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Cureus Jul 2023Background and objective Body piercing was a cultural custom associated with religious or ceremonial rites in antiquity. Currently, it has grown in popularity among...
Background and objective Body piercing was a cultural custom associated with religious or ceremonial rites in antiquity. Currently, it has grown in popularity among teenagers and young people as a form of self-expression. Young adults are now frequently seen with body and oral piercings, which can cause several complications. Patients with intraoral piercing often present with poor dental and periodontal health, as well as various complications and side effects. The general public is often poorly informed about the risks they are exposed to after intraoral piercing and the strategies for minimizing them, and even healthcare professionals often have limited knowledge of the risks and complications that may arise after this procedure. To the best of our knowledge, no published data assessing the knowledge of oral and perioral piercing among the population living in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia are currently available. In light of this, we conducted this study to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of oral piercing and its complications among the population living in Riyadh city and evaluate the correlation of nationality, sex, age, and socioeconomic status (educational level, area of residence, and income) with the level of individual knowledge. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study with a sample size of 1,099. A confidence interval (CI) of 95%, a standard deviation of 0.5, and a margin of error of 5% were employed to determine the sample size. A structured questionnaire was used as the study tool and was distributed in several residential areas in Riyadh, such as North, South, Middle, Eastern, and Western Riyadh City. The data collection was performed using simple random sampling via electronic questionnaires distributed to participants living in Riyadh. Results A total of 1,054 individuals completed the survey. Of these, 95.6% were Saudi nationals. Approximately 85.5% of the participants (n = 901) were women, 52.4% were aged 20-29 years (n = 552), and most participants (62.9%, n = 663) had a low monthly income (<5,000 Saudi Riyals); in terms of residence, the highest number of participants were from the northern region of Riyadh (37.1%, n = 391). Most participants had heard of or seen an oral or perioral piercing (89.1%, n = 939). However, very few of them had received an oral piercing themselves (10.7%, n = 113) or had a family member with an oral piercing (18.7%, n = 197). Participants reported that the most commonly observed site for oral piercing was the lip (29.8%, n = 314), and teenagers were the most common age group with oral piercings (76.3%, n = 804). Regarding the adverse effects, most participants reported being aware of the negative consequences of oral piercing in the mouth (72.2%, n = 761). Sex and age were the only factors that showed a significant association with participants' level of knowledge. Women were significantly more knowledgeable and had higher scores (ß: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.69) than men (p<0.05). Additionally, participants aged 20-29 years had significantly higher knowledge scores (ß: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.63) than younger participants (p<0.05). Conclusions Based on our findings, participants' knowledge and awareness about oral piercing is adequate in general. However, there should be more efforts to educate the people of Riyadh about the complications of these piercings as well as raise awareness about proper oral hygiene methods.
PubMed: 37583743
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41930 -
Cureus Dec 2023Introduction Tattooing and piercing, which were uncommon in affluent countries, have recently spread throughout societies. Over the past two decades, young people have...
Introduction Tattooing and piercing, which were uncommon in affluent countries, have recently spread throughout societies. Over the past two decades, young people have shown considerable excitement for the practice. This reported growth creates more difficulties because of the numerous operations performed without awareness of health and hygiene requirements. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the general population toward the cutaneous complications of tattoos and piercings in Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a web-based descriptive cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was developed by the study researchers, which included participants' demographic data, their knowledge of tattoos and piercings with associated health effects and possible infections, their attitude towards tattoos and piercings, and their practice and experienced complications regarding tattooing and body piercing. The final validated questionnaire was made publicly available via social media until no more new responses were obtained. Results Eight hundred and forty-eight individuals completed the study questionnaire. The ages of the participants varied from 18 to more than 55 years old, with a mean age of 25.2 ± 13.9 years, and (589 [69.5%]) were female. The most reported health effects and infections were bacterial infections in place of body modification (479 [56.5%]), purpura (380 [44.9%]), cutaneous abscesses (380 [44%]), melanoma (338 [39.9%]), hepatitis B virus (321 [37.9%]), HIV (311 [36.7%]), sepsis (306 [36.2%]), allergic contact dermatitis (296 [35%]), and hepatitis C virus (279 [33.1%]). In total, 336 (39.6%) had an overall good knowledge of tattooing and body piercing hazards, with higher knowledge among females with high education (p< 0.05). Conclusion This study revealed that one in three individuals knew about the health risks and infections associated with tattooing and body piercing. Higher awareness was found among females with high education levels. Of all the associated complications, procedure-related infections were the most common among participants.
