scholarly journals Assessment of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis viable load in women by viability-PCR

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin J H Janssen ◽  
Petra Wolffs ◽  
Mayk Lucchesi ◽  
Nicole H T M Dukers-Muijrers ◽  
Christian J P A Hoebe
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Public Health Implication ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rectal Swabs ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Positive Results

ObjectivesIn recent years, studies have demonstrated frequent rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) detection in women, irrespective of reported anal sex or rectal symptoms. However, the clinical relevance and public health implication of rectal CT detection in women remain under debate. Therefore, evaluating CT viability may provide more insight into the relevance of standard routine nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)–positive results.MethodsIn this cross-sectional explorative study, a convenience sample of female patients at our STI clinic aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with vaginal and/or rectal CT, were invited to participate. On return for treatment, rectal CT-diagnosed women were instructed to self-collect rectal swab samples before being treated. Standard COBAS 4800 CT/NG routine NAAT testing was applied for CT diagnosis. Rectal viable CT load was evaluated by using viability-PCR (V-PCR).Results53 women with rectal CT were included in this study; 86.8% (46/53) had a quantifiable rectal total CT load. Of women with quantifiable samples, 52.2% (24/46) had viable CT detected from rectal swabs by V-PCR, with a mean rectal viable CT load of 3.31 log10 CT/mL (range 1.16–6.22). No statistically significant difference (p=0.73) was observed in the mean rectal viable CT load of women with an indication for rectal testing (n=9) and without (n=15), 3.20 log10 CT/mL (range 2.06–4.36) and 3.38 log10 CT/mL (range 1.16–6.22), respectively. CT culture yielded positive test results from rectal swabs in 22.6% (12/53) of rectal CT NAAT-diagnosed women. Of women with viable rectal CT by V-PCR (n=24), 50% (12/24) were positive by CT culture.ConclusionsOverall, the detection of high rectal viable CT loads in this study indicates that rectal CT in some women might represent a currently ongoing infection rather than just the presence of remnant DNA from dead bacteria or only contamination from an active vaginal CT infection.

scholarly journals DETECCIÓN DE CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS POR PCR EN TIEMPO REAL, EN RECIÉN NACIDOS EN EL HOSPITAL ISIDRO AYORA, QUITO-ECUADOR.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Ana Maritza Felicita Mena ◽  
Nidian Judith Torres Noboa ◽  
Mishell Cristina Achig Godoy
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Normal Delivery ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Transmisión Vertical ◽  
Positive Results

Introducción: La transmisión vertical de Chlamydia trachomatis se presenta del 60% -70% en los hijos de madres infectadas y el riesgo de adquirir conjuntivitis por Chlamydia trachomatis en estos neonatos varía entre el 18% al 70%. Objetivo: detectar la Chlamydia trachomatis por medio de qPCR (Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa por Tiempo Real) en los sacos conjuntivales en recién nacidos por parto normal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio no experimental, transversal, analizando muestras procedentes de 178 niños nacidos vivos, en el Hospital Gíneco-obstétrico Isidro Ayora, se determinó la presencia de Chlamydia trachomatis en muestras de saco conjuntival, por medio de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa los laboratorios de Biología Molecular de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Resultados: la edad gestacional de los neonatos más frecuente es a término 75.29% que corresponde a 124 pacientes, resultados positivos para Chlamydia trachomatis por qPCR fueron 19 que corresponde al 10.7% y los resultados negativos 159 que corresponde al 89.3% de pacientes, el grupo de edad materna de los neonatos con resultados positivos para Chlamydia trachomatis por qPCR, más frecuente es el de 14 -19 años con 31.5%. Conclusiones: La conjuntivitis neonatal por Chlamydia trachomatis es una entidad de subdiagnósticada, que no responde al tratamiento con antibióticos tópicos habituales, donde  la amplificación de ácidos nucleicos por medio de la qPCR ha sido un importante avance en el diagnóstico, debido a que la amplificación es extremadamente sensible (capaz de detectar una sola copia genómica) y altamente específica, inclusive en pacientes asintomáticos.   Abstract Introduction: The vertical transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis occurs in 60% -70% in the children of infected mothers and the risk of contracting Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis in these affected neonates between 18% and 70%. Objective: to detect Chlamydia trachomatis by means of qPCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) in the conjunctival sacs in newborns by normal delivery. Methods: A non-experimental, cross-sectional study was carried out, analyzing analyzed samples of 178 live-born children, at the Gyneco-obstetric Hospital Isidro Ayora, the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in conjunctival sac samples was determined by means of the chain reaction of polymerase molecular biology laboratories of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. Results: the most frequent gestational age of the neonates is at term 75.29% corresponding to 124 patients, positive results for Chlamydia trachomatis by qPCR were 19 corresponding to 10.7% and negative results 159 corresponding to 89.3% of patients, the group of maternal age of neonates with positive results for Chlamydia trachomatis by qPCR, more frequent is that of 14-19 years with 31.5%. Conclusions: Chlamydia trachomatis neonatal conjunctivitis is an underdiagnosed entity, which does not respond to treatment with usual topical antibiotics, where nucleic acid amplification by means of qPCR has been an important advance in diagnosis, due to extremely sensitive amplification. (capable of detecting a single genomic copy) and highly specific, including in asymptomatic patients

