scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of periportal fibrosis and Schistosoma mansoni infection among school-aged children in a hard-to-reach area of Madagascar

2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-322
Author(s):  
Hannah J Russell ◽  
James M StJ Penney ◽  
Cortland Linder ◽  
Elizabeth C Joekes ◽  
Amaya L Bustinduy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Sonographic Examination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Periportal Fibrosis ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background A cross-sectional survey was performed to estimate the prevalence of periportal fibrosis in children based on ultrasound examination in the Marolambo district of the Atsinanana region of Madagascar. This is a remote area known to have a high prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis. Methods School-aged children (5–14 y) were selected from six villages for parasitological and sonographic examination. Circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) tests and Kato Katz (KK) stool microscopy were performed. Video-clips of liver views were recorded with a SonoSite iViz and interpreted in the UK by comparison with standardised images (WHO protocol). Results The prevalence of schistosomiasis according to CCA testing was 97.8% (269/275) and 73.8% (203/275) by KK. Sonographic evidence of periportal fibrosis was observed in 11.3% (31/275). The youngest children with fibrosis were aged 6 y. Fibrosis was more common in older children (p=0.03) but was not associated with either infection intensity category (p=0.07) or gender (p=0.67). Conclusions Findings of periportal fibrosis among children in these hard-to-reach villages suggests chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection from a very young age. This may reflect other similarly remote schistosomiasis-endemic areas and reinforces the need to investigate morbidity in neglected communities to understand the true extent of disease burden in endemic countries.

scholarly journals PO 8409 SERUM HYALURONIC ACID: A POTENTIAL DIAGNOSTIC MARKER FOR SCHISTOSOMAL PERIPORTAL FIBROSIS IN SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI-ENDEMIC AREAS

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A33.2-A33
Author(s):  
Filimon M Haile ◽  
Elsa Hagos ◽  
Nega Berhe ◽  
Bjørn Myrvang ◽  
Svein G Gunderse
Keyword(s):  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Markers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Portable Ultrasound ◽  
Periportal Fibrosis ◽  
Potential Marker ◽  
Endemic Areas

BackgroundSchistosoma mansoni-induced infection is one of the most prevalent infections worldwide with serious public health and economic impact. Morbidity and mortality associated with S. mansoni is mainly the result of periportal fibrosis (PPF) which can be diagnosed using ultrasonography. As ultrasound equipment is not readily available in S. mansoni-endemic areas, serum markers like hyaluronic acid (HA) have been used as an alternative means of diagnosing PPF.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim of determining the importance of serum HA as a marker for schistosomal PPF in in 55 patients found in S. mansoni-endemic areas in northeastern Ethiopia and 20 non-endemic controls. PPF was determined using portable ultrasound equipment and graded according to the ‘Niamey protocol’. Serum HA concentration was determined using commercially available ELISA kit.ResultsThe mean concentration of HA in the sera of the cases was significantly higher than the controls (p<0.001). The concentration of HA also increased significantly as the pattern of PPF became severe while serum HA concentration positively correlated with PPF scores (ρ=0.6438, p<0.001). HA concentration of 27.9 µg/liter of serum differentiated moderate cases of PPF from advanced cases with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 85.71%, 75.61%, 60.5%, 93.9%, respectively (p<0.001). In conclusion, serum HA concentrations could be used as a potential marker for schistosomal PPF and to assess its severity in patients found in S. mansoni-endemic areas.ConclusionBased on our results, serum HA concentrations could be used as an alternative, non-invasive potential marker for schistosomal PPF and to assess its severity in patients found in S. mansoni-endemic areas.

scholarly journals Food at checkouts in non-food stores: a cross-sectional study of a large indoor shopping mall

