scholarly journals Face-masking, an acceptable protective measure against COVID-19: Findings of Ugandan high-risk groups

Author(s):  
Dickson Aruhomukama ◽  
Gerald Mboowa ◽  
David Musoke ◽  
Douglas Bulafu

Face-masking could reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We assessed: knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices towards COVID-19 and face-mask use among 644 high risk-individuals in Kampala, Uganda. In data analysis, descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, with a 95% confidence interval were considered. Adjusted-odds ratios were used to determine the magnitude of associations. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically-significant. Majority: 99.7% and 87.3% of the participants respectively had heard and believed that face-masks were protective against COVID-19, while 67.9% reported having received information on face-mask use. Males, food market vendors, those with no formal education, and those aged 24-33, 44-53 and 54-63 years were 0.58, 0.47, 0.25, 1.9, 2.12, and 3.39 times less likely to have received information about face-mask use respectively. Majority, 67.8% owned locally-made, non-medical face-masks, while 77.0% of face-mask owners believed that they knew the right procedure of wearing them. Those who had received information on face-mask use were 2.85 and 1.83 times more likely to own face-masks and to perceive them as protective. Food market vendors were 3.92 times more likely to re-use their face-masks. Our findings suggest that Ugandan high-risk groups have good knowledge, optimistic attitudes and perceptions, and relatively appropriate practices towards COVID-19.

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 1464-1464
Author(s):  
Min Fang ◽  
Xiaoyu Qu ◽  
Jerry Davison ◽  
Liping Du ◽  
Frederick R. Appelbaum ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1464 Aberrant DNA methylation has been shown as an important mechanism in the progression from myelodysplasia (MDS) to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leading to use of the demethylating agents, 5-azacitidine and decitabine, for treatment of both disorders. While these drugs produce responses, the ability to distinguish potential responders from potential non-responders remains limited. The purpose of this work was to bring new technology to study this problem. Recent studies demonstrated that promoter DNA methylation is not randomly distributed in AML blasts but rather is highly organized and associated with biologically distinct AML subtypes. Because cytogenetics at presentation is the most important prognostic factors in predicting response to therapy, remission duration and overall survival in AML, we aimed to identify differentially methylated genomic regions (DMR) in cytogenetically defined risk groups of AML. Published literature suggested that the new comprehensive high-throughput array-based relative methylation analysis (CHARM) has the highest sensitivity and specificity among all the array-based genome profiling methods and should be the most accurate means to identify methylation markers. It is a customized NimbleGen HD2 array of tiled 50mer-probes typically separated by 30–40 bases covering approximately 4.6 million CpG sites across the genome. This assay is highly quantitative for approximately 100,000 independent CpG sites. We performed methylation profiling with CHARM on 15 age-matched patients divided into 3 groups (n=5 in each): (1) high-risk AML, defined as patients with a complex or monosomal karyotype, inv(3)/t(3;3), t(6;9), or FLT3-ITD; (2) intermediate-risk AML, defined as patients with normal karyotype, trisomy 8, t(9;11), or others; (3) low-risk AML, defined as patients with t(8;21) or inv(16). Five age-matched normal individuals served as control. Randomly fractionated DNA was divided into two equal portions with and without McrBC treatment, which cleaves methylated DNA, then size-fractionated, purified and subject to whole-genome amplification prior to hybridization with the CHARM array. Data analysis was performed with R and Bioconductor. AML patients showed a very strong hypermethylation signature as compared with the normal control blood. A unique set of DMRs was identified which distinguishes between any two risk groups. The number of DMRs and those with p -values < 0.01 are shown in Table 1. There were fewer methylation discriminators between low- and mid-risk groups than between high-risk and the other risk groups. Figure 1 shows the comparison between high-risk group and other risk groups highlighting the 12 top DMRs with lowest p -values. In silico validation of the DMRs identified by CHARM verified previously reported aberrant hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes like p15CDKN2B, discriminating normal from AML patients, CDH1 promoter hypermethylation in high-risk AML compared with mid-risk AML, and HOXB3 hypomethylation in mid-risk AML compared with both low-risk and high-risk AML, etc. Technical validation using quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing on 8 genes, including DCC, DUOX2, NEFL, and PITX1, demonstrated an 87.5% concordant rate with CHARM. Testing of additional AML samples with validated markers are underway to confirm the top DMRs identified, which may serve as useful biomarkers to predict response to azacitidine and decitabine.Table 1Number of DMRsNumber with p-value < 0.01Normal blood VS at risk3768311Low-risk VS mid-risk156530Low-risk VS high-risk247573Mid-risk VS high-risk2651107Figure 1.Results from the CHARM analysis on AML patients stratified by cytogenetic risk, highlighting comparison between the high-risk and other risk groups. The top twelve differentially methylated regions ( DMRs) with p -value < 0.01 are shown. Box-and-whisker plots to the left of the dashed vertical line in each panel present the log2 methylation ratio of the high-risk group and the other two risk groups combined, in a single region of differential methylation. To the right of the dashed line the high-risk group is compared with each of the other groups. Each panel's header text identifies the genomic region.Figure 1. Results from the CHARM analysis on AML patients stratified by cytogenetic risk, highlighting comparison between the high-risk and other risk groups. The top twelve differentially methylated regions ( DMRs) with p -value < 0.01 are shown. Box-and-whisker plots to the left of the dashed vertical line in each panel present the log2 methylation ratio of the high-risk group and the other two risk groups combined, in a single region of differential methylation. To the right of the dashed line the high-risk group is compared with each of the other groups. Each panel's header text identifies the genomic region. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Clarke ◽  
Eirini Messaritaki ◽  
Stavros I Dimitriadis ◽  
Claudia Metzler-Baddeley

