scholarly journals Dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in the earliest-affected areas in Italy: Mass screening for SARS-CoV-2 serological positivity (SARS-2-SCREEN)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Pagani ◽  
Dario Bernacchia ◽  
Federico Conti ◽  
Andrea Giacomelli ◽  
Rossana Rondanin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lombardy Region ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Infection Surveillance ◽  
Severity Of The Disease ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
The University

ABSTRACTBackgroundSeveral municipalities in the Lombardy Region have been affected by the SARS-CoV-2 infection since the earliest stages of the epidemic. To date, 89442 confirmed cases have been diagnosed in Lombardy, and mortality in several municipalities has already surpassed that of the past decade. Currently, the true extent of the SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unknown as several affected subjects may have been asymptomatic or have presented mild disease, thus not resulting in the identified COVID-19 cases.MethodsThis cross-sectional study aims to define the spread of infection within the population by determining the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies directed against SARS-CoV-2 by rapid immunochromatographic testing and subsequent confirmation by serology on venous blood by liquid phase immunochemical testing, also allowing to compare the two methods. Testing will be performed on adults and minors residing, domiciled or working in several municipalities of the Lombardy Region, involved in the initial stages of the epidemic. The study will include rapid finger-prick testing and venous sampling for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and nasopharyngeal swabbing (NPS). Concurrent notification of test results will occur via the regional healthcare information system (SISS).DiscussionThis study was developed with the desire to understand the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the epidemiological transmission characteristics of this virus. Understanding the spread and severity of the disease could help in the implementation of effective infection surveillance containment and countermeasures facilitating the identification of cases that have been exposed to the virus and the traceability of contacts.This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Milan (35/2020).

scholarly journals Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection at the University of Barcelona during the Third COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6526
Author(s):  
Sebastián Videla ◽  
Aurema Otero ◽  
Sara Martí ◽  
M. Ángeles Domínguez ◽  
Nuria Fabrellas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Total Prevalence ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic started in December 2019 and still is a major global health challenge. Lockdown measures and social distancing sparked a global shift towards online learning, which deeply impacted universities’ daily life, and the University of Barcelona (UB) was not an exception. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at the UB. To that end, we performed a cross-sectional study on a sample of 2784 UB members (n = 52,529). Participants answered a brief, ad hoc, online epidemiological questionnaire and provided a nasal swab for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 analysis and a venous blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay. Total prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive RT-PCR or positive IgG) was 14.9% (95%CI 13.3 to 17.0%). Forty-four participants (1.6%, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. IgG against SARS-CoV-2 was observed in 12.8% (95%CI: 11.6–14.1%) of participants. Overall, while waiting for population vaccination and/or increased herd immunity, we should concentrate on identifying and isolating new cases and their contacts.

scholarly journals Preliminary correlation between blood viscosity and pulsatility index in healthy population resident at high altitude (Cusco 3300 masl)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Huamani Saldaña ◽  
William Bayona Pancorbo ◽  
Víctor Oré Montalvo ◽  
Carlos Pérez Alviz ◽  
Juan Carlos Acuña Mamani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Viscosity ◽  
Pulsatility Index ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Spearman Test

Background: Viscosity affects flows by increasing resistance to movement, therefore, blood viscosity (BV) could modify the pulsatility index (PI). Objectives: To determine the correlation between BV and PI. Design and setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted in clinically healthy young adults residing in Cusco (a city located at 3399 masl). Methods: A venous blood sample was taken to determine their BV levels, and a transcranial Doppler of right middle cerebral artery (R-MCA) was performed, with which the min, maximum and mean flow velocity (MFV), resistance and pulsatility indices (PI) were obtained. The BV levels were measured in centipoises (cP) using acone-plate viscometer at 40RPM. We present medians with interquartile ranges (IQR), the correlation was evaluated using the Spearman test. Results: 42 participants were included, 25 women (60%), the mean age was 26.2±5.5 years. The median of BV was 5.08cP [IQR: 4.55-5.77cP], the MFV was 56 m/s [IQR: 49- 61 m/s], and the PI was 0.94 [0.85-1.02]. BV was positively correlated with PI (r:0.38, p=0.045) and negatively with MFV (r: -0.37, p=0.011) Conclusions: The increase in blood viscosity has a small but significant impact on cerebral vascular resistance (PI) and its fluxes (MFV) in clinically healthy and young people. This could have a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction in the elderly. The results presented here are preliminary and we intend to gather more data and increasing our number of participants.

scholarly journals Sero prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in general population of Nagpur district

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 3952
Author(s):  
Sarita K. Sharma ◽  
Pragati G. Rathod ◽  
Ujwala U. Ukey ◽  
Uday W. Narlawar ◽  
Sanjay Zodpey
Keyword(s):  
Venous Blood ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Background Population ◽  
Nagpur District ◽  
Spread Of Infection