scholarly journals Cross-sectional Study of Perceived Stress among Special Education Teachers

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Michael Eskay ◽  
Bartholomew Chinweuba Nwefuru
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Special Education Teachers ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Special Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

This research investigated perceived stress among special education teachers in Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. The study covered all public, private and special schools with special educators in South-East Nigeria. The study respondents were a convenience sample of 243 special education teachers. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire titled “Perceived Stress Questionnaire” (PSQ). The instrument was administered with the assistance of five research aids. Mean and standard deviation was used in answering the research question while t-test was used on hypothesis. Results showed that there is a significant difference between the mean ratings of male and female special education teachers in perceived stress Male special education teachers feels less stressed than their female counterparts. There is a need for governmental and mental health specialists to assist special education teachers with respect to stress management.

scholarly journals Gender-wise Comparative Assessment of Lifestyle Patterns and Well-being Status among Healthcare Employees at a Tertiary Care Hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanajakshamma Velam ◽  
Vyshnavi Kancherla ◽  
Latheef Kasala ◽  
Anusha Kancherla ◽  
Mounica Reddy Pillaram
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Female Employees ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lifestyle Patterns ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Abstract Background This study was an attempt to assess and compare the gender-wise lifestyle patterns and well-being status among the employees of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and Methods This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted at a tertiary care hospital between May and August 2019. A total of 777 employees belonging to both genders (male and female) and working at different professional levels were assessed. All the enrolled employees were subjected to a comprehensive study tool consisting of various dimensions of their health, which included physical, mental, social, spiritual and intellectual health dimensions. Results Among the participants, 327 (42.1%) were male and 450 (57.9%) were female. There was no significant difference in the mean age of male (37.91 ± 7.52) and female (36.85 ± 8.16) employees (p = 0.07). A significantly higher proportion of diabetes and hypertension were seen in male employees (9.8% and 14.4%, respectively) than in female (5.6% and 6.2% respectively). The overall well-being was better in male employees than in females and was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). We found that male employees had statistically significant better well-being in terms of physical, mental and social health whereas female employees had intellectual health. Conclusion The overall well-being in healthcare staff was good at our tertiary care hospital, and the outstanding/good well-being rate was higher in male employees than in female employees. Female employees experienced risks with regard to their physical health.

scholarly journals Risk perception regarding the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population: a comparative Middle East survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Abdel Hameed Shahin ◽  
Rasha Mohammed Hussien
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
General Population ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background People’s perceptions of pandemic-associated risk are key factors contributing to increased public participation in disease preventive measures. The aim of the study was to investigate risk perceptions regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, among the general population. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 723 participants, recruited from the general population of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Data collection was performed using a standardized risk perception assessment questionnaire, in April 2020. Results The mean score for the perception of COVID-19 seriousness was significantly higher and the mean scores for the perception of disease susceptibility and extent of anxiety were also higher among Saudi Arabian participants than participants from Egypt and Jordan. Participants from Egypt had significantly lower mean scores for the perception of efficacy and self-efficacy to cope with COVID-19, and significantly lower intention to comply with COVID-19 precautionary measures than the other populations. A significant positive correlation was detected between the perception of COVID-19 seriousness and self-efficacy to handle COVID-19, for the entire sample. The primary reasons reported by participants driving their willingness to perform certain preventive measures against COVID-19 was a feeling of responsibility toward their own health, followed by preventing transmission to other people and the feeling that COVID-19 can be serious. Most of the study sample reported a desire to receive information about COVID-19 treatment, ways to prevent disease contraction, and the incubation period for the novel coronavirus. Also, most of the study sample reported that they prefer receiving COVID-19 updates from national authorities. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, communications designed to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors should focus on increasing the perception of seriousness, the risk perception, self-efficacy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of the adopted behavioral measures for reducing risk. Health education programs that are tailored to various sociodemographic categories, to improve public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes, are vital for increasing the adoption of outbreak preventive measures.

