ABSTRACT
Solar generation of H2 is a promising strategy for dense energy storage. Supramolecular polymers composed of chromophore amphiphile monomers containing perylene monoimide (PMI) have been reported as crystalline light-harvesting assemblies for aqueous H2-evolving catalysts. Gelation of these supramolecular polymers with multivalent ions creates hydrogels with high diffusivity but insufficient mechanical stability and catalyst retention for reusability. We report here on using sodium alginate (SA) biopolymer to both induce supramolecular polymerization of PMI and co-immobilize them with catalysts in a robust hydrogel with high diffusivity that can also be 3D-printed. Faster mass transfer was achieved by controlling the material macrostructure by reducing gel diameter and microstructure by reducing biopolymer loading. Optimized gels produce H2 at rates rivaling solution-based PMI and generate H2 for up to 6 days. The PMI assemblies in the SA matrix create a percolation network capable of bulk-electron transfer under illumination. These PMI-SA materials were then 3D-printed on conductive substrates to create 3D hydrogel photoelectrodes with optimized porosity. The design of these versatile hybrid materials was bioinspired by the soft matter environment of natural photosynthetic systems and opens the opportunity to carry out light-to-fuel conversion within soft matter with arbitrary shapes and particular local environments.
ABSTRACT
This study addresses the pervasive challenges of low hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) testing rates coupled with the stigma associated with these diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with a special focus on Bangladesh. This study aims to introduce an innovative crowdsourcing intervention that involves medical students, a crucial cohort with the potential to shape healthcare attitudes. Through a structured crowdsourcing approach, the study designs and implements a digital intervention to counter stigma and promote testing among medical students in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Participants submitted brief videos or texts aiming to encourage hepatitis testing and reduce stigma. The call, advertised through meetings, emails, and social media, welcomed entries in English or Bengali over 3 weeks. A panel of six judges evaluated each entry based on clarity, impact potential, innovation, feasibility, and sustainability, awarding prizes to students behind the highest-rated submissions. Seventeen videos and four text messages received an average score of 5.5 among 440 surveyed medical students, predominantly 22 years old (16%) and in their fourth year (21%). After viewing, 360 students underwent screening, identifying two previously undiagnosed HBV cases referred for care; no HCV infections were found. Notably, 41% expressed concerns about individuals with HBV working in hospitals or having a doctor living with HBV. In conclusion, this pilot showcases the power of medical students in spearheading campaigns to counter hepatitis stigma and encourage testing. By utilizing crowdsourcing, the study introduces an innovative approach to a persistent issue in LMICs specially in Bangladesh, offering a model that could potentially be adapted by other regions grappling with similar challenges.
Subject(s)
Crowdsourcing , Hepatitis B , Hepatitis C , Social Stigma , Students, Medical , Humans , Students, Medical/psychology , Students, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Bangladesh , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Hepatitis C/psychology , Hepatitis B/diagnosis , Hepatitis B/psychology , Male , Female , Young Adult , Adult , Mass Screening/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and determination of genetic relatedness is an important tool for investigation of epidemiologically suspected outbreaks. AIM: This prospective cohort study evaluated a comprehensive, prospective bacterial WGS-based surveillance programme for early detection of transmission of most bacterial pathogens among patients at a paediatric oncology hospital. METHODS: Cultured bacterial isolates from clinical diagnostic specimens collected prospectively from both inpatient and outpatient encounters between January 2019 and December 2021 underwent routine WGS and core genome multi-locus sequence typing to determine isolates' relatedness. Previously collected isolates from January to December 2018 were retrospectively analysed for identification of prior or ongoing transmission. Multi-patient clusters were investigated to identify potential transmission events based on temporal and spatial epidemiological links and interventions were introduced. FINDINGS: A total of 1497 bacterial isolates from 1025 patients underwent WGS. A total of 259 genetically related clusters were detected, of which 18 (6.9%) multi-patient clusters involving 38 (3.7%) patients were identified. Sixteen clusters involved two patients each, and two clusters involved three patients. Following investigation, epidemiologically plausible transmission links were identified in five (27.8%) multi-patient clusters. None of the multi-patient clusters were suspected by conventional epidemiological surveillance. CONCLUSION: Bacterial WGS-based surveillance for early detection of hospital transmission detected several limited multi-patient clusters that were unrecognized by conventional epidemiological methods. Genomic surveillance helped efficiently focus interventions while reducing unnecessary investigations.
