Prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals in the general population of northern Italy and evaluation of a diagnostic serological ELISA test: a cross-sectional study protocol

IntroductionAs of 30 April 2020, the novel betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 had infected more than 3 172 000 individuals, killing over 224 000 people and spreading to more than 200 countries. Italy was the most affected country in Europe and the third most affected in the world in terms of the number of cases. Therefore, the aims of this study are: (1) to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals among the general population of Verona; (2) to assess the accuracy (sensitivity, specificity and predictive values) of an ELISA serological test for the screening of SARS-CoV-2.Methods and analysisThe study will be carried out on a random sample of subjects aged at least 10 years from the general population of Verona. Participants will undergo the measurement of vital parameters (oxygen saturation measured by oximeter, respiratory rate and body temperature detected by laser thermometer), the administration of a COVID-19-related symptoms questionnaire, the collection of a blood sample and a nasopharyngeal swab. Our evaluation will include the statistical technique of Latent Class Analysis, which will be the basis for the estimation of prevalence.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Verona and Rovigo provinces on 15 April 2020 (internal protocol number 2641CESC). The study results will be submitted for publication in international, peer-reviewed journals and the complete dataset will be deposited in a public repository. Most relevant data will be made available to policy-makers as well as disseminated to stakeholders and to the community.

Download Full-text

Increased detection of schistosomiasis with Kato-Katz and SWAP-IgG-ELISA in a Northeastern Brazil low-intensity transmission area

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical ◽

10.1590/s0037-86822012000400019 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 510-513 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Teiliane Rodrigues Carneiro ◽

Marta Cristhiany Cunha Pinheiro ◽

Sara Menezes de Oliveira ◽

Ana Lúcia de Paula Hanemann ◽

José Ajax Nogueira Queiroz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Serological Test ◽

Laboratory Diagnosis ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Transmission Area ◽

Elisa Technique ◽

Endemic Areas

INTRODUCTION: The laboratory diagnosis of schistosomiasis is based mainly on the detection of parasite eggs in stool samples through the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, reading one slide by test. However, a widely known limitation of parasitological methods is reduced sensitivity, particularly in low endemic areas. METHODS: To increase sensitivity, we conducted further slide readings from the same stool sample using the parasitological method associated with a serological test. We used the KK method (three slides) and the IgG anti-Schistosoma mansoni-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique to diagnose schistosomiasis in low endemic areas in the Brazilian State of Ceará. Fecal samples and sera from 250 individuals were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen percent and 47.2% of samples were positive in parasitological tests and serological tests, respectively. Parasitological methods showed that 32 (80%) individuals tested positive on the first slide, 6 (15%) on the second slide, and 2 (5%) on the third. The performance of the ELISA test in the diagnosis, using the KK method as diagnostic reference, showed a negative predictive value of 100%, with specificity and positive predictive values of 62.8% and 33.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the increase from one to three slides analyzed per sample using the KK technique was shown to be a useful procedure for increasing the diagnostic sensitivity of this technique.

Download Full-text

Performance of Seven SARS-CoV-2 Self-Tests Based on Saliva, Anterior Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Swabs Corrected for Infectiousness in Real-Life Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Test Accuracy Study

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11091567 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1567

Author(s):

Miroslav Homza ◽

Hana Zelena ◽

Jaroslav Janosek ◽

Hana Tomaskova ◽

Eduard Jezo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Life ◽

High Capacity ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Test Accuracy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Nasal Swabs ◽

Accuracy Study ◽

Testing Center ◽

Antigen Tests

Many studies reported good performance of nasopharyngeal swab-based antigen tests for detecting SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals; however, studies independently evaluating the quality of antigen tests utilizing anterior nasal swabs or saliva swabs are still rare, although such tests are widely used for mass testing. In our study, sensitivities, specificities and predictive values of seven antigen tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2 (one using nasopharyngeal swabs, two using anterior nasal swabs and four using saliva) were evaluated. In a setting of a high-capacity testing center, nasopharyngeal swabs for quantitative PCR (qPCR) were taken and, at the same time, antigen testing was performed in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions for the respective tests. In samples where qPCR and antigen tests yielded different results, virus culture was performed to evaluate the presence of the viable virus. Sensitivities and specificities of individual tests were calculated using both qPCR and qPCR corrected for viability as the reference. In addition, calculations were also performed for data categorized according to the cycle threshold and symptomatic status. The test using nasopharyngeal swabs yielded the best results (sensitivity of 80.6% relative to PCR and 91.2% when corrected for viability) while none of the remaining tests (anterior nasal swab or saliva-based tests) came even close to the WHO criteria for overall sensitivity. Hence, we advise caution when using antigen tests with alternative sampling methods without independent validation.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among General Population in South India - A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v12i4.4876 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 2400-2405

