Significant Difference In Prevalence Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundJAK inhibitors are a relatively new class of medications that may be useful in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of several JAK inhibitors in treating psoriasis and PsA and examine safety concerns.MethodsMEDLINE, Cochrane and EMBASE were searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing any JAK inhibitor to placebo. The primary outcomes were a 75% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI75) and a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology composite score (ACR20). A secondary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving a “0” or “1” on the static Physician Global Assessment scale. Odds ratios were used to compare the proportion of patients reaching these targets in the max dose intervention group vs. the placebo group. A random effects model was used to account for heterogeneity.ResultsIn total, 15 RCTs were included in the study and no observational studies. This encompassed 6757 patients in total. When the results were combined, the calculated odds ratio for PASI75 amongst tofacitinib vs. placebo was OR 14.35 [95%CI 7.65, 26.90], for PASI75 amongst non-tofacitinib JAK inhibitors vs. placebo it was OR 6.42 [95%CI 4.89, 8.43], for ACR20 amongst all JAK inhibitors versus placebo was OR 5.87 [95%CI 4.39, 7.85]. There was no significant difference in prevalence of serious adverse events between intervention and control in any of these studies.ConclusionJAK inhibitors show promise for safely treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41927-022-00287-7.

Evaluation of Demographic Characteristics and Biochemical Parameters with Echovirus Infection in Children at Thi-Qar Province/Iraq

The current study was conducted in Thi-Qar province, with One hundred blood specimens were collected from patients in Mohammed Al-Mousawi Hospital for Children (ages between 2 days - 3 years, males and females), at the period between November 2021 to February 2022.This study aimed to revealed the relationship between different characteristics (sex, age and clinical symptoms) with viral infections , and diagnosis by WBC COUNT, platelet and C-reactive protein for each patients. Based on the results recorded among 100 children have different disease, but only, 9% of patients were infected with the Echovirus, and 91% were negative for viral infection, the results also noted a significant difference in viral prevalence in children at p. value < 0.05. Results also noted a non-significant difference according to children’ gender at p. value < 0.05. Most children infected with Echovirus was in 6-8 and 8-10 month 25%, while the age groups (3day-< 2 month), (2 - < 4 month), (12 - < 14 month), and (14 - < 16 month), were non-infected with Echovirus. The results also noted a significant difference according to age groups at p. value < 0.05. The results of present study showed that CRP and WBC count were increase, while the platelet count was low or normal in children

Molecular detection and phylogenetic tree of echovirus in children at Thi-Qar province Iraq

The current study was conducted in Thi-Qar province, southern Iraq, A number of 100 blood samples collected from sick Children in Mohammed Al-Mousawi Hospital for Children (ages between 2 days - 3 years), males and females, during the period from November 2021 to February 2022.This study aimed to detects the presence of Echovirus RNA in patients serum by RT-PCR and compare sequences results of current study isolates with previously described isolates from other region of the world and then draw its phylogenetic tree. Based on the results recorded among 100 child have different symptoms only 9% of patients infected with Echovirus, the results also noted a significant difference in viral prevalence in babies patients. The results from the sequencing analysis indicated that three viral isolates belong to the human echovirus, out of nine positive samples for PCR analysis. The results of the viral sequencing showed that the Iraqi strain is identical to the American isolate, China's isolate and Russia's isolate ,all of them have 100% sequencing identical.

Prevalence of Ophidiomycosis (Snake Fungal Disease) at a High Disturbance Remediated Landfill and at a Low-Impacted Forest Research Site in East Tennessee, USA

Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease; SFD) is a disease of conservation concern caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola that threatens the health of snake populations worldwide. Gaps exist in our knowledge about the prevalence of this disease across landscapes. In our study, we compared the prevalence of ophidiomycosis between a low-impacted forest site (n = 93) and a highly disturbed remediated landfill (n = 53) in Anderson County, Tennessee, USA. Free-ranging snakes were examined for the presence of skin lesions that are consistent with ophidiomycosis and were swabbed to detect O. ophidiicola DNA using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Apparent ophidiomycosis (qPCR-positive and skin lesions present) was diagnosed at both sites, but there was no significant difference in prevalence between the two sites (24.7% at the forest site; 22.6% at the landfill site). Apparent ophidiomycosis was most prevalent in Racers (38%; Coluber constrictor) and Ring-Necked Snakes (26%; Diadophis punctatus). There was no difference in ophidiomycosis status between sites for the most-sampled species: Racers, Black Rat Snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus), and Ring-necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus). Our study represents the first report of ophidiomycosis at focal sites in Tennessee. The findings suggest that O. ophidiicola may be ubiquitous across the landscape and point to the need for further study of diverse habitat types for the prevalence of O. ophidiicola.

