scholarly journals Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in selected military camps in Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Akili Kalinga ◽  
Reginald A. Kavishe ◽  
Deus S Ishengoma ◽  
Gibson Kagaruki ◽  
Clement Mweya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Malaria Surveillance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Military Recruits ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Despite a decrease in malaria burden reported between 2000 and 2015, an increasing trend of malaria transmission has been recently reported in some endemic countries including Tanzania. Periodic monitoring to identify pocket areas for asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection   is vital for malaria elimination efforts. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections among military recruits in selected camps in Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 at four military camps (Bulombora, Mgambo, Ruvu, and Rwamkoma) of National Service located in regions with varying malaria endemicity in Tanzania.  Finger prick blood samples collected from asymptomatic military recruits who had been at the camps for over two months were simultaneously tested using microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) to detect malaria parasite infections. Results: Malaria parasite prevalence among asymptomatic recruits was 20.3% and 19.4% by microscopy and mRDT respectively. There was moderate agreement (Kappa=0.724) between microscopy and mRDT test results. A significant difference (p<0.001) of malaria parasite prevalence among the four study camps was observed; ranging from 1.9% in Bulombora to 39.4% in Rwamkoma. The geometric mean parasite density was 11,053 asexual parasites/µl and most recruits (56.8%) had 200 to 1999 asexual parasites/µl. P. falciparum was the predominant (99.2%) malaria parasite species. Conclusion: Our study found high prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections among military recruits in the selected camps, and this varied from one camp to another. The study has highlighted that public residence institutions such as military camps can be potential hotspots for malaria infection and therefore should not be skipped in routine national malaria surveillance system for monitoring trends of infections

scholarly journals Age-Related Haematological Variations in Patients with Asymptomatic Malaria in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 218-224
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu ◽  
Ayomiposi Ibironke Busari ◽  
Immaculata Ogochukwu Uduchi ◽  
I. A. Ogomaka ◽  
Adaobi Maryann Ibekwe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Parametric Data ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ondo State

Background: Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease of widespread burden. Malaria remains a leading communicable disease in the developing countries of the world. It occurs mostly in the tropical and subtropical regions and accounts for considerable morbidity and death. Malaria which is liable for a major amount of mortalities in endemic countries has been revealed to have both direct and indirect impacts on the haematologicalparameters.The study was done to compare the levels of haematological parameters of asymptomatic malaria patients based on age groups. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study among asymptomatic malaria patients based on age groups. This study was conducted in Oda Road area of Akure, Ondo State. Two hundred (200) subjects were recruited for this study with each group comprising of 100 subjects for patients with asymptomatic malaria for the 2 age groups (16-30 years and 31-65 years). The data were presented in tables and as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using student-test for parametric data and chi-square for non parametric data by statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS, Version 20.0) and level of significance set at as p≤ 0.05. Results: The results showed that subjects on age group 16-30 years were 100(50%) comprising of 50 males (25%) and 50 females (25). Also age group 31-65 years has 100 subjects (50%) comprising of 50 males (25%) and 50 females (25).The results showed significant difference in MCV (p=0.008), MCH (p=0.024) and no significant difference in PCV (p=0.675), WBC (p= 0.224), LYM (p=0.109), GRAN (p=0.061), MID (p=0.066), RBC (p=0.119), Hb (p=0.546), MCHC (p=0.262), PLT (p=0.783), when compared between age groups in years (16-30 and 31-65). Conclusion: The study showed increase in MCV and MCH of asymptomatic malaria patients within the age group of 31-65 years compared to asymptomatic malaria patients on 16-30 years age group. This shows that microcytic hypochromic anaemia may be experienced in asymptomatic malaria patients within the age group of 16-30 years more than in 31-65 years age group.