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 2786-2793 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Wright ◽  
Erin Kamp ◽  
Martin White ◽  
Jean Adams ◽  
Sarah Sowden
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Shopping Mall ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Price Promotions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Child Height ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the display of food at non-food store checkouts; and to classify foods by type and nutrient content, presence of price promotions and whether food was at child height.DesignCross-sectional survey of checkout displays at non-food stores. Foods were classified as ‘less healthy’ or healthier using the UK Food Standards Agency’s Nutrient Profile Model. Written price promotions were recorded. Child height was defined as the sight line of an 11-year-old approximated from UK growth charts.SettingA large indoor shopping mall, Gateshead, UK, February–March 2014.SubjectsTwo hundred and five out of 219 non-food stores in the shopping mall directory which were open for trading.ResultsThirty-two (15·6 %) of 205 non-food stores displayed food at the checkout. All displayed less healthy foods, and fourteen (43·8 %) had healthier foods. Overall, 5911 checkout foods were identified. Of these, 4763 (80·6 %) were ‘less healthy’. No fruits, vegetables, nuts or seeds were found. Of 4763 less healthy foods displayed, 195 (4·1 %) were subject to price promotions, compared with twelve of 1148 (1·0 %) healthier foods (χ2(df=1)=25·4, P<0·0001). There was no difference in the proportion of less healthy (95·1 %) and healthier (96·2 %) foods displayed at child height.ConclusionsAlmost one-sixth of non-food stores displayed checkout food, the majority of which was ‘less healthy’ and displayed at child height. Less healthy food was more likely to be subject to a written price promotion than healthier food. Further research into the drivers and consequences of checkout food in non-food stores is needed. Public health regulation may be warranted.

scholarly journals Awareness and attitudes towards external auditory canal exostosis and its preventability in surfers in the UK: cross-sectional study

2016 ◽  
Vol 130 (7) ◽  
pp. 628-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Morris ◽  
T Martin ◽  
D Mccahon ◽  
S Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
External Auditory Canal ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectives:To determine the proportion of UK surfers aware of external auditory canal exostosis, to identify surfer characteristics associated with knowledge of the condition and to explore attitudes to earplug use.Method:An online, cross-sectional survey of UK-based surfers.Results:Of 375 surfers, 86.1 per cent (n = 323; 95 per cent confidence interval = 82.3–89.3) reported awareness of external auditory canal exostosis. Further investigation revealed that, despite their awareness of the condition, 23.4 per cent of these surfers (88 out of 323; 95 per cent confidence interval = 19.5–28.0) had little or no knowledge about external auditory canal exostosis. Predictors of knowledge included: distance from nearest surfing beach (p = 0.001), surfing standard (ability) (p = 0.008), earplug use (p = 0.024) and positive external auditory canal exostosis diagnosis (p = 0.009).Conclusion:The findings suggest that a significant minority of UK surfers have no knowledge about this condition. Knowledge of external auditory canal exostosis was significantly associated with earplug use when surfing. Efforts to improve surfers’ knowledge are required to enable surfers to better protect themselves, which could reduce the incidence of external auditory canal exostosis.

scholarly journals Prevalence ofSchistosoma mansoniInfection in Four Health Areas of Kisantu Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Khonde Kumbu ◽  
K. Mbanzulu Makola ◽  
Lu Bin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Health Zone

Background. Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in Democratic Republic of the Congo but estimates of its prevalence vary widely. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence ofSchistosoma mansoniinfection and associated risk factors among children in 4 health areas of Kisantu health zone.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 4 health areas of Kisantu health zone. 388 children randomly selected were screened forS. mansoniusing Kato Katz technique and the sociodemographic data was collected. Data were entered and encoded using software EpiData version 3.1. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 software.Results. The prevalence ofS. mansoniwas 26.5% (103); almost two-thirds (63) (61.2%) had light infection intensity. A significant association was found betweenS. mansoniinfection and age (p=0.005), educational level (p=0.001), and practices of swimming/bathing (p<0.001) and using water from river/lake/stream for domestic use (p<0.001). Kipasa health area had high prevalence of schistosomiasis (64.6%) (64/99; 95% CI 54.4–74.0) compared to other health areas.Conclusion.Schistosoma mansoniinfection still remains a public health problem in these areas. There is a need to promote health education and promote behavioral changes in children towards schistosomiasis.