PubMed: 38174194
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49912 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Dec 2023Although acupuncture is listed as a beneficial treatment for neck/shoulder stiffness, which has increased with the spread of information technology, to date, evidence... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Although acupuncture is listed as a beneficial treatment for neck/shoulder stiffness, which has increased with the spread of information technology, to date, evidence of its efficacy under double-blind conditions has not been shown. This study aimed to assess whether acupuncture treatment with superficial skin piercing is superior to placebo treatment. A randomized, double-blind (practitioner-patient) placebo-controlled trial was performed at a single center with four arms (ISRCTN76896018). Four hundred patients with essential neck/shoulder stiffness were randomly assigned to penetrating needle treatment (acupuncture ritual and skin penetration), skin-touch needle treatment (acupuncture ritual and skin touch), no-touch needle treatment (acupuncture ritual alone), and no-treatment control. Each of the six acupuncturists applied a needle to each of the four acupoints in the neck/shoulder of 50 patients. Each of the three treatments significantly ( = 0.01) improved neck/shoulder stiffness compared with the no-treatment control immediately and 24 h after treatment. There was a significant improvement in penetrating needle treatment over no-touch needle treatment 24 h later. However, there was no significant difference between the penetrating and skin-touch and skin-touch vs. no-touch. All treatments that received the ritual of acupuncture were better than the no-treatment control. Only genuine acupuncture involves the specific effects of needle insertion into the body. The acupuncture ritual had a significant impact on the subjective improvement of neck/shoulder stiffness; however, improvement with ritual alone versions of placebo acupuncture was not maintained as with superficial skin piercing. Our study provides important evidence of acupuncture efficacy and information regarding inert no-touch placebo control in acupuncture research.
Topics: Humans; Neck Pain; Double-Blind Method; Japan; Acupuncture Therapy; Skin
PubMed: 38138244
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122141 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Tattoos and piercings are associated with impulsive and risk-taking personality traits, which are also common along the ADHD continuum. However, studies on ADHD and body...
INTRODUCTION
Tattoos and piercings are associated with impulsive and risk-taking personality traits, which are also common along the ADHD continuum. However, studies on ADHD and body modification are lacking. Thus, this study aimed to assess the association between body modification and subclinical ADHD symptom severity and to investigate if body modification can serve as an indication for ADHD examination.
METHODS
A total of 762 adults (529 women and 233 men) without a diagnosis of ADHD completed the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and answered questions concerning body modification. Two different ASRS versions were utilized: the 18-item ASRS Symptom Checklist and the 6-item ASRS Screener. Three categorizations of body modifications were analyzed: (i) having at least one tattoo, (ii) having at least one piercing other than ear piercing, and (iii) the combination of simultaneously having at least one tattoo and one piercing. Mean 18-item ASRS total and subscale scores and the proportion of positive results on the 6-item ASRS Screener were compared between those with and those without body modifications while adjusting for covariates age and sex. Additional analyses were performed for ≥2 and ≥3 body modifications.
RESULTS
In our cohort, 26% had a tattoo, 14% had a piercing other than ear piercing, and 8% had a combination of tattoo and piercing. Having any kind of body modification was associated with more pronounced symptoms of ADHD and with a cutoff score on the ASRS screener indicating ADHD. Whereas, the effect sizes were small for tattoos, medium to large effect sizes were seen for ≥2 piercings in the ASRS. Moreover, moderately strong associations emerged for ≥1 piercing and a positive ASRS screening result.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that acquiring a body modification, especially a tattoo, is entering the mainstream in Sweden. Correspondingly, differences in subclinical ADHD symptomatology between non-clinical adults with and without body modifications are subtle. Having ≥2 piercings other than ear piercings, on the other hand, is associated with clinically relevant differences in ADHD symptoms. Moreover, piercing status may serve as an indicator, among others, for further ADHD assessments. However, more research is needed to ascertain the possible signaling functions of body modifications in clinical settings.
