-
Indian Journal of Dermatology 2021Hand eczema (HE), foot eczema (FE), and hand-foot eczema (HFE) manifest on exposure to various agents in day-to-day life or in occupations or both.
BACKGROUND
Hand eczema (HE), foot eczema (FE), and hand-foot eczema (HFE) manifest on exposure to various agents in day-to-day life or in occupations or both.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to identify pattern of allergens causing HE, FE, and HFE and to identify multiple and concurrent contact allergies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A study was conducted from October 2013 to August 2015 which included 190 patients. Patch test was performed for 78.94% of patients ( = 150). The statistical tests used were descriptive, Cramer's V, and Chi-square tests.
RESULTS
The most commonly affected group was HFE (55.8%) followed by HE (22.1%) and FE (22.1%). Allergens showed positivity either singly 56.3% ( = 67) or in combination 43.69% ( = 52). Nickel (41.79%) was the most common allergen in all the three groups followed by potassium dichromate. Late reactions (after day 7) were observed in 17.64% of patients ( = 21). Nickel was observed in 42.85% ( = 9) and paraphenylenediamine was observed in 28.57% of patients ( = 6) with values of <0.001 and 0.050, respectively. Multiple contact allergies were seen in 44% of patients ( = 52). Concurrent reactions (55.8% [ = 29]), polysensitization (34.6% [ = 18]), and mixed reactions (9.6% [ = 5]) ( value of <0.001) were observed.
CONCLUSION
Significant multiple contact allergies including concurrent reactions with nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate, cobalt chloride, and polysensitization were observed. No significant differences in allergen pattern were observed in HE, FE, and HFE.
RECOMMENDATION
Day 7 reading is recommended in HFE.
PubMed: 34446964
DOI: 10.4103/ijd.IJD_549_16 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that is endemic in East Africa. FMD virus infection incurs significant control costs and reduces animal...
INTRODUCTION
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that is endemic in East Africa. FMD virus infection incurs significant control costs and reduces animal productivity through weight loss, lowered milk yield, and potentially death but how household's respond to these losses may differentially affect household income and food consumption.
METHODOLOGY
To address this, we use unique data from a FMD outbreak to assess how household production and consumption activities change from before to during the outbreak. Data came from a 2018 survey of 254 households in selected Tanzanian wards and sub-counties in Uganda. The data includes household recall of before and during an outbreak in the past year on livestock and livestock product sales, milk and beef consumption, as well as related changes in market prices. We apply both difference-in-difference and change in difference ordinary least squares regressions with fixed effects to evaluate the impact of FMD on household production and consumption.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
We find that households reported the largest reductions in livestock and livestock product sales, followed by reduced milk consumption and animal market prices. The changes in household income from livestock sales appears to be driven by FMD virus infection within the household herd while changes in market prices of substitute protein sources are primary associated with changes in milk and beef consumption. The role of widespread market price effects across both infected and uninfected herds and countries, tends to suggest that stabilizing prices will likely have a large impact on household nutritional security and income generation. We also propose that promoting diversity in market activity may mitigate differing impacts on households in FMD endemic regions.
PubMed: 37342624
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1156458 -
Prosthetics and Orthotics International Feb 2022Recent decreases in the cost of 3D scanners and improved functionality have resulted in increased adoption for ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) fittings, despite limited... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Recent decreases in the cost of 3D scanners and improved functionality have resulted in increased adoption for ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) fittings, despite limited supporting data. For 3D limb scanning to be a feasible alternative to traditional casting methods, a consistent and accurate representation of limb geometry must be produced at a reasonable cost.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the repeatability and validity of multiple lower limb measurements obtained using low-cost 3D limb scanning technology.
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective, randomized, crossover-controlled, cross-sectional, reliability, and validity study.
METHODS
Physical measurements and 3D limb scans were completed for 30 participants. 11 measurements were selected for comparison based on their relevance to AFO fittings. Validity was assessed by comparison of physical and scan-based measures using Pearson's correlation coefficients and root mean square differences. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and minimal detectable change (MDC) values. Bland-Altman plots were generated for data visualization.
