetic evidence-based therapy has significantly increased by 2021, however, it remains insufficient even in patients with CHF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.