INTRODUCTION

Effective mosquito control is pivotal in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, but no successful preventive measures have been recorded for dengue vector control. Hence, possible alternatives to chemical larvicides have been explored, including plant alcoholic extracts. This study determined the larvicidal efficacy of Annona squamosa ethanolic leaf extracts against third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti.

Three replicates of varying concentrations of Annona squamosa ethanolic extract (i.e., 10%, 40%, and 70%) versus positive (Novaluron) and negative controls (tap water) were used to determine larval mortality.

Greatest larval mortality was noted using the 70% concentration (i.e., 24% versus the observed values of 20% and 8%, respectively for the 40% and 10% ethanolic concentrations). Relative to the controls, the mean differences in the mortality rates of the Aedes aegypti larvae across the leaf ethanolic concentrations were statistically significant (i.e., p-value < 0.05). There was increasing trend in larval mortality over time, but 50% lethal dose was not achieved. In conclusion, the different Annona squamosa ethanolic leaf extracts could be used as alternative botanical larvicides against Aedes species.

Background: Scabies is the second most common cause of disability among skin diseases in the Philippines as of 2019. There is no large nationwide study describing the epidemiologic profile of scabies in the country. Objective. This study aimed to describe the demographic, seasonal, and geographic profile of scabies in the Philippines. Methods: We compared secondary data of two local patient registries (Philippine Dermatological Society, PDS, 2010 to 2021; and Philippine Pediatric Society, PPS, 2009 to 2021) for reported cases of scabies in the Philippines. We reported the frequency and percentage distribution according to age, sex, month, year, and type of diagnosis, and region. Results: The median annual frequency of scabies cases (mostly outpatient) for PDS (from year 2010) was 4087 (range ([QR], 342-6422 [3271.5]), while it was 183 (range [IQR], 64-234 [96.5]) (all inpatient) for PPS (from year 2009). There was a reduction to one-third (PDS) and one-fourth (PPS) of pre-pandemic numbers during the pandemic years (2020- 2021). The peak months for scabies cases were the cooler months: January (median, 12.1% of annual cases; range [IQR], 2.6%-31.4% [3.6%]) to February (median, 10.0% of annual cases; range [IQR], 1.5%-27.8% [2.5%]) based on PDS data, and November (median, 10.0% of annual cases; range [IQR], 0.0%-24.3% [7.0%]) to January (median, 9.0% of annual cases; range [IQR], 0.0%-24.3% [6.6%]) for PPS data. Overall, for PDS, age 1-4 years is the most affected age group (median, PDS, 17.5% of annual cases; range [IQR], 11.9%-25.4% [8.1%]), while it was the less than 1-yearolds (median annual cases, 48.9%; range [IQR], 29.1%-67.3% [13.20%]) among PPS pediatric population aged 0 to 18 years. Males (median, 53.9% of annual cases; range [IQR], 45.0%-67.2% [8.8%]) were more affected than females in PPS. While for PDS during earlier years (prior to 2015), males (median, 51.6% of annual cases from 2010 to 2014; range [IQR], 47.4%-52.9% [0.2%]) were more affected than females. However, males became less affected than females with median, 44.7% of annual cases from 2015 onwards (range [IQR], 43.4%-46.5% [1.2%]). NCR was the region with the highest frequency of cases in PPS (median, 52.6% of annual cases; range [IQR], 22.7%-75.0% [20.4%]). The 2nd most affected regions were Central/Eastern Visayas (34.2%, 2009-2013; range [IQR], 17.9%-54.1% [5.3%]), Bicol region (12%; 2014 to 2018; range [IQR], 17.9%-54.1% [7.4%]), Central Luzon (18%; 2019), Central/Eastern Visayas (29%, 2020), and Northern/Central Mindanao (17%, 2021). Conclusion Scabies was commonly seen in the younger age group, slightly more in females in the PDS, while slightly more among males in the PPS, in the cooler months of the year, and in the urbanized NCR.
Scabies ; Philippines ; Epidemiology ; Database ; Registries

In recent years, there has been a significant global increase in skin cancer incidence, which continues to pose a significant challenge to public health. This retrospective study aimed to comprehensively characterize the epidemiology of histopathologically diagnosed skin cancers at the Department of Dermatology, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center from January 2013 to December 2022. The research encompassed an analysis of demographic and clinical profiles in 352 cases. The cases consisted of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (161, 46%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (62, 18%), melanoma (21, 6%), mycosis fungoides (MF) (37, 11%), other cutaneous T-Cell lymphomas (11, 3%), mammary Paget’s disease (7, 2%), extramammary Paget’s disease (6, 1.7%), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) (8, 2%), sebaceous carcinoma (3, 1%), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) (1, 0.3%), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (1, 0.3%), angiosarcoma (2, 0.6%), Kaposi sarcoma (3, 0.9%), and cutaneous metastasis (29, 8%). Among the primary cutaneous malignancies, BCC, SCC, MF, and melanoma were the most frequently encountered types. The findings reveal a notable upward trend in all skin cancer incidence, and projections suggest a continued increase in the next five years. BCC and SCC were more common in males and affected predominantly sun-exposed areas, while melanoma exhibited a slight female preponderance and primarily affected the lower extremities (acral melanoma). These skin cancers were more common among elderly individuals. The study highlights the need for standardized documentation to improve data quality on epidemiology. This, in turn, can lead to improved early detection, prevention, and better management of this escalating global public health issue.