342.1: Comparable Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Selected Patients With a BMI ≥40: A Personalized Medicine Approach To Recipient Selection

Introduction: Kidney transplantation confers a survival benefit compared with dialysis in most studies of obese patients. Yet, many transplant centers decline patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2. Our practice relies on computed tomography imaging to evaluate iliac depth and pelvic angle to assess candidacy (see Figure 1). Our aim was to evaluate post-transplant outcomes including survival in patients according to recipient BMI. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of adult kidney transplant alone recipients comparing BMI ≥40 patients (n=84, BMI =42±2 kg/m2) to a matched BMI <40 cohort (n=84, BMI =28±5 kg/m2). Patients were matched for recipient age, gender, race, presence of diabetes, and donor type (living vs. deceased). Results: BMI ≥40 patients were on dialysis longer pre-transplant (5.2±3.2 years vs. 4.1±3.5 years, p=0.03) and received lower kidney donor profile index (KDPI) kidneys (40±25% vs. 53±26%, p=0.003) compared to lower BMI patients. There were no significant differences in prevalence of delayed graft function, reoperations, readmissions, wound complications, patient survival, or renal function at 1 year according to serum creatinine and eGFR. Long-term graft survival was higher for BMI ≥40 patients, including after adjusting for KDPI (BMI ≥40: aHR=1.79, 95% CI=1.09-2.9) (see Figure 2). BMI ≥40 patients had similar weight gain and BMI change in the first year post-transplant (delta weight: BMI ≥40 + 2.5±9.1 kg vs. BMI <40 + 3.0±8.0 kg, p=0.74; delta BMI: BMI ≥40 + 0.9±3.3 vs. BMI <40 + 1.1±3.2, p=0.59). BMI ≥40 patients had a higher mean HbA1c level (6.9±1.7% vs. 5.9±1.4%, p=0.003) at one year post-transplant. Conclusions: Overall patient survival and complications after kidney transplantation were comparable in BMI ≥40 patients compared to a matched cohort with lower BMI with improved long-term graft survival in the obese patients. BMI-based exclusion criteria for kidney transplantation should be reexamined in favor of a more individualized approach.

Global, regional, and national neck pain burden in the general population, 1990-2019: An analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019.

BackgroundThis study describes the global epidemiology and trends associated with neck pain. Global Burden of Disease data collected between 1990 and 2019 were used to determine the global burden of neck pain in the general populations of 204 countries.MethodsGlobal, regional, and national burdens of neck pain determined by prevalence, incidence, and years lived with a disability (YLD) from 1990 to 2019 were comprehensively analyzed according to age, gender, and socio-demographic index using the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990 and 2019 data provided by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.ResultsGlobally, in 2019, the age-standardized rates for prevalence, incidence, and YLD of neck pain per 100,000 population was 2,696.5 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 2,177.0 to 3,375.2), 579.1 (95% UI, 457.9 to 729.6), and 267.4 (95% UI, 175.5 to 383.5) per 100,000 population, respectively. Overall, there was no significant difference in prevalence, incidence, or YLD of neck pain between 1990 and 2019. The highest age-standardized YLD of neck pain per 100,000 population in 2019 was observed in high-income North America (479.1, 95% UI 323.0 to 677.6), Southeast Asia (416.1, 95% UI 273.7 to 596.5), and East Asia (356.4, 95% UI 233.2 to 513.2). High-income North America (17.0, 95% UI 9.0 to 25.4%) had the largest increases in YLD of neck pain per 100,000 population from 1990 to 2019. At the national level, the highest age-standardized YLD of neck pain was found in the Philippines (530.1, 95% UI 350.6 to 764.8) and the highest change age-standardized YLD between 1990 and 2019 was found in the United States (18.4, 95% UI 9.9 to 27.6%). Overall, the global burden of neck pain increased with age until the age of 70–74 years, and was higher in women than men. In general, positive associations between socio-demographic index and burden of neck pain were found.ConclusionsBecause neck pain is a major public health burden with a high prevalence, incidence, and YLD worldwide, it is important to update its epidemiological data and trends to cope with the future burden of neck pain.

