Modeling gestational age centiles for fetal umbilicocerebral ratio by quantile regression analysis: a secondary analysis of a prospective cross-sectional study

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains to be the most critical and frequent gastrointestinal disorder understood in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The presented study was intended to assess the prevalence of NEC and associated factors among enteral Fed preterm and low birth weight neonates. Institution based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 enteral Fed preterm and low birth weight neonates who were admitted at selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa from March 25/2020 to May 10/2020. The data were collected through neonates’ medical record chart review. A total of 350 participants were enrolled in to the study with the response rate of 99.43%. One hundred eighty-four (52.6%) of them were male. The majority 123 (35.1%) of them were (32 + 1 to 34) weeks gestational age. The prevalence of NEC was (25.4%) (n = 89, [95% CI; 21.1, 30.0]). Being ≤28 weeks gestational age (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI [2.67, 9.97]), being (28 + 1 to 32 weeks) gestational age (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI [2.21, 8.31]), birth weight of 1000 to 1499 g (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.22, 4.33]), APGAR score ≤3 (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI [1.32, 4.16]), prolonged labor (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI [1.35, 6.38]), maternal chronic disease particularly hypertension (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI [1.70, 5.90]), chorioamnionitis (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI [3.9, 13]), failure to breath/resuscitated (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.7, 4.4]), CPAP ventilation (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI [1.50, 12.70]), mixed milk (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI [2.16, 9.32]) were factors significantly associated with NEC. Finally, the prevalence of NEC in the study area was high. So that, initiating the programs that could minimize this problem is required to avoid the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with NEC.

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Predictors of HIV/AIDS comprehensive knowledge and acceptance attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS among unmarried young females in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-021-01176-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tesfaldet Mekonnen Estifanos ◽

Chen Hui ◽

Afewerki Weldezgi Tesfai ◽

Mekonnen Estifanos Teklu ◽

Matiwos Araya Ghebrehiwet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Young Females ◽

Comprehensive Knowledge ◽

Hiv Aids

Abstract Background Youth in general and young females, in particular, remain at the center of HIV/AIDS epidemic. To avoid and prevent HIV infection, comprehensive knowledge as well as correct understanding of transmission and prevention strategies are crucial. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the predictors of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and accepting attitude towards PLWHIV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey. A two-stage probability sampling method was applied and data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Of the total 8674 women aged 15–49 years, 1971 eligible women aged 15–24 years were included in this analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. A Chi-square test followed by logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between specific explanatory variables and outcome variables. The results were reported using odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Overall, 99.3% of the unmarried women aged 15–24 years were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only 51.9% had comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Around 70% of the respondents were aware that "using condoms every time when having sex" and "having only one faithful uninfected partner" can prevent HIV transmission. About 68% of the unmarried women rejected at least two common local misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. An alarmingly small (20.6%) proportion of the respondents had a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV. All variables were significantly associated with having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. After adjustment, older age (20–24 years), being educated, wealthier, and ever been tested for HIV/AIDS became predictors of adequate comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Moreover, respondents with adequate comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS were more likely (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.30–2.08) to have a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV than their counterparts. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a remarkably high level of awareness about HIV/AIDS among study participants, but the knowledge and positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV were not encouraging. Thus, endeavors to expand and strengthen educational campaigns on HIV/AIDS in communities, health facilities, and schools are highly recommended. Attention should particularly focus on young-aged and disadvantaged women with low educational level, poor socioeconomic status and those who have never been tested for HIV/AIDS.

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Ethnicity-Specific Normative Models of Quadruple Test as a Screening Test for Down Syndrome

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57070651 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (7) ◽

pp. 651

Author(s):

Praetip Praikaew ◽

Kuntharee Traisrisilp ◽

Chanane Wanapirak ◽

Ratanaporn Sekararithi ◽

Theera Tongsong

Keyword(s):

Quantile Regression ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Serum Biomarkers ◽

