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Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-24-5005
Khatoon Hossein Mehdi Poor NargisCorresponding author
Objectives This study examined the frequency and dynamics of syphilis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between 2018 and 2022. Recognizing the significance of understanding syphilis trends, this study intends to conduct further research on sexually transmitted diseases in the context of the UAE. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. This study focused on patients who underwent syphilis screening between January 2018 and December 2022. Cases were classified as conclusive only if they passed the first screening and subsequent confirmatory tests. Results The findings demonstrate that Syphilis frequency varied throughout the UAE during the study period. Demographic trends and sex variations were discovered, providing insight into how syphilis patterns change. Additionally, this study identified a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, confirming the complexity of the disease. It was also noted that males had a higher frequency of syphilis than females. Conclusion Understanding the complexity of the frequency of syphilis is critical for developing effective public health interventions. Variations in frequency, demographic trends, sex disparities, and clinical manifestations indicate the need for personalized preventive and control measures. This study provides important information that may be utilized to motivate focused initiatives to address the difficulties associated with syphilis in the UAE, thus enhancing overall public health.
Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-137X.ji-16-1139
O’Connor L.Corresponding author
Health Protection Surveillance Centre, 25-27 Middle Gardiner St., Dublin 1
We describe seasonal influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreaks in long-term care facilities in the Health Service Executive (HSE) East area of Ireland in the 2013/2014 influenza season, risk factors associated with outbreak duration and attack rates, and management challenges. Separate questionnaires were distributed to 28 facilities who reported an outbreak and to public health specialists leading outbreak management, with a 79% response rate. Mean outbreak duration (21 vs 17 days; p=0.046) was longer in facilities with staff vaccination rates of <40%. Facilities with a high attack rate (≥50%) were less likely to have an outbreak plan (p=0.03). Smaller facilities (under 50 residents) had a higher attack rate (50% vs 23%, p=0.003) even when controlled for staff vaccination rate (p=0.01). Prior to the outbreak, resident vaccination rates were high (82%, above the World Health Organization target of 75%) but staff vaccination rates were low (39%). Reported challenges to ILI outbreak management in long term care facilities included visitor restrictions, staff education issues, outbreak notification delays and lack of outbreak lead in facilities. Targeted public health-assisted planning, training and response, comprising of staff vaccination, education, written policies, with early notification and prompt response would facilitate a more co-ordinated approach to the management of outbreaks, and reduction in infection rates and consequent morbidity.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-14-382
Raddaoui EmadCorresponding author
Department of Histopathology, King Saud University, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Background/Aims: Thyroid disorders are a common, worldwide clinical problem in general practice.It presents predominantly as a thyroid nodule. Each thyroid nodule has a risk of cancer. The incidence of thyroid cancer is much more common in Saudi Arabia in comparison to the West. There is a worldwide increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer. The objective of this study is to highlight in details the wide spectrum of histopathologic diagnosis encountered in patient undergoing thyroid surgery in the population of Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of all thyroid samples for 256 patients whom underwent thyroid surgery at King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, during the period between 2000 and 2009. Of those, 171 cases were non neoplastic and 85 neoplastic lesions. Females constitute 80% of non neoplastic lesions and 79% of all thyroid malignancies. The peak incidence of thyroid cancer was in the third decade. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common cancer (71%). Conclusion: Thyroid cancer is a common cancer in Saudi Arabia; it is the second most common cancer in females. The increasing rates of thyroid cancer occur predominantly in women. Papillary thyroid carcinoma accounted for the bulk of this increase. Additional studies are needed to explain the rise in papillary thyroid carcinoma incidence in Saudi Arab as well as throughout the world and to search potential risk factors that are currently unrecognized.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2108.jcc-25-5657
M Essam ZahraaCorresponding author
Viral infections contribute to a significant proportion of human cancers, with human papillomavirus (HPV) being one of the most well-established oncogenic viruses. This review summarizes HPV biology, transmission, classification, molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, epidemiology of HPV-associated cancers, and current and emerging preventive and therapeutic approaches. particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, drives malignant transformation through the E6 and E7 oncoproteins, which disrupt tumor suppressor pathways p53 and Rb. Prophylactic vaccination programs have demonstrated remarkable success in reducing HPV-related disease burden, but disparities in coverage remain. Cutting-edge strategies such as CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA-based therapeutics offer promising avenues for treating established infections. Integrating these biomedical advances with robust public health initiatives is essential to ultimately eliminate HPV-associated cancers worldwide (Figure1).