The expression of BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 genes in eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 228402652110467
Author(s):  
Siriluk Tantanavipas ◽  
Tepchongchit Aojanepong ◽  
Wanwisa Waiyaput ◽  
Areepan Sophonsritsuk
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Menstrual Phase ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eutopic Endometrium ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: Both autophagy and apoptosis play a role in the cyclic remodeling of the endometrium. The abnormal regulation of genes and signaling pathways in the eutopic endometrium plays a role in the abnormal migration and implantation in adenomyosis. Objective: The present study investigates the mRNA expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related genes BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with healthy premenopausal women. Materials and methods: The present work was a cross-sectional study conducted between July 2018 and April 2019. The participants were 32 premenopausal women who attended the surgery for adenomyosis and other benign gynecological conditions. The participants were divided into two groups, with 16 women in the adenomyosis group and 16 healthy women in the control group. Endometrial tissues were collected during the proliferative menstrual phase for a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The mRNA expression of BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 were normalized by geometric mean mRNA expression of actin and GAPDH. There was no significant difference in mRNA expression for all three genes when comparing the control and adenomyosis groups. Conclusions: The mRNA expressions of autophagy-related genes BECN1 and LC3B and anti-apoptosis-related gene BCL2 were not significantly different in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with healthy premenopausal women during the proliferative menstrual phase.

Status of Schistosoma haematobium Infection among Pupils around the Kainji Dam, Niger State: A Paradigm Shift In Infection Rate

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Adewale ◽  
O Rahman ◽  
M Sulyman ◽  
C Uwalaka ◽  
M Ajayi
Keyword(s):  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Schistosomiasis is the second most prevalent tropical disease after malaria, and a major public health problem among schoolagedchildren. This study was carried out to assess the current status of Schistosoma haematobium infection among pupils around Kainji Dam. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 communities around Kainji dam. Urine samples were collected and processed using the standard filtration technique. Filter papers were examined with compound microscope and eggs of S. haematobium were identified with their terminal spines. Data were analyzed with SPSS 23. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among the 410 pupils examined was 5.1% and a geometric mean egg count of 5.97 eggs/10ml urine. There was statistically significant association between infection and age with peak infection in age group 12-14 (11.8%, x2 = 14.185, p < 0.005). The males (6.8%) were more infected than the females (2.9%) and there was no significant difference (Χ² =3.1, P>0.05) in infection among sexes. The occupation of Pupils' Parent was found to have a statistically significant association with the risk of being infected (x2 = 38.7, P<0.05), prevalence of infection was shared between the fishermen (47.6%) and farmers (52.4%). Compared to other studied communities, a pupil stands over 400times [OR 412.2 (95% CI: 52.4 – 3245.1)] risk of being infected with Schistosoma haematobium in Yuna community. The lack of infection in 3 of the studied communities could be attributed to the impact of current efforts at controlling Schistosoma haematobium infection around the Kainji dam which is a paradigm shift from what used to be experienced from previous studies. This current experience advocates for intensified efforts at total elimination. Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, Prevalence, Pupils, Kainji dam

scholarly journals A Comprehensive Survey of Asymptomatic Malaria Cases in an Endemic Focus in Iran: A Successful Experience on the Road to Eliminate Malaria

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Habibollah Turki ◽  
Mohammad Shekari ◽  
Aboozar Soltani
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Malaria Surveillance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
On The Road

Background: Malaria is one of the important infectious blood diseases caused by the protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquito bites. A malaria elimination plan is currently being followed in Hormozgan Province. The robust malaria surveillance system with appropriate active case findings, especially asymptomatic cases, plays an important role in the malaria elimination program. Objectives: The main objectives of this research were to determine the presence and prevalence of asymptomatic malaria cases and monitor asymptomatic parasitic reservoirs in Jask District, Hormozgan Province. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and monitor asymptomatic cases in the Jask District. The purpose and stages of the study were explained to all participants/parents, and written informed consent was obtained. A total of 230 asymptomatic residents (124 females and 86 males) were randomly selected, and their blood samples (3 mL) were taken to assess Plasmodium infection using microscopic, RDT, and molecular (18ssrRNA) methods. Results: Of the 230 studied cases, 54.8% were females, and 454.2% were males. The age range was four to 65 years old, and the mean age was 24.5. None of the diagnostic methods, including the microscopic, serological, and molecular techniques, could find asymptomatic malaria cases in the study area. Conclusions: It can be concluded that Malaria Elimination Program is feasible in the Jask Region irrespective of asymptomatic parasitic reservoirs. The results also emphasize a robust and efficient malaria surveillance system to diagnose and treat positive cases and monitor treated cases successfully. Ongoing and continuous studies are recommended in the high-risk malarious area of Hormozgan Province to monitor asymptomatic cases of malaria.

