Adult specimens of Echinochasmus caninus n. comb. (Verma, 1935) (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) (syn. Episthmium caninum Yamaguti, 1958) were recovered from 11 riparian people who resided along the Mekong River in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. In fecal examinations done by the Kato-Katz technique, the cases revealed eggs of Opisthorchis viverrini/minute intestinal flukes, hookworms, and in 2 cases echinostome eggs. To recover the adult helminths, praziquantel 30–40 mg/kg and pyrantel pamoate 10–15 mg/kg in a single dose were given and purged with magnesium salts. Various species of trematodes (including O. viverrini and Haplorchis spp.), cestodes, and nematodes were recovered from their diarrheic stools. Among the trematodes, small echinostome flukes (n=42; av. 3.8 specimens per case) of 0.7–1.2 mm in length are subjected in this study. They are morphologically characterized by having 24 collar spines interrupted dorsally and anterior extension of vitellaria from the cirrus sac or genital pore level to the posterior end of the body. Particularly based on this extensive distribution of vitellaria, the specific diagnosis was made as Echinochasmus caninus. The cases were co-infected with various other helminth parasites; thus, clinical manifestations specific for this echinostome infection were difficult to determine. The present paper describes for the first time human E. caninus infections in Lao PDR. Our cases marked the 4–14th human infections with this echinostome around the world following the 3 previous cases reported from Thailand.
Adult ; Ancylostomatoidea ; Animals ; Cestoda ; Comb and Wattles ; Diagnosis ; Eggs ; Helminths ; Humans ; Magnesium ; Opisthorchis ; Ovum ; Parasites ; Praziquantel ; Pyrantel Pamoate ; Rivers ; Salts ; Spine ; Thailand ; Trematoda

Head-lice infestation, pediculosis capitis, remains a public-health burden in many countries. The widely used first-line pediculicides and alternative treatments are often too costly for use in poor socio-economic settings. Ivermectin has been considered an alternate treatment for field practice. This study was composed of 2 parts, a cross-sectional survey and an intervention study. The main objectives were to determine the prevalence and potential factors associated with head-lice infestation, and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral ivermectin administration. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 890 villagers in rural areas along Thai-Myanmar border. Females with infestations were eligible for the intervention study, and 181 participated in the intervention study. A post-treatment survey was conducted to assess acceptance of ivermectin as a treatment choice. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and a generalized-estimation-equation model adjusted for cluster effect. The study revealed the prevalence of head-lice infestation was 50% among females and only 3% among males. Age stratification showed a high prevalence among females aged <20 years, and among 50% of female school-children. The prevalence was persistent among those with a history of infestation. The major risk factors were residing in a setting with other infected cases, and sharing a hair comb. The study also confirmed that ivermectin was safe and effective for field-based practice. It was considered a preferable treatment option. In conclusion, behavior-change communication should be implemented to reduce the observed high prevalence of head-lice infestation. Ivermectin may be an alternative choice for head-lice treatment, especially in remote areas.
Animals ; Comb and Wattles ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Hair ; Humans ; Ivermectin ; Lice Infestations ; Male ; Pediculus ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Rural Health ; Statistics as Topic ; Thailand

The name Golovinomyces cynoglossi s. lat. is traditionally applied to a complex of morphologically similar powdery mildews on hosts of the plant family Boraginaceae. The current species-level taxonomy within this complex is ambiguous due to the lack of phylogenetic examinations. The present study applied phylogenetic methods to clarify the taxonomy of G. cynoglossi s. lat. Phylogenetic analysis of rDNA ITS sequences retrieved from Asian, European and North American specimens revealed that G. cynoglossi s. lat. collections from different hosts involved several species in five clearly separated lineages. Clade I consists primarily of Golovinomyces cynoglossi s. str. on Cynoglossum. Clade III consists of Golovinomyces sequences retrieved from the host genera Symphytum and Pulmonaria. The taxa within clade III are now assigned to G. asperifoliorum comb. nov. Clade V encompasses G. cynoglossi s. lat. on the host genera Bothriospermum, Buglossoides, Echium, Myosotis, and Trigonotis. The taxa within clade V are now assigned to G. asperifolii comb. nov. The species concerned in this study were lecto- and epitypified to stabilize their nomenclature.
Animals ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Boraginaceae ; Classification* ; Comb and Wattles ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Echium ; Humans ; Plants ; Pulmonaria

