Is exposure to ionising radiation associated with childhood cardiac arrhythmia in the Russian territories contaminated by the Chernobyl fallout? A cross-sectional population-based study

ObjectiveTo investigate childhood cardiac arrhythmia and chronic exposure to caesium-137 (137Cs) resulting from the Chernobyl accident.DesignProspective cross-sectional study using exposed/unexposed design conducted in the Bryansk region from May 2009 to May 2013 on children selected on the basis of137Cs soil deposition: control territories ([137Cs]<37 kBq per square metre, where children were considered as unexposed) and contaminated territories ([137Cs]>555 kBq per square metre, where children were considered as exposed).SettingRussian territories affected by the Chernobyl fallout (Bryansk region).ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study included 18 152 children aged 2–18 years and living in the Bryansk region (Russia).Main outcome measuresAll children received three medical examinations (ECG, echocardiography and137Cs whole-body activity measurement) and some of them were given with a 24-hour Holter monitoring and blood tests.ResultsCardiac arrhythmia was diagnosed in 1172 children living in contaminated territories and 1354 children living in control territories. The crude prevalence estimated to 13.3% in contaminated territories was significantly lower than in control territories with 15.2% over the period 2009–2013 (P<0.001). Considering137Cs whole-body burden as exposure, cardiac arrhythmia was found in 449 contaminated children and 2077 uncontaminated children, corresponding to an estimated crude prevalence of 14.5% and 14.2%, respectively, which does not differ significantly (P=0.74). Also, we investigated the association between territory, exposure to137Cs and cardiac arrhythmia: the adjusted OR was not significant (0.90 with 95% CI 0.81 to 1.00; P=0.06) for the territory. For137Cs whole-body burden, the ORs close to 1 did not reach statistical significance (P for trend=0.97).ConclusionThis study does not observe an association between cardiac arrhythmia and137Cs deposition levels in the Bryansk region exposed to Chernobyl fallout. The suspected increase of cardiac arrhythmia in children exposed to Chernobyl fallout is not confirmed.

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Cross-sectional study of preprints and final journal publications from COVID-19 studies: discrepancies in results reporting and spin in interpretation

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051821 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e051821

Author(s):

Lisa Bero ◽

Rosa Lawrence ◽

Louis Leslie ◽

Kellia Chiu ◽

Sally McDonald ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Journal Publication ◽

Reporting Practices ◽

Subgroup Analyses ◽

Journal Publications ◽

Study Characteristics ◽

Results Reporting

ObjectiveTo compare results reporting and the presence of spin in COVID-19 study preprints with their finalised journal publications.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingInternational medical literature.ParticipantsPreprints and final journal publications of 67 interventional and observational studies of COVID-19 treatment or prevention from the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register published between 1 March 2020 and 30 October 2020.Main outcome measuresStudy characteristics and discrepancies in (1) results reporting (number of outcomes, outcome descriptor, measure, metric, assessment time point, data reported, reported statistical significance of result, type of statistical analysis, subgroup analyses (if any), whether outcome was identified as primary or secondary) and (2) spin (reporting practices that distort the interpretation of results so they are viewed more favourably).ResultsOf 67 included studies, 23 (34%) had no discrepancies in results reporting between preprints and journal publications. Fifteen (22%) studies had at least one outcome that was included in the journal publication, but not the preprint; eight (12%) had at least one outcome that was reported in the preprint only. For outcomes that were reported in both preprints and journals, common discrepancies were differences in numerical values and statistical significance, additional statistical tests and subgroup analyses and longer follow-up times for outcome assessment in journal publications.At least one instance of spin occurred in both preprints and journals in 23/67 (34%) studies, the preprint only in 5 (7%), and the journal publications only in 2 (3%). Spin was removed between the preprint and journal publication in 5/67 (7%) studies; but added in 1/67 (1%) study.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 preprints and their subsequent journal publications were largely similar in reporting of study characteristics, outcomes and spin. All COVID-19 studies published as preprints and journal publications should be critically evaluated for discrepancies and spin.

