Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in North Sichuan Region, China, 2018-2023: A Descriptive Study

Background: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) remains an important public health problem in China. Many studies on the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD have been reported, but studies in North Sichuan region have been neglected. Methods: HFMD-related enterovirus infected cases were clinically confirmed and underwent real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) from May 2018 to October 2023 in Guangyuan Central Hospital. Results: During 2018-2023, other EV (437 cases, 81.08%) was the most predominant serotype followed by CV-A16 (94 cases, 17.44%), EV-A71 (8 cases, 1.48%) was the least predominant serotype. Peak infections occurred in July and October. There were no significant differences in gender, age and serotypes. HFMD was concentrated in children under 47 months of age, with the highest incidence in children aged 12 - 23 months and the highest proportion of other EV infections in the whole age group. COVID-19 did not cause significant changes in gender, age and serotype. Overall, there was a significant increase in the proportion of children aged 12 - 23 months infected with CV-A16, and an increase in the proportion of children aged over 36 months infected with other EVs. Conclusions: The incidence of HFMD caused by EV-A71 has decreased significantly, and other EVs have become the main pathogens of HFMD in North Sichuan region in recent years. In the prevention and control of CV-A16, more attention should be paid to children aged 12 - 23 months and the dominant serotype should be closely monitored. Our study highlights the importance of developing of new diagnostic reagents and vaccines for the prevention and control of enterovirus infection. This study for the first time provides insights into district interventions to local conditions.

A 10-year review and epidemiology of animal bite cases in Gerash city, south of Iran: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Objective:To determine the temporal trend and epidemiology of animal bite cases in Gerash City,Iran.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 630 cases of people with animal bites between 2011 and 2021 in Gerash City.The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square test.Results:The mean age of victims was(30.9±17.5)years.80.54%Of victims were male,39.70%were self-employed,and 64.60%were adults(≥18 years).Most cases of bites occurred in 2019(91 cases),2020(74 cases)and 2021(87 cases),and most of the bites were related to the upper limbs(62.70%).Most of the wounds were superficial(78%),most of the biting animals were domestic animals(91.74%),and most of the victims had Iranian nationality(97.62%).Conclusions:Given the increasing trend of animal bites in Gerash City,health authorities should carry out basic measures such as education and awareness among the public,especially at-risk groups such as adult males.Additionally,since most cases of bites are due to dogs,it seems necessary to plan for vaccination of dogs,especially those with owners.

Epidemiology of work-related hand and wrist injuries in a referral center: A descriptive study

BACKGROUND Occupational hand and wrist injuries(OHWIs)account for 25%of work-related accidents in low-and middle-income countries.In Colombia,more than 500000 occupational accidents occurred in 2021,and although the rate declined to less than 5%in 2020 and 2021,at least one in four accidents involved a hand or wrist injury.AIM To describe the OHWIs in workers seen at the emergency room at a second-level hospital in Colombia.METHODS An observational study was performed using data from workers who experienced OHWIs and attended a second-level hospital,between June,2020 and May,2021.The overall frequency of OHWIs,as well as their distribution by sociodemo-graphic,clinical,and occupational variables,are described.Furthermore,association patterns between sex,anatomical area(fingers,hand,wrist),and type of job were analyzed by correspondence analysis(CA).RESULTS There were 2.101 workers treated for occupational accidents,423(20.3%)were cases of OHWIs,which mainly affected men(93.9%)with a median age of 31 years and who worked mainly in mining(75.9%).OHWIs were more common in the right upper extremity(55.3%)and comprised different types of injuries,such as contusion(42.1%),laceration(27.9%),fracture(18.7%),and crush injury(15.6%).They primarily affected the phalanges(95.2%),especially those of the first finger(25.7%).The CAs showed associations between the injured anatomical area and the worker’s job that differed in men and women(explained variance>90%).CONCLUSION One out of five workers who suffered occupational accidents in Cundinamarca,Columbia had an OHWI,affecting mainly males employed in mining.This occupational profile is likely to lead to prolonged rehabilitation,and permanent functional limitations.Our results might be useful for adjusting preventive measures in cluster risk groups.