INTRODUCTION

Allergic contact dermatitis remains a commonly encountered condition in dermatology. Contact allergen prevalence fluctuates over time, making ongoing surveillance essential for detecting trends and identifying emerging allergens.

To determine the prevalence and trends of top allergen patch test-positive patients over a 10-year period.

The medical records of 906 patients who underwent patch testing at the hospital between 2012 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data and patch tests results with clinical relevance from consultation records were extracted and analyzed.

In the 10 years, data from 996 patients patch tested with European baseline series of contact allergens were analyzed. The overall positivity rate was 64.25%. The predominant allergens investigated during the previous decade include nickel sulfate (19.60%), fragrance mix I (8.70%), potassium dichromate (5.99%), cobalt chloride (5.92%), and p-phenylenediamine base (5.92%). The trend in our study aligns with global patch test data, with nickel sulfate consistently leading as the most frequent allergen.

The study emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and updating of the standard patch test series to ensure its clinical relevance and improve patient care.

Background: While wearing face shields and other gears to protect the facial mucous membranes not covered by face masks are proven to decrease the odds of infection in the hospital setting, there is no concrete evidence of its efficacy in the general public. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of face shield use in the general public in the local setting. Methods: This study utilized an ecological study design, with the weeks when the policy was implemented serving as the exposure variable while the weeks when the policy was not in effect, whether prior to or after, serving as control. Primary outcomes were mean incidence of COVID-19 and case fatality rate (CFR) per week. Results: When the mandatory face shield use was implemented, the mean incidence of COVID-19 per week was higher compared to weeks when it was not implemented [93 cases per 1000 population per week (ptpw) vs 65 cases, relative risk:1.43, z=-3.79, p=0.0001]. Moreover, during weeks when only less than 50% of the population was vaccinated with first dose (93 cases ptpw vs 52 cases, RR: 1.79, z=-4.3, p<0.0001) and complete doses (93 cases ptpw vs 66 cases ptpw, RR:1.41, z=-3.69, p=0.0002), the mean incidence of COVID-19 per week were statistically higher in weeks when face shield use was in effect. Controlling the status of vaccination and the predominant strain, face shield use increased the incidence of COVID-19 cases ptpw by 38 (F=13, R2=39%, p=0.026) to 50 (F=3.06, R2=12.2%, p=0.032) compared to no face shield use. No difference in CFR between weeks with face shield use and no face shield use was seen (29 deaths ptpw vs 32 deaths per ptpw, p=1.0). Nevertheless, when the weeks with no vaccination (27 deaths ptpw vs 48 deaths ptpw, RR=0.56, p=0.0018), less than 50% of the population were vaccinated with f irst dose (30 deaths ptpw vs 50 deaths ptpw, RR:0.6, p=0.0005), and complete doses (30 deaths vs 47 deaths ptpw, RR:0.64, p=0.0042) were only considered, face shield use significantly decreased the mean CFR per week. Controlling the incidence rate of COVID-19, vaccination status, and prevalent strain, face shield use decreases the number of deaths by 26 per 1000 COVID-19 diagnosed cases (F=7.4, R2=28.3, p=0.010). Conclusions In general, although face shield use increased susceptibility to COVID-19, it decreased case fatality rate in the Philippines. However, a more robust and controlled study in the future may be needed to truly justify its recommendation for the public.
COVID-19 ; epidemiology ; public health ; Philippines

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the demographics, clinical profile, treatment, and outcomes of retinoblastoma patients seen at medical institutions in the Philippines between two time periods: 2010 to 2015 and 2016 to 2020.

This was a multicenter, analytical, cohort study using review of medical charts and databases of retinoblastoma patients seen in 11 medical institutions from 2010 to 2020.

There were 636 patients (821 eyes) included in this study: 330 patients were seen in 2010 to 2015 while 306 in 2016 to 2020. More cases per annum were seen in the latter timeline. The number of patients with unilateral disease was not significantly different between the two time periods (p=0.51). Age at onset of symptom, age at initial consultation, and delay in consult were also not significantly different between the two time periods (p > 0.05). Patients had significantly different distributions of intraocular grades (p < 0.0001) and systemic staging (p < 0.0001) between the two time periods. Enucleation was the most common surgical treatment performed in both timelines. There was significant difference in the status of patients based on the need for systemic chemotherapy (p < 0.01). There was significant difference in outcome between the two time periods, including the proportions of living and deceased patients.