230.2: Protective Effect of HLA-A24 Allele on COVID-19 Among Vaccinated Kidney Transplant Recipients

Introduction: Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles have been shown to affect both the susceptibility and severity of viral infections. [1] Recently, seasonal coronavirus-specific CD8+ T cells were found to cross-react with HLA-A24 high binding epitope from SARS-COV2 spike protein in healthy persons with HLA A-24 alleles. [2] Considering that HLA-A24 antigen has been found in high frequency in Asian countries that have experienced the lowest death per capita, HLA-A24 allele may confer protection against COVID 19. Therefore, in this study, we examined the association of HLA-A24 allele and COVID19 susceptibility and severity in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study included 530 patients who received a kidney transplant between 2/1/2017 to 1/31/2022. The exposure was HLA-A24 allele and primary outcomes were COVID19 infection and COVID-19-related hospitalization or COVID-19-associated death. All positive COVID-19 KTR were either self-reported or were from PCR tests indicated for patients with COVID-19 symptoms. For further analysis, patients were stratified by vaccination status prior to COVID-19 infection. Data was analyzed using student’s T test, Chi square test, and Fischer exact test. Results: Of the 509 KTR, 139 (27%) patients had at least one HLA-A24 antigen of which 13 patients were double-positive for HLA-A24. There were no significant differences in age, gender, race, ethnicity, BMI, and prevalence of comorbidities including coronary artery disease, diabetes, and heart failure between patients with and without HLA-A24 allele. Of 139 KTR with HLA-A24 alleles, 35 patients became infected with COVID-19; while 139 of 370 KTR without HLA-A24 had COVID-19 (25.2% vs. 37.5%; P <0.01). After stratified by vaccination status prior to COVID-19 infection, while the ratio of KTR with COVID-19 prior to vaccination did not differ between the two groups (20.1% vs. 22.4%, P =0.58), the proportion of patients who had COVID-19 after vaccination was significantly lower in the HLA-A24 group (5.0% vs. 15.1%; P <0.01). There was no difference in hospitalization and mortality related to COVID-19 between the two groups.Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination is more effective in KTR with HLA-A24allele. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of protective effect of HLA-A24 on COVID-19 in high-risk immunocompromised host such as in KTR.

Testosterone deficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus with varying degrees of carbohydrate metabolic compensation

Objective: to evaluate total testosterone level in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and varying degrees of carbohydrate metabolic compensation. Materials and Methods. The continuous cross-sectional non-interventional screening study included 100 men 45 [43; 48] years of age with newly diagnosed type 2 DM. The study continued from February through May of 2021. The level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and total blood testosterone were determined. Group comparisons were performed via Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Fisher’s exact test. The differences were assumed statistically significant at p&lt;0.05. Results. When comparing patients with different HbA1c content, we discovered that in patients with HbA1c from less than 6.5 to 9.9%, total testosterone levels as well as testosterone deficiency prevalence did not differ statistically significantly. At HbA1c &gt;12%, the prevalence of testosterone deficiency increased statistically significantly (p&lt;0.001), and testosterone levels decreased (p&lt;0.001). Comparison of patient groups with HbA1c levels from less than 6.5 to 9.9% and from 10 to 11.9% did not yield statistically significant differences in the testosterone deficiency prevalence and testosterone content. However, there was a trend towards worse parameter values in the latter group, especially because patients with HbA1c levels from less than 6.5 to 9.9% were older. Conclusion. Total testosterone levels in type 2 DM patients are associated with carbohydrate metabolic compensation. Negative impact on testosterone production was detected in patients with HbA1c content of ≥10%.