Prospective study of hepatitis B and D epidemiology and risk factors in Romania:A 10-year update

BACKGROUND The global burden of hepatitis D virus(HDV)infection represents a major medical challenge and a public health crisis worldwide.However,there is a lack of accurate data on the epidemiology and risk factors for HDV.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)and HDV coinfection causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis,leading to a higher cumulative incidence of liver-related events compared with HBV monoinfection,including the need for liver transplantation and death.AIM To investigate the epidemiology,natural history,risk factors and clinical management of HBV and HDV coinfection in Romanian patients.METHODS This prospective study was conducted between January and July 2022 in six tertiary gastroenterology and hepatology referral centres in Romania.All consecutive adults admitted for any gastroenterology diagnosis who were HBV-positive were enrolled.Patients with acute hepatitis or incomplete data were excluded.Of the 25390 individuals who presented with any type of gastroenterology diagnosis during the study period,963 met the inclusion criteria.Testing for anti-HDV antibodies and HDV RNA was performed for all participants.Demographic and risk factor data were collected by investigators using medical charts and patient questionnaires.All data were stored in an anonymized online database during the study.RESULTS The prevalence of HBV was 3.8%;among these patients,the prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was 33.1%.The median age of the study population was 54.0 years,and it consisted of 55.1%men.A higher prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was observed in patients 50–69 years old.Patients with HBV/HDV coinfection were significantly older than those with HBV monoinfection(P=0.03).Multivariate multiple regression analysis identified female gender(P=0.0006),imprisonment(P<0.0001),older age at diagnosis(P=0.01)and sexual contact with persons with known viral hepatitis(P=0.0003)as significant risk factors for HDV.CONCLUSION This study shows that HDV infection among those with HBV remains endemic in Romania and updates our understanding of HDV epidemiology and associated risk factors.It emphasizes the need for systematic screening for HDV infection and collaborative initiatives for controlling and preventing HBV and HDV infection.

Epidemiology and prognostic nomogram for locally advanced gastric signet ring cell carcinoma:A population-based study

BACKGROUND Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma(GSRC)represents a specific subtype of gastric cancer renowned for its contentious epidemiological features,treatment principles,and prognostic factors.AIM To investigate the epidemiology of GSRC and establish an improved model for predicting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced GSRC(LAGSRC)after surgery.METHODS The annual rates of GSRC incidence and mortality,covering the years 1975 to 2019,were extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database to explore the temporal trends in both disease incidence and mortality rates using Joinpoint software.The clinical data of 3793 postoperative LAGSRC patients were collected from the SEER database for the analysis of survival rates.The Cox regression model was used to explore the independent prognostic factors for overall survival(OS).The risk factors extracted were used to establish a prognostic nomogram.RESULTS The overall incidence of GSRC increased dramatically between 1975 and 1998,followed by a significant downward trend in incidence after 1998.In recent years,there has been a similarly optimistic trend in GSRC mortality rates.The trend in GSRC showed discrepancies based on age and sex.Receiver operating characteristic curves,calibration curves,and decision curve analysis for 1-year,3-year,and 5-year OS demonstrated the high discriminative ability and clinical utility of this nomogram.The area under the curve indicated that the performance of the new model outperformed that of the pathological staging system.CONCLUSION The model we established can aid clinicians in the early prognostication of LAGSRC patients,resulting in improved clinical outcomes by modifying management strategies and patient health care.

Multi-centric Study on Clinical Epidemiology Is the Key Link in Treating Hypertension with Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine

General survey ofhypertension has beencarried out in our coun—try for three times.Thelast time was in 1999,with the result showingthat in our country theincidence of hyperten-sion among people over15 years old was11.26％.The incidencehas been raised by 25％

Clinical epidemiology of gastric cancer in Hehuang valley of China:A 10-year epidemiological study of gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate the clinical epidemiological characteristics of gastric cancer in the Hehuang valley, China, to provide a reference for treatment and prevention of regional gastric cancer.