Subject(s)
Cross Infection , Disease Outbreaks , Child , Humans , Multilocus Sequence Typing , Prospective Studies , Retrospective Studies , Whole Genome Sequencing/methods , Cross Infection/microbiology , Delivery of Health Care , Genome, BacterialABSTRACT
Background: Hospital-at-Home (HAH) is a valid alternative for in-hospital stay for a wide variety of clinical indications. Occult myocardial injury, associated with acute illness, mainly occurs in patients with a background of non-obstructive coronary disease. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of this phenomenon in our HAH population. Methods: A retrospective description and analysis of data collected for patients admitted to the Sheba beyond's HAH services during 14 months. Results: During a period of 14 months (7/10/21-6/12/22), blood troponin measurements were available for 213 patients (median age 78 years, 52% males) hospitalized mainly for infectious causes. The median HS (highly sensitive) troponin level was 7.7 ng/L (IQR = 13.2 ng/L) (the normal upper limit is 12 ng/L) with 31% of all patients demonstrating an abnormally increased troponin level (68/213). Of all patients, 64% had a background diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease (138/213), of whom, 49% had abnormal HS troponin levels (68/138). No patient suffered from acute cardiac function deterioration and no patient died during their hospital-at-home stay. Conclusion: The prevalence of occult myocardial injury amongst elderly patients admitted to hospital-at-home stay for diagnoses other than myocardial infarction is relatively high but it is not associated with worse short-term clinical outcomes.
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INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is often delayed due to the high prevalence and limited physician and sleep testing resources. As a result, children may be referred to multiple specialties, such as pediatric sleep medicine and pediatric otolaryngology, resulting in long waitlists. METHOD: We used data from our pediatric OSA clinic to identify predictors of tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (AT). Before being seen in the clinic, parents completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and screening questionnaires for restless leg syndrome (RLS), nasal rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Tonsil size data were obtained from patient charts and graded using the Brodsky-five grade scale. Children completed an overnight oximetry study before being seen in the clinic, and a McGill oximetry score (MOS) was assigned based on the number and depth of oxygen desaturations. Logistic regression, controlling for otolaryngology physician, was used to identify significant predictors of AT. Three triage algorithms were subsequently generated based on the univariate and multivariate results to predict AT. RESULTS: From the OSA cohort, there were 469 eligible children (47% female, mean age = 8.19 years, SD = 3.59), with 89% of children reported snoring. Significant predictors of AT in univariate analysis included tonsil size and four PSQ questions, (1) struggles to breathe at night, (2) apneas, (3) daytime mouth breathing, and (4) AM dry mouth. The first triage algorithm, only using the four PSQ questions, had an odds ratio (OR) of 4.02 for predicting AT (sensitivity = 0.28, specificity = 0.91). Using only tonsil size, the second algorithm had an OR to predict AT of 9.11 (sensitivity = 0.72, specificity = 0.78). The third algorithm, where MOS was used to stratify risk for AT among those children with 2+ tonsils, had the same OR, sensitivity, and specificity as the tonsil-only algorithm. CONCLUSION: Tonsil size was the strongest predictor of AT, while oximetry helped stratify individual risk for AT. We recommend that referral letters for snoring children include graded tonsil size to aid in the triage based on our findings. Children with 2+ tonsil sizes should be triaged to otolaryngology, while the remainder should be referred to a pediatric sleep specialist.