Rural-urban differences in prevalence of and risk factors for refractive errors among school children and adolescents aged 6-18 years in Dalian, China.

PurposeTo assess the prevalence of refractive errors (REs) in school children aged 6–18 years in urban and rural settings in Dalian, Northeast of China.MethodsThis is a school-based cross-sectional survey using multi-stage randomization technique. Six- to eighteen-year-old school children from elementary schools, junior and senior high schools from a rural area and an urban area in Dalian were included in December 2018. All subjects underwent a comprehensive questionnaire and eye examination.ResultsA total of 4,522 school children with 6–18 years of age were investigated. The age, gender-adjusted prevalence of myopia, and anisometropia were 82.71 and 7.27% among the urban students as compared to 71.76% and 5.41% among the rural ones (OR = 1.80, 95 % CI = 1.53 - 2.11, P < 0.001; OR = 1.29, 95 % CI = 1.00–1.67, P = 0.049), respectively. The hyperopia was less common in urban students than in rural ones (5.63 vs. 10.21%; OR = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.43–0.67, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in prevalence of astigmatism between urban (46.07%) and rural (44.69%) participants (OR = 0.96, 95 % CI: 0.84–1.10, P = 0.559). The differences on prevalence of REs were attributed to different social-demographic and physiologic factors.ConclusionsThe students from urban settings are more likely to have myopia and anisometropia but less likely to have hyperopia than their rural counterparts. Although considerable attention had been paid to controlling REs, it is necessary to further consider the urban-rural differences in REs.

Prevalence of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and multifocal motor neuropathy in two regions of Australia.

Immune-mediated neuropathies such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) produce significant disability and often require maintenance treatment. There is a paucity of epidemiological data on these conditions in Australia. We undertook a prevalence study of CIDP and MMN in North Queensland and Tasmania, coinciding with a national census. Diagnoses were classified against the diagnostic criteria of the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society. Case ascertainment was undertaken via multiple methods, including survey of local neurologists across public and private clinics, search of neurophysiology, neurology and hospital databases, search of admitted hospital database collections using ICD codes and through immunoglobulin therapy prescription lists. The crude prevalence of CIDP was 5.00 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.79-6.62) and the crude prevalence of MMN was 1.33 per 100,000 (95% CI 0.78-2.27). Prevalence was also investigated using National Blood Authority numbers of cases prescribed immunoglobulin therapy, indicating a CIDP prevalence of 5.72 per 100,000 (95% CI 4.41-7.43) and MMN prevalence of 1.94 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.24-3.03). There was no significant difference between these numbers and those calculated through access of patient records locally. There was no significant difference in prevalence between Tasmania and North Queensland for any category. This study updates the prevalence of CIDP and MMN in Australia. Understanding the distribution of CIDP and MMN patients and their need for treatment is essential for future resource planning and to enable monitoring and coordination of therapies such as immunoglobulin.

Wild Carnivore Survey of Echinococcus Species in Slovenia.

Simple SummaryWild carnivores can harbor a dangerous tapeworm Echinococcus sp. that causes an important food-borne disease called echinococcosis. This study uses molecular methods to assess the prevalence of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, E. canadensis, and E. granulosus sensu stricto in the stool of red foxes, wolves, golden jackals, martens, lynxes, badgers, and otter. Red foxes (29.1%) and golden jackals (18%) were positive for E. multilocularis (EM), while all other animals were negative for all Echinococcus species tested in this study. Statistical analysis showed that the prevalence of EM is associated only with the region where the sample originated and not by species, age, or sex of the animal. Central and south regions of Slovenia have a higher EM prevalence and risk of infection. Due to habitat expansion and an increasing population, golden jackal may soon become an important source for human infection with EM.Wild carnivores are definitive hosts and potential reservoirs for the tapeworm Echinococcus sp. which can cause cystic and alveolar echinococcosis. Both are considered neglected and important food-borne pandemics. This study is the first to molecularly test Slovenian wild carnivores for Echinococcus species that can cause disease in humans. Fecal samples from 210 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 42 wolves (Canis lupus), 39 golden jackals (Canis aureus), 18 martens (Marten sp.), 2 Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), 2 European badger (Meles meles), and 1 Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) were examined for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (EGsl: E. granulosus sensu stricto, E. canadensis) and E. multilocularis (EM) using real-time PCR. Red foxes (29.1%) and golden jackals (18%) were positive for EM. All animals examined were negative for EGsl. Univariate analysis showed no significant differences in EM prevalence with respect to animal species (red fox vs., golden jackal) (p = 0.22), age (p = 0.12), and sex (p = 0.18). Prevalence of EM was associated with the region (p < 0.001), with regions in central and southern Slovenia having higher EM prevalence and risk of infection. Due to the increase in population and expansion of habitat, the golden jackal may soon become as important definitive host for EM as the red fox.

