The epidemiology of dry eye disease in the UK: The Aston dry eye study

PurposeCross-sectional studies on dry eye disease (DED) have relied on different diagnoses hindering conclusions about the disease epidemiology. This study offers an insight into DED epidemiology in the UK using prior and recent diagnostic recommendations.MethodsStudy participants comprised 282 volunteers from Birmingham, UK (median 40 years, range 18–88 years, 56% females). DED was defined by the Tear Film Ocular Surface Dry Eye Workshop II (TFOS DEWS II) criteria, based on a positive symptom score with the Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and one of the following homeostasis markers: non-invasive tear break-up time of < 10 s (Oculus Keratograph 5M); the highest osmolarity value of ≥ 308 mOsm/L among eyes or an interocular osmolarity difference of > 8 mOsm/L (TearLab Osmolarity System); or > 5 corneal spots, >9 conjunctival spots or lower/upper lid-wiper-epitheliopathy staining of ≥ 2 mm length and ≥ 25% width (Oculus Keratograph 5 M). In addition, the Women’s Health Study (WHS) criteria, based on symptoms or a prior dry eye diagnosis, was assessed. DED risk factors were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsDED prevalence by the TFOS DEWS II criteria was 32.1% (95% confidence interval 25.5–37.7% and 29.5% (95% confidence interval 24.4–35.1% by the WHS criteria. Female sex, systemic and/or ocular health conditions, short sleep duration and prolonged outdoor leisure time spent were significant DED risk factors (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsApproximately one-third of the adult UK population have DED, aligning with the prevalence reported in multiple counties globally. Female sex, systemic/ocular health conditions, short sleep duration and prolonged outdoor leisure time are positive predictors of DED.     

Estimates of dry eye disease in Saudi Arabia based on a short questionnaire of prevalence,symptoms, and risk factors: The Twaiq Mountain Eye Study I

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of dry eye disease (DED) among the citizens of Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional prevalence survey was administered to 4066 healthy adults from the five main regions of Saudi Arabia. Initial estimates of the prevalence and associated risk factors of DED were calculated for the general population and then stratified by demographic characteristics such as age, sex, and location. DED was assessed by a short, validated dry-eye questionnaire.ResultsThe overall prevalence of DED was 49.5 % (n = 2016), including 33.1 % (n = 1347) of participants who reported a previous DED diagnosis and 16.4 % (n = 669) who reported severe symptoms; 14.7 % reported severe symptoms and a previous DED diagnosis (n = 598). The DED prevalence among men was 49.8 % (n = 1005) compared with 50.2 % (n = 1011) for women. The multivariate model analysis confirmed the increased prevalence of DED in women (OR 1.48; 95 % CI 1.30–1.88), those ≥60 years of age (OR 1.99; 95 % CI 1.60–2.81), those who had undergone refractive surgery (OR 1.79; 95 % CI 1.50–2.59), those having undergone acne treatment (OR 1.51; 95 % CI 1.34–1.97), contact lens wearers (OR 1.77; 95 % CI 1.40–2.48), those having taken antiallergy drugs (OR 2.23; 95 % CI 1.55–2.78) or antidepressants (OR 1.60; 95 % CI 1.14–2.44), and those who reported computer use of >6 h per day (OR 1.66; 95 % CI 1.41–2.52).ConclusionDry eye is a common disease among the Saudi Arabian population. Prevalence is found to be high and vary significantly across the country. DED could be attributed to dry weather, low annual rainfall, low humidity, widespread use of air conditioners, air pollution, high temperature, and exposure to sunlight.     

Isolation and characterization of Cronobacter spp. from indigenous infant flours sold in public health care centres within Abidjan,Côte d'Ivoire

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Cronobacter spp. in indigenous infant flours sold in public health care centres within Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) and to assess their antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 133 samples of cereal-based indigenous flours were collected from randomly selected public health care centres within Abidjan and subjected to Cronobacter spp. isolation and identification by using biochemical tests, API 20E system and duplex PCR detection. Subsequently, the antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for confirmed isolates. Our results showed that the samples contained Cronobacter spp. in addition to 18 other Enterobacteriaceae species among with Enterobacter cloacae (21.84% of total isolates) and Pantoea spp. (14.08%) were the most frequently isolated species. Ninety samples (67.7%) were contaminated by Enterobacteriaceae and 16 samples (12.0%) by Cronobacter spp. Gentamycin, colistine, tobramycin, ticarcillin–clavunate and trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole remained the most potent antimicrobial agents against Cronobacter spp. while resistance occurred most often to nalidixic acid (87.5%), aztreonam (75.0%), amoxicillin–clavunate (68.7%), ampicillin (62.5%) and cefotaxime (62.5%). Twelve resistant phenotypes were defined among Cronobacter spp. isolates and the most common phenotype (25% of isolates) was amoxicillin–clavunate/cefotaxime/aztreonam/tetracycline/nalidixic acid resistant. Furthermore, all the strains tested were resistant to at least four antibiotics.     