Epidemiology of fatty liver in an islander population of China:a population-based case-control study

BACKGROUND: Because of difficulty in evaluating fatty liver disease in islander populations, we conducted a crosssectional study to investigate the prevalence of fatty liver and its risk factors inan islander population of East China. METHODS: Randomized multistage stratified cluster sampling from the islander population was used in a population-based case-control study. Then interview, physical examination, and ultrasonography were done. RESULTS: Univariate logistic-regression analysis showed that male gender, smoking, daily alcohol intake >= 20 g, duration of drinking >= 5 years, total alcohol intake >= 36.5 kg, hypertension and obesity were closely related to fatty liver (all P < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise logistic-regression analysis showed duration of drinking >= 5 years and obesity were closely related to fatty liver (both P<0.05), the oddsratio (OR) (95% CI) was 1.954 (1.364-2.799) and 7.014 (4.919-10.002), respectively. The prevalence of fatty liver in this district was 40.0%. The prevalence of fatty liver in the non-obese and < 5 years drinking group, the non-obese and >= 5 years drinking group, the obese and < 5 years drinking group and the obese and >= 5 years drinking group were 15.43%, 26.73%, 56.78% and 71.521/6, respectively. A doseresponse relation between the duration of drinking and fatty liver was not apparent. After stratification by obesity, we found that the severity of fatty liver on ultrasonography was positively correlated with the duration of drinking level in the obese and non-obese groups, Pearson's correlation coefficients were 0.29:3 in the obese group and 0.178 in the non-obese group (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The duration of drinking >= 5 years and obesity were two important risk factors for fatty liver in the islander population of East China. The prevalence of fatty liver in this population was high. An alcoholic threshold effect may be more important than a doseresponse effect on the morbidity offatty liver.

Epidemiology of Sleep Disorders among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in Senegal: A Multicentric Study

Introduction: Sleep disorders (SD) are common dialysis patients and can impact their quality of life. In previous studies, black ethnicity was associated with higher incidence of SD but a few data are available in African patients. This study aimed to describe prevalence and risk factors of SD among Senegalese dialysis patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study between February 15th and April 30th 2012 including 127 patients (75 males and 52 females) aged 46.8 ± 16.9 (16 - 85 years) and dialysed since >6 months in three dialysis centres. For each patient, we assessed insomnia according to international definition, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with the Berlin questionnaire, restless leg syndrome (RLS) using abridged version of Cambridge-Hopkins RLS questionnaire, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) with Epworth sleepiness scale. Logistic multivariate regression was used to identify factors associated with different SD. Results: Overall prevalence of SD was 88% comprising: insomnia (64.3%), OSAS (49.1%), RLS (24.1%) and EDS (20.5%). Forty-two patients presented at least two disorders. No difference was noticed in prevalence of SD between genders (p = 0.14). Level of blood pressure were not different across patients with and without SD. Insomnia correlated with anemia, inflammation and EDS. OSAS was associated with age ≥50 years, EDS and neck circumference ≥25 cm. RLS correlated with anemia and EDS. Other parameters such as gender, dialysis vintage, KT/V, obesity, diabetes status and hypoalbuminemia were not associated with the different SD. The majority of patients had not been diagnosed before the survey and none of them was under treatment. Conclusions: Our findings are compatible with high prevalence of sleep disorders reported in other populations. Insomnia and OSAS are the most frequent SD but some patients combined many disorders. Nephrologists should be more aware of these SD in order to detect them early and provide efficient treatment.

Clinical epidemiology of chronic viral hepatitis B:A Tuscany real-world large-scale cohort study