PubMed: 38234366
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1224811 -
Canadian Liver Journal Dec 2023The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Canada is approximately 1.0%. However, the number of individuals living with HCV but unaware of it is estimated to...
BACKGROUND
The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Canada is approximately 1.0%. However, the number of individuals living with HCV but unaware of it is estimated to be 30%-44%. Increased screening programs that are accessible, effective, and feasible are important to ensure treatment and meet WHO elimination goals. We implemented an HCV point of care test (POCT) program in community pharmacies to examine the effectiveness and feasibility in screening.
METHODS
Twenty two London Drugs pharmacies in British Columbia and Alberta implemented an HCV POC screening program using OraQuick rapid antibody tests. Consenting patients filled out a 10-question screening questionnaire to examine risk factors. The participants then were tested using the POCT. While waiting for the test (20 minutes), patients were educated on HCV and treatment options.
RESULTS
Three hundred seventy-one participants underwent HCV screening. The most common HCV risk factor was being born between 1945 and 1975 (baby boomer) (93% of cohort), while the second most common was having a tattoo or body piercing (22%). Seven people (2%) tested positive; four were HCV-RNA PCR-positive and were treated, whereas the PCR status of three was unknown as they were lost to follow-up or not tested.
CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacy-based POCT was shown to be effective and feasible in the western Canadian context, especially for baby boomers. Sustainable funding for pharmacy screening programs may be considered nationwide to identify HCV-infected persons and help meet elimination goals.
PubMed: 38152322
DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2023-0005 -
Journal of Cranio-maxillo-facial... Jan 2024The aim of this study was to introduce and report on a 3D-printed perforator navigator and its clinical application. Integrated imaging and 3D printing techniques were...
The aim of this study was to introduce and report on a 3D-printed perforator navigator and its clinical application. Integrated imaging and 3D printing techniques were employed for the design and manufacture of a perforator navigator. Key techniques included establishing a digital image coordinate system, localizing perforator fascia piercing points, creating a reference plane for the perforator course, and projecting the perforator course onto the body surface. All cases of maxillofacial defect repaired with free fibular myocutaneous flaps, from January 2019 to January 2022, were reinvestigated. Patients treated using traditional perforator localization methods were assigned into group Ⅰ, while those who had a navigator used during treatment were allocated to group Ⅱ. Outcome measurements included perforator positioning accuracy, perforator preparation time (PT), and flap growth score. Capillary refilling time and degree of flap swelling were recorded on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days after surgery. On the 10th day after surgery, the flap survival situation was graded. In total, 25 patients were included in the study. Perforator preparation time for group Ⅱ was significantly less (p = 0.04) than for group Ⅰ (1038.6 ± 195.4 s versus 1271.4 ± 295.1 s. In group Ⅱ, the mean positioning deviation for the perforator navigator was 2.12 cm less than that for the high-frequency color Doppler (p = 0.001). Group Ⅱ also had a higher score than group Ⅰ for overall flap growth evaluation (nonparametric rank sum test, p = 0.04). Within the scale of the study, it seems that perforator localization and navigation using a 3D-printed navigator is technically feasible, and helps to improve the clinical outcome of free fibular flaps. The perforator navigator will play a useful role in displaying the perforator course, improving the accuracy of perforator localization, reducing surgical injury, and ultimately enhancing flap success rate.
Topics: Humans; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Skin Transplantation; Perforator Flap; Myocutaneous Flap; Free Tissue Flaps; Soft Tissue Injuries; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38129182
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2023.11.004 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Oct 2023Penetrating cardiac injuries are a significant challenge for surgeons and can have varying outcomes depending on factors such as initial care, characteristics of the...