PURPOSE: Extracorporeal treatment has been used increasingly to treat patients with acute ethylene glycol poisoning. We analyzed all patients with acute poisoning of ethylene glycol during a recent 10-year period to provide clinical recommendations for adequate application of continuous renal replacement therapy for these patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review study was conducted for patients whose final diagnosis were “toxic effects of glycols or other alcohols,” between October 2006 and September 2016. The basal characteristics of patients, suspected amount of ingestion, intention of poisoning, concomitant alcohol ingestion, mental state at admission, time from exposure to admission, chief complaint, length of hospital stay, method of treatments, laboratory results including acute kidney injury and urine oxalate crystal, as well as treatment results were examined. RESULTS: A total number of 14 patients were included in this study. Nine patients (64.3%) underwent continuous renal replacement therapy; 5 patients (35.7%) underwent ethanol mono-therapy. Between the antidote therapy group and the extracorporeal treatment group, there was a significant difference in the levels of plasma bicarbonate, chloride, anion gap, pH, and base excess in arterial blood gas analysis, as well as the calculated osmolar gap. One patient expired due to multi-organ failure, while the others recovered completely. CONCLUSION: Continuous renal replacement therapy was most frequently chosen as a treatment method in patients with acute ethylene glycol poisoning. Further research regarding indication of continuous renal replacement therapy and combing therapy with other treatment will be necessary to determine the best treatment method.
Acid-Base Equilibrium ; Acute Kidney Injury ; Animals ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Comb and Wattles ; Diagnosis ; Eating ; Ethanol ; Ethylene Glycol* ; Glycols ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Intention ; Length of Stay ; Methods* ; Plasma ; Poisoning* ; Renal Replacement Therapy ; Retrospective Studies

Abdominal computed tomography (CT) can noninvasively image the entire gastrointestinal tract and assess extraintestinal features that are important in differentiating Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB). The present meta-analysis pooled the results of all studies on the role of CT abdomen in differentiating between CD and ITB. We searched PubMed and Embase for all publications in English that analyzed the features differentiating between CD and ITB on abdominal CT. The features included comb sign, necrotic lymph nodes, asymmetric bowel wall thickening, skip lesions, fibrofatty proliferation, mural stratification, ileocaecal area, long segment, and left colonic involvements. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated for all the features. Symmetric receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted for features present in >3 studies. Heterogeneity and publication bias was assessed and sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding studies that compared features on conventional abdominal CT instead of CT enterography (CTE). We included 6 studies (4 CTE, 1 conventional abdominal CT, and 1 CTE+conventional abdominal CT) involving 417 and 195 patients with CD and ITB, respectively. Necrotic lymph nodes had the highest diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 23%; specificity, 100%; DOR, 30.2) for ITB diagnosis, and comb sign (sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 81%; DOR, 21.5) followed by skip lesions (sensitivity, 86%; specificity, 74%; DOR, 16.5) had the highest diagnostic accuracy for CD diagnosis. On sensitivity analysis, the diagnostic accuracy of other features excluding asymmetric bowel wall thickening remained similar. Necrotic lymph nodes and comb sign on abdominal CT had the best diagnostic accuracy in differentiating CD and ITB.
Abdomen ; Animals ; Colon ; Comb and Wattles ; Crohn Disease* ; Diagnosis ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Odds Ratio ; Population Characteristics ; Publication Bias ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Tuberculosis*

For the control of Crohn's disease (CD) a thorough assessment of the small intestine is essential; several modalities may be utilized, with cross-sectional imaging being important. Magnetic resonance (MR) enterography, i.e., MRE is recommended as a modality with the highest accuracy for CD lesions. MRE and MR enteroclysis are the two methods performed following distension of the small intestine. MRE has sensitivity and specificity comparable to computed tomography enterography (CTE); although images obtained using MRE are less clear compared with CTE, MRE does not expose the patient to radiation and is superior for soft-tissue contrast. Furthermore, it can assess not only static but also dynamic and functional imaging and reveals signs of CD, such as abscess, comb sign, fat edema, fistula, lymph node enhancement, less motility, mucosal lesions, stricture, and wall enhancement. Several indices of inflammatory changes and intestinal damage have been proposed for objective evaluation. Recently, diffusion-weighted imaging has been proposed, which does not need bowel preparation and contrast enhancement. Comprehension of the characteristics of MRE and other modalities is important for better management of CD.
Abscess ; Animals ; Capsule Endoscopy ; Comb and Wattles ; Comprehension ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Crohn Disease* ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Edema ; Fistula ; Humans ; Intestine, Small* ; Lymph Nodes ; Sensitivity and Specificity

