scholarly journals Protective effect of BNT162b2 vaccination on aerobic capacity following mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross sectional study, Israel, March-December 2021

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yair Blumberg ◽  
Michael Edelstein ◽  
Kamal Abu Jabal ◽  
Ron Golan ◽  
Yuval Perets ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Peak Exercise ◽  
Exercise Heart Rate ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference

There is increasing evidence that patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 may experience adverse health outcomes months after the acute infection has resolved including reduction in aerobic capacity and fatigue. In this study, we compared aerobic capacity and exercise performance of 28 unvaccinated participants to 15 vaccinated ones who performed a symptom limited cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET) after acute COVID-19. We identified a significant difference in aerobic capacity between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, with a lower V'O2 peak percentage of predicted in the unvaccinated group. In addition, the unvaccinated group had a reduction in the peak-exercise heart rate and lower ventilation values. Our results suggest objective limitations to exercise capacity in the months following acute COVID19 illness, mitigated by vaccination

scholarly journals 24-hour Holter findings in infants with in utero exposure to Zika virus: a cross-sectional study.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dulce Helena Gonçalves Orofino ◽  
Sonia Regina Lambert Passos ◽  
Sheila Moura Pone ◽  
Marcos Silva Pone ◽  
Elisa Barroso de Aguiar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Qt Interval ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Whitney Test ◽  
Mann Whitney Test ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background : Antenatal exposure to the Zika virus (ZIKV) is related to severe neurological, ophthalmological and orthopedic manifestations called congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), but no changes in the electrical activity of the heart have been found. A higher prevalence of structural cardiac changes has been described in CZS patients when compared to the general population of live births. To describe 24-hour Holter findings in infants with confirmed antenatal exposure to ZIKV. Methods : Cross-sectional study of 24-hour Holter findings in infants with antenatal exposure to ZIKV confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction(PCR) . Patients of the cohort of newborns and infants exposed intrautero to the ZIKV which began in November 2015 and continues to date and were hospitalized for clinical or surgical reasons were included. The 24-hour Holter monitoring was performed the day before discharge. Data analysis was descriptive and included subgroups of patients according to the presence of CZS and severe microcephaly. Heart rate, ST segment, QT interval and arrhythmias were evaluated. To evaluate heart rate variability (HRV) we used time domain analysis. The Mann-Whitney test was performed to verify significant differences between the subgroups of patients. Results : The sample consisted of 15 infants with average age of 16 months and 12 were diagnosed with CZS (8 had severe microcephaly). PCR at birth was positive in 8 newborn and 7 had positive maternal PCR during pregnancy. No arrhythmias or QT interval changes were observed. The Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference between patients with and without CZS and with and without severe microcephaly, with HRV being lower in the groups with severe microcephaly and CZS. Conclusions : The study suggests that the HRV evaluation can be used as a sentinel event to assess the possibility of progressive neurological impairment in newborns with antenatal exposure to ZIKV, allowing early initiation of stimulation therapies in addition to indicating that cardiovascular complications may arise in the medium and long term.

scholarly journals Comparison of predicted psychological distress among workers between artificial intelligence and psychiatrists: a cross-sectional study in Tsukuba Science City, Japan

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e046265
Author(s):  
Shotaro Doki ◽  
Shinichiro Sasahara ◽  
Daisuke Hori ◽  
Yuichi Oi ◽  
Tsukasa Takahashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
The Neural Network ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Total Data

ObjectivesPsychological distress is a worldwide problem and a serious problem that needs to be addressed in the field of occupational health. This study aimed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict psychological distress among workers using sociodemographic, lifestyle and sleep factors, not subjective information such as mood and emotion, and to examine the performance of the AI models through a comparison with psychiatrists.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingWe conducted a survey on psychological distress and living conditions among workers. An AI model for predicting psychological distress was created and then the results were compared in terms of accuracy with predictions made by psychiatrists.ParticipantsAn AI model of the neural network and six psychiatrists.Primary outcomeThe accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting psychological distress.MethodsIn total, data from 7251 workers were analysed to predict moderate and severe psychological distress. An AI model of the neural network was created and accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Six psychiatrists used the same data as the AI model to predict psychological distress and conduct a comparison with the AI model.ResultsThe accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting moderate psychological distress were 65.2% and 64.4%, respectively, showing no significant difference. The accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting severe psychological distress were 89.9% and 85.5%, respectively, indicating that the AI model had significantly higher accuracy.ConclusionsA machine learning model was successfully developed to screen workers with depressed mood. The explanatory variables used for the predictions did not directly ask about mood. Therefore, this newly developed model appears to be able to predict psychological distress among workers easily, regardless of their subjective views.

scholarly journals Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, associated risk factors and its relationship with academic performance among graduating female university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e043814
Author(s):  
Mesfin Tadese ◽  
Andargachew Kassa ◽  
Abebaw Abeje Muluneh ◽  
Girma Altaye
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
University Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