Evaluation of Parasitofauna of Four Economically Important Fish Species (Synodontis Budgetti, Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus, Bagrus Docmac and Heterobranchus Bidorsalis) From River Okpokwu, Apa, Nigeria

The parasitic fauna of four economically important fish species comprising of Synodontis budgetti, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Bagrus docmac and Heterobranchus bidorsalis from River Okpokwu, Apa, Nigeria, was investigated. A total of 161 fish samples comprising of 57 S. budgetti, 48 C. nigrodigitatus, 24 B. docmac and 32 H. bidorsalis were randomly purchased and subjected to parasitological examination. The overall parasite prevalence of all the fish species was 36.60% out of which S. budgetti, C. nigrodigitatus, B. docmac and H. bidorsalis accounted for 14.30%, 11.20%, 1.90% and 9.30%, respectively. However, the prevalence of infection by each fish species were 40.40%, 37.50%, 12.50% and 46.90% for S. budgetti, C. nigrodigitatus, B. docmac and H. bidorsalis, respectively. There was no significant difference in parasite prevalence for fish species (p&gt;0.05) though, S. budgetti had the highest prevalence of infection (14.70%) with B. docmac recording the least (1.90%). Also, while the highest prevalence of infection was recorded for nematode (17.40%), the least (3.70%) each was recorded for trematode and copepode, respectively. Of the parasitic taxa, nematode was the most abundant (56.50%) and had the highest prevalence (17.40%). The parasites recovered from the fish species belonged to a species of acanthocephala (Neoechinorhynchus rutili), copepode (Argulus africanus.) trematode (Clinostomum complanatum), 2 species of cestode (Ligula intestinalis and Diphillobothrium latum) and 4 species of nematode (Capillaria philippinensis, Eustrongylides tubifex, Camallanus polypteri and Procamallanus laevionchus). Out of the total number (292) of parasites recovered from the infested body parts of the fish, intestine had the highest percentage parasite load (62.30%) and prevalence (29.80) while the gill had the least 16(5.50%) parasite load and prevalence of 3.10. Generally, the prevalence of parasites (43.00%), percentage parasite recovered (56.50%), mean abundance (2.60) and mean intensity (5.90) were higher for the female fish samples compared to the males with the prevalence of parasites, percentage parasite recovered, mean abundance and mean intensity of (32.00%), (43.50%), (1.30) and (4.10), respectively. However, there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) by sex in the prevalence of parasites of all the fish species. The size class related prevalence showed an increase in parasitic infections (24.60%) and (20.80%) in S. budgetti and C. nigrodigitatus) in the length groups of 13.00 to 15.90cm and 19.00 to 22.90cm while the least (5.30%) and (6.30%) were recorded for S. budgetti and C. nigrodigitatus in the length groups of 10.00 to 12.90cm and 15.00 to 18.90cm, respectively. However, while the highest prevalence (8.30%) and (21.90%) were recorded for smaller samples of B. docmac and H. bidorsalis in the length groups of 10.00 to 20.90cm and 13.00 – 21.90cm, the least (4.20%) and (3.10%) were recorded in length groups of 41.00 to 50.90cm and 39.00 – 54.90cm for bigger samples of B. docmac and H. bidorsalis, respectively. Keywords: Parasitofauna, River Okpokwu, Prevalence, Nematode, Sex

Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Blood Parasites Among Blood Donors in Two Communities in Delta State, Nigeria