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common problem among carpet weavers. This study was undertaken to introduce affecting personal and occupational factors in developing the number of MSDs among carpet weavers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among 862 weavers in seven towns with regard to workhouse location in urban or rural regions. Data were collected by using questionnaires that contain personal, workplace, and information tools and the modified Nordic MSDs questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by applying Poisson and negative binomial mixed models using a full Bayesian hierarchical approach. The deviance information criterion was used for comparison between models and model selection. RESULTS: The majority of weavers (72%) were female and carpet weaving was the main job of 85.2% of workers. The negative binomial mixed model with lowest deviance information criterion was selected as the best model. The criteria showed the convergence of chains. Based on 95% Bayesian credible interval, the main job and weaving type variables statistically affected the number of MSDs, but variables age, sex, weaving comb, work experience, and carpet weaving looms were not significant. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that occupational factors are associated with the number of MSDs developing among carpet weavers. Thus, using standard tools and decreasing hours of work per day can reduce frequency of MSDs among carpet weavers.
Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Comb and Wattles ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Floors and Floorcoverings* ; Humans ; Iran* ; Occupational Diseases ; Risk Factors*

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of microneedle combined with Lauromacrogol on skin capillary network.

METHODS24 male Leghone (1.5-2.0 kg in weight) were randomly divided into three groups as group A (microneedle combined with Lauromacrogol), B (microneedle combined with physiological saline) , and C(control). The cockscombs were treated. The specimens were taken on the 7th, 14th, 21th , and 28th day postoperatively. HE staining, immunohistochemical staining and special staining were performed for study of the number of capillary and collagen I/III , as well as elastic fibers.

RESULTSThe color of cockscombs in group A became lightening after treatment. The number of capillary decreased as showing by HE staining. The collagen I and III in group B was significantly different from that in group A and C (P < 0.05). Special staining showed proliferation of elastic fibers in group B.

CONCLUSIONSIt indicates that microneedle combined with Lauromacrogol could effectively reduce the capillary in cockscomb without any tissue fibrosis. Microneedle can stimulate the proliferation of elastic fiber, so as to improve the skin ageing process.

Animals ; Capillaries ; anatomy & histology ; Chickens ; Comb and Wattles ; blood supply ; drug effects ; Male ; Needles ; Polyethylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; Punctures ; instrumentation ; methods ; Random Allocation ; Skin Aging

We present a 17-year-old man who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory exams for uncontrolled seizure. Patients with an autistic disorder require deep sedation or, occasionally, general anesthesia even for radiologic exams or simple procedures. The anesthetic management of an obese, violent patient with a severe autistic disorder and mental retardation can be challenging to anesthesiologists and requires a more careful approach in selecting adequate anesthetics and doses. This case emphasizes the importance of having a detailed plan to ensure the smooth process of premedication, anesthetic induction, maintenance, emergence and safe discharge of incorporated patients in the event of unexpected situations. A 5% lidocaine patch to relieve the pain from the intramuscular injection and intravenous cannulation, intramuscular midazolam as premedication, and propofol for the maintenance of sedation can be a good sedation protocol in incorporated patients.
Adolescent* ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthetics ; Animals ; Autistic Disorder* ; Brain* ; Catheterization ; Comb and Wattles* ; Deep Sedation ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Intellectual Disability ; Lidocaine* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Midazolam* ; Obesity ; Premedication ; Propofol* ; Seizures

Computed tomography enterography (CTE) has become a main modality for the evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It simultaneously offers visualization of the small bowel and extraintestinal status, which is helpful for diagnosing IBD. Crohn disease has long segmental enhancing wall thickening related with the eccentric longitudinal distribution. In addition, mural stratification, fibrofatty proliferation, positive comb sign by increased mesenteric vascularity and internal/perianal fistula are characteristics of Crohn disease and can be identified on CTE. Short segmental inflammatory wall thickening and the central low attenuated lymph nodes are favorable CT finding of intestinal tuberculosis. A geographic, relatively large, and deep penetrating ulcer with bowel wall thickening and mural hyperenhancement in ileocecal area are characteristics of intestinal Behcet disease. Each of CTE findings for the IBDs is helpful for differential diagnosis. The main disadvantage of this technique is the requisite radiation exposure of patients, particularly in young patients. However, recent development of advanced CT techniques is promising for radiation dose reduction without compromising diagnostic image quality.
Animals ; Behcet Syndrome ; Comb and Wattles ; Crohn Disease ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fistula ; Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Lymph Nodes ; Tuberculosis ; Ulcer