Subject(s)
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive , Tonsillectomy , Adenoidectomy , Algorithms , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery , TriageABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot infection is often associated with high morbidity, disability and poor quality of life. This study focuses on the demography, the number of repetitive surgery and length of stay in hospital of patients with diabetic foot infection. METHOD: This is a retrospective observational study. Patients who were admitted to the Orthopaedic ward of Hospital Segamat (HS), Johor, Malaysia from January 2016 to December 2018 and required surgical intervention were included in the study. Data was collected from the computer system of HS and medical notes of patients. RESULTS: 35.6% of the total orthopaedic emergency surgeries performed were for patients with diabetic foot infection, 25% of the surgical procedures performed were major amputations of lower limb and 40% of the patients with diabetic foot infection required more than one surgical operation. DISCUSSION: The demographics of the patients is consistent with the demographics of Malaysia where majority of them are Malays followed by Chinese, Indians and others. Despite being only 10% of total admission to the department, this group of patients contributed to 35.6% of the total emergency surgeries performed. The amputation rate in the centre is comparable to the other local studies. The average length of stay in hospital was found to be shorter compared to overseas due to different rehabilitation protocols.
Subject(s)
Diabetic Foot/microbiology , Diabetic Foot/surgery , Tertiary Care Centers , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Female , Humans , Length of Stay/trends , Malaysia , Male , Middle Aged , Reoperation/trends , Retrospective Studies , Surgical Procedures, Operative/trends , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Injection laryngoplasty (IL) is a brief, minimally invasive procedure involving injection of agents to augment the interarytenoid space. It was initially described as a diagnostic and temporizing measure for management of type one laryngeal clefts (LC1) and associated swallowing dysfunction (SwD), but more gradually it is being proposed as a definitive treatment modality. However, the morbidity of this treatment for LC1 remains under-investigated. This study sought to determine the morbidities associated with IL as a treatment modality for LC1 and associated SwD. METHOD: Single centre retrospective review of a prospective surgical database of one Pediatric Otolaryngologist at a tertiary care center. Participants included pediatric patients with an endoscopic diagnosis of LC1, treated with IL between 2000 and 2018-excluding those with concurrent upper airway anomalies. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic information, immediate post-op complications (within the first 14 days following IL), and subsequent management. RESULTS: Out of 85 consecutive, eligible patients, 12 were excluded (5 subglottic stenosis, 6 laryngomalacia, and one tracheomalacia). Of the 73 included patients, 42 were male and 31 females. The median age at IL was 29 months (range 1-132, interquartile range of 38 months). All IL procedures in this study utilized hyaluronic acid derivatives. From this series, 13 patients experienced post-operative complications. The complications encountered were respiratory distress (N = 5), croup-like cough (N = 6), and stridor (N = 6). These complications were either self-limiting (N=9), managed by systemic or inhaled steroids (N = 4), or admitted to hospital for monitoring (N=3). One case (augmented with dextranomer and hyaluronic acid) required intubation, repeat endoscopy, and drainage of seroma. CONCLUSION: IL was followed by respiratory morbidity in nearly two in ten of this series of consecutive patients. All the morbidities occurred in association with one injection product. Parents should be counselled appropriately about potential morbidities associated with this procedure.