Underage Adolescents’ Reactions to Adverts for Beer and Spirit Brands and Associations with Higher Risk Drinking and Susceptibility to Drink: A Cross-Sectional Study in the UK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Boniface ◽  
N Critchlow ◽  
K Severi ◽  
A M MacKintosh ◽  
L Hooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Factual Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Alcohol Advertising ◽  
Alcohol Marketing ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Aims In the UK, adolescents under the minimum legal purchasing age (&lt;18 years) are aware of a variety of alcohol marketing activities. It is therefore important to examine how such marketing appeals and how it might shape consumption. This study assessed the relationships between positive reactions to alcohol adverts and susceptibility to drink among never drinkers and higher-risk drinking among current drinkers. Methods Online cross-sectional survey of 11–17 year olds (n = 2582) in the UK. Adolescents were shown three video alcohol adverts (Fosters Radler/Haig Club Clubman/Smirnoff). Reactions to each were measured by eight scale-items (e.g. 1 = makes [Brand] seem unappealing to 5 = makes [Brand] seem appealing), which were combined into a composite score (coded: positive versus other). Logistic regressions assessed associations between overall positive advert reactions and drinking behaviours. Results Half of adolescents had overall positive reactions to the Smirnoff (52%) and Fosters (53%) adverts, and a third (34%) had a positive reaction to the Haig Club advert. Across all three adverts, positive reactions were associated with ~1.5 times increased odds of being susceptible to drink among never drinkers. Among current drinkers, positive reactions to the Foster’s Radler and Haig Club adverts were associated with around 1.4 times increased odds of being a higher-risk drinker. Conclusions These alcohol advertisements commonly appealed to underage adolescents, and these reactions were associated with susceptibility among never drinkers and higher-risk consumption among current drinkers. Regulatory consideration should be given to what messages are permitted in alcohol advertising, including international alternatives (e.g. only factual information).

scholarly journals ‘I decided not to go into surgery due to dress code’: a cross-sectional study within the UK investigating experiences of female Muslim medical health professionals on bare below the elbows (BBE) policy and wearing headscarves (hijabs) in theatre

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e019954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abida Malik ◽  
Hafsah Qureshi ◽  
Humayra Abdul-Razakq ◽  
Zahra Yaqoob ◽  
Fatima Zahra Javaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Dress Code ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Operating Theatres ◽  
Uniform Policy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to explore the impact of workplace dress code policies and guidance that may influence inclusivity and opportunities in the workplace.DesignQuantitative, self-completion cross-sectional survey.SettingBritish Islamic Medical Association conference.ParticipantsEighty-four female medical healthcare professionals with a range of ethnicities and wide geographical coverage.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe study reports on the experiences of female Muslim healthcare professions wearing the headscarf in theatre and their views of the bare below the elbows (BBE) policy. Percentage of positive answers and their respective 95% CIs are calculated.ResultsThe majority of participants agreed that wearing the headscarf was important for themselves and their religious beliefs (94.1%), yet over half (51.5%) experienced problems trying to wear a headscarf in theatre; some women felt embarrassed (23.4%), anxious (37.1%) and bullied (36.5%). A variety of different methods in head covering in operating theatres were identified. The majority of respondents (56.3%) felt their religious requirement to cover their arms was not respected by their trust, with nearly three-quarters (74.1%) of respondents not happy with their trust’s BBE uniform policy alternative. Dissatisfaction with the current practice of headscarves in theatre and BBE policy was highlighted, with some respondents preferring to specialise as GPs rather than in hospital medicine because of dress code matters. The hijab prototype proposed by the research team also received a positive response (98.7%).ConclusionsOur study suggests that female Muslims working in the National Health Service (NHS) reported experiencing challenges when wearing the headscarf in theatre and with BBE policy. The NHS needs to make its position clear to avoid variations in individual trust interpretation of dress code policies. This illustrates a wider issue of how policies can be at odds with personal beliefs which may contribute to a reduction in workforce diversity.

scholarly journals Associations between participation in organised physical activity in the school or community outside school hours and neighbourhood play with child physical activity and sedentary time: a cross-sectional analysis of primary school-aged children from the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e017588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Jago ◽  
Corrie Macdonald-Wallis ◽  
Emma Solomon-Moore ◽  
Janice, L. Thompson ◽  
Debbie, A. Lawlor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Sectional Analysis