Prevalence and serovar diversity of Salmonella spp. in primary horticultural fruit production environments

Increases in foodborne disease outbreaks associated with fresh produce have necessitated the need to identify potential sources of microbial contamination in produce and agricultural environments. The present study evaluated Salmonella prevalence and serovar diversity in fruit (225), water (140) and surface (126) samples, from three commercial farms and associated packhouses, located in different farming regions in South Africa. Fruit and water samples were collected from both orchards and packhouses, while surface samples were collected from conveyer belts and hands of packhouse employees. Salmonella was detected in 26 of the 491 (5.3%) samples. Environmental samples (water and surfaces) recorded a slightly higher proportion (3.1%; 15/491) of positive samples compared to fruit samples (2.2%; 11/491). Salmonella was not detected on employee hands and river water samples. A total of 263 Salmonella isolates were obtained from the 26 positive samples by standard culture methods, preliminarily identified through matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) and API 20E, and confirmed by invA gene. Of the 39 representative isolates serotyped the serovars Muenchen (33.3%), Typhimurium (30.8%), Heidelberg (20.5%), Bsilla (7.7%), Salmonella subspecies IIb: 17: r: z (5.1%) and one untypable strain were identified. Most samples had multiple serovars with orchard water form one site recording the highest serovar diversity (4 serovars). Our findings show the potential of agricultural fruit production environments to act as reservoirs of clinically important Salmonella serovars.     

Prevalence,antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity of Salmonella isolated from retail ready-to-eat foods in China

Salmonella is a leading cause of foodborne disease worldwide and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are regarded as a major source of infection and outbreak. In recent years, the consumption of Chinese RTE foods has raised markedly with the pace of life increasing. However, the prevalence of Salmonella in these foods in China and its potential risk to public health has not been well determined and evaluated. This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella in Chinese retail RTE food products and to determine serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and genetic diversity of recovered Salmonella isolates. Out of the 539 RTE food products collected and tested from July 2011 to May 2014, 19 (3.5%) were positive for Salmonella. The contamination levels of Salmonella were mostly in the range of 0.3–10 most probable number (MPN)/g, with one sample exceeding 110 MPN/g. Among the 50 isolates identified, 37 isolates (74.0%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, while 21 isolates (42.0%) were resistant to more than three antimicrobials. High rates of resistance were observed for tetracycline (56.0%), ampicillin (38.0%), and streptomycin (34.0%). PCR analysis of 15 virulence genes showed that the avrA, ssaQ, mgtC, siiD, sopB, and bcfC genes were detected in all 50 isolates, whereas the genes located on plasmid and prophage varied significantly among the isolates. Ten distinct serovars were identified and S. Derby, S. Meleagridis, S. Enteritidis, and S. Senftenberg were the most prevalent serovars. A total of 11 sequence types by multilocus sequence typing and 20 profiles by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were generated for the 20 selected isolates and the combination of these two methods presented a better knowledge of genetic diversity of Salmonella isolates. The study provided a systematical surveillance on prevalence of Salmonella in Chinese RTE foods and indicates its potential risk to public health.     

Prevalence of psychoactive drug use among drivers in Thailand: A roadside survey

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychoactive drug and alcohol use among general drivers and predictors of the drug use in Thailand. One thousand six hundred and thirty-five motor vehicle drivers were randomly selected from five geographical regions of Thailand between December 2005 and May 2006.The prevalence of psychoactive drugs was determined using urine tests by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).Among 1635 drivers, 5.5% were tested positive for breath alcohol with 2% having a level exceeding the legal limit (>50 mg%). Psychoactive drug was presented in 158 (9.7%) urine samples for drug analysis. The top 3 most frequently detected licit drugs were antihistamines (2.0%), sedative cough suppressant (0.7%) and benzodiazepines (0.2%). Illicit drugs detected included amphetamine (1.8%), cannabis (1.1%), mitragynine (Kratom) (0.9%) and morphine (0.1%). Only type of driver (commercial/non-commercial) was a significant predictor with psychoactive drug use.The prevalence of psychoactive drug use among drivers not involved in road crashes in Thailand was not as low as an earlier study in Europe using objective measurements, particularly among commercial drivers. However, for illicit drugs, the prevalence detected in this study was lower than those of earlier studies from high-income countries.     

The prevalence of neck pain and associated risk factors among undergraduate students: A large-scale cross-sectional study