Subject(s)
Congenital Abnormalities/surgery , Dextrans/administration & dosage , Dextrans/adverse effects , Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage , Hyaluronic Acid/adverse effects , Laryngoplasty/adverse effects , Larynx/abnormalities , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Endoscopy , Female , Humans , Infant , Injections , Laryngoplasty/methods , Larynx/surgery , Male , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Propofol and remifentanil intravenous combination is one popular form of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in mainstream clinical practice, but it has rarely been applied to a rat model for laryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). Our objective was to establish a safe and reproducible general anesthetic protocol for laryngoscopy and endoscopic LEMG in a rat model. Our hypothesis is that TIVA allows a minimally morbid, and feasible laryngoscopy and LEMG. METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to either inhalational anesthesia (IA) (isoflurane) or TIVA (propofol and remifentanil) and underwent laryngoscopy and LEMG. The primary outcome was a complete minimally interrupted rigid laryngoscopy and obtaining reproducible motor unit potentials from the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. The secondary outcome was morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Seventeen out of twenty-two rats underwent both TIVA and IA. Only two underwent IA only. All nineteen rats that underwent IA had a successful experiment. Seventeen rats underwent TIVA, however, only nine completed a successful experiment due to difficulty achieving a surgical plane, and respiratory events. Upon comparing the success of the two anaesthetic regimens, IA was superior to TIVA (P = 0.0008). There was no statistical difference between the amplitudes (p = 0.1985) or motor units burst duration (p = 0.82605) of both methods. Three mortalities were encountered, one of which was due to lidocaine toxicity and two were during anesthetic induction. Respiratory related morbidity was encountered in two rats, all seen with TIVA. CONCLUSIONS: TIVA is not an ideal anesthetic regimen for laryngeal endoscopy and LEMG in rat models. Contrary to our hypothesis, IA did not affect the quality of the LEMG and allowed a seamless rigid endoscopy.
Subject(s)
Anesthetics, Inhalation/adverse effects , Electromyography/methods , Isoflurane/administration & dosage , Laryngoscopy/methods , Propofol/administration & dosage , Anesthesia, Intravenous/methods , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Male , Random Allocation , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Remifentanil , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is hoped to identify reasons of failure of adenotonsillectomy (AT) in treating pediatric sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Maxillomandibular disproportion has been studied as another association which may explain alternative pathogenesis of SDB. We aimed to explore the relation between the size of the gonial angle and inclination of the epiglottis measured from cone beam CT (CBCT) and tongue base collapse based on DISE in children with SDB. METHOD: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a tertiary pediatric center. Children (6-17 years old) assessed at a multi-disciplinary Upper Airway Clinic, diagnosed with SDB and maxillo-mandibular disproportion (MMD), and who underwent DISE were eligible. Variables obtained from the electronic medical records of the clinic and prospective database included demographics, comorbidities, surgeries performed, investigations, DISE findings and CBCT findings. The gonial angle of subjects with and without tongue base collapse (TBC) on SNP were compared. RESULTS: In total 29 patients (13 male, 8 female) age 6-17 (median= 9) were eligible for the study from January 2009 - July 2016. We included 11 subjects, and 10 comparators. The mean gonial angle of the TBC group was 139.3°± 7.6°, while that of the comparison group was 129.4°±3.5 (mean difference -9.937, 95% CI of -15.454 to - 4.421, P = 0.001, power of test 0.95). Additionally, the mean inclination of the epiglottis had a mild positive correlation (r=0.32, p<0.05) with the gonial angle, in the whole cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that TBC may be mediated by a wider gonial angle in children with SDB patients. The posterior tilt of the epiglottis on CBCT may be a surrogate sign of TBC.
Subject(s)
Mandible/diagnostic imaging , Sleep Apnea Syndromes/etiology , Snoring/etiology , Tongue/diagnostic imaging , Adenoidectomy , Adolescent , Body Weights and Measures , Child , Child, Preschool , Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Female , Humans , Male , Pilot Projects , Retrospective Studies , Sleep Apnea Syndromes/diagnostic imaging , Sleep Apnea Syndromes/surgery , Snoring/diagnostic imaging , Tonsillectomy , Treatment FailureABSTRACT
Little is known about viral and atypical bacteria pathogen spectra of community-acquired lower respiratory tract infection in children in Tunisia. Thus, a prospective study was carried out between January 2009 and March 2010 in Sfax. Nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from 368 patients (78 with pneumonia and 290 with acute bronchiolitis) were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay and PCR to detect influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, human rhinovirus, human enterovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, Mycoplasma pneumonia (Mpn) and Chlamydia pneumonia (Cpn). One or more etiology was documented in 319 cases (86.7%). The most detected viruses were RSV (42.7%), rhinovirus (32.9%) and adenovirus (28.5%). Co-detection of two or three pathogens was found in 40% of positive samples. This study highlights the importance of respiratory viruses in lower respiratory tract infection in children of Sfax region as well as the high rate of co-detection of multiple viruses, resulting in challenges in clinical interpretation.