A six months' study was conducted to determine the occurrence of blood parasites in blood donors in Eku and Abraka, Delta State. Random sampling was adopted for blood samples collection alongside socio-demographic characteristics. Laboratory analysis using thick and thin films were carried out on samples. The result showed that 59(29.5%) were positive for blood parasites; 46(23.0%) for Plasmodium, 5(5.0%) for Trypanosoma, and 8(4.0%) for microfilaria. Parasite prevalence was highest in the age-group 45-49 years. Female showed relatively higher prevalence (30.6%) compared to male (29.3%). There was no significant difference in blood parasites prevalence based on gender of the subjects. Blood group B had the dominant prevalence (51.7%). With respect to occupation, self-employed donors had higher prevalence (38.9%). In addition, the rural-urban prevalence was skewed towards rural blood donors (39.7%) with no statistical difference, in respect to residence. PCV of donors showed no clear patterns and there was no association between PCV and prevalence of blood parasites (p&gt;0.05). The results therefore indicate that there is relatively high prevalence of blood parasites among the blood donors which call for the attention of the authority concerned.

The Prevalence of Idiopathic or Inherited Isolated Dystonia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACTBackgroundA systematic review of epidemiological studies of primary dystonia from 1985 and 2010 found an overall prevalence of 16.43 per 100,000 (95% CI = 12.09–22.32).MethodsWe performed a systematic review of studies from 2010 and 2022 to determine if there are important differences in epidemiology between these time periods.ResultsNineteen studies were included. Incidence of cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and oromandibular dystonia were each reported in one study; one study reported incidence for all adult onset idiopathic focal dystonias combined. Using data from 11 studies, we performed random effects meta‐analyses of the prevalence of cervical dystonia (9.95 per 100,000; 95% CI = 3.51–28.17), blepharospasm (2.82 per 100,000; 95% CI = 1.12–7.12), laryngeal dystonia (0.40 per 100,000; 95% CI = 0.09–1.83), upper limb dystonia (1.27 per 100,000; 95% CI = 0.36–4.52), oromandibular dystonia (0.57 per 100,000; 95% CI = 0.15–2.15), and idiopathic or inherited isolated dystonia all subtypes combined (30.85 per 100,000; 95% CI = 5.06–187.74). All studies reported more cases of dystonia in females. There was no significant difference in prevalence by subgroup analysis based on time of study publication (1985–2010 vs. 2010–2022). Subgroup analysis of differences in prevalence by dystonia subtype by continent using all studies published (1985–2022) revealed significant regional differences in the prevalence of cervical and laryngeal dystonia.ConclusionThe incidence and prevalence of idiopathic or inherited isolated dystonia in the last decade was not significantly different from earlier reports. Population‐based studies across multiple geographic areas are needed to obtain a clearer understanding of the epidemiology of this condition.

Length-Weight Relationship and the Distribution of Intestinal Helminth Parasites in Freshwater Fishes from Amansea and Ebenebe Rivers in Anambra State, Nigeria

Aims: The current study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of intestinal helminths in freshwater fishes. &#x0D; Study Design: The study was a survey done to establish the type of intestinal parasite found in freshwater fish in the rivers.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The fish samples were collected from Amansea and Ebenebe Rivers from November 2021 to January 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Intestinal parasites of three (3) fish species commonly found in these rivers (Parachanna obscura, Clarias gariepinus, and Ctenopoma kingsleyae) were examined. A comparative evaluation of the prevalence and distribution of the parasite was done in relation to their gender, location, weight, and length.&#x0D; Results: A total of 24 fish samples were collected in the Amansea River and 26 samples were collected in Ebenebe River. Seventeen (17) samples of P. obscura, 21 samples of C. gariepinus and 12 samples of C. kingsleyae caught with the cast nets of various mesh sizes and gill traps by artisanal fishermen in Rivers were bought early in the morning, transported to the Laboratory and identified based on morphological features. Out of a total of 50 fish sampled, 17 fishes (34% of the total sample) were infected by intestinal helminths. P. obscura had the highest parasite prevalence (47.06%) followed by C. gariepinus (42.86%). However, no parasite was recorded in C. kingsleyae. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in Ebenebe (18.00%) was higher than in Amansea (16.00) with a significant difference in prevalence (p&lt;0.05), while parasite abundance was higher in Amansea (50.94%) than in Ebenebe (49.06%) with significant difference (p&lt;0.05). Females had the highest prevalence (35.00%) against male fishes (33.33%) with no significant difference. A total number of 53 parasites belonging to 7 genera were recovered in this study. Parasites identified were nematodes: Procamallanus sp. (41.5%), Camallanus sp. (9.43%), Rhabdochona sp. (26.42%), Contracaecum sp. (7.55%), and Spinitectus sp. (5.66%); cestodes: Polyonchobothrium sp. (5.66%); and trematodes: Clinostomum sp (3.77%). The highest parasite abundance was recorded in Procamallanus sp. (41.5%), while Clinostomum sp had the least (3.77%).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of intestinal parasites in freshwater fish is relatively high. Therefore, fish consumers should subject the fish to proper processing before consumption as some of these parasites are of zoonotic importance.