Author(s):

Yamuna Devi M. S. ◽

Shanmugapriya S ◽

Kaavya S

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

South India ◽

Geographical Area ◽

Care Facility ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Results ◽

Wide Range ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a wide range of clinical therapies outside of conventional medicine used along with the physician prescribed drugs to complement the treatment. It is widely accepted and used across the globe. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of use of CAM among the general population and to determine the acceptability, extent and pattern of CAM use. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was done among the general population in South India. 300 participants aged >18 years were included in the study irrespective of their genders. An interviewer-administered questionnaire with 20 questions was used to assess CAM usage. The statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test using SPSS version 25. The mean age was 50.39 (± 15.67) years. CAM usage was significantly influenced by age, educational qualification, occupation, geographical area and accessibility to a health care facility. The prevalence of CAM usage was found to be 62%. Homeopathy/Herbal medicine (34%) was the most commonly used CAM. About 35% had used CAM without the knowledge of their treating physician. More than 60% believe that CAM is safe with fewer side effects and around half of them had symptomatic relief following CAM usage. Our study results indicate the need for more studies testing various CAM modalities exploring their uses, adverse effects & interactions with other drugs, which in turn can guide the physicians in their treatment.

Download Full-text

Study protocol for a nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey on diabetes in Singapore’s general population

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037125 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. e037125

Author(s):

PV AshaRani ◽

Edimansyah Abdin ◽

Roystonn Kumarasan ◽

Fiona Devi Siva Kumar ◽

Saleha Shafie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Study Protocol ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Research Review ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

IntroductionThis study aims to establish the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of the general population (people with and without diabetes) towards diabetes. The study will examine (a) recognition and understanding of causes, prevention and treatment strategies of diabetes; (b) identify the knowledge gaps and behavioural patterns that may hamper diabetes prevention and control; (c) stigma towards and stigma perceived by people with diabetes and (d) awareness of anti-diabetes campaigns.Methods and analysisThe study is a nationwide, cross-sectional study of Singapore’s general population aged 18 years and above (n=3000), comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian and other ethnic groups, who can understand English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil language. The sample was derived using a disproportionate stratified sampling using age and ethnicity. The proportion of respondents in each ethnic group (Chinese, Malay and Indian) was set to approximately 30%, while the proportion of respondents in each age group was set around 20% in order to ensure a sufficient sample size. The respondents will be administered questionnaires on diabetes KAP, stigma towards diabetes, lifestyle, diet and awareness of local anti-diabetes campaigns. The analysis will include descriptive statistics and multiple logistic and linear regression analyses to determine the socio-demographic correlates of correct recognition of diabetes, help-seeking preferences, as well as overall knowledge and attitudes among those with and without diabetes. We will consider a p value ≤0.05 as significant.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been reviewed by the Institutional Research Review Committee and the National Healthcare Group Domain Specific Review Board (NHG DSRB Ref 2018/00430). The results of the study will be shared with policymakers and other stakeholders. There will be a local mass media briefing to disseminate the findings online, in print and on television and radio. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in scientific meetings.

Download Full-text

ATTITUDES ABOUT CANNABIS AND CANNABIS USE IN TWO CONSECUTIVE STUDIES AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION IN CROATIA

Suvremena psihologija ◽

10.21465/2019-sp-222-06 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 241-254

Author(s):

Renata Glavak Tkalić ◽

Josip Razum ◽

Anja Wertag

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Latent Class ◽

Study Data ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Cannabis User ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Significant Burden ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

The Waves

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Croatia. Although some peo-ple seem to use cannabis without adverse consequences, widespread cannabis use still poses a significant burden on public health. The aims of this study ware to determine if prevalence of cannabis use and cannabis attitudes changed between the two study waves, and to determine wich groups regarding cannabis user and attitudes exist in the Croatian general population and did they change between the two study waves. The re-search was conducted on two representative samples of Croatian citizens aged betwe-en 15 and 64 years, first collected in 2011 (N=4756), and second in 2015 (N=4992). Cross-sectional design was employed, and face-to-face survey was used in data collec-tion. In the current study, data on the prevalence and extent of cannabis use, attitudes on cannabis use and policies regarding cannabis use, risk perception of cannabis use, as well as relevant characteristics of respondents were used. Data were analyzed using confidence intervals and latent class analysis (LCA). Cannabis use increased between the two study waves and the attitudes became more favorable. Three classes were obta-ined in the LCA in both waves: “non-users – cannabis conservative” (the biggest cla-ss), “rare to occasional users – cannabis liberal” (medium sized class) and “moderate to heavy users – very cannabis liberal” (the smallest class). The size of classes changed between the waves, with the latter two classes increasing in size in 2015. Results are discussed in the context of recent legal and societal events in Croatian society which might have driven the discovered changes in cannabis use and attitudes. Key words: attitudes about cannabis, cannabis use, prevalence of cannabis use, ge-neral population, Croatia