Le profil étiologique microbien des infections respiratoires basses (IRB) communautaires de l'enfant a été peu étudié en Tunisie. Une étude prospective a été menée à Sfax entre janvier 2009 et mars 2010 sur 368 enfants hospitalisés pour pneumonie (nâ =â 78) ou bronchiolite aiguë (nâ =â 290). Les aspirations nasopharyngées ont été analysées par immunofluorescence et par PCR à la recherche des virus influenza, virus para-influenza, virus respiratoire syncytial (VRS), métapneumovirus, rhinovirus, entérovirus, adénovirus, coronavirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mpn) et Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn). Une étiologie ou plus a été retrouvée dans 319 cas (86,7 %) : principalement le VRS (42,7 %), des rhinovirus (32,9 %) et des adénovirus (28,5 %). Dans 40 % des prélèvements positifs, deux ou trois agents pathogènes ont été codétectés. Cette étude a permis de montrer la prévalence élevée des virus dans les IRB de l'enfant dans la région de Sfax et leur détection fréquente en co-infection posant la question sur leur rôle pathogène réel.
Subject(s)
Bacterial Infections/epidemiology , Community-Acquired Infections , Respiratory Tract Infections , Virus Diseases/epidemiology , Adolescent , Bacteria/classification , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Bacterial Infections/classification , Child , Child, Preschool , Coinfection/epidemiology , Coinfection/microbiology , Coinfection/virology , Community-Acquired Infections/epidemiology , Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology , Community-Acquired Infections/virology , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Prospective Studies , Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology , Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology , Tunisia/epidemiology , Virus Diseases/classification , Viruses/classification , Viruses/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
Bacillus cereus remains an important cause of infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. While typically associated with enteric infections, disease manifestations can be quite diverse and include skin infections, bacteremia, pneumonia, and meningitis. Whether there are any genetic correlates of bacterial strains with particular clinical manifestations remains unknown. To address this gap in understanding, we undertook whole-genome analysis of B. cereus strains isolated from patients with a range of disease manifestations, including noninvasive colonizing disease, superficial skin infections, and invasive bacteremia. Interestingly, strains involved in skin infection tended to form a distinct genetic cluster compared to isolates associated with invasive disease. Other disease manifestations, despite not being exclusively clustered, nonetheless had unique genetic features. The unique features associated with the specific types of infections ranged from traditional virulence determinants to metabolic pathways and gene regulators. These data represent the largest genetic analysis to date of pathogenic B. cereus isolates with associated clinical parameters.
Subject(s)
Bacillus cereus/genetics , Whole Genome Sequencing/methods , Bacillus cereus/pathogenicity , Genome, Bacterial/genetics , Genotype , Humans , Immunocompromised Host , PhylogenyABSTRACT
to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HAV infection during three successive outbreaks occurring between 2007 and 2010 in the governorate of Sfax. epidemiological and clinical characteristics were retrospectively analyzed from the outbreak investigations. The diagnosis of acute hepatitis A was confirmed by ELISA detection of immunoglobulin M serum antibodies to HAV. 443 patients were identified and 159 of them investigated. Their mean age was 12.2 years and the M/F ratio was 0.9. The most affected age groups were 6-10 years (35%) and 11-15 years (33%). The most likely sources of contamination were drinking water from wells or tanks and direct transmission. The most frequent symptoms included asthenia, digestive disorders, and jaundice. Two cases of fulminant hepatitis were reported, one lethal. our results show that HAV endemicity in the governorate of Sfax has dropped from high to intermediate as demonstrated by the increasing age at primary HAV infection. Strengthening health education and improving access to drinking water would reduce the transmission risk of HAV in our regions.
Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Hepatitis A/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Tunisia/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In Senegal, reported cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis are often due to Leishmania major. Immunosuppression related to HIV infection contributes to the emergence of leishmaniasis in humans and to cutaneous localization of viscerotropic species. We report the first observed case in Senegal of opportunistic cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum associated with HIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year-old boy presented crusted ulcerative lesions of the scalp and left forearm, together with axillary and cervical lymphadenopathy present for two months. Direct parasitological examination of the scalp and arm lesions, coupled with liquid aspiration of lymph nodes and bone marrow, enabled identification of amastigote forms of Leishmania. Polymerase chain reaction performed on skin, lymph node and bone marrow biopsy samples allowed identification of L. infantum. The child was positive for HIV1. Treatment of HIV infection and leishmaniasis resulted in clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Co-infection with cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. infantum and HIV is a complex combination in terms of the related therapeutic issues. The clinical and laboratory outcomes depend on restoration of immunity and on the efficacy, safety and availability of anti-leishmaniasis drugs.
Subject(s)
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/complications , Leishmania infantum/isolation & purification , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Child, Preschool , Humans , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/complications , Male , SenegalABSTRACT
Fungal mycetoma are inflammatory pseudo-tumors of subcutaneous tissues and possibly bones due to exogenous fungi. They have a chronic course, often poly-fistulated with an emission of fungal grains. We report the case of a 65-year-old farmer with a thoracic fungal mycetoma discovered incidentally, associated with bone involvement. The diagnosis was confirmed by the positive culture to Madurella mycetomatis. The outcome was favorable with terbinafine 1g per day for 12 months associated with complete excision of oncologic type followed by a skin graft.
Subject(s)
Madurella/isolation & purification , Mycetoma , Naphthalenes/therapeutic use , Thoracic Diseases , Aged , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Incidental Findings , Male , Mycetoma/drug therapy , Mycetoma/microbiology , Mycetoma/surgery , Skin Transplantation , Terbinafine , Thoracic Diseases/drug therapy , Thoracic Diseases/microbiology , Thoracic Diseases/surgery , Thoracic Neoplasms/diagnosisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and level of dental fear among health related undergraduates and to identify factors causing such fear using Kleinknecht's Dental Fear Survey (DFS) questionnaire. METHODS: Kleinknecht's DFS questionnaire was used to assess dental fear and anxiety among the entire enrollment of the medical and dental undergraduates' of the University of Malaya. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 82.2%. Dental students reported higher prevalence of dental fear (96.0% versus 90.4%). However, most of the fear encountered among dental students was in the low fear category as compared to their medical counterpart (69.2 versus 51.2%). Significantly more medical students cancelled dental appointment due to fear compared to dental students (P = 0.004). "Heart beats faster" and "muscle being tensed" were the top two physiological responses experienced by the respondents. "Drill" and "anesthetic needle" were the most fear provoking objects among respondents of both faculties. CONCLUSION: Dental fear and anxiety are a common problem encountered among medical and dental undergraduates who represent future health care professionals. Also, high level of dental fear and anxiety leads to the avoidance of the dental services.
Subject(s)
Dental Anxiety/psychology , Dental Care/psychology , Students, Dental/psychology , Students, Medical/psychology , Adult , Data Collection , Dental Anxiety/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Needles , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE: The Möbius sequence is a rare condition defined by the combination of congenital non-progressive facial and abducens nerve palsies. The etiology of the sequence is still unknown, but likely encompasses a group of heterogeneous disorders involving genetic maldevelopment of the brainstem, a fetal vascular insult and/or teratogen exposure. The clinical phenotype reported has expanded over the years, and may be associated with more extensive cranial nerve and oropharyngeal involvement, as well as limb defects. OBSERVATIONS: We describe two cases of children presenting with unilateral Möbius syndrome associated with ipsilateral unilateral palatal weakness. Investigations failed to identified a clear underlying etiology, but both cases shared phenotypic features of other more common cranial facial disorders such as craniofacial microsomia and the velocardiofacial syndrome. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: These two cases highlight the clinical heterogeneity of the Möbius sequence. Although asymmetries are not uncommon, cases with strictly unilateral features are extremely rare, and as such these may represent a distinct subgroup that may pertain to a specific etiology. Although in many cases, evidence of an intrauterine vascular insult may be identified, a contributing genetic etiology should be considered, even in cases with strictly unilateral features. As such genes expressed in the developing rhombencephalon and its vasculature represent good candidates for future investigation.