scholarly journals Emotional Bonding and Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 263183182110274
Author(s):  
Deblina Roy ◽  
Sujita Kumar Kar ◽  
SM Yasir Arafat ◽  
Pawan Sharma ◽  
Russell Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emotional Bonding ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Study Participants

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have affected the sexuality and emotional bonding among the couple across the world. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the married people’s emotional bonding and sexual relationships in 3 south Asian counties (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Bangladesh, India, and Nepal residents from April 3 to April 15, 2020. The survey was designed in English. The participants were selected through convenience sampling technique, the link of the online questionnaire was shared with the participants. Only participants older than 18 years and above, married, and living with their spouses were included in the study. Results: A total number of 120 respondents were included finally for analysis from the participating countries (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh). The mean age of the participants was 35.42 (±5.73) years; the majority were males under the age of 40 years and had completed postgraduation as their qualification. Among the study participants, more than half (53.8%) of the women reported being sexually active during the lockdown, whereas 41% of the men reported being sexually active. Among the sexually active participants, most women (57.7%) reported that they perceived positive emotional bonding with their partners. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference observed when compared with men. There are variations in responses. However, no significant association was identified. Conclusion: There are a few insights from the study, that is, there was no significant difference found in almost 3 countries in emotional intimacy. There had been a trend that there is improved emotional bonding with their partners, although no significant difference was observed.

scholarly journals Interleukin-37 as an anti-inflammatory cytokine: does its relation to disease activity suggest its potential role in rheumatoid arthritis therapy?

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman A. Baraka ◽  
Mona G. Balata ◽  
Shereen H. Ahmed ◽  
Afaf F. Khamis ◽  
Enas A. Elattar
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Tender Joint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background This study aimed to measure the serum and synovial interleukin (IL)-37 levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (PKOA) and healthy controls and to detect its relation to RA disease activity. Results This cross-sectional study included 50 RA patients with a mean age of 40.24 ± 8.62 years, 50 patients with PKOA with a mean age of 56.69 ± 4.21, and 40 healthy controls with a mean age of 41.75 ± 7.38 years. The mean serum IL-37 level in the RA patients (382.6 ± 73.97 pg/ml) was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) the highest among the studied groups; however, it showed a non-significant difference between the PKOA patients (70.38 ± 27.49 pg/ml) and the healthy controls (69.97 ± 25.12 pg/ml) (P > 0.94). Both serum and synovial IL-37 levels were significantly positively correlated with disease activity scores (r = 0.92, P< 0.001 and r = 0.85, P < 0.001), tender joint counts (r = 0.83, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001 ), swollen joint counts (r = 0.72, P < 0.001 and r = 0.60, P < 0.001), visual analog scale (r = 0.82, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.75, P < 0.001 and r = 0.65, P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (r = 0.93, P < 0.001 and r = 0.79, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion Serum and synovial IL-37 were significantly elevated in the RA patients, and they were closely correlated. Being less invasive, the serum IL-37 could be a marker of disease activity and could reflect the effective disease control by drugs. Having an anti-inflammatory effect could not suggest IL-37 as the key player to control inflammation alone, but its combination with other anti-proinflammatory cytokines could be investigated.

The relationship between workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics among a sample of Iranian nurses

2021 ◽  
pp. 147775092110401
Author(s):  
Mahsa Dadkhah-Tehrani ◽  
Mohsen Adib-Hajbaghery
Keyword(s):  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
Spearman Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perceived Workload ◽  
Professional Codes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Professional Codes Of Ethics ◽  
The Relationship

Background Many studies have investigated the adherence to professional codes of ethics by nurses. However, no study has explicitly examined the relationship between workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics among Iranian nurses. Objective This study aimed to explore the relationships between workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics among a sample of Iranian nurses. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 213 nurses who were randomly selected from the different wards of Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan, Iran. Data collection instruments included a personal characteristics questionnaire, the Nursing Ethics Questionnaire, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index. The Chi-square, the Spearman correlation coefficient, the Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. Results A majority of nurses were females (77.5%), married (79.3%), and permanently employed (55.4%). The mean of the overall perceived workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics were 76.36 ± 13.64 and 13.98 ± 2.58, that were at high and moderated level, respectively. Spearman correlation test showed no significant correlation between perceived workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics ( r = 0.03, P = 0.6). A significant difference was found between the mean scores of adherence to professional codes of ethics in nurses working in different departments ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Participating nurses perceived high levels of workload but their mean adherence to professional codes of ethics was at a moderate level. The perceived workload was indirectly correlated with adherence to professional codes of ethics.