Download Full-text

Vitamin D and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the General Population: A Systematic Review

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000490 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 87 (5-6) ◽

pp. 330-341

Author(s):

Omid Eslami1 ◽

Farzad Shidfar1 ◽

Maryam Akbari-Fakhrabadi2

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

General Population ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Strong Association ◽

High Quality Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Manual Search ◽

Mesh Terms ◽

Study Results ◽

Cross Sectional Studies

Abstract. Background: Up to now, the association between vitamin D and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is still inconsistent and there is a lack of a comprehensive review on this topic. Aim: To systematically review the literature including both observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the association between vitamin D and CRF in the general population. Methods: The literature was investigated by exploring databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and ISI Web of Science as well as a manual search up to April 2017 by using related MeSH terms and key words. All the English-language articles that were conducted in the general population without any restriction on age range of participants and date of publication were included in the study. Results: Among the 731 records which were found initially, a total of 20 articles including 18 cross-sectional studies and 2 RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among the cross-sectional studies, findings on the association between serum 25(OH) D and CRF were incongruent. Additionally, studies which had reported significant results varied remarkably in terms of sample size, study population and the effect size of the association. In addition, RCTs found no significant improvement in CRF following vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion: Overall, evidence from cross-sectional studies does not support a strong association between vitamin D and CRF, although a number of studies demonstrated modest positive associations. Furthermore, limited RCTs did not confirm such an association. Further high quality research is needed to obtain a definite conclusion on this topic. “

Download Full-text

CLINICAL VALIDATION OF THE NANDA-I "CAREGIVER ROLE STRAIN" NURSING DIAGNOSIS IN THE CONTEXT OF PALLIATIVE CARE

Texto & Contexto - Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/1980-265x-tce-2020-0549 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 ◽

Author(s):

Tânia Marlene Gonçalves Lourenço ◽

Rita Maria de Sousa Abreu-Figueiredo ◽

Luís Octávio Sá

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Role Strain ◽

Clinical Validation ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Nursing Diagnosis ◽

Study Results ◽

Care Situation ◽

Caregiver Role

ABSTRACT Objective: to clinically validate the defining characteristics of the “Caregiver Role Strain” Nursing diagnosis for caregivers of people in a palliative care situation. Method: a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive and analytical study. It was developed based on Fehring's Clinical Validation Model and on the diagnostic accuracy measures (sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve). The data collection instrument used was a form, applied in 2017 by two nurses to a sample of 111 caregivers of people in a palliative care situation, in Portugal. The caregivers were divided into two groups (with and without the diagnosis), being identified by the simultaneity of three criteria, namely: Zarit Burden Interview values greater than 56; agreement of two nurses about the diagnosis; and caregiver's perception of the presence of signs and symptoms. The defining characteristics were classified as major, secondary and irrelevant, according to the models used. Results: the prevalence of diagnosis was 42.3%. Of the 29 characteristics subjected to the validation process, 9 were considered major, 13 secondary and 7 irrelevant. Ineffective coping, depressive mood, frustration, worsening of previous diseases, stress and fatigue were the characteristics which proved to be more associated with the diagnosis in both analyses. The overall score of the diagnosis was 0.68. Conclusion: the study results contribute to the improvement of the diagnosis, making it more accurate. In addition, they enable better clinical decision in Nursing, allowing nurses to make a diagnostic judgment supported by scientific evidence.