Personal Audio System: Hearing Symptoms, Habits, and Sound Pressure Levels Measured in Real Ear and a Manikin

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 2016-2026
Author(s):  
Tamara R. Almeida ◽  
Clayton H. Rocha ◽  
Camila M. Rabelo ◽  
Raquel F. Gomes ◽  
Ivone F. Neves-Lobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Real ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels ◽  
Audio System

Purpose The aims of this study were to characterize hearing symptoms, habits, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) of personal audio system (PAS) used by young adults; estimate the risk of developing hearing loss and assess whether instructions given to users led to behavioral changes; and propose recommendations for PAS users. Method A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 subjects with normal hearing. Procedures included questionnaire and measurement of PAS SPLs (real ear and manikin) through the users' own headphones and devices while they listened to four songs. After 1 year, 30 subjects answered questions about their usage habits. For the statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, Lin and Spearman coefficients, the chi-square test, and logistic regression were used. Results Most subjects listened to music every day, usually in noisy environments. Sixty percent of the subjects reported hearing symptoms after using a PAS. Substantial variability in the equivalent music listening level (Leq) was noted ( M = 84.7 dBA; min = 65.1 dBA, max = 97.5 dBA). A significant difference was found only in the 4-kHz band when comparing the real-ear and manikin techniques. Based on the Leq, 38% of the individuals exceeded the maximum daily time allowance. Comparison of the subjects according to the maximum allowed daily exposure time revealed a higher number of hearing complaints from people with greater exposure. After 1 year, 43% of the subjects reduced their usage time, and 70% reduced the volume. A volume not exceeding 80% was recommended, and at this volume, the maximum usage time should be 160 min. Conclusions The habit of listening to music at high intensities on a daily basis seems to cause hearing symptoms, even in individuals with normal hearing. The real-ear and manikin techniques produced similar results. Providing instructions on this topic combined with measuring PAS SPLs may be an appropriate strategy for raising the awareness of people who are at risk. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12431435

Estimation of Trace Elements in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Serum-Comparative Study in Healthy and Periodontitis

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhagavathami Meenaksh ◽  
Chitraa R. Chandran ◽  
Aravindhan Thathchari Ranganathan ◽  
Kavindapadi Venkateswaran Rama ◽  
Valarmathy Srinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Gingival Crevicular Fluid ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Copper ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Copper Zinc

Background: This study aims to determine and compare the levels of trace elements copper, zinc, selenium and chromium in GCF and serum of patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals. Methods: This cross sectional study includes 24 study subjects recruited from the patients reporting to the Department of Periodontics , Tagore Dental College Chennai. All the selected patients were subjected to a clinical examination done by a single examiner. The estimation of trace elements Copper, Zinc, Selenium and Chromium in GCF and serum is performed using Perkin Elmer optima 5300 Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer (ICPOES). Results: GCF and serum copper levels showed no significant difference in both periodontitis and healthy groups . Selenium levels tend to be the same in both groups. Serum zinc levels are more in periodontitis patients than healthy subjects (p less than 0.01). GCF chromium levels are found to be more in patients with periodontitis than healthy. Conclusions : More research is therefore needed to monitor the role of these trace elements C with an increased sample size to ascertain whether they are associated with a reduced risk of periodontitis.

Postpartum Depression and Its Associated Factors among Women in Bandar Abbas City

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arefeh Shahi
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancy ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bandar Abbas

Background: Postpartum depression with a different incidence of 40- 45% in different societies, which it has adverse effects on the health of mothers and their child, given the negative effects of maternal depression and its harmful effects on the baby and the quality of family life. So, this study was performed with the aim to determine postpartum depression and its associated factors in Bandar Abbas city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 after obtaining consent from mothers by the census. A total of 343 mothers was examined for depression who referred to Bandar Abbas health centers in the 2nd and 4th months after childbirth. The data collection tools included demographic information and Postpartum Depression Edinburgh questionnaires. Finally, the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 22.0) software and data were analyzed using the Independent t-test, Mann Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests.Result: Totally, 68 (19.8%) of samples were in the second month and 54 (15.7%) in the fourth month after delivery had postpartum depression. The incidence of depression in the four months was 6.6%. There was a significant difference between depression and income, parental education, father’s use of cigarette and abnormalities of the infant (P <0.001). There was no significant difference between other factors such as gestational age, infant sex, birth weight, unwanted pregnancy, and type of delivery. Conclusion: Regarding the prevalence of this disorder, it seems that postpartum depression screening planning should be considered during child routine care as an essential component, especially for vulnerable groups.