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-24-5006
Khatoon Hossein Mehdi Poor NargisCorresponding author
Objectives This study explores the clinical characteristics, associated infections, and management outcomes of syphilis within a specific population over the years 2018 to 2022. With a focus on the frequency, clinical manifestations, and co-infections of syphilis, the research addresses a critical gap in understanding the nuanced dynamics of this sexually transmitted infection and its impact on public health. Methods The study employs a retrospective analysis of data collected from 2018 to 2022, utilizing three key serological tests (Syphilis AB, RPR/VDRL, and TPHA) to characterize syphilis infections within the population. Clinical manifestations and associated infections, including HIV, HBV, HCV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HPV, are systematically assessed. Treatment rates and re-infection patterns are also analyzed, providing a comprehensive overview of syphilis epidemiology within the studied timeframe. Results The frequency of syphilis, particularly indicated by the Syphilis AB test, exhibited a marked increase in 2020, reaching 96%, suggesting a heightened frequency within the population. RPR/VDRL test results demonstrated consistent frequency, emphasizing the persistent presence of active syphilis infections. Clinical manifestations, such as chancre, skin rashes, alopecia syphilitica, and lymphadenopathy, displayed dynamic patterns over the study years. Co-infection rates varied, with fluctuations observed in HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HPV, while HBV and HCV showed infrequent but stable frequency. The management of syphilis cases demonstrated commendable treatment rates, but an increase in re-infection rates in 2021 highlights the need for continued vigilance. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of syphilis epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and associated infections within the studied population. The results offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of syphilis and its co-infections, informing public health initiatives and interventions. The findings contribute to our understanding of the epidemiological landscape and underscore the importance of sustained efforts in both prevention and treatment to curb the transmission of syphilis and its associated infections. The study, however, calls for continued vigilance and research to address the evolving trends and challenges in syphilis management within the specified population.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-23-4856
Rashid AlKalbani SalmaCorresponding author
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem worldwide, as it is the third most common disease and the second leading cause of cancer-related fatalities. In recent years, Oman, like many other countries, has seen an epidemiological shift from communicable diseases to noncommunicable diseases, including colorectal cancer, necessitating comprehensive planning to address the root cause of the problem as well as a comprehensive screening program to detect diseases at an early stage and thus improve health outcomes. Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Oman, with the highest mortality rate, inflicting considerable public health and economic consequences; nevertheless, there is no population-based CRC screening programme in place to minimise the disease's incidence, mortality, and severe health outcomes. This review highlights the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Oman, the Wilson and Junger criteria, operational readiness, and recommendations for implementing a population-based colorectal cancer screening program.
Aug 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-1969.ijhs-22-4227
Ezinna E EnwerejiCorresponding author
Department of Public Health, Abia State University, Uturu Abia, Nigeria
Studies have linked freshwater snails with human flukes as a result of repeated contacts with contaminated water. This study is aimed to determine the distribution of freshwater snails and their infectivity rates along human dwellings in Okigwe Imo state using Physico-Chemical parameters. Freshwater snails were collected by using long plastic spoons and with hand-picking method. The Physico-Chemical parameters were determined with appropriate instrument and freshwater snails harvested from the site were morphologically identified. One thousand four hundred and nine (1409) freshwater snails belonging to the species Lymneae and Bulinus were collected once a week throughout the period of study with the relative percentage of 43.9%; 29.9% ;26.2% respectively. The infectivity rate was highest in snails that were collected in the month of May compared to those collected in June and July, the rate was 69.2%, 50.1% and 33.6% in the months of May, June and July respectively. Dissolved oxygen (DO), Biological oxygen demand (BOD) and PH were found to significantly influence snail distribution in the site (p<0.05). The finding showed that 54.2% of all the snails collected were infected. The snail distribution observed may give an insight into some aspects of the epidemiology of trematodes infection in Okigwe the site for the study and their potential risks to infect human beings and animals.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4197
A. Attah TimothyCorresponding author
National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Obasanjo Space Centre, Umaru Musa Yar'adua expressway, P.M.B. 437, Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria
Aim and Objective Despite the growing concerns about the relationship between exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) and detrimental health effects due to the changes in biological processes of experimental animals, there is still ongoing debate on the significance of these findings in causing significant public health problems with the growing advancement in internet technology. The aim of this study is to review existing literature on the effects of high RFR on wistar rats. Method A search was conducted on Google scholar and PubMed to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles to be included into the review. Studies eligible for inclusion included free full text articles on wistar rats exposed to ≥ 2.45GHz RFR conducted in the past 5 years. Studies included in this review were written or transcribed in English language. From 286 titles, 36 eligible studies were included in the review and assessed for quality using the Strengthening the Report of Observational Studies in Epidemiology – Veterinary Extension (STROBE-Vet) quality assessment tool. Results Studies included in this review generally had good quality (>60%) based on the STROBE-Vet assessment. This review identified numerous biological changes in wistar rats exposed to high RFR including variations in biochemical, cholinergic, genetic, histopathologic, psychological, optical, and dermatological parameters. In this review, studies identified variations in protein and liver enzymes while high RFR was found to induce oxidative stress and cellular damage of exposed wistar rats compared to the unexposed groups. This was seen in the changes in protein, lipids, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Studies also identified changes in expression of genes and neurotransmitters with imbalance in hormones. In addition, this review identified structural changes of cells, tissues and organs indicative of apoptosis, damage and death. Exposed rats were identified to have behavioral changes indicative of anxiety and memory decline while studies identified optical and dermatologic changes in exposed rats compared to the unexposed. Conclusion With numerous biological changes identified in wistar rats exposed to high RFR, there is an increasing risk of detrimental health events giving the advancement in internet technology and limited regulations to control exposures to RFR. Therefore, studies should be conducted to identify strategies to mitigate human exposure to RFR while policies are developed and enforced to protect human health.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-22-4074
Ahmed Kamal SamiaCorresponding author
Professor Dr. Virology department, Animal Health Research Institute, Egypt
Camels imported from Africa enter Egypt at Southeast borders. Movement of life animals help spreading of transboundary diseases from endemic areas to free areas. Lappet-faced vulture in Egypt territory represents highly valuable gift of nature, it is recorded in Red sea zone of Egypt. Their numbers indicate vulture breeding rate was promising for such endangered species. The Egyptian authority played a great role in protecting this land from destructive behavior against wild life. The raven accompany lappet-faced vulture, while eating together, which indicates healthy atmosphere at their habitat. This work performed while studying the epidemiology of this region and the impact of movements of live animals coming from Africa on trans-boundary diseases. Lappet-faced vultures and Raven play major role in preventing transmission of infectious agents from camel carcasses. However, Vulture has strong digestive system that kill a wide range of harmful microorganisms. Moreover, these scavenge birds are considered dead end hosts for these diseases. The study provides vivid proof of the innate intelligence that distinguishes the raven, as well as evidence that the black bird possesses a common language among themselves and between them and the Lappet-faced vulture. Lappet-faced vulture is usually nesting at acacia trees & mountains. However some acacia trees showed defected growth as a result of the strong wind, such observation is of great importance to understand geography of such habitat. Lappet-faced vulture is endangered species and need more attention and care.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-20-3629
K QuenumCorresponding author
Neurosurgery Departement of Parakou University Chud/Ba, Republic of Benin
Introduction The extra dural hematoma is a blood collection between the cranial vault and the dura mater. It is a neurosurgical emergency whose statistical data are poorly known in the Republic of Benin. Objective The aims of this study are to assess epidemiology, therapeutic and outcome of traumatic extra dural hematomas for children admitted to the surgical department of CHUD-B/A from 2012 to 2017. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective study over a period from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2017. Results One hundred and seventy-eight cases of children aged between 0-15 years were examined for brain traumatic injury. Twenty-seven 27 (15.2%) cases of extra dural hematomas were retained. The most represented age group was between 11-15 years with a frequency of 42.1%. The male sex was more represented (78.9%). Road traffic accidents were the main aetiology (57.9%). 52.6% had a mild head injury, 26.3% had a moderate head injury and 21.1% had a severe head injury. On brain scan the frequently observed location was temporo-parietal (31.6%). Acute anemia was observed in 16 children. Seventeen children were operated on. The operation involved evacuation of extra dural hematoma by cranial bone flap with suspension of the dura mater. There were no deaths. Conclusion The availability of brain CT makes the diagnosis of extra dural hematoma easier. Its management is neurosurgical with a favourable post-operative evolution in all cases in this series.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-20-3598
Mersha Cherinnat TesfayeCorresponding author
Bako Agricultural Research Center