No Significant Change in MRI Abnormalities or Back Pain Prevalence in the Thoraco-Lumbar Spine of Young Elite Skiers Over a 2-Year Follow-Up.

BackgroundYoung athletes are at increasing risk for spinal column injuries due to overloading the spine with excessive sports activities, with potential development of complications later in life.PurposeThe purpose of this 2-year follow-up study of young elite skiers and non-athletes was to investigate any potential change in the thoraco-lumbar findings on MRI and to outline any change in back pain prevalence with continuing sporting activity and age.Study DesignLongitudinal cross-sectional study.MethodsMRI of the thoraco-lumbar spine was performed on 30 skiers (mean age 20 years, female 43%) and 16 non-athletes (mean age 19, female 75%), available for the 2-year follow-up. The intervertebral discs were evaluated for signal, height, bulge/herniation, and additionally according to Pfirrmann classification, and the endplates were graded according to endplate defect score. Any of the following disc findings was defined as disc degenerative change: reduced signal, reduced height, bulge, or herniation. All participants answered a specific back pain questionnaire.ResultsNo significant difference in spinal column abnormalities, nor back pain, was found between baseline and 2-year follow-up in neither skiers nor controls. There was significantly higher prevalence of disc degenerative changes in skiers (73%) than in non-athletes (44%, p=0.05). Skiers (63%) had significantly more Pfirrmann grade ≥3 discs compared to non-athletes (25%) (p=0.03). There was no significant difference in number of endplates with score ≥4 between skiers and non-athletes (50% vs 38%, p=0.40) nor in lifetime prevalence of back pain between skiers (46%) and non-athletes (40%).ConclusionThere was no significant change over time of the spinal column MRI abnormalities, nor back pain prevalence, during a 2-year follow-up of skiers and non-athletes. Young skiers had significantly higher prevalence of spine abnormalities compared with non-athletes. There was no significant difference of the back pain lifetime prevalence in skiers compared with non-athletes.

Spatial and temporal distribution of the prevalence of unemployment and early retirement in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BackgroundWe aimed to summarise the prevalence of unemployment and early retirement among people with MS and analyze data according to a spatio-temporal perspective.MethodsWe undertook a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SciVerse ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. We included any peer-reviewed original article reporting the prevalence of unemployment and early retirement in the working-age population with MS. We excluded articles off-topic, with other study designs, whose study sample were unlikely to be representative of the MS population and in case of unavailability of the full text or essential information. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to measure overall prevalence estimates of unemployment and early retirement. We used meta-regression and subgroup analysis to evaluate potential moderators of prevalence estimates and the leave-one-out method for sensitivity analyses.ResultsOur research identified 153 studies across 29 countries encompassing 188436 subjects with MS. The pooled overall effect size for unemployment and early retirement was 35.6% (95% CI 32.8–38.4; I2 = 99.31) and 17.2% (95% CI 14.6–20.2; I2 = 99.13), respectively. The prevalence of unemployment varied according to the year of publication (p < 0.001) and there was a statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of unemployment over time (p = 0.042). Regarding early retirement, only seven (31.8%) estimates obtained from studies that were published before 2010 were below the overall effect size in comparison to 27 (60.0%) estimates extracted from data published between 2010 and 2021 (p = 0.039). There was a significant difference in prevalence according to countries (p < 0.001). Psychiatric illness was an important clinical feature responsible for patients leaving the workforce in regions with a high MS prevalence.ConclusionsUnemployment and early retirement due to MS remain highly prevalent, despite a slight decline in the last decade. The prevalence of unemployment and early retirement varies globally.