AIM To build a regional database of chronic patients to define the clinical epidemiology of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-infected patients in the Tuscan public health care system.METHODS This study used a cross-sectional cohort design. We evaluated chronic viral hepatitis patients with HBV referred to the outpatient services of 16 hospital units. Information in the case report forms included main demographic data, blood chemistry data, viral hepatitis markers, instrumental evaluations, and eligibility for treatment or ongoing therapy and liver transplantation. RESULTS Of 4015 chronic viral hepatitis patients, 1096(27.3%) were HBV infected. The case report form was correctly completed for only 833 patients(64% males, 36% females; mean age 50.1 ± 15.4). Of these HBV-infected patients, 73% were Caucasian, 21% Asian, 4% Central African, 1% North African and 1% American. Stratifying patients by age and nationality, we found that 21.7% of HBV-infected patients were aged < 34 years(only 2.8% were Italian). The most represented routes of transmission were nosocomial/dental procedures(23%), mother-to-child(17%) and sexual transmission(12%). The most represented HBV genotypes were D(72%) and A(14%). Of the patients, 24.7% of patients were HBe Ag positive, and 75.3% were HBe Ag negative. Of the HBV patients 7% were anti-HDV positive. In the whole cohort, 26.9% were cirrhotic(35.8% aged < 45 years), and 47% were eligible for or currently undergoing treatment, of whom 41.9 % were cirrhotic. CONCLUSION Only 27.3% of chronic viral hepatitis patients were HBV infected. Our results provide evidence of HBV infection in people aged < 34 years, especially in the foreign population not protected by vaccination. In our cohort of patients, liver cirrhosis was also found in young adults.

Ethnic differences in inflammatory bowel disease: Results from the United Kingdom inception cohort epidemiology study

BACKGROUND The current epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)in the multiethnic United Kingdom is unknown.The last incidence study in the United Kingdom was carried out over 20 years ago.AIM To describe the incidence and phenotype of IBD and distribution within ethnic groups.METHODS Adult patients(>16 years)with newly diagnosed IBD(fulfilling Copenhagen diagnostic criteria)were prospectively recruited over one year in 5 urban catchment areas with high South Asian population.Patient demographics,ethnic codes,disease phenotype(Montreal classification),disease activity and treatment within 3 months of diagnosis were recorded onto the Epicom database.RESULTS Across a population of 2271406 adults,339 adult patients were diagnosed with IBD over one year:218 with ulcerative colitis(UC,64.3%),115 with Crohn's disease(CD,33.9%)and 6 with IBD unclassified(1.8%).The crude incidence of IBD,UC and CD was 17.0/100000,11.3/100000 and 5.3/100000 respectively.The age adjusted incidence of IBD and UC were significantly higher in the Indian group(25.2/100000 and 20.5/100000)compared to White European(14.9/100000,P=0.009 and 8.2/100000,P<0.001)and Pakistani groups(14.9/100000,P=0.001 and 11.2/100000,P=0.007).The Indian group were significantly more likely to have extensive disease than White Europeans(52.7%vs 41.7%,P=0.031).There was no significant difference in time to diagnosis,disease activity and treatment.CONCLUSION This is the only prospective study to report the incidence of IBD in an ethnically diverse United Kingdom population.The Indian ethnic group showed the highest age-adjusted incidence of UC(20.5/100000).Further studies on dietary,microbial and metabolic factors that might explain these findings in UC are underway.

Factors Associated with Field Epidemiology Investigation: A Cross-sectional Study in China

The public health problem caused by disease outbreak cause increasing global concern. Field epidemiology investigation (FEI), which involves the timely use of epidemiology to solve urge nt public health problems, is a crucial core capacity for the public health workforce. When an acute public health problem occurs, there is an urge nt n eed to identify the origin, path, cases, and vulnerable population, and to implement timely intervention. FEI can be con ducted not only for in fectious disease epidemics but also for non-communicable events such as poisoning, vaccination accidents, and environmental pollution. While situations do not always meet the statutory standard of a public health emergency, it remains necessary to conductan in vestigation to prevent event from becoming a serious public health problem.

Epidemiology of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in Brazil(Epi Gastro):A population-based study according to sex and age group