INTRODUCTION
Penetrating cardiac injuries are a significant challenge for surgeons and can have varying outcomes depending on factors such as initial care, characteristics of the wounds, and surgical management. These injuries can result from both stab wounds and gunshot wounds, with different mortality rates associated with each. Life-threatening illnesses include penetrating injuries to the heart.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present here A 4-year-old child who was injured by a pencil while running and falling on the ground presented to our emergency room with a piercing injury in the right third ICS. She was awake but had trouble breathing when they got there.
DISCUSSION
Penetrating cardiac injuries can also occur as a result of intentional penetration or accidental direct penetration of foreign bodies into the heart. The main pathophysiological determinant for most survivors is acute pericardial tamponade, which can lead to shock and hemodynamic instability. This case report contributes to the current literature when any patient has a penetrating injury in the cardiac box and is highly suspect of a cardiac injury, regardless of the material of the injury. To increase health education among people, never try to remove any material stuck in the body until the patient has a suitable place and equipment.
CONCLUSION
Penetrating cardiac injuries are severe and life-threatening conditions that require prompt diagnosis and management, which in most cases need surgical treatment is required. To improve outcomes for patients with penetrating heart injuries, further research and improvements in diagnostic and treatment methods are required.
PubMed: 37729822
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108792 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Feb 2024Penetrating cardiac injuries are rare but often fatal, with 16-55% mortality. We report a patient who suffered a non-fatal occupational cardiac injury.
BACKGROUND
Penetrating cardiac injuries are rare but often fatal, with 16-55% mortality. We report a patient who suffered a non-fatal occupational cardiac injury.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 47-year-old man was operating an ironworker machine. A thin 3-cm metal fragment catapulted from the machine piercing the chest wall and the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), burrowing into the interventricular septum (IVS). The patient remained hemodynamically stable and walked to the nearest hospital. ECG-gated computed tomography revealed the exact location of the fragment within the IVS, allowing for detailed preoperative planning. The fragment was removed through a sternotomy and an incision through the RVOT. The postoperative course was uneventful.
CONCLUSIONS
This case underscores the value of detailed preoperative imaging and the wide spectrum of clinical scenarios of penetrating cardiac injuries.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Ventricular Septum; Wounds, Penetrating; Heart Ventricles; Heart Injuries; Foreign Bodies
PubMed: 38310275
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02512-5 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2023Hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis are the causes of widely spread infectious disease, especially in resource-limited...
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus, Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Associated Risk Factors Among Individuals with Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Attending at Saint Peter's Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis are the causes of widely spread infectious disease, especially in resource-limited countries. The extent of HBV infection and its contributing factors among people with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were not adequately addressed.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of HBV, HIV & their associated risk factors and the magnitude of TB among individuals with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis attending at St. Peter's Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 individuals with presumptive PTB from October to December 2020. A standard questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and associated risk factors. Sputum samples were analyzed by GeneXpert, Florescent Microscopy and Ziehl-Nelson staining technique. HBsAg test was carried out using Murex Version 3 ELISA test kit from serum/Plasma samples, HIV testing was performed by rapid HIV test kits and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.
RESULTS
The mean age of study participants was 44.2 years. Overall, 14 (3.6%), 28 (7.2%) and 37 (9.6%) of them were positive for HBV, HIV & TB, respectively. Only single patient was HBV-HIV co-infected (0.3%). The TB-HIV co-infection was identified in 6 (1.6%). In multivariate analysis, being partner separated, alcohol consumption, body piercing and having multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with HBV infection. Having a spouse, who is divorced, widowed, sharing scissors, alcohol consumption and contact with multiple sexual partners also significantly associated with HIV infection.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that HBV, HIV and TB are still public health issues that need awareness and health education on the risky behaviors and transmission of HBV, HIV & TB among individuals with presumptive TB suspects. Further large-scale study is necessary.
PubMed: 37366503
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S410260