ObjectivesThe study aimed to provide an association between dysmenorrhoea and academic performance among university students in Ethiopia. Further, the study attempts to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of dysmenorrhoea.Design and methodInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 28 April 2019. A semistructured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance were performed to model dysmenorrhoea and academic performance, respectively.Setting and participantsEthiopia (2019: n=647 female university students).OutcomesThe primary outcome is dysmenorrhoea, which has been defined as painful menses that prevents normal activity and requires medication. The self-reported cumulative grade point average of students was used as a proxy measure of academic performance, which is the secondary outcome.ResultsThe prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 317 (51.5%). The educational status of father (adjusted OR (AOR) (95% CI) 2.64 (1.04 to 6.66)), chocolate consumption (AOR (95% CI) 3.39 (95% 1.28 to 8.93)), daily breakfast intake (<5 days/week) (AOR (95% CI) 0.63 (0.42 to 0.95)), irregular menstrual cycle AOR (95% CI) 2.34 (1.55 to 3.54)) and positive family history of dysmenorrhoea AOR (95% CI) 3.29 (2.25 to 4.81)) had statistically significant association with dysmenorrhoea. There was no statistically significant difference in academic performance among students with and without dysmenorrhoea (F (3611)=1.276, p=0.28)).ConclusionsDysmenorrhoea was a common health problem among graduating University students. However, it has no statistically significant impact on academic performance. Reproductive health officers should educate and undermine the negative academic consequences of dysmenorrhoea to reduce the physical and psychological stress that happens to females and their families.

scholarly journals Evaluation of e-health (Seha) application: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abeer Alharbi ◽  
Joharah Alzuwaed ◽  
Hind Qasem
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ease Of Access

Abstract Background The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia is expanding the country’s telemedicine services by using advanced technology in health services. In doing so, an e-health application (app), Seha, was introduced in 2018 that allows individuals to have face-to-face visual medical consultations with their doctors on their smartphones. Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of the app in improving healthcare delivery by ensuring patient satisfaction with the care given, increasing access to care, and improving efficiency in the healthcare system. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the perceptions of users of the Seha app and non-users who continued with traditional health services. The data were collected using an online survey via Google Forms between June 2020 and September 2020. Independent t tests and chi-square (χ2) tests were conducted to answer the research questions. Results There was a significant difference between users and non-users in terms of ease of access to health services (t =  − 9.38, p < 0.05), with app users having a higher mean score (4.19 ± 0.91) than non-users (3.41 ± 1.00); satisfaction with health services (t =  − 6.33, p < 0.05), with users having a higher mean score (3.96 ± 0.91) than non-users (3.45 ± 0.94); and efficiency (only one visit needed for treatment) (t =  − 3.20, p < 0.05), with users having a higher mean score (3.71 ± 0.93) than non-users (3.45 ± 0.93). There were significant associations between the use of the Seha app and age (χ2 = 8.79, p < 0.05), gender (χ2 = 22.19, p < 0.05), region (χ2 = 19.74, p < 0.05), and occupation (χ2 = 22.05, p < 0.05). There were significant relationships between the three items (on access, satisfaction, and efficiency) and experiencing technical issues (t = 4.47, t = 8.11, and t = 3.24, respectively, p < 0.05), with users who faced technical problems having significantly lower mean scores for all three items. Conclusion This study provided evidence that the Seha app improved the delivery of healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Users of the app had a better health experience in terms of their perceived ease of access to healthcare services; their satisfaction with healthcare services; and the efficiency of the system, measured by the number of required doctor visits. Other factors that appeared to influence the use of the app included age, gender, usual source of care, and technical difficulties.

scholarly journals Increased modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a multicenter cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Moura dos Santos ◽  
Rafael Giovani Misse ◽  
Isabela Bruna Pires Borges ◽  
Bruno Gualano ◽  
Alexandre Wagner Silva de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent ◽  
Handgrip Test

Abstract Background Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (MCRFs), such as those related to aerobic capacity, muscle strength, physical activity, and body composition, have been poorly studied in Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate MCRFs and their relationships with disease status and comorbidities among patients with TAK. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between 2019 and 2020, in which 20 adult women with TAK were compared with 16 healthy controls matched by gender, age, and body mass index. The following parameters were analyzed: aerobic capacity by cardiopulmonary test; muscle function by timed-stands test, timed up-and-go test, and handgrip test; muscle strength by one-repetition maximum test and handgrip test; body composition by densitometry; physical activity and metabolic equivalent by IPAQ, quality of life by HAQ and SF-36; disease activity by ITAS2010 and NIH score; and presence of comorbidities. Results Patients with TAK had a mean age of 41.5 (38.0–46.3) years, disease duration of 16.0 (9.5–20.0) years, and a mean BMI of 27.7±4.5 kg/m2. Three out of the 20 patients with TAK had active disease. Regarding comorbidities, 16 patients had systemic arterial hypertension, 11 had dyslipidemia, and two had type 2 diabetes mellitus, while the control group had no comorbidities. TAK had a significant reduction in aerobic capacity (absolute and relative VO2 peak), muscle strength in the lower limbs, increased visceral adipose tissue, waist-to-hip ratio, reduced walking capacity, decreased weekly metabolic equivalent, and quality of life (P< 0.05) as compared to controls. However, there were no correlations between these MCRFs parameters and disease activity. Conclusions TAK show impairment in MCRFs; therefore, strategies able to improve MCRF should be considered in this disease.