AIM:To determine the prevalences of symptoms consistent with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and dyspepsia in South America.METHODS:A telephone survey was conducted among adult owners of land-based telephones in S?o Paulo,Brazil,using previously validated computer-assisted sampling and survey protocols.The Portugueselanguage survey included(1)sociodemographic characteristics(e.g.,weight,height,smoking)and comorbidities;(2)dietary habits;(3)presence of symptoms consistent with GERD or dyspepsia within the prior 3mo;and(4)use of medications and other therapies to manage symptoms.Data were stratified post-hoc into three homogeneous geographical regions of S?o Paulo according to the Social Exclusion Indices of the districts and postal codes.Survey response data from each respondent were weighted by the numbers of adults and landline telephones in each household.The analyses were weighted to account for sampling design and to be representative of the S?o Paulo population according to city census data.RESULTS:Among 4570 households contacted,an adult from 3050(66.7%)agreed to participate.The nonresponse rate was 33.3%.The mean(SE)respondent age was 42.6(16.0)years.More than half of all respondents were women(53.1%),aged 18 through 49 years(66.7%),married or cohabitating(52.5%),and/or above normal-weight standards(i.e.,35.3%overweight and 16.3%obese).A total of 26.5%of women were perimenopausal.More than 20%of respondents reported highly frequent symptoms consistent with GERD(e.g.,gastric burning sensation=20.8%)or dyspepsia(e.g.,abdominal swelling/distension=20.9%)at least once per month.Prevalences of these symptoms were significantly(approximately 1.5-to 2.0-fold)higher among women than men but did not vary significantly as a function of advancing age.For instance,14.1%of women reported that they experienced stomach burning(symptom of GERD)at least twice per week,compared to 8.4%of men(P=0.012 byχ2 test).A total of 15.7%of women reported that they experienced abdominal swelling(symptom of dyspepsia)at least twice per week,compared to 6.4%of men(P<0.001byχ2 test).Despite frequent manifestations of GERD or dyspepsia,most(≥90%)respondents reported that they neither received prescription medications fromphysicians,nor took behavioral measures(e.g.,dietary modifications),to manage symptoms.CONCLUSION:Symptoms consistent with dyspepsia and GERD are prevalent in Brazil and represent major public-health and clinical challenges.

Epidemiology, Clinical and Paraclinical Presentations of Pulmonary Embolism: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sub-Saharan Africa Setting

Background: Venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease burden is increasing worldwide, representing a major cause of cardiovascular death and public health problem. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most serious clinical presentation of VTE. Epidemiological and clinical data on PE are still lacking in Africa, particularly in Cameroon. This study aimed at determining the clinical features as well as imaging presentation and outcome of pulmonary embolism. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in three hospitals in Douala. We retrospectively reviewed patient records admitted for PE from January 2009 to May 2017. We collected data on epidemiology, clinical presentation, venous Doppler/pulmonary computed tomographic angiography (CTA), and outcome. Results: We included 103 patients (56 males) with PE. Their median age was 52 years. The main risk factors were obesity (49.5%), hypertension (35.0%), long trip (24.3%) and cancer (18.4%). The most frequent clinical presentations were dyspnoea (83.4%), chest pain (78.6%), and cough (40.8%). Additionally, pleural effusion (32.8%), atelectasis (25.7%) and pulmonary hyperlucency (20.0%) were the most frequent findings on chest X-ray. The main abnormalities found in electrocardiogram were sinus tachycardia (63.4%), S1Q3T3 aspect (37.6%) and right axial deviation (28.7%). Moreover, right cavities dilatation (26.0%), pulmonary artery hypertension (35.0%) and pulmonary artery dilatation (21.0%) were the main echocardiographic findings. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was the initial anticoagulant in all cases. There were 19 (18.4%) in-hospital deaths, and the mean hospital stay was 8.5 ± 5 days. Conclusion: PE is not rare in our setting. Obesity, long trip and cancer are the main risk factors, while dyspnoea, chest pain and respiratory distress are the main clinical presentation for PE. LMWH remains the therapeutic agent of choice. Lastly, in-hospital mortality is very high.

Stroke Epidemiology in Douala: Three Years Prospective Study in a Teaching Hospital in Cameroon