Background: Population based sero-epidemiological studies help us to determine the burden of COVID-19 infection at the community level and to monitor the trends in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antibody based sero-positivity indicates the extent of spread of infection in the given population and forms the basis for strengthening public health mitigation measures. The present study was carried out with the objective of conducting population level serosurvey in Nagpur district to understand the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and to help the designing and implementation of appropriate health system and policy level interventions. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Nagpur District over two weeks in October and November 2020. For the purpose of this survey the Nagpur district was divided into NMC area and Non NMC area.Methods: House to house survey was carried out and data was collected using Google form. For detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies venous blood was collected from each participant and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was performed. The data was cleaned, coded and analysed using EPI INFO.Results: The total seroprevalence in Nagpur district was found to be 35.17 %. The seroprevalance in NMC area was 49.7% which was more than twice from that of Non NMC area (20.7%).Conclusions: Considerably large numbers of infections are asymptomatic, however a sizeable proportion of population is still susceptible to the infection and thus there is no time for complacency.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Pains Among Newly Admitted University Students: A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-368
Author(s):  
Yousef Moghadas Tabrizi ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Karimizadeh Ardakani ◽  
Meysam Yavari Kateb ◽  
Mohammad hani Mansori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
The University

Objectives: This study aimed to examine Musculoskeletal Pains (MPs) among newly admitted university students and investigate the effect of gender differences on the prevalence of MPs. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 2641 university students (1303 men, 1338 women). The study data were collected from the Health Center of the University of Tehran in the fall of 2019. Musculoskeletal pains in students were examined using the Nordic questionnaire. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the Chi-squared test. Results: The highest prevalence rates of MPs in the past 12 months, past 7 days, and problems that inhibited routine activities in the past 12 months were reported in the neck area (13.4%, 5.8%, and 10.5%, respectively), and the lowest rates in the elbow (1.5%, 0.6%, and 1%, respectively). Findings also indicated a significant difference between men and women regarding MPs in the neck and shoulders in all three items of the Nordic questionnaire (P<0.05). Discussion: Based on these results, it is necessary to prevent musculoskeletal pains, especially in the neck and back, among the newly admitted students to the university.

scholarly journals Association between temporomandibular disorder and condylar position in a university population.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Anderson Vilchez-Chavez ◽  
◽  
Augusto Aguirre-Aguilar ◽  
Marcos J. Carruitero ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporomandibular Disorder ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Condylar Position ◽  
University Population ◽  
The University

Aim: To determine the association between the level of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and the condylar position in a university population. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 41 university students between 18 and 27 years old (21±2.28). The level of TMD was determined using the Helkimo index modified by Maglione, whereas the condylar position was found radiographically by lateral scan. The association was evaluated using the Chi-square statistical test. Results: Statistically significant association was found between the TMD level and the condylar position in the female gender (p=0.003). The central condylar position was the most frequent in females (70.00%), while in males the highest frequency of condylar positions was posterior and anterior, 40.48% and 35.71% respectively. In mild TMD, the most frequent condylar position was central (46.34%), whilst non-centric positions were prevalent in moderate TMD, with 2.44%. There was no statistically significant association between the TMD level and the condylar position of the participants, nor in males (p>0.05). Conclusion: The TMD was associated with the condylar position in females of the university population studied, analyzed in lateral temporomandibular joint scans. Non-centric condylar positions were more frequent in the moderate TMD level and centric positions in mild TMD.

What Determines The Migration Intentions Of University Students?

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-198
Author(s):  
Heiko Haase ◽  
Arndt Lautenschläger
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Career Choice ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Migration Decision ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Intention To Stay ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The University

AbstractThe paper aims at exploring determinants of the university students' intentions to stay within their university region. At this, we presume that students' career choice motivations are related to their professional intentions, which again, along with demographic characteristics, affect their migration decision. Our analysis is based on a cross-sectional study of 2,353 students from three different higher education institutions, two of them located in Germany and one in Namibia. Results indicate that in Germany migration matters because a considerable proportion of students intend to leave the university region after graduation. At this, we found that the students' geographical provenance exerts the most significant effect on the intention to stay. Moreover, certain professional intentions were directly and some career choice motivations were indirectly linked with the intention to remain at the university location. We present several conclusions and implications.

Correlation of Glycemic Control Parameters in Non-Diabetic Persons with Cardiovascular Risk Scores - Results from a Cross- Sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-110
Author(s):  
Gina Botnariu ◽  
Norina Forna ◽  
Alina Popa ◽  
Raluca Popescu ◽  
Alina Onofriescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Glycemic Control ◽  
Tolerance Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
University Of Edinburgh ◽  
Fasting Glycaemia ◽  
The University

To assess the correlation between main parameters of glycemic control and cardiovascular risk scores in non-diabetic persons. Risk scores were calculated by using the University of Edinburgh Risk Calculator. Risk scores are used to estimate the probability of cardiovascular disease in individuals who have not already developed major atherosclerotic disease. We correlated the results of these scores with the parameters that describes the glycaemic profile: preprandial glicaemia, HbA1c and 1 hour and 2 h post-prandial glycaemia, determined during Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).Both fasting glycaemia and HbA1c significantly correlated with cardiovascular risk scores calculated for a period of 10 years. The recorded post-prandial glycaemic values at 1h and 2h after glucose loading didn�t significantly correlate with calculated scores, in the study group. The observed correlations underline the importance of glycaemia in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.