This study compared the most comprehensive data on retinoblastoma patients in the country. There was no improvement in early health seeking behavior based on similar age at initial consult and delay in consult. Enucleation remained the most common treatment mode as opposed to chemotherapy due to similar percentage of patients with unilateral disease, an indication for enucleation rather than chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinicopathologic profile of testicular cancer at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City from January 2017 to December 2022.

This is a retrospective study that analyzed data from a cohort of 33 patients using a combination of descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

The study revealed a mean patient age of 35 years, with the majority (82%) falling between 19 and 59 years. Cryptorchidism was associated with 9% of cases, and most tumors (55%) were located on the right side, with sizes between 3 and 10 cm (58%). The predominant symptom was a painless testicular mass (100%), underscoring the importance of self-examination. Pathologic stage distribution indicates a predominance of advanced stages, notably Stage IIIC at 24%. Germ cell tumors constitute 91% (52% seminoma, 39% non-seminoma), with no significant correlation between tumor stage at diagnosis and number of risk factors identified or body mass index (BMI). Symptom duration trends towards significance in association with advanced stages.

The study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of testicular cancer in the Philippines, aligning with global trends. It emphasizes the crucial role of early detection through selfexamination and timely consultation. The prevalence of advanced stages highlights the imperative for heightened awareness and intervention.

Humans ; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems ; Prevalence ; Mental Disorders/epidemiology* ; Smoking/epidemiology* ; Perception

BACKGROUND: There are few multi-city studies on the association between temperature and mortality in basin climates. This study was based on the Sichuan Basin in southwest China to assess the association of basin temperature with non-accidental mortality in the population and with the temperature-related mortality burden. METHODS: Daily mortality data, meteorological and air pollution data were collected for four cities in the Sichuan Basin of southwest China. We used a two-stage time-series analysis to quantify the association between temperature and non-accidental mortality in each city, and a multivariate meta-analysis was performed to obtain the overall cumulative risk. The attributable fractions (AFs) were calculated to access the mortality burden attributable to non-optimal temperature. Additionally, we performed a stratified analyses by gender, age group, education level, and marital status. RESULTS: A total of 751,930 non-accidental deaths were collected in our study. Overall, 10.16% of non-accidental deaths could be attributed to non-optimal temperatures. A majority of temperature-related non-accidental deaths were caused by low temperature, accounting for 9.10% (95% eCI: 5.50%, 12.19%), and heat effects accounted for only 1.06% (95% eCI: 0.76%, 1.33%). The mortality burden attributable to non-optimal temperatures was higher among those under 65 years old, females, those with a low education level, and those with an alternative marriage status. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that a significant association between non-optimal temperature and non-accidental mortality. Those under 65 years old, females, and those with a low educational level or alternative marriage status had the highest attributable burden.
Female ; Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Cities ; Cold Temperature ; Hot Temperature ; Mortality ; Temperature ; Time Factors ; Middle Aged ; Male

BACKGROUND: It is crucial to understand the seasonal variation of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) for the detection and management of MetS. Previous studies have demonstrated the seasonal variations in MetS prevalence and its markers, but their methods are not robust. To clarify the concrete seasonal variations in the MetS prevalence and its markers, we utilized a powerful method called Seasonal Trend Decomposition Procedure based on LOESS (STL) and a big dataset of health checkups. METHODS: A total of 1,819,214 records of health checkups (759,839 records for men and 1,059,375 records for women) between April 2012 and December 2017 were included in this study. We examined the seasonal variations in the MetS prevalence and its markers using 5 years and 9 months health checkup data and STL analysis. MetS markers consisted of waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG). RESULTS: We found that the MetS prevalence was high in winter and somewhat high in August. Among men, MetS prevalence was 2.64 ± 0.42 (mean ± SD) % higher in the highest month (January) than in the lowest month (June). Among women, MetS prevalence was 0.53 ± 0.24% higher in the highest month (January) than in the lowest month (June). Additionally, SBP, DBP, and HDL-C exhibited simple variations, being higher in winter and lower in summer, while WC, TG, and FPG displayed more complex variations. CONCLUSIONS This finding, complex seasonal variations of MetS prevalence, WC, TG, and FPG, could not be derived from previous studies using just the mean values in spring, summer, autumn and winter or the cosinor analysis. More attention should be paid to factors affecting seasonal variations of central obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology* ; Seasons ; Prevalence ; Climate ; Insulin Resistance ; Triglycerides