Congenital divided nevus of the eyelids is a rare form of melanocytic nevus which involves contiguous portions of the upper and lower eyelid margins unilaterally, hence the term ‘kissing nevus’. While usually present at birth, these nevi may also appear later in life. When the mass enlarges, it may cause cosmetic issues to the patient, as well as functional problems such as mechanical ptosis, ectropion, and epiphora.

We report three cases of congenital divided nevus of the eyelids, all presenting with unilateral upper and lower hyperpigmented lid masses since birth. The first case had an upper lid mass measuring 11 mm x 19 mm, and a lower lid mass measuring 55 mm x 47 mm, with both masses extending into the palpebral conjunctiva, and causing severe ptosis and corneal neovascularization due to chronic irritation. The second case presented with hyperpigmented masses at the lateral third of the right upper eyelid measuring 8 mm x 17 mm and of the lower eyelid measuring 9 mm x 15 mm on the lower lid with lashes growing through the masses. There was extension of the mass into the palpebral conjunctiva. The third case presented with a 23 x 18 mm hyperpigmented, well-circumscribed, verrucated mass at the medial half of the upper eyelid crossing the eyelid margin, and a 15 x 13 mm lesion at the medial third of the lower lid with the same characteristics, with small crusty lesions and clotted blood. All three patients underwent excision biopsy with lid reconstruction using full thickness skin grafts from the supraclavicular area. Six months postoperatively, the first case underwent a repeat full thickness skin graft due to graft contraction, and also received two sessions of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser, two sessions of intralesional triamcinolone injections, and silicone gel application with further improvement of graft healing and scarring. The second case also underwent two sessions of intralesional steroid injection for scar management. During follow-up, which spanned 13 months for the first case, 10 months for the second case, and two months for the third case, improved functional and cosmetic outcomes were observed.

This case series highlights the outcomes of the most common surgical technique done for congenital divided nevi of the eyelids. Congenital divided nevi are usually diagnosed clinically and malignant degeneration is rare, hence lid reconstruction may be done without frozen section. The cases in the series were treated due to cosmetic and functional purposes, hence the importance of continuous post-operative follow-up to monitor for graft dehiscence, scar development, recurrence of the mass, malignant degeneration, and development of lid malposition. Additional procedures for scar management, such as CO2 laser and intralesional steroid injections, may be necessary to further enhance outcomes in complex cases. All three cases in this series exhibited improved functional and cosmetic outcomes post-operatively, with significant reduction in ptosis and scarring. Longterm follow-up revealed satisfactory recovery with minimal complications, with no recurrence nor malignant degeneration.

BACKGROUND

State universities in the Philippines should comply with the 2020 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards for government workers and must be guided by the 2017 ASEAN University Network’s Healthy University Framework (HUF) for them to become healthy universities. Both policy documents identify OSH policy and programs as key components.

This study aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of health and safety policies and programs in a state university in the Philippines.

A case study design was used with a state university as its study site. Investigators conducted 14 key informant interviews and nine focus group discussions which were participated by system officials, campus officials, academic teaching staff, academic non-teaching Staff, support staff, and students. Thematic analysis was used to identify and understand emerging patterns and themes.

The results generated seven themes consisting of Policy and Committee, Dedicated Personnel and Unit,Budget and Technology, Collaboration, Programs and Services, Working and Learning Environment, and Role Models. The identified challenges in the implementation of health and safety programs in the university were: (1) limited budget to implement initiatives, (2) lack of collaboration among its offices, and (3) absence of a dedicated unit and staff. There were also opportunities to improve implementation: (1) strong implementation of certain policies and programs, (2) presence of a good working and learning environment, and (3) existence of role models.

The identified challenges and opportunities correspond to the elements of the system and infrastructure considered as principal determinants of a healthy university. There is a need to recognize the interrelatedness of such elements to ensure effective implementation of health and safety programs in the university. It also underscores the relevance of the HUF in promoting OSH within a university context.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine if selenium supplementation for a period of six months can decrease signs and prevent worsening of mild Graves’ ophthalmopathy among Filipino patients.

We conducted an open-label, assessor-masked, randomized controlled trial involving adult patients diagnosed with mild Graves’ ophthalmopathy. Participants were divided into two groups: one group received standard care (eye drops) alone (control group), while the other group received an additional 200 mcg/day oral selenium supplementation alongside standard care. Inclusion criteria encompassed adult patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism presenting at least one sign of mild ophthalmopathy and a disease duration of less than 18 months. Statistical analyses were performed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s Exact/Chi-square test to compare means, ranks and frequencies between the two intervention groups. Paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNemar test were employed to assess changes from baseline to the third and sixth month observations.