Can Cytokines be used as an Activation Marker in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Öner Kaya ◽  
Yeşim Ceylaner ◽  
Belkız Öngen İpek ◽  
Zeynep Güneş Özünal ◽  
Gülbüz Sezgin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Das 28 ◽  
Tnf Α

Aims: The etiopathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is not clearly understood. However, the role of the cytokines takes an important part in this mechanism. We aimed to bring a new approach to the concept of 'remission' in patients with RA. Background: RA is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease that involves small joints in the form of symmetrical polyarthritis and progresses with exacerbations and remissions. Pain, swelling, tenderness and morning stiffness are typical of the joints involved. Although it is approached as a primary joint disease, a wide variety of extra-articular involvements may also occur. It is an interesting pathophysiological process, the exact cause of which is still unknown, with many environmental, genetic and potentially undiscovered possible factors in a chaotic manner. Objective: In this cross-sectional study, sedimentation rate (ESR), C- Reactive protein (CRP), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, soluble-TNF-α receptor (TNF-R), Interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-10 were measured in three groups which were healthy volunteers, patients with RA in the active period, and patients with RA in remission. Disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) was calculated in active RA and RA in remission. Methods: This study included 20 healthy volunteers, 20 remission patients with RA and 20 active RA patients. Venous blood samples were collected from patients in both healthy and RA groups. Results: RA group consisted 43 (71.6%) female and 17 (28.4%) male. Control group consisted 11 (55%) female and 9 (45%) male. TNF-R was significantly high only in the active group according to the healthy group (p=0.002). IL-10 was significantly high in active RA according to RA in remission (p=0.03). DAS-28 was significantly high in active RA according to RA in remission (p=0.001). In the active RA group, ESR and TNF-R had a positive correlation (r:0.442; p=0.048). In the active RA group, there was also a positive correlation between TNF-R and CRP (r:0.621; p=0,003). Both healthy and active RA group had significant positive correlation between ESR and CRP (r: 0.481; p=0.032 and r: 0,697; p=0,001 respectively). Conclusion: TNF-R can be the main pathophysiological factor and a marker showing activation. TNF-R can be very important in revealing the effect of TNF on the disease and the value of this effect in the treatment and ensuring the follow-up of the disease with CRP instead of ESR in activation.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Thorax ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 1089-1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Shields ◽  
Sian E Faustini ◽  
Marisol Perez-Toledo ◽  
Sian Jossi ◽  
Erin Aldera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Internal ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers.DesignA cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020.SettingUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK.Participants545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded.InterventionParticipants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked.Main outcome measureProportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, p<0.0001) and quantitatively greater antibody responses than those who had remained asymptomatic. Seroprevalence was greatest among those working in housekeeping (34.5%), acute medicine (33.3%) and general internal medicine (30.3%), with lower rates observed in participants working in intensive care (14.8%). BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) ethnicity was associated with a significantly increased risk of seropositivity (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.23, p=0.01). Working on the intensive care unit was associated with a significantly lower risk of seropositivity compared with working in other areas of the hospital (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.78, p=0.02).Conclusions and relevanceWe identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.

scholarly journals Elevated alanine aminotransferase and low aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio are associated with chronic kidney disease among middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirotaka Ochiai ◽  
Takako Shirasawa ◽  
Takahiko Yoshimoto ◽  
Satsue Nagahama ◽  
Akihiro Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Aspartate Aminotransferase ◽  
Alanine Aminotransferase ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract Background Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to ALT ratio (AST/ALT ratio) have been shown to be related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or insulin resistance, which was associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear whether ALT and AST/ALT ratio are associated with CKD. In this study, we examined the relationship of ALT and AST/ALT ratio to CKD among middle-aged females in Japan. Methods The present study included 29,133 women aged 40 to 64 years who had an annual health checkup in Japan during April 2013 to March 2014. Venous blood samples were collected to measure ALT, AST, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and creatinine levels. In accordance with previous studies, ALT > 40 U/L and GGT > 50 U/L were determined as elevated, AST/ALT ratio < 1 was regarded as low, and CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria. Logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CKD. Results “Elevated ALT and elevated GGT” and “elevated ALT and non-elevated GGT” significantly increased the OR for CKD when compared with “non-elevated ALT and non-elevated GGT” (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 2.10–3.12 and OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.81–2.77). Compared with “AST/ALT ratio ≥ 1 and non-elevated GGT”, “AST/ALT ratio < 1 and elevated GGT” and “AST/ALT ratio < 1 and non-elevated GGT” significantly increased the OR for CKD (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 2.36–3.15 and OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.52–1.87). These findings still remained after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions Elevated ALT was associated with CKD regardless of GGT elevation. Moreover, low AST/ALT ratio was also associated with CKD independent of GGT elevation.

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