Subject(s)
Mobius Syndrome/diagnosis , Abnormalities, Multiple/etiology , Child , DiGeorge Syndrome/etiology , Goldenhar Syndrome/etiology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , MaleABSTRACT
To develop an evidence-based guideline for the empiric management of pediatric fever and neutropenia (FN). The International Pediatric Fever and Neutropenia Guideline Panel is a multidisciplinary and multinational group composed of experts in pediatric oncology and infectious disease as well as a patient advocate. The Panel was convened for the purpose of creating this guideline. We followed previously validated procedures for creating evidence-based guidelines. Working groups focused on initial presentation, ongoing management, and empiric antifungal therapy. Each working group developed key clinical questions, conducted systematic reviews of the published literature, and compiled evidence summaries. The Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to generate summaries, and evidence was classified as high, moderate, low, or very low based on methodologic considerations. Recommendations were made related to initial presentation (risk stratification, initial evaluation, and treatment), ongoing management (modification and cessation of empiric antibiotics), and empiric antifungal treatment (risk stratification, evaluation, and treatment) of pediatric FN. For each recommendation, the strength of the recommendation and level of evidence are presented. This guideline represents an evidence-based approach to FN specific to children with cancer. Although some recommendations are similar to adult-based guidelines, there are key distinctions in multiple areas. Implementation will require adaptation to the local context.
Subject(s)
Humans , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Fever/diagnosis , Neutropenia/diagnosis , Neoplasms/complications , Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an unusual head and neck cancer because of its unequal geographical distribution and its consistent association with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This malignant tumor poses a serious public health problem in many countries, especially in Southeast Asia and North Africa where the recorded incidence are highest. During the past decade, a growing number of studies were undertaken to define the molecular basis of NPC. However, the analysis of several clinical and biological parameters of North African and Southeast Asian NPCs has shown notable differences, suggesting that they could result from a distinct combination of etiological factors. One intriguing characteristic of North African NPC, concerns its bimodal age distribution with a secondary peak of incidence in the range of 15-25 years, not observed in Asian NPC. In this juvenile form of NPC, immuno-histochemistry assay has shown that the two key proteins controlling the apoptotic-survival balance p53 and Bcl-2 are less frequently expressed whereas the transmembrane tyrosine-kinase receptor c-kit and the main EBV oncoprotein LMP1 were more abundant. In addition, the EBV serological alterations are less informative for the diagnosis of the juvenile compared to the adult form. In addition, most North African NPCs contain EBV strains with genetic polymorphisms distinct from those described in the Southeast Asia series (predominance of F, D, H1-H2, XhoI+ and f, C, H, XhoI- respectively). In contrast, studies relating on tumor chromosomal alterations or aberrant promoter methylation result in data very similar to those obtained from the Southeast Asia series, supporting the concept of a common molecular basis for all NPC regardless of patient geographic origin.
Subject(s)
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Adolescent , Adult , Africa, Northern/epidemiology , Age Distribution , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism , Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology , Chromosome Aberrations , Epigenesis, Genetic/genetics , Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics , Herpesvirus 4, Human/immunology , Humans , Incidence , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/ethnology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/etiology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Polymorphism, Genetic , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism , Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism , Young AdultABSTRACT
El estudio identifica factores predictivos de infección o de complicaciones en pacientes pediátricos con neutropenia febril (NF), establece puntos clínicos decorte y destaca la importancia de la impresión clínica inicial y 24 horas de observación.