Molecular Epidemiology of Genital Infections in Campania Region: A Retrospective Study.

This study provides updated information on the prevalence and co-infections caused by genital microorganisms and pathogens: Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Gardnerella vaginalis, by retrospectively analyzing a cohort of patients living in the Naples metropolitan area, Campania region, Southern Italy. To investigate the genital infections prevalence in clinical specimens (vaginal/endocervical swabs and urines) collected from infertile asymptomatic women and men from November 2018 to December 2020, we used a multiplex real-time PCR assay. Of the 717 specimens collected, 302 (42.1%) resulted positive for at least one of the targets named above. Statistically significant differences in genital prevalence of selected microorganisms were detected in both women (62.91%) and men (37.08%). G. vaginalis and U. parvum represented the most common findings with an 80.2% and 16.9% prevalence in vaginal/endocervical swabs and first-voided urines, respectively. Prevalence of multiple infections was 18.18% and 8.19% in women and men, respectively. The most frequent association detected was the co-infection of G. vaginalis and U. parvum with 60% prevalence. Our epidemiological analysis suggests different infection patterns between genders, highlighting the need to implement a preventative screening strategy of genital infections to reduce the complications on reproductive organs.

Caries Decline in Preschool Children from Low Social Classes and with Migration Background in Hamburg, Germany: Outcome from Repeated Cross-Sectional Caries Epidemiological Studies.

Over several decades, the dental caries burden in the deciduous dentition has decreased in Germany. However, a dependency of the caries burden on social parameters, such as socio-economic status (SES) or migration background, is generally described. Therefore, the aim of the evaluation was to analyse to what extent children with a low social class affiliation or a migration background have participated in the caries decline. For the city of Hamburg, Germany, data from a series of five caries epidemiological surveys in day-care centres are available since 1977. Using the same methodology, the dmft values were determined, according to WHO criteria, and in addition including initial caries (IC). For the present evaluation, the data and the changes of caries load (caries prevalence and caries experience; dmft) over time were compared with reference to SES and a migration background. A decrease in the caries prevalence from 58.4% to 22.7% and in the dmft value from 2.6 to 0.8 was determined from 1977 to 2016 (WHO criteria). Including IC, the caries prevalence has decreased from 91.0% to 44.4%, and the caries experience shows a decline from 6.4 to 1.8. The caries reduction can be observed in children of all social classes and regardless of a migration background, although significant differences in caries prevalence and caries experience remain recognisable for each survey through 2016. In conclusion, preschool children from families with low SES or with a migration background have not been left behind in the improvement of dental health, but have also benefited from caries prevention measures in roughly the same order of magnitude as other children.

Access to dental care barriers and poor clinical oral health in Australian regional populations.

This paper investigated the associations between oral health with behavioural, demographic, periodontitis risk, financial and access to dental care barriers and compared the results in three Australian regional areas. Data were obtained from the Australian National Study of Adult Oral Health (2017-18). Oral health status was measured using DMFT-score, and mean numbers of decayed, missing or filled teeth and periodontitis prevalence using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Periodontal Classification. The analysis included these dependent variables by three regional areas, seven socio-demographic variables, two periodontal disease risk factors, two preventive dental behaviours, two barriers to dental care and three access to dental care variables. Of the 15,731 people interviewed, 5,022 were examined. There was no significant difference in periodontitis prevalence between the regions. All the socio-demographic characteristics, periodontal disease risk factors and preventive dental behaviours were significantly associated with at least one of the dental caries indicators. In multivariable analysis, there was no significant association between regional location with any of the four clinical dental caries variables. Poorer oral health outside major cities was associated with household income, education level, higher smoking, usual reason for and frequency of dental visiting.