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Perceived Loneliness and Severe Sleep Disorders in Adult Women during the Covid-19 Quarantine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Colombia

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/21501327211025170 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215013272110251

Author(s):

Álvaro Monterrosa-Castro ◽

Angélica Monterrosa-Blanco ◽

Andrea González-Sequeda

Keyword(s):

Sleep Disorders ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Adult Women ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Emotional Loneliness ◽

Social Loneliness

Background: Quarantine is a measure to control COVID-19 spread, resulting in an increased perception of loneliness. In turn, sleep disorders (SD) may be more frequently reported in uncertain circumstances. Objectives: To identify the association between loneliness and severe SD, in women quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in women, between 40 and 79 years and living in Colombia. The women were invited through social network to complete 5 digital instruments: de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Five-item Version, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Francis Religion Scale. Bivariate analysis and adjusted logistic regression between loneliness and SD were performed. Results: 1133 women participated, half of them under 50 years old. 43.1% had emotional loneliness, 39.9% social loneliness and 43.3% general loneliness. SD were identified in 6 out of 10 women, those with mild SD presented an OR of 1.84, 1.85, and 1.64, for emotional, social and general loneliness, respectively. Loneliness was associated twice with moderate SD, and more than twice with severe SD. Very severe SD reached OR:5.81 for emotional loneliness, OR:4.38 social loneliness and OR:4.02 general loneliness. In the presence of religiosity, fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, statistical significance was retained for associations, except intense SD with general loneliness. Conclusions: SD were significantly associated with loneliness in our study population. It is important to assess sleep quality and perception of loneliness in middle-aged women, especially during periods of quarantine due to a pandemic to avoid health implications.

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Low prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

Italian Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s13052-021-01064-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kessete Ayelgn ◽

Tadesse Guadu ◽

Atalay Getachew

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Active Trachoma ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited. Objective To determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Method A community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1–9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Results A total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95% CI, 9.5–13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5–8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3–6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2–26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion The current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.

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Somatic maturation and the relationship between bone mineral variables and types of sports among adolescents: cross-sectional study

Sao Paulo Medical Journal ◽

10.1590/1516-3180.2016.0270210217 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 135 (3) ◽

pp. 253-259 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ricardo Ribeiro Agostinete ◽

Igor Hideki Ito ◽

Han Kemper ◽

Carlos Marcelo Pastre ◽

Mário Antônio Rodrigues-Júnior ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Mineral Density ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Peak Height ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Height Velocity ◽

Whole Body ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Peak Height Velocity ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Peak height velocity (PHV) is an important maturational event during adolescence that affects skeleton size. The objective here was to compare bone variables in adolescents who practiced different types of sports, and to identify whether differences in bone variables attributed to sports practice were dependent on somatic maturation status. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, São Paulo State University (UNESP). METHODS: The study was composed of 93 adolescents (12 to 16.5 years old), divided into three groups: no-sport group (n = 42), soccer/basketball group (n = 26) and swimming group (n = 25). Bone mineral density and content were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and somatic maturation was estimated through using peak height velocity. Data on training load were provided by the coaches. RESULTS: Adolescents whose PHV occurred at an older age presented higher bone mineral density in their upper limbs (P = 0.018). After adjustments for confounders, such as somatic maturation, the swimmers presented lower values for bone mineral density in their lower limbs, spine and whole body. Only the bone mineral density in the upper limbs was similar between the groups. There was a negative relationship between whole-body bone mineral content and the weekly training hours (β: -1563.967; 95% confidence interval, CI: -2916.484 to -211.450). CONCLUSION: The differences in bone variables attributed to sport practice occurred independently of maturation, while high training load in situations of hypogravity seemed to be related to lower bone mass in swimmers.

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Utilization and associated factors of reproductive health services among 20–39-year-old women in rural China: a cross-sectional study

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-021-01182-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jing Yue ◽

Yang Luo ◽

Chen Xu ◽

Si Qin ◽

Yanting Meng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Rural China ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hunan Province ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Utilization Rate ◽

Sample Population ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background The use of reproductive health (RH) services is important to promote RH. However, little is known about RH services in rural areas, especially in low- and middle-income countries. China is the most populous country in the world, and 40.4% of its population is rural. Our study determined the utilization of and factors associated with RH services in rural China. Methods A cross-sectional study of 978 20- to 39-year-old women was performed in four villages of four cities in Hunan Province. A researcher-created structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were entered into EpiData v3.0 and analysed using SPSS v18.0. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided P-value of less than 0.05. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the socio-demographic factors and the use of RH services by the sample population. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors that correlated with the use of RH services. Results The top three services used were antenatal examinations (90.2%), postpartum visits (73.0%) and free folic acid supplements (71.6%). Age, monthly household income, employment, spousal education level, and artificial abortion history were associated with RH service utilization (P < 0.05). The most desired RH service was cervical/breast cancer prevention services (58.9%). The most preferred method participants used to obtain information on RH services was the internet. Conclusions The utilization rate for RH services in rural China needs improvement. Future efforts should target high-risk populations of women by providing them with RH-related information and cultivating positive attitudes towards RH services.