Background and Objectives: Cerebro-vascular accident or stroke constitutes a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, basic epidemiologic data are not routinely available. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the type, the associated risk factors, time to admission, the clinical presentation and the case fatality of stroke at the Douala General Hospital (DGH) in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012 at the neurology and intensive care units of the DGH. All patients above 15 years of age with a diagnosis of established stroke were enrolled. For each patient, socio-demographic, clinical and paraclinical data were recorded as well as the duration of hospitalization and the case fatality. Results: In all, 325 patients were enrolled with males constituting 68.1% and general mean age of 58.66 ± 13.6 years. The mean initial consultation delay was 47.36 ± 18.48 hours. The majors cerebro-vascular risk factors were hypertension (81.15%), chronic alcohol consumption (28.3%), diabetes mellitus (20.61%), obesity (18.15%), cigarette smoking (16%), dyslipidemia (8.9%) and atrial fibrillation (3.07%). Ischemic stroke accounted for 52% of cases while 48% were hemorrhagic. The mean duration of hospitalization was 8.58 ± 6.35 days with a case fatality rate of 26.8%. Septic conditions appeared to be the leading cause of death accounting for 35.6% of cases. Conclusion: Stroke in the DGH is associated with a high case fatality rate and hypertension remains the number one risk factor. There is a clear and urgent need for public health authorities to reinforce measures for the control of modifiable stroke risk factors.

The association of grip strength with cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality in people with hypertension:Findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology China Study

Background:Both hypertension and grip strength(GS)are predictors of mortality and cardiovascular disease(CVD),but whether these risk factors interact to affect CVD and all-cause mortality is unknown.This study sought to investigate the associations of GS with the risk of major CVD incidence,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality in patients with hypertension.Methods:GS was measured using a Jamar dynamometer(Sammons Preston,Bolingbrook,IL,USA)in participants aged 3570 years from 12 provinces included in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology China Study.Cox frailty proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations of GS and hypertension and the outcomes of all-cause mortality and CVD incidence/mortality.Results:Among 39,862 participants included in this study,15,964 reported having hypertension,and 9095 had high GS at baseline.After a median follow-up of 8.9 years(interquartile range,6.79.9 years),1822 participants developed major CVD,and 1250 deaths occurred(388 as a result of CVD).Compared with normotensive participants with high GS,hypertensive patients with high GS had a higher risk of major CVD incidence(hazard ratio(HR)=2.39;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.863.06;p<0.001)or CVD mortality(HR=3.11;95%CI:1.596.06;p<0.001)but did not have a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality(HR=1.24;95%CI:0.921.68;p=0.159).These risks were further increased if hypertensive participants whose GS level was low(major CVD incidence,HR=3.31,95%CI:2.604.22,p<0.001;CVD mortality,HR=4.99,95%CI:2.649.43,p<0.001;and all-cause mortality,HR=1.93,95%CI:1.472.53,p<0.001).Conclusion:The present study demonstrates that low GS is associated with the highest risk of major CVD incidence,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality among hypertensive patients.High levels of GS appear to mitigate long-term mortality risk among hypertensive patients.

Epidemiology and risk factors for sports-and recreation-related eye injury:a multicenter prospective observational study