Download Full-text

Challenges of Accurate Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori in Iran

International Journal of Enteric Pathogens ◽

10.15171/ijep.2019.19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 88-92

Author(s):

Farahnaz Fotoohi ◽

Mohammad javad Kazemi ◽

Hossein Ansariniya

Keyword(s):

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Diagnostic Method ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

University Hospital ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Predictive Values ◽

H Pylori ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

Background: Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis is regarded as the most prevalent gastrointestinal infection, as well as the major cause of several other diseases. Despite being discovered over 30 years ago, no golden diagnostic method has yet been suggested for this microorganism. Objective: The present study aimed to compare two common diagnostic methods of histology and serology. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study began in July, 2016, and was conducted at Imam Jafar Sadegh Hospital (a university hospital) in Maybod, Yazd, Iran, on 70 patients. All the patients underwent endoscopy, and biopsy samples were taken for histology, as well as blood samples for ELISA test. Finally, sensitivity, specificity, NPV (negative predictive values), and PPV (positive predictive values) were calculated and analyzed. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of the ELISA method with histology as the gold standard were 87.5%, 36.9%, 54.2%, 42%, and 85%, respectively. Still, the histology method appears to be the most reliable test for the diagnosis of H. pylori in Iran. Conclusion: Regarding the high prevalence of H. pylori in Iran, the present study recommends the use of histology as a diagnostic method in combination with other diagnostic methods for detecting H. pylori infection.

Download Full-text

Retrospective mortality and prevalence of SARS–CoV–2 antibodies in greater Omdurman, Sudan: a population–based cross–sectional survey

10.1101/2021.08.22.21262294 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Wendelin Moser ◽

Mohammed Ahmed Hassan Fahal ◽

Elamin Abualas ◽

Shahinaz Bedri ◽

Mahgoub Taj Elsir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Death Rate ◽

Latent Class ◽

Serological Test ◽

Latent Class Model ◽

Random Effect ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Survey Period ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Incidence And Mortality

Background Even after adjusting for the expected lower severity due to the younger age of the population, relatively low SARS–CoV–2 incidence and mortality rates have been reported throughout Africa. For investigating whether this is truly the case, we conducted a survey to estimate the COVID–19 related mortality and cumulative incidence of SARS–CoV–2 infections in Omdurman the most populated city of the tripartite metropolis Khartoum in Sudan. Methods A retrospective, cross–sectional, mortality and seroprevalence survey was conducted in Omdurman, Sudan, from March 1, until April 10 2021. A two–stage cluster sampling method was used to investigate the death rate for the pre–pandemic (January 1, 2019–February 29, 2020) and pandemic (March 1, 2020 – day of the survey) period using questionnaires. The seroprevalence survey was performed in a subset of households and all consenting members were tested with a rapid serological test (SD–Biosensor) and a subgroup additionally with ELISA (EUROIMMUN). Fisher′s exact test was used to assess differences between the pre–and pandemic periods and a random effect and Bayesian latent class model to adjust for test performance. Findings Data from 27315 people (3716 households) for the entire recall period showed a 67% (95% CI 32–110) increase in death rate between the pre–pandemic (0.12 deaths/10000 people/day [95% CI 0.10–0.14]) and pandemic (0.20 [0.16–0.23]) periods. Notably, a 74% (30–133) increase in death was observed among people aged ≥50 years. The adjusted seroprevalence of SARS–CoV–2 was 54.6% (95% CI 51.4–57.8). The seroprevalence was significantly associated with age, increasing up to 80.7% (71.7–89.7) for the oldest age group (≥50 years). Interpretation Our results showed a significant elevated mortality for the pandemic period with a considerable excess mortality in Omdurman, Sudan. The overall high seroprevalence indicated a different age pattern compared to other countries, with a significant increase by age. Funding Medécins Sans Frontières

Download Full-text

The burden of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers across 16 hospitals of Kashmir, India—A seroepidemiological study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0259893 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0259893

Author(s):

Inaamul Haq ◽

Mariya Amin Qurieshi ◽

Muhammad Salim Khan ◽

Sabhiya Majid ◽

Arif Akbar Bhat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nucleocapsid Protein ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Settings ◽

First Case ◽

Present Cross Sectional Study ◽

Study Results

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has greatly affected healthcare workers because of the high risk of getting infected. The present cross-sectional study measured SARS-CoV-2 antibody in healthcare workers of Kashmir, India. Methods: Serological testing to detect antibodies against nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 was performed in 2003 healthcare workers who voluntarily participated in the study. Results: We report relatively high seropositivity of 26.8% (95% CI 24.8–28.8) for SARS-CoV-2in healthcare workers, nine months after the first case was detected in Kashmir. Most of the healthcare workers (71.7%) attributed infection to the workplace environment. Among healthcare workers who neither reported any prior symptom nor were they ever tested for infection by nasopharyngeal swab test, 25.5% were seropositive. Conclusion: We advocate interval testing by nasopharyngeal swab test of all healthcare workers regardless of symptoms to limit the transmission of infection within healthcare settings.

Download Full-text