RESULTS
All correlation values were above or equal to 0.80. Most intraclass correlation coefficient values were above 0.95. MDC values for physical and scan-based measurements differed by less than 2.0 mm. Scan MDC values were around or below 4 mm for foot and ankle measures and under 6 mm for circumference and length measures.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrate that low-cost 3D limb scanning can be used to obtain valid and reliable measurements of 3D limb geometry for the purpose of AFO fitting, when collected using the clinically relevant standardized conditions presented here.
Topics: Ankle; Cross-Sectional Studies; Foot Orthoses; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 35179523
DOI: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000066 -
Physiotherapy Research International :... Jul 2022Foot-related falls risk factors and specific foot and ankle exercise interventions are within the scope of Physiotherapy, yet little is known about United Kingdom (UK)...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Foot-related falls risk factors and specific foot and ankle exercise interventions are within the scope of Physiotherapy, yet little is known about United Kingdom (UK) and Portugal-based (PT) physiotherapists' self-perceived knowledge, confidence and practice of such interventions, or perceptions of patients' falls prevention knowledge. The purpose of this study was to assess levels of self-reported knowledge, confidence, and practices surrounding foot-specific falls risk and exercise for fall prevention in physiotherapists working in the UK and in Portugal. It also aimed to explore physiotherapists' views about their participants' falls prevention knowledge.
METHODS
A self-report online survey was developed, and pilot tested in both nations. Registered Physiotherapists were invited to participate through their professional associations, social media and snowballing. Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare mean ranks of ordinal variables between nations and Chi-square test to assess the independency between pairs of variables. Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs) was used to measure the association between pairs of variables (p < 0.05).
RESULTS
682 physiotherapists participated in the survey [UK n = 229 (mean (SD) age = 43(10) years, 86.9% female]; PT n = 453 (mean (SD) age = 33(9) years, 78.3% female]. Among physiotherapists with a caseload of ≥70% older adults, more PT-based physiotherapists held postgraduate qualifications (p = 0.01). Most physiotherapists correctly identified generic and foot-specific risk factors (≥70% of participants for each item). More UK-based physiotherapists reported always prescribing ankle and foot exercises (42.6% vs. 33%, p =< 0.001) and displayed higher levels of self-reported confidence surrounding exercise-based interventions.
DISCUSSION
Our sample of UK and Portugal-based physiotherapists are aware of the contribution of foot-specific risk factors and exercise to falls prevention, with the former group being more confident in exercise-based interventions. Both groups of physiotherapists perceived that their older patients had little knowledge about these topics, with UK older adults having slightly better knowledge on generic falls risk factors at first contact. Future studies and strategies for knowledge translation and education in foot health and foot function screening and management for physiotherapists, within a falls prevention scope, may be informed by this study.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Physical Therapists; Portugal; Risk Factors; United Kingdom
PubMed: 35689829
DOI: 10.1002/pri.1958 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022The aim of the study was to analyze the development of foot structure and the impact of longitudinal and transverse arching of the foot on the position of the hallux and...
The aim of the study was to analyze the development of foot structure and the impact of longitudinal and transverse arching of the foot on the position of the hallux and fifth toe in preschool children. The study was carried out among 200 children aged 6 (100 G, 100 B). The research tool was the podoscope CQ-ST. The collected research results were analyzed with the use of the Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson Chi-square test and regression analysis. A statistically significant influence of the heel angle on the value of the varus angle of the fifth toe of the right (girls: = 0.032; boys: = 0.001) and left foot (girls: = 0.004; boys: = 0.005) was found. Boys' feet are longer and wider than girls' feet; moreover, they have a lower longitudinal arch. The frequency of longitudinal and transverse arch deformities of the feet, as well as valgus of the hallux and varus of the fifth toe do not depend on gender. In both sexes, decreasing the transverse arch of the foot has an influence on the severity of varus of the fifth toe. Changes in the height of the longitudinal foot arch does not affect the position of the hallux and fifth toe.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Foot; Hallux; Hallux Valgus; Humans; Male; Regression Analysis; Toes
PubMed: 35162692
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031669 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Dec 2021Foot and ankle injuries are a common but underestimated problem in taekwondo. Detailed data on injury incidence rates (IIRs), patterns, and injury mechanism are missing.