AIM:To identify the epidemiologic characteristics of sportsand recreation-related eye injuries in a large metropolitan city and investigate risk factors associated with visual impairment.METHODS:We performed a multicenter prospective observational study on patients using the regional eye injury registry data.This study included patients with sportsand recreation-related eye injury in four tertiary teaching hospitals in Daegu,Republic of Korea,from August 2016 to July 2018.The primary outcome was visual impairment at the first hospital visit.Distributions of sex,age,place,and causative materials were analyzed according to causative activities.To examine the association between causative activities and visual impairment,a Logistic regression analysis was used.RESULTS:Of the 349 sports-and recreation-related eye injuries,soccer was the most common causative activity,with 21.8%(n=76).Sports-and recreation-related eye injuries occurred mainly in teenagers,individuals in their 20 s,and men.Badminton and soccer were significantly associated with visual impairment at the first hospital visit compared with combat sports[(adjusted odds ratio(AOR),5.18;95%confidence interval(CI),1.67-16.09 for badminton and AOR,3.87;95%CI,1.36-10.99 for soccer].CONCLUSION:Intervention efforts such as deployment of protective eyewear in sports facilities and schools and promotion of wearing protective eyewear during these activities in teenagers and individuals in their 20 s are mandatory.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of the First 500 Positive Cases of COVID-19. A Multicenter Retrospective Study across the Najran Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection that was first reported in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019. This study aimed to clarify the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 500 first COVID-19 in the Najran region, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A multi-center retrospective study design was employed to study the first 500 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Najran province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Data were collected from 1 March 2020 until 1 July 2020 and provided by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) department from the hospitals. Included cases were confirmed using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Demographic, vital signs, symptoms, incubation period, travel or exposure history medical history, and comorbidities were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between potential risk factors associated with symptoms occurrence of COVID-19. Results: The median age of 500 COVID-19 patients was 31 years;333 (66.6%) males. A total of 34 (6.8%) were Healthcare Workers (HCWs). Out of the 500 patients, 180 (36%) had at least one comorbid disease. The most common symptoms on admission were fever 281 (56.2%), cough 266 (53.2%), shortness of breath 166 (33.2%), and malaise 113 (22.6%). Most of the patients presented with mild disease severity 310 (62%). Nationality, age, and Diabetes Miletus (DM) were independently and significantly associated with being symptomatic (P < 0.05). Compared to Saudi nationals, other nationality patients were most likely to have symptoms (β = 2.968, CI = 2.002 - 4.400, P = 0.0010). For every 1 year increase in age, the risk of being symptomatic increased by 5.8% (β = 1.045, CI = 1.033 - 1.058, P = 0.001). Compared with non-DM patients, DM patients had a 4.05 times higher risk (β = 4.05, CI = 2.188 - 7.507, P = 0.001) of getting symptoms. Conclusions: The study concluded that the majority of the COVID-19 patients were symptomatic or had mild disease severity. Age, nationality, and DM were the important risk factors in being symptomatic.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma,nasal type:epidemiology study

Extranodal natural killer （NK）IT-cell lymphoma, nasal type （ENKTCL） is a rarely kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma （NHL）. It is much more frequent in Asian and Latin American countries than other part of the world. It typically affects nasal cavity. In China, one of its endemically places, ENKTCL accounts for 74%-96% of nasal NHL. Patients with ENKTCL usually show a highly aggressive clinical course, and its etiology is unclear. However, it is already proved that ENKTCL is associated with Epstein-Barr virus （EBV） infection, regardless patients＇, ethnicity and areas. Some studies show that the risk will increase among several occupations, such as farmer, who are frequently exposure to pesticides and chemical solvent and risk can be cut down if taking some protective measures.

Epidemiology of perforating peptic ulcer:A population-based retrospective study over 40 years

BACKGROUND The incidence of peptic ulcer disease has decreased during the last few decades,but the incidence of reported peptic ulcer complications has not decreased.Perforating peptic ulcer(PPU)is a severe form of the disease.AIM To assess trends in the incidence,presentation,and outcome of PPU over a period of 40 years.METHODS This was a single-centre,retrospective,cohort study of all patients admitted to Levanger Hospital,Norway,with PPU from 1978 to 2017.The patients were identified in the Patient Administrative System of the hospital using International Classification of Diseases(ICD),revision 8,ICD-9,and ICD-10 codes for perforated gastric and duodenal ulcers.We reviewed the medical records of the patients to retrieve data.Vital statistics were available for all patients.The incidence of PPU was analysed using Poisson regression with perforated ulcer as the dependent variable,and sex,age,and calendar year from 1978 to 2017 as covariates.Relative survival analysis was performed to compare long-term survival over the four decades.RESULTS Two hundred and nine patients were evaluated,including 113(54%)men.Fortysix(22%)patients were older than 80 years.Median age increased from the first to the last decade(from 63 to 72 years).The incidence rate increased with increasing age,but we measured a decline in recent decades for both sexes.A significant increase in the use of acetylsalicylic acid,from 5%(2/38)to 18%(8/45),was observed during the study period.Comorbidity increased significantly over the 40 years of the study,with 22%(10/45)of the patients having an American Society of Anaesthesiologists(ASA)score 4-5 in the last decade,compared to 5%(2/38)in the first decade.Thirty-nine percent(81/209)of the patients had one or more postoperative complications.Both 100-day mortality and long-term survival were associated with ASA score,without significant variations between the decades.CONCLUSION Declining incidence rates occurred in recent years,but the patients were older and had more comorbidity.The ASA score was associated with both short-term mortality and long-term survival.