A significant difference in clinical activity score (CAS) was observed between the selenium supplementation group and the control group. Initially, 14 eyes (33.33%) in the selenium group exhibited a CAS score of 0, which increased to 27 eyes (64.29%) at the third month of treatment and slightly decreased to 26 eyes (61.9%) at the sixth month. Conversely, the control group had 11 eyes with a CAS score of 0 at baseline, which increased to 16 eyes (38.1%) at three months and decreased to 14 eyes (33.33%) at the sixth month. The improvement in CAS was significantly associated with reductions in caruncle and plica swelling (p = 0.040). Further analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in CAS between the treatment and control groups (p = 0.017) at the sixth month mark.

Selenium supplementation provided significant benefit in reducing the signs and preventing deterioration of mild Graves’ ophthalmopathy, as indicated by improved CAS scores. Future research exploring baseline and end of treatment selenium concentrations in the Philippines is recommended to further substantiate these findings.

BACKGROUND

Endovascular technique has replaced open repair as primary treatment for different aortic disease indications and was associated with low perioperative mortality and acceptable short-, mid-, and long-term survival. Locally, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was not widely practiced until year 2017. This study aims to determine the predictors of in-hospital and short-term outcomes of patients who underwent TEVAR for aortic aneurysm and aortic syndrome in a single center and how it compares with local and international data.

This study is a retrospective analysis of 52 adult patients who underwent TEVAR for the treatment of aortic aneurysm and aortic syndrome. Demographic and clinical data, diagnostic imaging, and procedural details were obtained via inpatient charts at the medical records section and hospital system database archiving. Outcomes at 30 days and 1 year postprocedure were obtained through telephone follow-up after attaining verbal consent.

Gathered data were analyzed as to association of different variables with or without the presence of complications. Outcomes reported included in-hospital mortality rate, presence of major adverse events (MAEs), 30-day and 1-year survival rates, and rate of freedom from reintervention.

The overall in-hospital mortality was 7.69% (n = 4/52), and complication rate was 32% (n = 20/52), with a survival rate of 92.31% and 87.76% at 30 days and 1 year, respectively. The rates of overall freedom from reintervention were 83.33% and 100% at 30 days and 1 year, respectively. The independent predictors for in-hospital mortality and development of MAEs were increasing weight (odds ratio [OR], 1.0588; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003–1.208), preexisting chronic kidney disease (OR, 10.33; 95% CI, 1.1069–96.462), and TEVAR with debranching done as a single procedure (OR, 3.6667; 95% CI, 1.1154–12.054), whereas an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 49.05 ± 19.25 (OR, 0.9402; 95% CI, 0.9019–0.9801) and TEVAR with debranching done as a staged procedure (OR, 0.1624; 95% CI, 0.0321–0.8225) statistically decrease the risk for development of in-hospital mortality and MAEs (P = 0.001 and P = 0.028, respectively).

In this single-center study, indications for TEVAR were fusiform and saccular aneurysm, high-risk intramural hematoma and penetrating aortic ulcer, complicated acute type B dissection, chronic complicated type B dissection with high-risk feature, and aortic rupture. The outcome of this study shows comparable results with other international studies with an acceptable in-hospital mortality rate, complication rate, short-term survival rate, and rate freedom from reintervention at 30 days and 1 year. Increasing weight, preexisting chronic kidney disease, and TEVAR with debranching done as a single setting are independent predictors for developing in-hospital mortality and MAEs, whereas a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate and TEVAR with debranching done as a staged procedure decrease the risk; hence, careful planning and scheduling of procedure among elective and amenable cases could further reduce complication rates of future TEVAR procedures.

Objective: To investigate the origin of infection and risk factors of a case with SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with overseas countries in the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving the COVID-19 control measures at ports. Methods: Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and Beilun CDC conducted case finding and epidemiological surveys immediately after being informed. The general information, history of vaccination and the travel during the latest 14 days were collected from the positive case, and all close contacts were tracked. Saliva samples were collected for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing and whole-genome sequencing, and the sequencing results were aligned with the GISAID's EpiCoV database. The origin of infection and transmission route of the positive case was investigated. Results: A case was identified positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid during company M's routine screening in the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port on August 10, 2021, and was confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by Beilun CDC and Ningbo CDC on August 11. Whole-genome sequencing showed SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 ( Delta ) variant, which shared the highest homology with the virus sequence uploaded by Russia on June, 2021 ( Russia/MOW-RII-MH27356S/2021 ). The case was a bundling worker for overseas container ships, and reported communicated with foreign boatmen and contacted materials without protected interventions on the SINOKOR AKITA Container Ship between August 4 and 5, 2021. This ship anchored at Vladivostok, Russia from July 27 to 29, anchored at Ningbo Harbor on August 4, and departed on August 5. Then, 11 boatmen from this ship were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid on August 8. One asymptomatic case was reported in this epidemic; 254 close contacts and 617 secondary close contacts were identified, and all were tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. No new cases with SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected until August 25, 2021, and the emergency response was therefore terminated. Conclusions The infection was a sporadic COVID-19 epidemic associated with overseas countries, which was caused by Delta variant infection through contacts with foreign boatmen or materials by a bundling worker in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port; fortunately, no epidemic spread occurred. Intensified closed-loop management and increased frequency of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test among high-risk populations, and improving the precision and rapid emergency treatment of COVID-19 epidemics are required for the containment of COVID-19 at ports.