Rank Test ◽

Maternal Weight ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Inhibin A ◽

Thai Women ◽

Normative Models

Background and Objectives: To establish normative models for median levels of serum biomarkers of the second trimester quad test (alpha-fetoprotein: AFP; free beta-human gonadotropins: hCG; inhibin-A; and unconjugated estriol: uE3) specific to Thai women and to compare multiples of the median (MoMs) derived from ethnicity-specific models and those derived from Caucasian models with ethnic correction. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in a tertiary, medical teaching center among low-risk pregnant Thai women between 14 and 21 weeks of gestation to measure the levels of the four serum biomarkers. The measured values of each biomarker were analyzed using the multivariable factorial polynomial technique for quantile regression as a function of gestational age and maternal weight. Results: The Thai-specific normative models for the four biomarkers were generated and available for use. The MoMs of all individuals generated from our models were significantly different from conventional (Caucasian) models with ethnic correction (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; p < 0.0001 for all biomarkers). The MoMs of AFP and hCG from both methods were in agreement, but those from Thai-specific models were significantly higher. However, those of inhibin-A and uE3 were markedly different and ethnic correction was unlikely to be useful. Conclusions: The Thai-specific normative models of the quad test as a function of gestational age and maternal weight were constructed using multivariable factorial polynomial models, better than simple quantile regression or log-linear regression used in earlier decades. The analysis of MoMs supports the use of ethnicity-specific models instead of Caucasian models with ethnic correction.

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Serum Concentrations of Selected Organochlorines in Pregnant Women and Associations with Pregnancy Outcomes. A Cross-Sectional Study from Two Rural Settings in Cambodia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17207652 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (20) ◽

pp. 7652

Author(s):

Margit Steinholt ◽

Shanshan Xu ◽

Sam Ol Ha ◽

Duong Trong Phi ◽

Maria Lisa Odland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Low Income ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural Settings

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 194 pregnant women from two low-income settings in Cambodia. The inclusion period lasted from October 2015 through December 2017. Maternal serum samples were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The aim was to study potential effects on birth outcomes. We found low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP), except for heptachlors, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), heptachlor epoxide, and p,p’-DDE. There were few differences between the two study locations. However, the women from the poorest areas had significantly higher concentrations of p,p’-DDE (p < 0.001) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (p = 0.002). The maternal factors associated with exposure were parity, age, residential area, and educational level. Despite low maternal levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, we found significant negative associations between the PCB congeners 99 (95% CI: −2.51 to −0.07), 138 (95% CI: −1.28 to −0.32), and 153 (95% CI: −1.06 to −0.05) and gestational age. Further, there were significant negative associations between gestational age, birth length, and maternal levels of o,p’-DDE. Moreover, o,p’-DDD had positive associations with birth weight, and both p,p’-DDD and o,p’-DDE were positively associated with the baby’s ponderal index. The poorest population had higher exposure and less favorable outcomes.

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Prevalence and determinants of potentially inappropriate medication use in Hong Kong older patients: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051527 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e051527

Author(s):

Huanyu Zhang ◽

Eliza LY Wong ◽

Samuel YS Wong ◽

Patsy YK Chau ◽

Benjamin HK Yip ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Hong Kong ◽

Older Patients ◽

Inappropriate Medication ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Potentially Inappropriate Medication ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in Hong Kong older patients visiting general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) between 2006 and 2014 and to identify factors associated with PIM use among older adults visiting GOPCs in 2014.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingGOPC.ParticipantsTwo study samples were constructed including a total of 844 910 patients aged 65 and above from 2006 to 2014 and a cohort of 489 301 older patients in 2014.MeasurementsTwo subsets of the 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria—PIMs independent of diagnosis and PIMs due to drug–disease interactions—were used to estimate the prevalence of PIM use over 12 months. PIMs that were not included in the Hospital Authority drug formulary or with any specific restriction or exception in terms of indication, dose or therapy duration were excluded. Characteristics of PIM users and non-PIM users visiting GOPCs in 2014 were compared. Independent associations between patient variables and PIM use were assessed by stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe 12-month period prevalence of PIM use decreased from 55.56% (95% CI 55.39% to 55.72%) in 2006 to 47.51% (95% CI 47.37% to 47.65%) in 2014. In the multivariable regression analysis, the strongest factor associated with PIM use was the number of different drugs prescribed (adjusted OR, AOR 23.01, 95% CI 22.36 to 23.67). Being female (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.87 for males vs females) and having a greater number of GOPC visits (AOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.78 to 1.88) as well as more than six diagnoses (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.52) were associated with PIM use.ConclusionsThe overall prevalence of PIM use in older adults visiting GOPCs decreased from 2006 to 2014 in Hong Kong although the prevalence of PIM use was still high in 2014. Patients with female gender, a larger number of medications prescribed, more frequent visits to GOPCs, and more than six diagnoses were at higher risk for PIM use.