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia with genetic and environmental risk contributing to its development. Graph theoretical analyses of brain networks constructed from structural and functional MRI measurements have identified connectivity changes in AD and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, brain connectivity in asymptomatic individuals at risk of AD remains poorly understood.MethodsWe acquired diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data from 165 asymptomatic individuals (38-71 years) from the Cardiff Ageing and Risk of Dementia Study (CARDS). We calculated white matter tracts and constructed whole-brain, default-mode-network and visual structural brain networks that incorporate multiple structural metrics as edge weights. We then calculated the relationship of three AD risk factors, namely Apolipoprotein-E ɛ4 genotype (APOE4), family history (FH) of dementia, and central obesity, on graph theoretical measures and hubs.ResultsWe observed no risk-related differences in clustering coefficients, characteristic path lengths, eccentricity, diameter and radius across the whole-brain, default-mode-network or visual system. However, a hub in the right paracentral lobule was present in all high-risk groups (FH, APOE4, obese) but absent in low-risk groups (no FH, APOE4-ve, healthy weight).DiscussionWe identified no risk-related effects on graph theoretical metrics in the structural brain networks of cognitively healthy individuals. However, high-risk was associated with a hub in the right paracentral lobule, an area with motor and sensory functions related to the lower limb. If this phenotype is shown to predict symptom development in longitudinal studies, it could be used as an early biomarker of AD.Impact StatementAlzheimer’s Disease is a common form of dementia which to date has no cure. Identifying early biomarkers will aid the discovery and development of treatments that may slow AD progression in the future. In this paper we report that asymptomatic individuals at heightened risk of dementia due to their family history, Apolipoprotein-E ɛ4 genotype and body adiposity have a hub in the right paracentral lobule which is absent in low-risk groups. If this phenotype were to predict the development of symptoms in a longitudinal study of the same cohort, it could provide an early biomarker of disease progression.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald Mboowa ◽  
Derrick Semugenze ◽  
Hellen Nakabuye ◽  
Douglas Bulafu ◽  
Dickson Aruhomukama