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Outcomes of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In Covid Positive Diabetic Patients: Cross Sectional Study

10.53350/pjmhs2115123241 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. 3241-3243

Author(s):

Azhar Hussain ◽

Mehwish Iftikhar ◽

Amna Rizvi ◽

Muhammad Latif ◽

Muhammad Javed Ahmed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Disease ◽

Fatty Liver ◽

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ◽

Fatty Liver Disease ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

Background: SARS-CoV-2 principally invades the respiratory system. ACE receptor are also abundant throughout the hepatobiliary system and their increased expression on hepatocyte make patients with NAFLD more vulnerable. Aim: To see outcomes of COVID positive diabetic patients suffering from Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Study design: Cross Sectional Study. Methodology: 150 diabetic and COVID PCR positive were recruited from COVID ward of Services Hospital in Lahore. Clinical parameters like BMI, SpO2, Hepatomegaly and lab parameters like HbA1C, AST ALT were noted in spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v.25. Statistical significance for difference in proportions is calculated using Pearson’s Chi-Squared test. P less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Around 84(56%) were males and 66(44%) females, smoked were 27(18%), mean age (years) was 59.7333 ±11.35023, mean BMI (kg/m²) was 30.1425±7.30673, 87(58%) patients had NAFLD, who experienced sever disease (53.2%; x^2=0.010) and more mortalities (60.2%;x^2=0.453) as compared to those who do not had condition. Conclusion: We concluded that NAFLD makes COVID-19 infected patients more fragile. Such patients experienced sever disease and more mortalities however need of mechanical ventilation remains almost equal between those who has NAFLD and those who didn’t had. Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, COVID-19, Diabetes, Mortality and Severity.

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A "miracle" cancer drug in the era of social media: A survey of Brazilian oncologists' opinions and experience with phosphoethanolamine

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1806-9282.63.01.70 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

pp. 70-77

Author(s):

Juliana Florinda M. Rêgo ◽

◽

Gilberto Lopes ◽

Rachel P. Riechelmann ◽

Cinthya Sternberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Alternative Therapy ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cancer Drug ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Brazilian Society ◽

Chi Squared ◽

E Mail ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Summary Introduction: Patients who are treating cancer have often used alternative therapies. In the internet era, information can be broadcasted widely, and this happened with phosphoethanolamine in Brazil, where this substance was claimed by the population to be the "cure for cancer." Method: This is a cross-sectional study developed by the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC). An objectively structured questionnaire was sent by e-mail and SMS to active MDs members of the SBOC. Descriptive statistics was used to evaluate the data. Statistical significance between the variables was tested by Pearson's Chi-squared test (p<0.05 was considered significance). Results: The survey was sent to 1,072 oncologists, and 398 (37.1%) answered at least part of it. One hundred and fifteen (28.9%) had followed patients who had used phosphoethanolamine. Among these, 14 (12.2%) observed adverse events and four (3.5%) attributed clinical benefit to the substance. Most of the oncologists (n=331; 83.2%) believe that it should only be used as part of a clinical trial protocol. Most physicians did not recommend this drug to their patients (n=311; 78.1%). Oncologists in Southeast, South and Midwest Brazil were more likely to have patients taking the drug compared to the Northern and Northeastern regions. Conclusion: This is the first survey to assess the opinion and experience of oncologists about this alternative therapy. Most oncologists in Brazil do not believe that synthetic phosphoethanolamine is active in cancer treatment, do not recommend its use without proper evaluation, and state that it should only be available to patients in the context of clinical trials.

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HEMOGLOBIN STATUS OF FEMALE MEDICOS IN URBAN AREA AND FACTORS AFFECTING IT: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2017.v10i3.16440 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 439

Author(s):