BackgroundNeck pain is a pervasive ailment causing work absenteeism, disabilities, and sleep disturbance among working adults. While the onset of neck pain in many individuals may date back to college-age, little is known regarding the prevalence of neck pain and associated risk factors among undergraduates. The current study aimed to compare the prevalence of neck pain among students in different undergraduate programs and to investigate their risk factors.MethodsUndergraduates from two universities were invited to participate in a self-administered online survey. The survey collected data regarding demographics, previous and the current neck pain symptoms, and potential risk factors (e.g., gender, age, body mass index, study programs, electronic devices usage, study hours, sports participation, and anxiety and depression levels, etc.). Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to identify risk factors for neck pain.ResultsA total of 5,195 invitation emails were sent. Of 1,002 respondents, 22.3% reported having current neck pain. Physiotherapy (26.5%) and nursing students (26.1%) had significantly higher prevalence of neck pain as compared to business students (13.2%). Anxiety (odds ratio (OR):1.11, 95%CI:1.07–1.16), concurrent low back pain (OR:3.28, 95%CI:2.15–5.00) and senior years of studies (OR:1.19,95%CI:1.01–1.41) were significantly associated with the presence of neck pain. Taller students (OR:1.02,95%CI:0.99–1.05) and prolonged smartphone usage (OR:1.05,95%CI:0.99–1.12) appeared to be associated with the presence of neck pain.ConclusionThis study not only revealed the high prevalence of neck pain among undergraduates but also identified several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for neck pain in this population. Specific prevention strategies should be developed and implemented to reduce the risk of neck pain in vulnerable students.     

Enumeration and growth of naturally occurring Listeria spp. in unpackaged ham

A total of 301 unpackaged retail ham samples were tested for the presence and number of Listeria spp. after 7 days at 5 degrees C to simulate domestic storage. Thirteen samples (4.3%) contained Listeria monocytogenes, with the highest count being 1.6 x 10(3)cfu g(-1). Thirteen samples contained other Listeria spp. Genotyping showed that only one L. monocytogenes isolate from the 14 tested was of a type previously identified in New Zealand human cases. Listeria-contaminated batches were incubated at 5 degrees C over approximately 3 weeks to assess the growth rate of natural contaminants. None contained L. monocytogenes, but growth occurred in one sample containing Listeria welshimeri and four containing Listeria innocua. Growth was usually slow at 0.002-0.004 log h(-1). In one sample, L. innocua grew at 0.02 log h(-1) although the maximum number reached was only 4.0-5.0 x 10(3)cfu g(-1). In five other samples little growth, if any, occurred. Growth of naturally occurring Listeria spp. at 5 degrees C was therefore generally slower than predicted by the Pathogen Modelling Programme (PMP) or did not occur.     

Prevalence and counts of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat at retail level in Estonia

Campylobacter contamination of poultry meat at retail level was studied in two surveys during the twelve-month period of 2012 in Estonia. The data from these surveys were combined and analyzed, partially together, in order to comprehensively estimate the prevalence and possible seasonality of Campylobacter in poultry and in poultry meat products in Estonia. Mostly Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian products, representing the most typical origins of poultry products on the Estonian retail market, were sampled and analyzed in these surveys. The first survey, organized by the Estonian Veterinary and Food Board, focused on Campylobacter prevalence in poultry meat at retail level. The second survey, at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, focused on Campylobacter prevalence and counts in fresh broiler chicken meat at retail level. Additionally, broiler chicken caecal samples were collected at slaughterhouse level for the estimation of the seasonal variation of Campylobacter colonization. Caecal samples were collected weekly from a broiler chicken slaughterhouse belonging to a company representing over 95% of all commercial broiler production in Estonia. A total of 606 poultry meat samples at retail level and 380 broiler chicken caecal samples at slaughterhouse level were collected and analyzed. A total of 20.8% of the poultry meat and 39.2% of the caecal samples were found positive for Campylobacter spp. The mean number of Campylobacters in fresh broiler chicken meat in the positive samples was 3.20 log₁₀CFU/g. A distinct seasonal variation in the Campylobacter contamination of broiler chicken meat was observed, which peaked during the warm summer period.     

Non-compliance with graduated driver licensing (GDL) requirements: Changes in GDL-related conviction rates over time among 16–17-year-old California drivers

Introduction

Self-reports by novice teen drivers in California and elsewhere suggest that many violate graduated driver licensing (GDL) nighttime and passenger restrictions, and to a lesser extent, drive on learner permits without being supervised. Is this corroborated by their traffic conviction records?

Method

We examined historical aggregated conviction rates for GDL-related violations before and after GDL, and Poisson regressions of conviction rates over time among 16–17-year-old California novices.

Results

During the year before they received their provisional licenses, <1% of 16-year-old novices and <2% of 17-year-old novices were convicted of driving unlicensed or unsupervised on their learner permits. Statewide historical conviction rates for these offenses were not higher after GDL was implemented, despite the longer holding period. Convictions for violating GDL nighttime or passenger restrictions were highest almost immediately after provisional licensure, though only about 3% of 16-year-old novices and 2% of 17-year-old novices were ever convicted of violating either restriction.

Discussion

California 16–17-year-old novice drivers were very rarely convicted of GDL-related violations. The contradictive, large differences between the current findings and self-report surveys are likely due in part to the fact that most self-reports assessed only whether teens had ever violated a GDL-related requirement, which exaggerates prevalence. Our conviction findings are more similar to estimates of non-compliance with GDL-related requirements from naturalistic driving studies that monitor actual driving behavior and take exposure into account, but are lower likely due to issues related to detection, enforcement, and adjudication of violations, as well as limitations of existing naturalistic studies.