BACKGROUND
Foot and ankle injuries are a common but underestimated problem in taekwondo. Detailed data on injury incidence rates (IIRs), patterns, and injury mechanism are missing.
PURPOSE
The primary aims were to evaluate the prevalence of foot and ankle injuries and the exposure-adjusted IIR of elite taekwondo athletes during matches while training (ie, sparring) and in competitions. The secondary aims were to evaluate injury site, type, sport-specific mechanism, and time loss.
STUDY DESIGN
Descriptive epidemiology study.
METHODS
Athletes from a single national Olympic taekwondo training center were assessed prospectively for foot and ankle injuries over 4 years (between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019). Data were collected regarding number and type of injuries, anatomic location, and total exposure time during training and competition for each athlete. Injury mechanism and dominant foot were assessed via personal interview. Time loss from sport was analyzed retrospectively. The injury prevalence and IIR were calculated. Correlation between mechanism and injury type, location, and dominant foot was evaluated. Time loss according to location and injury type was assessed. The chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to test for differences in sex, age, and taekwondo experience and for comparison of injury location and type, injury mechanism, and side dominance, respectively. Training and competition IIRs and prevalence were calculated with 95% CIs (for Poisson rates).
RESULTS
From an initial 107 athletes, 79 (73.8%) were included in the final data set. Of these athletes, 38 were injured (n = 112 injuries) for a prevalence of 48.1% (95% CI, 43%-52%). The overall IIR of the ankle joint was 13.14 injuries per 1000 athletes (95% CI, 1.5-25.9) and was significantly higher during competition versus training ( < .001). Ankle joint injuries were most common (n = 71; 63%). Significantly more noncontact versus contact ankle ligament injuries (n = 46; 83%) occurred ( < .001). The forefoot (n = 18; 66%) was mainly affected by contact injuries ( < .001). Time loss was the highest for midfoot fractures (mean ± SD, 23.0 ± 0.6 days; range, 23-24 days).
CONCLUSION
Noncontact ligamentous ankle injuries were most common, with a higher incidence during competition. Improvement of strength, endurance, and postural stability under strain is recommended for prevention.
PubMed: 34950743
DOI: 10.1177/23259671211061112 -
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Sep 2020Foot and ankle characteristics are associated with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and may also relate to patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA). A greater understanding of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Foot and ankle characteristics are associated with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and may also relate to patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA). A greater understanding of these characteristics and PFOA, could help to identify effective targeted treatments.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether foot and ankle characteristics are associated with knee symptoms and function in individuals with PFOA.
METHODS
For this cross-sectional study we measured weightbearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, foot posture (via the Foot Posture Index [FPI]), and midfoot mobility (via the Foot Measurement Platform), and obtained patient-reported outcomes for knee symptoms and function (100 mm visual analogue scales, Anterior Knee Pain Scale [AKPS], Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, repeated single step-ups and double-leg sit-to-stand to knee pain onset). Pearson's r with significance set at p < 0.05 was used to determine the association between foot and ankle charateristics, with knee symptoms and function, adjusting for age.
RESULTS
188 participants (126 [67%] women, mean [SD] age of 59.9 [7.1] years, BMI 29.3 [5.6] kg/m) with symptomatic PFOA were included in this study. Lower weightbearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion had a small significant association with higher average knee pain (partial r = - 0.272, p < 0.001) and maximum knee pain during stair ambulation (partial r = - 0.164, p = 0.028), and lower scores on the AKPS (indicative of greater disability; partial r = 0.151, p = 0.042). Higher FPI scores (indicating a more pronated foot posture) and greater midfoot mobility (foot mobility magnitude) were significantly associated with fewer repeated single step-ups (partial r = - 0.181, p = 0.023 and partial r = - 0.197, p = 0.009, respectively) and double-leg sit-to-stands (partial r = - 0.202, p = 0.022 and partial r = - 0.169, p = 0.045, respectively) to knee pain onset, although the magnitude of these relationships was small. The amount of variance in knee pain and disability explained by the foot and ankle characteristics was small (R-squared 2 to 8%).
