The effects of underwater diving on the lung function of divers in coastal areas of tourism destinations: A cross-sectional study in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.

North Sulawesi is renowned for its captivating underwater tourism, attracting SCUBA divers and traditional divers. Given the potential impact of diving activities on lung function, this study aims to explore differences in lung function among self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving tourism workers, traditional divers utilizing breathing air compressors and air lines, and non-divers within the coastal areas of tourism destinations in North Sulawesi. Employing a descriptive comparative study with a cross-sectional approach, 90 subjects were categorized into three groups, and selected through simple random sampling. Spirometry was utilized for data collection, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed for comparisons, with post hoc analysis for specific differences. The ANOVA analysis revealed significant variations in FVC Predicted, FVC Measured, FEV1, and obstruction and restriction values among SCUBA divers, traditional divers, and non-divers with a level of significance of p < 0.05. Post hoc analysis exhibited noteworthy distinctions in FVC Predicted, FVC Measured, and FEV1 between traditional divers and non-divers, and between SCUBA divers and traditional divers (p < 0.00). Obstruction values showed differences between SCUBA divers and traditional divers (p = 0.012), while restriction values indicated disparities between traditional divers and non-divers (p = 0.019). In conclusion, there were significant variations in lung function among SCUBA diving tourism workers, traditional divers using compressors and air lines, and non-divers within the coastal areas of tourism destinations in North Sulawesi.

Crusted Scabies, a Neglected Tropical Disease: Case Series and Literature Review.

Crusted scabies is a rare form of scabies that presents with more severe symptoms than those of classic scabies. It is characterized by large crusted lesions, extensive scales, thick hyperkeratosis, and contains a large number of highly contagious itch mites. Crusted scabies is more prevalent in immunocompromised, malnourished, and disabled individuals. This disease has been linked to a variety of health problems, including delayed diagnosis, infection risk, and high mortality, mainly from sepsis, and it has the potential to cause an outbreak due to its hyper-infestation, which makes it highly infectious. This article reports three cases of crusted scabies in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Recent updates and a comprehensive review of the literature on the disease are also included, emphasizing the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective medical management of patients, which are necessary to prevent the complications and spread in communities.