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Research Article
Trend in Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Students at Oda Bultum University: A 5-year Retrospective Study
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, December 2024
Pages:
42-49
Received:
9 August 2024
Accepted:
3 September 2024
Published:
26 September 2024
Abstract: Background: The impact of intestinal parasitic infections is not limited to morbidity and mortality, but also extends to impaired cognitive abilities and intellectual deficits in students. However, no known programmed control or prevention interventions are available for university students in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine trends in intestinal parasitic infections among students at Oda Bultum University. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among students suspected of having intestinal parasitic infections between 2019 and 2023. The Kobo Toolbox was used to collect complete age, sex, and stool examination data from the Oda Bultum University Student Clinic Laboratory Registration Book. SPSS version 25.0 was used for the data analysis. Results: The overall five-year prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among university students was 1036/1902 (54.5% [CI = 52.2-56.7%]). Of the nine different parasites reported, E. histolytica/dispar (24.3%) was the most common, followed by G. lamblia (13.9%) and, among the helminths, A. lumbricoides (9.8%). The prevalence trends over five years were inconsistent. In contrast, the number of seasonal parasitic infections consistently increased from spring (44.9%) to summer (67.7%). Conclusion: The five-year prevalence in the present study was high (54.5%), with an inconsistent trend and consistent seasonal prevalence. There is a need to develop intervention strategies, including health education and regular deworming for the university community. Regular screening of food handlers in student cafeterias is recommended.
Abstract: Background: The impact of intestinal parasitic infections is not limited to morbidity and mortality, but also extends to impaired cognitive abilities and intellectual deficits in students. However, no known programmed control or prevention interventions are available for university students in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this...
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Review Article
Impact of Surgical Technique on Reducing the Incidence of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, December 2024
Pages:
50-66
Received:
27 August 2024
Accepted:
21 September 2024
Published:
30 September 2024
Abstract: Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), a complication frequently encountered following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) are the most frequently utilized reconstructive strategies with different anastomosis techniques. This study was conducted to evaluate the optimal surgical technique to prevent POPF. Methods: The study was conducted using PRISMA guidelines with PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023494393. Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy includes the use of PJ or PG with different anastomoses techniques and developed POPF were included. We conducted a systematic literature review from January 2019 to December 2023 using a comprehensive search strategy, through Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Meta-analysis was utilized to analyze the outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Eighteen studies with 3343 patients who underwent various anastomoses (including the Modified DuVal, Heidelberg PJ, and Blumgart methods) were included. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurred in 27% of patients. Techniques such as modified Heidelberg, Peng, shark mouth PJ, and Kiguchi PJ were associated with lower POPF rates, whereas modified and classical Blumgart techniques exhibited higher rates. While mortality rates varied among surgical techniques, overall mortality was low. Conclusions: Data from this study can be used to shape future studies and direct physicians to develop strategies to reduce the risk of POPF and thereby reduce morbidity and mortality, leading to improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, this data can inform clinical decision-making and guide the development of evidence-based practice guidelines to optimize surgical outcomes.
Abstract: Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), a complication frequently encountered following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) are the most frequently utilized reconstructive strategies with different anastomosis techniques. This study was conducted to evaluate the optimal surgical techniqu...
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Research Article
Impact of Gastrointestinal Symptoms on in-Hospital Outcomes and Long-Term Sequelae in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, December 2024
Pages:
67-75
Received:
29 September 2024
Accepted:
21 October 2024
Published:
26 November 2024
Abstract: Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have become increasingly recognized as a significant aspect of COVID-19. However, the long-term impact of GI symptoms on disease course, outcomes, and post-discharge sequelae remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the disease course, outcomes, and long-term sequelae of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without GI symptoms. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 246 hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Participants were divided into two groups: 123 with GI symptoms and 123 without. Clinical outcomes during hospitalization and post-discharge follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results: Patients with GI symptoms demonstrated better in-hospital outcomes, including lower oxygen requirements and a higher frequency of complete recovery. However, rates of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality were similar between both groups. Long-term follow-up revealed comparable rates of post-COVID-19 symptoms in both groups, with persistent symptoms being more common than new symptoms. Conclusion: Our study found that patients with GI symptoms had better in-hospital outcomes regarding oxygen requirements and complete recovery. However, long-term post-discharge sequelae were similar in both groups. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing research to better understand the long-term impact of COVID-19, including the potential role of GI symptoms in disease course and outcomes.
Abstract: Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have become increasingly recognized as a significant aspect of COVID-19. However, the long-term impact of GI symptoms on disease course, outcomes, and post-discharge sequelae remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the disease course, outcomes, and long-term sequelae of hospitalized COVI...
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Research Article
SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Vaccination, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Veterans: A Cross-Sectional Study
Arash Oliver Parsi,
George Nicholas Verne,
Yu Jiang,
Sue Ann Theus,
Josh Sullivan,
Qiqi Zhou*
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, December 2024
Pages:
76-84
Received:
30 October 2024
Accepted:
11 November 2024
Published:
29 November 2024
Abstract: Background: The association and interaction between SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has not been adequately explored. We sought to determine whether a mechanistic relationship exists and whether vaccination against COVID-19 plays a role in this relationship. Methods: Using the Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic healthcare database, we obtained a random sample of veterans in October 2022 for this cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics of the participants (e.g., age, sex, race), prior COVID infection, COVID vaccination status, and IBS diagnosis were extracted from the VA medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine potential associations between the listed factors and IBS diagnosis. Results: A total of 9,112 veterans were analyzed. In univariate analysis, race, COVID infection, and vaccination were significantly associated with IBS. In multivariate regression analysis, only the effects of COVID infection and vaccination were statistically significant. The odds ratios for development of IBS among veterans with COVID infection versus those without was 1.94 (95% CI: 1.53-2.45), and for vaccinated versus unvaccinated, was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.18-1.89). Further analysis showed that vaccinated veterans who did not contract COVID infection had a lower risk of developing IBS compared to unvaccinated veterans who contracted COVID. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that veterans with COVID infection are almost twice as likely to develop IBS compared to those who have never had COVID infection. Vaccinated veterans have a lower risk of contracting COVID and subsequently, a diminished chance of developing IBS. Overall, vaccination of veterans with protection against COVID diminishes the risk of IBS development.
Abstract: Background: The association and interaction between SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has not been adequately explored. We sought to determine whether a mechanistic relationship exists and whether vaccination against COVID-19 plays a role in this relationship. Methods: Using the Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic heal...
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