Drpadmajauday Kumar ◽

Varsha Kalyanpur

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Green Leafy Vegetables ◽

Nutritional Anemia ◽

Mild Anemia ◽

History Of

ABSTRACTObjectives: Estimating the hemoglobin (Hb) status in female medicos through prospective cross-sectional study and assessment of influencing ofcofactors were objectives.Methods: Women medicos who volunteered, consented and met selection criteria were enrolled. Hb level was estimated to diagnose anemia.Relationship with influencing factors was assessed statistically.Result: A total of 100 eligible students were enrolled. Mean age±standard deviation (SD) age of the participants’ was 20.9±3.1 years (17-25 years).Mean±SD Hb was 12.25±1.0189 g% (9.0-16.0 g%). 33 were anemic, and mild anemia (32%) was frequent. There was a history of worm infestation inthree students (3%), who were treated adequately. Nine were on iron supplements of which five were still anemic and were continuing the treatmentby the end of the study. 28 (84.84%) anemic students were not on any iron or hematinic treatment. There was no association between the anemiaand nature of diet, consumption of green leafy vegetables, consumption of coffee/tea after food, smoking/tobacco or alcohol consumption, mother’seducation, socioeconomic status, menstrual factors, and physical exercise. The prevalence of anemia was found to be higher in underweight andoverweight students in comparison to students with normal body mass index.Asymptomatic participants (n=78) outnumbered symptomatic ones(n=22), but without any statistical significance. Easy fatigability (14%), pallor (7%), breathlessness (6%), weakness (9%), and easy bruising (1%)were frequent complaints.Conclusion: Anemia is frequent among women medicos, often underdiagnosed, under-reported, many remaining asymptomatic. Negligence ofmedical students toward their anemic status despite the awareness of consequences of low Hb level is a serious cause of concern.Keywords: Awareness, Hemoglobin, Nutritional anemia, Women medical students.

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Infertility and associated factors in three hospitals in Douala, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

African Health Sciences ◽

10.4314/ahs.v20i4.57 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 1985-95

Author(s):

Thomas Obinchemti Egbe ◽

Charmaine Ngo Mbaki ◽

Nicholas Tendongfor ◽

Elvis Temfack ◽

Eugene Belley-Priso

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽

Toxic Substances ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reproductive Tract Infection ◽

History Of

Aim: We determined the prevalence and factors associated with couple infertility in three hospitals in Douala, Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 18th 2015 to March 18th 2016 in three public hospitals in Douala. Three hundred and sixty participants were studied prospectively for associated fac- tors using a multivariate logistic regression model and 4732 files were studied retrospectively for the prevalence of infertility. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of couple infertility was 19.2%. In logistic models, the factors which independently increased the risk of couple infertility were a history of reproductive tract infection/STI, a history of uterine fibroids, a history of dys- menorrhea and abortion for the females while for males it was a history of mumps, erectile dysfunction and exposure to chemicals/toxic substances/pesticides. Conclusion: One in every five couples in this study was infertile. Several factors affect the risks associated with couple in- fertility. The identification of these factors could help detect subgroups of couples at high risk of infertility. Reproductive health education, screening programmes for STI’s that may lead to infertility should be offered to couples. Keywords: Couple infertility; prevalence; associated factors; Douala; Cameroon.

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Increased cardiovascular risk markers in obesity are associated with body adiposity: Role of leptin

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th06-02-0079 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 95 (06) ◽

pp. 991-996 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Javier Gómez-Ambrosi ◽

Javier Salvador ◽

Camilo Silva ◽

Carlos Pastor ◽

Fernando Rotellar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Whole Body ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Blood Concentrations ◽

Air Displacement Plethysmography ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Obese Subjects ◽

Von Willebrand

SummaryEpidemiological studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased blood concentrations of proinflammatory factors and markers of endothelial dysfunction such as fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and von Willebrand factor (vWF). We analyzed the association of these markers with percentage of body fat (BF), and the influence of leptin in a cross-sectional study of 1,089 subjects (366 men) aged 44 (34–53) [median (interquartile range)] years, who were classified as obese or non-obese according to BF estimated by whole-body air displacement plethysmography. Obesity was defined as BF ≥ 25% in men and ≥ 35% in women. Compared with non-obese subjects (mean ± SD), obese patients had higher concentrations of fibrinogen (312± 78 vs. 342 ± 81 mg/dl, P < 0.001), CRP (0.41 ± 0.75 vs. 0.75± 1. 04 mg/l, P = 0.014), vWF (107 ± 29 vs. 123 ± 55%, P < 0.001), and leptin (10.4 ± 6.5 vs. 37.5 ± 26. 1 ng/ml, P < 0.0001). A positive correlation was observed between BF and fibrinogen (r = 0.266; P < 0.0001), logCRP (r = 0.409; P < 0.0001), and vWF (r = 206; P < 0.0001). Leptin was correlated with fibrinogen (r = 0.219, P < 0.0001), logCRP (r = 0.339, P < 0.0001), and vWF (r = 0.124, P = 0.002), but the statistical significance was lost after including BF in adjusted-correlation and multivariate analysis, suggesting that they are not regulated by leptin per se. In conclusion, the obesity-associated increase in the circulating concentrations of fibrinogen, CRP, and vWF is highly associated to BF and apparently not determined by leptin.

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