Background/Aims: Constipation can be a chronic condition that impacts daily functioning and quality of life (QoL). To aid healthcare providers in accurately assessing patient symptoms and treatment outcomes, patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) have been increasingly adopted in clinical settings. This review aims to (1) evaluate the methodological quality and measurement properties of constipationrelated PROMs, using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INtruments (COSMIN) criteria; and (2) assess the modes of digital dissemination of constipation-related PROMs. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched and 11 011 records ranging from 1989 to 2020 were screened by 2 independent reviewers. A total of 26 studies (23 PROMs; 18 measuring symptom-related items and 5 measuring constipation-related QoL items) were identified for the review and assessed. Results: There were multiple variations between PROMs, including subtypes of constipation, methods of administration, length of PROM and recall period. While no PROM met all the COSMIN quality standards for development and measurement properties, 5 constipationrelated PROMs received at least 4 (out of 7) sufficient ratings. Only 2 PROMs were developed in Asia. Five PROMs were administered through digital methods during the validation process but methods of adapting the PROMs into digital formats were not reported. Conclusions The constipation-related PROMs identified in this review present varying quality of development and validation, with an overall need for improvement. Further considerations should be given towards more consistent methodology and reporting of PROM development, increase in culturally-specific PROMs, and better reporting of protocol for the digitization of PROMs.

Adult ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; Humans ; Lung ; Male ; Occupational Diseases ; Occupational Exposure ; Vital Capacity ; Welding

Objective: To evaluate the effect of "healthy eating plate" based dietary management on diabetic inpatients. Methods: The patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) admitted to Daishan First People's Hospital from November 2019 to November 2020 were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group was given "healthy eating plate" based dietary management, while the control group was given routine dietary management. Demographic data and physical examination results were collected. Fasting blood glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were detected at admission, discharge and 3 months after discharge, and compared between the two groups by covariance and generalized estimating equation. Results: here were 52 patients aged (55.83±9.67) years in the intervention group, with 29 (55.77%) males and 23 (44.23%) females. There were 53 patients aged (57.54±11.09) years in the control group, with 32 (60.38%) males and 21 (39.62%) females. There were no significant differences in FPG, HbA1c, TG and TC levels between two groups at discharge (P>0.05). The level of HbA1c in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 3 months after discharge (P<0.05); there were no significant differences in FPG, TG and TC levels (P>0.05). Conclusion The "healthy eating plate" based dietary management can better control the blood glucose of diabetic patients, and can help maintain the dietary treatment. It is worthy of promotion in diabetic patients.

The mammalian epididymis not only plays a fundamental role in the maturation of spermatozoa, but also provides protection against various stressors. The foremost among these is the threat posed by oxidative stress, which arises from an imbalance in reactive oxygen species and can elicit damage to cellular lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In mice, the risk of oxidative damage to spermatozoa is mitigated through the expression and secretion of glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5) as a major luminal scavenger in the proximal caput epididymidal segment. Accordingly, the loss of GPX5-mediated protection leads to impaired DNA integrity in the spermatozoa of aged Gpx5

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris has multifactorial causes. Prolonged systemic antibiotics are often necessary because relapse of lesions occurs upon its discontinuation. Currently, antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern. Androgen inhibitors like metformin may decrease need for antibiotics and maintain adequate control of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of metformin versus placebo as an adjunct to lymecycline and adapalene+benzoyl peroxide gel in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris METHODS: Patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris received either metformin or placebo tablets, together with lymecycline and adapalene+benzoyl peroxide gel. Lymecycline was taken for six weeks. The rest were given for 18 weeks. Evaluation was done biweekly using the mean reduction rates of non-inflammatory, inflammatory and total lesion count, modified global severity score, subjective self-assessment score, Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score, and cutaneous and systemic adverse events. RESULTS: Forty patients were selected for the trial. Mean reduction rates of the non-inflammatory lesion counts of the two groups were comparable (p>0.05). Mean reduction rates of the inflammatory and total lesion count in the metformin group were higher than the placebo group (p<0.05). The mean modified global severity score of the metformin group was lower than the placebo group (p=0.034). Mean DLQI scores decreased in both groups (p<0.0001). Subjective self-assessment scores improved in both groups with comparable results. Cutaneous adverse events (erythema, pain, scaling, and dryness) were tolerable. Systemic adverse events (diarrhea, flatulence, headache, and epigastric pain) were self-limited CONCLUSION: Metformin is an effective and safe adjunct in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris.
Lymecycline ; Metformin ; Acne Vulgaris