ObjectivesTo assess the extent to which participation in organised physical activity in the school or community outside school hours and neighbourhood play was associated with children’s physical activity and sedentary time.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingChildren were recruited from 47 state-funded primary schools in South West England.Participants1223 children aged 8–9 years old.Outcome measuresAccelerometer-assessed moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time.MethodsChildren wore an accelerometer, and the mean minutes of MVPA and sedentary time per day were derived. Children reported their attendance at organised physical activity in the school or community outside school hours and neighbourhood play using a piloted questionnaire. Cross-sectional linear and logistic regression were used to examine if attendance frequency at each setting (and all settings combined) was associated with MVPA and sedentary time. Multiple imputation methods were used to account for missing data and increase sample size.ResultsChildren who attended clubs at school 3–4 days per week obtained an average of 7.58 (95% CI 2.7 to 12.4) more minutes of MVPA per day than children who never attended. Participation in the three other non-school-based activities was similarly associated with MVPA. Evidence for associations with sedentary time was generally weaker. Associations were similar in girls and boys. When the four different contexts were combined, each additional one to two activities participated in per week increased participants’ odds (OR: 1.18, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.25) of meeting the government recommendations for 60 min of MVPA per day.ConclusionParticipating in organised physical activity at school and in the community is associated with greater physical activity and reduced sedentary time among both boys and girls. All four types of activity contribute to overall physical activity, which provides parents with a range of settings in which to help their child be active.

scholarly journals Educational differentials in key domains of physical activity by ethnicity, age and sex: a cross-sectional study of over 40 000 participants in the UK household longitudinal study (2013–2015)

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e033318
Author(s):  
Meg E Fluharty ◽  
Snehal M Pinto Pereira ◽  
Michaela Benzeval ◽  
Mark Hamer ◽  
Barbara Jefferis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Occupational Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesTo assess whether educational differentials in three key physical activity (PA) domains vary by age, sex and ethnicity.DesignNational cross-sectional survey.SettingUK.ParticipantsAltogether 40 270 participants, aged 20 years and over, from the UK Household Longitudinal Study with information on education, PA and demographics collected in 2013–2015.Outcome measuresParticipation in active travel (AT), occupational activity (OA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) at the time of assessment.ResultsLower educational attainment was associated with higher AT and OA, but lower weekly LTPA activity; these associations were modified by sex, ethnicity and age. Education-related differences in AT were larger for women—the difference in predicted probability of activity between the highest and the lowest education groups was −10% in women (95% CI: −11.9% to 7.9%) and −3% in men (−4.8% to –0.4%). Education-related differences in OA were larger among men −35% (-36.9% to –32.4%) than women −17% (-19.4% to –15.0%). Finally, education-related differences in moderate-to-vigorous LTPA varied by ethnicity; for example, differences were 17% (16.2% to 18.7%) for white individuals compared with 6% (0.6% to 11.6%) for black individuals.ConclusionsEducational differences in PA vary by domain and are modified by age, sex and ethnicity. A better understanding of physically inactive subgroups may aid development of interventions to both increase activity levels and reduce health inequalities.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on Plastic Surgery Training in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia—A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Curtis R Budden ◽  
Francesca Rannard ◽  
Joanna Mennie ◽  
Neil Bulstrode
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Surgery ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Surgical Trainees ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Surgical trainees worldwide have been thrust into a period of uncertainty, with respect to the implications COVID-19 pandemic will have on their roles, training, and future career prospects. It is currently unclear how plastic surgery trainees are being affected by COVID-19. This study examined the experience of plastic surgery trainees in Canada, the UK, and Australia to determine trainee roles during the early COVID-19 emergency response and how training changed during this time. Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was designed for plastic surgery trainees in the UK, Canada and Australia. In total, 110 trainees responded to the survey. Statistical tests were conducted to determine differences in responses, based on year of training and country of residence. Results In total, 9.7% (10/103) of respondents reported being deployed to cover another service. There was a significant difference between redeployment based on country (p = 0.001). Within the UK group, 28.9% of respondents were redeployed. For trainees not deployed, 95.5% (85/89) reported that there has been a reduction in operative volume. Ninety-seven (94.1%) respondents reported that there were ongoing teaching activities offered by their program. The majority of trainees (66.4%) were concerned about their training. There was a significant difference between overall concern and country (p < 0.05). Conclusion In these unprecedented times, training programs in plastic surgery should be aware of the major impact that COVID-19 has had on trainees and will have on their training. The majority of plastic surgery trainees have experienced a reduction in surgical exposure but have maintained some form of regular teaching.

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