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Fetal foot length for assessment of gestational age: a cross sectional study

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20212972 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 3153

Author(s):

Vaibhav Sharma ◽

Ruchi Saxena ◽

Priyanka Gaur

Keyword(s):

Gestational Age ◽

Abdominal Ultrasound ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Maternal Characteristics ◽

Foot Length ◽

Adverse Pregnancy ◽

The Relationship ◽

Singleton Pregnancies

Background: Fetal age actually begins at conception and an equivalent term is conceptional age. Uncertain gestational age (GA) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes independent of maternal characteristics. The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of fetal foot length (FFL) in estimation of gestational age.Methods: It was a cross sectional study. Trans abdominal ultrasound on 150 pregnant women with normal singleton pregnancies between 16 to 40 weeks was done to measure FFL. The relationship between GA and FFL was analysed by simple linear regression.Results: A linear relationship was demonstrated between FFL and GA. (GA (in weeks)=7.490+0.393×FFL (in mm)) with significant correlation (r=0.985, p<0.001).Conclusions: Ultrasonographic measurement of FFL is a reliable indicator of gestational age and can be a useful alternative to estimate GA when other routine biometric parameters are not conclusive.

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Placental thickness and Transcerebellar diameter for accurate estimation of gestational age in the second trimester (A cross sectional study)

The Egyptian Journal of Fertility of Sterility ◽

10.21608/egyfs.2021.170464 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 36-46

Author(s):

Samar Amin Ahmed Saleh, Nermeen Ahmed Mostafa Elghareeb

Keyword(s):

Gestational Age ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Accurate Estimation ◽

Second Trimester ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Placental Thickness

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The Higher Plasma Malondialdehyde Concentrations Are Determined by Metabolic Syndrome-Related Glucolipotoxicity

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2014/505368 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Fernando Moreto ◽

Erick P. de Oliveira ◽

Rodrigo M. Manda ◽

Roberto C. Burini

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Free Living ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sugar Intake ◽

Dietary Sugar ◽

Plasma Malondialdehyde

This study aimed to elucidate the determinants of higher plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) in free-living adults. In a cross-sectional study we evaluated 148 free-living subjects (54 ± 11 years, 78% women) at high risk for or with metabolic syndrome (MetS). They were assessed by anthropometry and body composition, dietary intake, and clinical and laboratorial analysis. The analysis of plasma MDA was performed by HPLC, and concentration values were used to provide four groups according to percentile distribution. Subjects with higher plasma MDA showed higher prevalence of MetS and higher values of waist circumference (WC), glucose, triglycerides (TG),γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), and higher energy intake. Multiadjusted logistic regression analysis identified as determinants of higher plasma MDA the altered values of WC andγ-GT followed by hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, higher dietary sugar-intake, and presence of MetS. In conclusion, the glucolipotoxic state predisposed by the presence of MetS seems to be the major determinant of higher plasma MDA concentrations.

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Low serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and body mass are risk factors for frailty in elderly people with diabetes: possible mechanistic role of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate – a cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.22681/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Toshihiko Yanase ◽

Ikumi Yanagita ◽

Yuya Fujihara ◽

Chikayo Iwaya ◽

Yuichi Kitajima ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Serum Albumin ◽

Body Mass ◽

Aspartate Aminotransferase ◽

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Independent Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Relatively low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and high cortisol/DHEA ratio have been suggested to be associated with frailty, evaluated using a physical scale. However, the significance of these two hormones for frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been assessed using a wider range of measures of frailty, including physical, mental, and social indices. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the significance of these two hormones for frailty in elderly T2DM patients (n=148; ≥65 years), using a broad assessment, the clinical frailty scale, and to reevaluate the risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients. We compared parameters between the non-frail and frail groups using the unpaired t and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Jonckheere-Therpstra test was used to identify relationships with the severity of frailty and risk factors were identified using binary regression analysis. Results: Simple regression analysis identified a number of significant risk factors for frailty, including DHEAS <70 µg/dL and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio ≥0.2. Multiple regression analysis showed that low albumin (<4.0 g/dl) (odds ratio [OR]=5.79, p <0.001), low aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (<25 IU/L) (OR=4.34, p =0.009), and low body mass (BM) (<53 kg) (OR=3.85, p =0.012) were independent risk factors for frailty. A significant decrease in DHEA-S and a significant increase in the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio occurred alongside increases in the severity of frailty. DHEA-S concentration positively correlated with both serum albumin and BM. Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia, low AST, and low BM are independent risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients, strongly implying relative malnutrition in these frail patients. DHEA-S may be important for the maintenance of liver function and BM. A decrease in DHEA-S and an increase in the cortisol/DHEAS ratio may be involved in the mechanism of the effect of malnutrition in elderly T2DM patients.

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