CONCLUSIONS
Lower weightbearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, a more pronated foot posture, and greater midfoot mobility demonstrated small associations with worse knee pain and greater disability in individuals with PFOA. Given the small magnitude of these relationships, it is unlikely that interventions aimed solely at addressing foot and ankle mobility will have substantial effects on knee symptoms and function in this population.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The RCT was prospectively registered on 15 March 2017 with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ANZCTRN12617000385347 ).
Topics: Aged; Ankle Joint; Australia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Foot; Foot Orthoses; Humans; Knee Joint; Male; Middle Aged; New Zealand; Osteoarthritis; Pain; Pain Measurement; Patellofemoral Joint; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Posture; Range of Motion, Articular; Walking; Weight-Bearing
PubMed: 32967701
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-020-00426-8 -
International Journal of Diabetes in... Jul 2022Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus with devastating outcomes. Poorly treated DFU leads to osteomyelitis, gangrene...
BACKGROUND
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus with devastating outcomes. Poorly treated DFU leads to osteomyelitis, gangrene and limb amputation. There is an increased risk of mortality for the amputees and increased number of bacterial resistance in survived patients. Struggle on choice of the best antibiotic(s) for DFU is escalating.
OBJECTIVES
To determine risk factors associated with mortality in patients with DFU. To investigate bacterial drug resistance in survived or deceased patients around amputation.
METHODOLOGY
This is a retrospective cohort study that involved all diabetic patients who had DFU or minor or major amputation at Hebron Governmental Hospital from 2013 to 2020. Antibiotic use and bacterial isolates along with culture and sensitivity test results were retrieved from patients' profiles and laboratory records. Major outcome of study was survival rate around amputation. Patients who missed test results for FBS or HbAc1, or who had no wound culture were excluded. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze data.
RESULTS
Eighty four subjects were included in this study, 64.8 ± 12.58 years old, 63.1% males who had diabetic foot ulcer, minor or major limb amputation between 2013 and 2020 at Hebron Governmental Hospital. Forty tow patients (50%) had diabetic foot ulcer, 28 patients (33.3%) had major limb amputation, and 14 patients (16.7%), succumbed to minor amputation. Average FBS was 292.8 ± 136.33 mg/dl and average HbA1C was 8.55 ± 1.89%. Mortality rate was 9.5%. Using the Chi square test, we found a significant relationship between mortality and type of isolated bacteria, = 0.033 and between diabetic complications (nephropathy) and mortality, = 0.033. There was a significant relationship between antibiotic use and mortality, = 0.04, especially with metronidazole and colistin, if they were used around limb amputation.
CONCLUSIONS
Mortality of diabetic patients with DFU was associated with nephropathy and Acinetobacter or infections.
PubMed: 34522073
DOI: 10.1007/s13410-021-00997-7 -
PeerJ 2022Due to the dynamics of developmental changes, the preschool age is of crucial importance for the later health and efficiency of the feet. The aim of this study was the...
BACKGROUND
Due to the dynamics of developmental changes, the preschool age is of crucial importance for the later health and efficiency of the feet. The aim of this study was the analysis of the fitting of indoor footwear and its impact on the features of the foot structure in 6-year-old children.
METHODS
The study group consisted of 100 children, including 50 girls and 50 boys at the age of 6 years. The applied device was the CQ-ST podoscope and the Clevermess. The data were analyzed based on Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test and regression analysis.
RESULTS
About 60% of children wore correctly fitted shoes in terms of length and width. Multiple regression models with two variables explaining the variance of the Clarke's angle were statistically significant for girls (right foot: < 0.001 and left foot: = 0.009), and boys (right foot: < 0.001 and left foot: < 0.001). The influence of predictive variables on the values of the heel angle () was statistically significant for girls (right foot: < 0.001 and left foot: < 0.001) and boys (right foot < 0.001 and left foot: < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Both in the case of girls and boys, the frequency of using too long and too wide shoes was higher in relation to the frequency of using too short and too narrow shoes. The length and width of the shoes affected the length and width of the footwear both in girls and boys. The longer and wider the shoes, the lower the height of the arch. Longer shoes are accompanied by a greater transverse arch, and wider ones with a lower transverse arch of the foot.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Child, Preschool; Child; Foot; Heel; Shoes
PubMed: 35529503
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13403