P20 Parental understanding of concussion in youth rugby is significantly improved by viewing the RFU concussion education video

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. e31.1-e31
Author(s):  
T Samuel ◽  
K Aquilina ◽  
W Dawes
Keyword(s):  
Parental Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Educational Video ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parental Experience ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Composite Scores

ObjectivesTo investigate the current understanding parents have of concussion in their rugby-playing children aged 9–17.DesignCross-sectional studySubjects86 parents from four clubs completed an online questionnaireMethodsAreas covered (1) Parental experience of concussion (2) Rate of viewing of the RFU concussion educational video (RFUCEV), (3) Identification of symptoms of concussion (4) Understanding of the risk of concussion. Each participant was given a composite score, out of 19, based on their performance in symptom identification and true/false questions. Independent-sample two-tailed t-tests were conducted to analyse scores, primarily controlling for viewing of the RFUCEVResultsThere was a significant difference in the scores between the group that had viewed the RFUCEV (n=32, M=14.75, SD=2.55) and those who had not (n=54, M=13.05, SD=2.87); t(84)=2.75, p=0.00721. Additionally, over 25% of parents reported that their child had suffered a concussion, and this was also found to significantly improve the awareness score (p=0.04678)ConclusionsStatistically significant improvement in composite scores after viewing the RFUCEV makes it reasonable to require compulsory parental education prior to signing up a child to play rugby. This would build on the protocol changes made by the RFU in 2014 and further progress the safety of the sport. We suggest the video be improved to emphasise the areas highlighted as inadequately understood, including the increased risk of concussion in under-18s compared to adults.

scholarly journals Factors associated with physical inactivity among female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a cross-sectional study

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Whye Lian Cheah ◽  
Hazmi Helmy ◽  
Ching Thon Chang
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Anthropometric Measurement ◽  
Rural Adolescents ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Rural communities have shown marked increase in metabolic syndrome among young people, with physical inactivity as one of the main contributing factors. This study aimed to determine factors associated with physical inactivity among male and female rural adolescents in a sample of schools in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 students aged 13–15 years. Data on socio-demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors (perceived barriers, self-efficacy, social influences) were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurement was taken to generate body mass index (BMI)-for-age, while physical activity (PA) level was assessed using pedometers. The mean steps per day was 6251.37 (SD=3085.31) with males reported as being more active. About 27% of the respondents were either overweight or obese, with more females in this group. There was no significant difference in steps among males and females (p=0.212), and nutritional status (BMI-for-age) (p=0.439). Females consistently scored higher in most items under perceived barriers, but had significantly lower scores in self-efficacy’s items. Males were more influenced by peers in terms of PA (p<0.001) and were more satisfied with their body parts (p=0.047). A significantly higher body size discrepancy score was found among females (p=0.034, CI –0.639, –0.026). PA level was low and almost one-third of the respondents were overweight and obese. Female students faced more barriers and had lower self-efficacy with regards PA. Based on the findings, it is recommended that interventions focus on reducing barriers while increasing support for PA. This is particularly important in improving the health status of the youth, especially among the females.

scholarly journals Heart rate variability and blood pressure among Japanese men and women: a community-based cross-sectional study

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 779-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromi Mori ◽  
Isao Saito ◽  
Eri Eguchi ◽  
Koutatsu Maruyama ◽  
Tadahiro Kato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Japanese Men ◽  
Men And Women

Awareness of basic life support among undergraduate medical students in Syria, Iraq and Jordan: a cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nour Shashaa ◽  
Mohamad Shadi Alkarrash ◽  
Mohammad Nour Kitaz ◽  
Roaa Rhayim ◽  
Mohammed Ismail ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Basic Life Support ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Clinical Stage ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Sudden cardiac arrest considers one of the most leading cause for death in all over the world. It is important for all medical students to train basic life support. This study evaluated the awareness of basic life support among medical students. Methods An electronic questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted in November 2020 among 2114 medical student in Syria, Iraq and Jordan. We evaluated BLS skills according to mean score. A chi-squared test was used to determine if there were differences between those who attended a basic life support course and those who did not. Results 1656 of the participants (78.3%) stated that they did not attend a basic life support course. There was a significant difference between the participants from different countries where the mean score in Syria, Jordan and Iraq was 18.3, 24.3 and 18.8 respectively (p < 0.05). The participants were divided into 3 level according to total score; low (0–12), moderate (13–24) and high (25–37). In total, 18.3%, 72.8% and 8.9% of participants had high, intermediate and low level respectively. Conclusions The overall knowledge of basic life support among medical students is not adequate and need significant improvements. This study showed that an attendance a basic life support course previously had an effect on knowledge level. Hence, there is an urgent need to apply basic life support courses into the pre-clinical stage at universities.

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