Background With shortages of face-masks continuing to be reported worldwide, critical questions like whether or not there is an adequate alternative to commercially manufactured face-masks continue to linger especially in low- and middle- income settings. This study aimed at addressing this through testing and comparing various materials and forms of face-masks for filtration efficiency, breathability, microbial cleanliness, distance-dependent fitness, and re-usability of different face-masks procured from face-mask vendors in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This was a laboratory-based descriptive study that applied new protocols and already existing protocols with substantive modifications to ten different types of face-mask types each in quadruplicate to achieve each specified aim. Results Surgical face-masks had better filtration efficiency, distance-dependent fitness and breathability compared to other face-masks tested. Decontamination of these face-masks with 70% ethanol negatively affected their efficacy. Locally-made double layered face-masks had better: filtration efficiency, distance-dependent fitness and breathability compared to other locally-made cloth face-masks, and re-usability compared to all the face-mask types that had been tested. Discussion/conclusions Locally-made double layered cloth face-masks could serve as alternative face-masks especially for populations in low- and middle- income settings like Uganda while allowing restricted use of surgical face-masks and other respirators like the KN95 to high-risk groups only.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 2929-2929
Author(s):  
Jorge E. Cortes ◽  
Clara Chen ◽  
Catherine Davis ◽  
Stuart L. Goldberg ◽  
Michael J. Mauro

Introduction: SIMPLICITY (NCT01244750) is an ongoing observational study of patients (pts) with CP-CML receiving first-line (1L) imatinib (IM), dasatinib (DAS), or nilotinib (NIL) in routine clinical practice in Europe and the United States (US). The study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of TKIs for pts with CP-CML outside the clinical trial setting. Here, we analyze the clinical outcomes (complete cytogenetic response [CCyR] and major molecular response [MMR]) associated with the CML risk level in SIMPLICITY pts with CP-CML receiving first-generation (1G: IM) or second-generation (2G: DAS/NIL) TKI therapy. Methods: Clinical outcomes after 1L TKI initiation were assessed by CyR (karyotype analysis or fluorescence in situ hybridization) and polymerase chain reaction MR tests. Proportions of pts achieving CCyR and MMR are presented for those with at least one recorded response test during 1L TKI therapy. Outcomes were stratified by CML risk level (Hasford scoring; low [≤780] and intermediate/high risk [≥781]), and the differences between 1L 1G and 2G TKI cohorts analyzed. Statistical comparisons for continuous variables were made using t-tests and the Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, region, risk level (low vs intermediate/high), and baseline (BL) comorbidities, were used to determine if generation of TKI therapy (1G/2G) was associated with clinical response (CCyR or MMR) after start of 1L TKI. Performance and timing of CyR and MR tests were at the discretion of oncologists, limiting the analysis of outcomes and comparisons of CCyR and MMR rates. Results: There were 1,241 pts (IM: n=416; DAS: n=417; NIL: n=408) at database lock (October 2018); only 391 (31.5%) pts with CP-CML receiving 1L TKI were identified to have the elements needed for a Hasford risk assessment documented at diagnosis (IM: n=140; DAS: n=119; NIL: n=132). CML risk assessment (Hasford score) was significantly more common in Europe (68.7% vs 11.7% in the US, p<0.0001). No significant difference in risk score was observed across the different 1L TKI groups (p=0.7012). Of the 130 (33.2%) pts with recorded CyR test results, no significant differences in BL demographics were observed except for median age at start of 1L TKI and BL cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities (Table 1). A higher percentage of pts on 2G TKIs achieved CCyR compared with 1G TKI in both low (88.1% vs 79.2%) and intermediate/high (73.0% vs 44.4%) CML risk categories, with statistical significance reached in the intermediate/high-risk group (p=0.0209). Multivariate logistic regression analysis (Figure 1) showed that pts were approximately 3 times more likely to achieve CCyR if receiving 2G TKIs (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.93 [1.21, 7.13] vs 1G, p=0.0177). Other predictors of CCyR were low baseline CML risk (5.75 [2.00, 16.50] vs intermediate/high CML risk, p=0.0011) and treatment at European centers (2.72 [1.03, 7.18] vs US centers, p=0.0431). MR test results were recorded in 358 (91.6%) pts; median number of MR tests was significantly higher in Europe (8 vs 5 in the US, p<0.0001). No significant differences in pt demographics were observed except for age at start of 1L TKI and BL GI comorbidities (Table 1). A higher percentage of pts on 2G TKIs achieved MMR compared with 1G TKI in the low (82.0%vs 74.6%) and intermediate/high (87.0% vs 72.4%) CML risk groups, with significance reached in the latter cohort (p=0.0185). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TKI generation was the sole predictor of MMR achievement; pts were approximately twice as likely to achieve MMR with 2G TKIs as with 1G TKI (OR: 2.13 [1.23, 3.70], p=0.0070) (Figure 1). Conclusions: Despite treatment guidelines recommending 2G TKI therapy for pts with higher CML risk, our analysis of SIMPLICITY pts showed no differences in 2G versus 1G TKI use in low and intermediate/high risk groups. Here, the use of 2G TKIs, compared with 1G TKI, was a significant predictor for achieving either CCyR or MMR, thereby validating the clinical response benefits of 2G TKIs regardless of BL CML risk. These findings emphasize the importance of adhering to treatment guidelines when making decisions on the generation of TKI, first (IM) or second (DAS/NIL), to be used in the 1L treatment of pts with CP-CML, particularly in higher risk pts. Disclosures Cortes: Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Biopath Holdings: Consultancy, Honoraria; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Immunogen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Forma Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Merus: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sun Pharma: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; BiolineRx: Consultancy. Chen:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment. Davis:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment, Equity Ownership. Goldberg:Cancer Outcomes Tracking and Analysis (COTA) Inc.: Equity Ownership; COTA: Equity Ownership; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Mauro:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Novartis Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy.


Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamás Zonda

The author examined completed suicides occurring over a period of 25 years in a county of Hungary with a traditionally low (relatively speaking) suicide rate of 25.8. The rates are clearly higher in villages than in the towns. The male/female ratio was close to 4:1, among elderly though only 1.5:1. The high risk groups are the elderly, divorced, and widowed. Violent methods are chosen in 66.4% of the cases. The rates are particularly high in the period April-July. Prior communication of suicidal intention was revealed in 16.3% of all cases. Previous attempts had been undertaken by 17%, which in turn means that 83% of suicides were first attempts. In our material 10% the victims left suicide notes. Psychiatric disorders were present in 60.1% of the cases, and severe, multiple somatic illnesses (including malignomas) were present in 8.8%. The majority of the data resemble those found in the literature.


2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (17) ◽  
pp. 649-654
Author(s):  
Piroska Orosi ◽  
Judit Szidor ◽  
Tünde Tóthné Tóth ◽  
József Kónya

The swine-origin new influenza variant A(H1N1) emerged in 2009 and changed the epidemiology of the 2009/2010 influenza season globally and at national level. Aims: The aim of the authors was to analyse the cases of two influenza seasons. Methods: The Medical and Health Sciences Centre of Debrecen University has 1690 beds with 85 000 patients admitted per year. The diagnosis of influenza was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction in the microbiological laboratories of the University and the National Epidemiological Centre, according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Results: The incidence of influenza was not higher than that observed in the previous season, but two high-risk patient groups were identified: pregnant women and patients with immunodeficiency (oncohematological and organ transplant patients). The influenza vaccine, which is free for high-risk groups and health care workers in Hungary, appeared to be effective for prevention, because in the 2010/2011 influenza season none of the 58 patients who were administered the vaccination developed influenza. Conclusion: It is an important task to protect oncohematological and organ transplant patients. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 649–654.


Author(s):  
L. V. Lukovnikova ◽  
G. I. Sidorin ◽  
L. A. Alikbaeva ◽  
A. V. Galochina

When examining the population exposed to organic and inorganic compounds of mercury, a comprehensive approach is proposed, including chemical monitoring of environmental objects, biological monitoring, clinical examination of persons exposed to mercury, identification of high-risk groups.


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