Assessment of COVID-19 Related Misinformation among the Community in Basrah, Iraq

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (CSI) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Rubaye ◽  
Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽  
Aymen Albadran ◽  
Abbas Ejbary ◽  
Laith Alrubaiy
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
The Public ◽  
First Case ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Central District

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq

Association of CYP2D6*10 (c. 100 C>T) Genotype with Z-END Concentration in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Tamoxifen Therapy in Indonesian Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 1198-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yenny ◽  
Sonar S. Panigoro ◽  
Denni J. Purwanto ◽  
Adi Hidayat ◽  
Melva Louisa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Threshold Concentration ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass

Background: Tamoxifen (TAM) is a frequently used hormonal prodrug for patients with breast cancer that needs to be activated by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) into Zusammen-endoxifen (Z-END). Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the association between CYP2D6*10 (c.100C>T) genotype and attainment of the plasma steady-state Z-END minimal threshold concentration (MTC) in Indonesian women with breast cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 125 ambulatory patients with breast cancer consuming TAM at 20 mg/day for at least 4 months. The frequency distribution of CYP2D6*10 (c.100C>T) genotypes (C/C: wild type; C/T: heterozygous mutant; T/T: homozygous mutant) was detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), the results of which were subsequently confirmed by sequencing. The genotypes were categorized into plasma Z- END concentrations of <5.9 ng/mL and ≥5.9 ng/mL, which were measured using ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Results: Percentages of C/C, CT, and T/T genotypes were 22.4%, 29.6%, and 48.8%, respectively. Median (25-75%) Z-END concentrations in C/C, C/T, and T/T genotypes were 9.58 (0.7-6.0), 9.86 (0.7-26.6), and 3.76 (0.9-26.6) ng/mL, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in median Z-END concentration between patients with T/T genotype and those with C/C or C/T genotypes (p<0.001). There was a significant association between CYP2D6*10 (c.100C>T) genotypes and attainment of plasma steady-state Z-END MTC (p<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant association between CYP2D6*10 (c.100C>T) and attainment of plasma steady-state Z-END MTC in Indonesian breast cancer patients receiving TAM at a dose of 20 mg/day.

Patients who complain of autonomic dysregulation: A cross-sectional study of patients with somatic symptom disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110255
Author(s):  
Chao-Ying Tu ◽  
Wei-Shih Liu ◽  
Yen-Fu Chen ◽  
Wei-Lieh Huang
Keyword(s):  
Help Seeking ◽  
Somatic Symptom ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Somatic Symptom Disorder ◽  
Autonomic Dysregulation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Health

Background: Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is common in medical settings but has been underdiagnosed. Stigma related to psychiatric illness was one of the barriers to making the diagnosis. More and more SSD patients who visited psychiatric clinics with physical complaints identify themselves as having ‘autonomic dysregulation’ in Taiwan. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients with a subjective diagnosis of ‘autonomic dysregulation’. Method: We assessed the sociodemographic profile, medical/psychiatric diagnoses, subjective psychiatric diagnoses, perceived psychiatric stigma, help-seeking attitude, and healthcare utilization of 122 participants with SSD. Participants who identified themselves as having ‘autonomic dysregulation’ ( n = 84) were compared to those who did not (n=38). Results: Participants with a subjective diagnosis of ‘autonomic dysregulation’ were younger and had a higher education level than those who did not have such a subjective diagnosis. They also had higher scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and Health Anxiety Questionnaire (HAQ), whereas comorbid psychiatric diagnoses were similar in the two groups. Participants with and without a subjective diagnosis of ‘autonomic dysregulation’ did not have a significant difference in perceived psychiatric stigma and help-seeking attitude/behaviors. In a multiple logistic regression model, only age was associated with having a subjective diagnosis of ‘autonomic dysregulation’. Conclusion: Among SSD patients, those who identify themselves as having ‘autonomic dysregulation’ tend to have higher somatic distress and health anxiety than those who do not. ‘Autonomic dysregulation’ is not associated with perceived psychiatric stigma.

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