A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to March 2018 to determine the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in the Community Based Horro Sheep Breeding site at Horro district, Horro Guduru Wollega zone, Ethiopia. Coprological examination was performed on a total of 390 sheep at the study area. Age, sex, body condition score and peasant association were taken into consideration as rik factors. An overall prevalence of fasciolosis 45.4% 95% CI (40.41 50.36 was found on the basis of coprological examinations. The prevalence of fasciolosis findings according to PAs were (41.5%) in Laku Ingu and (48.2%) in Gitilo Dole. Statistical analysis of the prevalence among study site (PAs) showed insignificant difference P=0.102 (P>0.05), but significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between animal age groups (P=0.032, with a prevalence of 37.2% in young and 49.8% in adult) and body condition scores (P=0.001, with a prevalence of 57.9%, 43.5% and 29.9% in sheep with poor, medium and good body condition score, respectively. There was insignificance difference (P>0.05) in sex group of study animals in which the prevalence was 47.6% in female and 38.8% in male. Therefore further studies on the epidemiology, seasonal dynamic of the disease, the snail intermediate host and impacts of the infection in animal production with implementations of strategic intervention is necessary.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-20-3234
di Virgilio FabrizioCorresponding author
DVM, Clinique Vétérinaire Vet24 – 59700 – Marcq en Baroeul, France
Aim of the Research The aim of this study is to analyze a group of dogs of different breeds affected by osteosarcoma (OSA), to document any prevalence of this primary bone neoplasia in breeds that are phylogenetically close and to help with further research human medicine, as a model of study for prevalence and epidemiology of human OSA in multiple populations. Study Design Pilot study from two canine surgery databases between 2002 and 2013. Materials and Methods Breeds were classified in groups based on their phylogenetical proximity. Differences in prevalence of OSA between breeds and groups were evaluated with a permutation test. For each breed and each group, a ranking was made by calculating 95 % confidence intervals and counting the no-overlapping between breeds and groups. The relation between the dogs’ heights and the prevalence of OSA was analyzed using a logistic regression between the disease status and dog size. Results A total of 67 dogs with OSA, in 26 different breeds were included. Ten breeds were overrepresented and, the majority of these, were classified in 2 predisposed groups phylogenetically close to each other. The prevalence of OSA was associated with the dogs’ height within predisposed breeds, but, in general, taller breeds were not the most affected. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance In this study, despite the small number of dogs, we observed that the most commonly affected breeds with OSA are phylogenetically closely related. This highlights the importance of genetics in the aetiology of canine OSA . In this preliminary study, indications are given on breeds, samples and genome locations to be further investigated. This could allow identification of pathogenic alleles in dogs, and potentially in humans. Furthermore this pilot research can represent a model of epidemiologic study of human OSA.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-19-3081
Ibrahim SangaréCorresponding author
Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Malaria and typhoid fever are two endemic infectious diseases in developing tropical countries including Burkina Faso. There are two distinct infectious diseases with many similar clinical signs. In each sanitary area, it is important to describe the "typhomalaria" epidemiology to elaborate adequate diagnosis algorithm and efficient treatment protocol. A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to October 2014 in the lab department of University Hospital Souro SANOU, Bobo-Dioulasso. All microscopy positive malaria during the study period was included. Serodiagnosis of Widal and Felix was performed systematically in all Plasmodium spmalaria cases. Titers of antibodies anti-agglutinin O equal or higher than 1/400 and/or 1/800 for anti-agglutinin H antibodies were considered positive for Salmonella sp. A total of 283 malaria cases were included in this study, majority falciparum malaria. In this malaria cases, 91 patients were seropositive for Salmonella sp. "Typhomalaria" co-infection prevalence was 34.3% (CI 95% (28.8%; 40.1%)). The patient with the normal hemoglobin rate had the highest prevalence of co-infection (46.7% versus 30.9; p=0.02). Malaria and typhoid fever co-infection was high (approximately 1/3 of malaria cases) in University hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso. This study revealed the need to explore typhoid fever in malaria confirmed cases, especially in persistent fevers and non-anemic situation despite adapting antimalarial treatment.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-18-2333
Joseph Afe AbayomiCorresponding author
Community Medicine Department, Equitable Health Access Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
Introduction: The introduction of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against incident HIV infection has changed the epidemiology of disease as continuous treatment with tenofovir and emtricitabine among high risk groups can reduce the relative risk for incident HIV infection by over 90%.However,despite the approved use of TDF+FTC, as a fixed dose combination of emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg, for oral PrEP since 2012 , it does not appear to have become widely accepted and in use among healthcare workers especially those in low income countries. Researches are therefore needed to consider the awareness and practice of health workers towards the availability of PrEP services in this part of the world. Healthcare workers are expected to be promoters of the use of PrEP services. Method: A cross sectional questionnaire-based study conducted in southern Nigerian over a 6 months period. Data were collected from 250 healthcare workers using interviewer-administered questionnaires. The data analysis was done using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) for windows version 20.0 software (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA). Frequency counts were generated for all variables and statistical test of significance was performed with chi-square test. Significance was fixed at P < 0.05 and highly significance if P < 0.01. Results: A high proportion of the respondents(>60%) were highly educated healthcare workers(majorly Nurses and medical doctors) and about half (55%) having at least 10yrs working experience in the health sector with most especially on the HIV program(>90%), majority (94%) of the health workers were aware about ARV pre-exposure prophylaxis but very few ( 6% )could give the standard definition for PrEP as the use of ARV drugs by HIV negative persons to prevent the acquisition of HIV.Most(67%) of them gave wrong definition for PrEP and worse still about one fifth (20%) had no idea what PrEP was all about. Most (70%) could not correctly identify all the ARV drugs in a standard PrEP regimen while about 35% had no idea at all of the approved ARVs used for PrEP. Though PrEP services was not available at any of the facilities where the respondents were working ,the approved drugs(TDF+FTC) for PrEP were available at about 40% of the health facilities(public and private) and 15% community pharmacies in the vicinity of the respondents . Only 60% of the respondents were willing to access PrEP service for themselves if indicated while 35% would not use such services even if it is indicated for reasons which include concern about adverse effects and safety.Awareness of PrEP was significantly associated with the ability of the healthcare workers to identify the correct ARV regimen, ARV dosages and also correct indication for PrEP. Awareness was also associated with the knowledge of the correct proven efficacy for PrEP(>95%) and high likelihood of seeing a patient placed on PrEP and willingness to use PrEP based on personal indication Conclusion: The level of awareness of PrEP among healthcare workers was very high at about 90% yet many(60%) could not give correct standard definitions of PrEP, PrEP ARV regimen, dosages and level of efficacy of PrEP. Also none of the respondent had PrEP services available either at their center or any known referral centers. This is unacceptable in a country with second highest HIV burden in the world and has adopted PrEP in her national HIV guideline with ongoing PrEP demonstration studies. The few healthcare workers who were able to mentioned this information were more likely to have seen a patient placed on PrEP and were more willing to use PrEP based on personal indication. Recommendations: There is need to deepen the and knowledge of PrEP among healthcare workers especially those in poor resource settings by engaging them through update courses outreach, educational resources, campaigns/seminars and workshops and various job aids. All healthcare service providers should be very comfortable to carry out HIV risk assessment of their clients and provide PrEP to those indicated directly or indirectly through referral
Jun 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-18-2071
Sedky KarimCorresponding author
Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Student Clerkship Director, CMSRU, Camden, NJ.
Study Objectives: Narcolepsy diagnosis has been associated with a long lag time between the onset of the disorder and the diagnosis itself among patients with the disorder. This article reviews the childhood epidemiology of idiopathic narcolepsy, including its prevalence, subtypes, and disease progression. Methods: A literature review was conducted to include both published and unpublished data on pediatric narcolepsy. All English language articles were included through April, 2015. Results: Time from symptom onset to diagnosis for children is approximately three years. The prevalence of cataplexy appears to be lower in children compared to adults, suggesting a later onset of cataplexy. The presence of cataplexy, however, was unrelated to demographic factors and laboratory findings. Conclusion: There is a substantial lag-time between initial symptom presentation and diagnosis in children with narcolepsy. A less quintessential presentation of narcolepsy might occur in children relative to adults, making diagnosis more challenging. Continued improvements in narcolepsy education for both pediatricians and parents might facilitate earlier identification and diagnosis of the disease, thus leading to improved outcome.
Apr 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-0207.jbr-17-1925
Bai QifengCorresponding author
Key Lab of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P. R. China
Big data research has become popular and exciting studies in almost all scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, epidemiology, medicine and drug discovery. The various systems and platforms produce large amounts of data every day. It will be very helpful for the researchers and workers to deal with big data if the practical database and useful software are introduced in time. The Journal of Big Data Research (JBR) supplies an efficient and open access publishing platform for big data research. The first issue of JBR aims to foster the dissemination of high-quality big data studies in the biological, medical and chemical database as well as the new algorithm and software for big data processing. The database and computing framework are selected to introduce the development of big data in the biological, medicine and drug discovery. The mature and functional database can be serviced in big data research of scientific fields. It promotes the scientists to extract the useful and essential dataset from the massive data. The grid computing and cloud computing supplies a new paradigm that offers an effective framework of computing and services. The research papers are welcomed from the scopes of the practical database, new algorithm and software for big data studies. All these kinds of papers not only provide the effective application methods and platforms, but also give a good promising future for big data research.