scholarly journals Differences in phosphatemia and frequency of consumption of dietary sources of phosphorus in hemodialysis patients in southern and northern Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Baggio Nerbass ◽  
Edcléia Regina Canzi ◽  
Renata dos Anjos Araujo ◽  
Dyane Corrêa ◽  
Rafaela Gonzaga dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Sample ◽  
Inorganic Phosphorus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The State ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Phosphorus Sources ◽  
Northern Brazil ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pork Sausages

Abstract Introduction: Hyperphosphatemia is associated with unfavorable outcomes, and the percentage of patients presenting with this condition in hemodialysis (HD) in kidney foundation units in the state of Santa Catarina (SC) is historically higher than that of patients in the state of Tocantins (TO). Objective: To assess the frequency of consumption of the main dietary sources of phosphorus and to compare them between the two states. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 123 patients, 66 of SC and 57 of TO: 52% were men, average age was 46.9 ± 15.7 years, and mean HD time 48 (57-71) months. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 33 items that are dietary sources of phosphorus was applied. A consumption score was calculated for sources of organic, inorganic, and total phosphorus, and the six-month average of phosphatemia was obtained. Results: The mean phosphatemia of SC patients was higher (6.2 ± 1.5 vs 4.7 ± 1.3 mg/dL, p <0001) than TO patients, as well as the prevalence of hyperphosphatemia (62% vs 28%; p <10001). In the total sample, the foods most frequently consumed were milk and beans. Comparing the frequency of consumption between the two states, a significant difference was found in 17 items. In TO, beef and beans were the foods most frequently consumed, and in SC, fourteen other items of the FFQ (pork, sausages, dairy products, etc.) were the most frequently consumed. Phosphatemia correlated with the frequency of consumption of inorganic phosphorus sources. Conclusion: the frequency of consumption of several items was different between the states, and this explains the differences in phosphatemia between the two regions.

A Study on Bolton Anterior Tooth Size Discrepancies among Different Malocclusion Groups

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
AW Ali ◽  
MZ Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Group ◽  
Anterior Tooth ◽  
Tooth Size ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Normal Occlusion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Bangladeshi Population

Aim: To investigate the correlation between anterior tooth size discrepancies among Angle's Class l, ll, lll malocclusions and corresponding normal occlusion, as well as their prevalence in Bangladeshi population. This study would act as a reference for diagnosis, treatment planning and assessment of prognosis in some orthodontic cases. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dhaka Dental College & Hospital. A total number of 200 subjects were selected in Angle's Class l, ll, lll and corresponding normal group. Each group had 50 subjects with males and females. A chi-square test was performed to statistically compare the prevalence of anterior tooth size discrepancies among Angle's Class l, ll, lll malocclusions and corresponding normal occlusion and two genders. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean Bolton anterior tooth size ratios as a function of angle classification and gender. Statistical differences were determined at the 95% confidence level (p< 0.05). Results: No significant difference was observed in the mean Bolton anterior ratio between normal group and class-I malocclusion group (p = 0.343). Significant differences were observed between Class-II malocclusion and normal group (p=0.001), and also between Class-III malocclusion and normal group (p = 0.001). Individuals with Angle Class lll and Class ll malocclusions showed significantly greater prevalence of tooth size discrepancy than Class l malocclusion and corresponding normal group. Conclusion: The great diversity and ethnic mix of Bangladeshi population should alert our orthodontist to use Bolton analysis as an important diagnostic tool and become aware of the moderate variations that may be present and treated. It may somehow guide planning of this type of study in future. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjodfo.v1i2.15982 Ban J Orthod & Dentofac Orthop, April 2011; Vol-1, No.2, 1-4

scholarly journals Usefulness of the Non-Contact Tonometry in Out-Patient Screening

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satheesh Solomon T Selvin ◽  
Chris Elsa Samson Jacob ◽  
Thomas Kuriakose
Keyword(s):  
Central Corneal Thickness ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Corneal Thickness ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Applanation Tonometry ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Iop Measurement ◽  
The Mean

Purpose: Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is considered the gold standard for Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurement. It has the disadvantages of being a contact device, need for a slit-lamp, non-portability and need of a skilled examiner. Many hospitals are using a Non Contact Tonometry (NCT) as a screening device to save clinician time, however the usefulness is not proved in terms of reliability. This study was aimed to determine the usefulness of the Air-puff tonometer (TONOREF NIDEK II, NIDEK CO., LTD., JAPAN) over a GAT in a tertiary care center. Design: Cross-sectional Study Methods: This was a cross-sectional, non interventional observational study conducted on 224 eyes (right eye) from 224 patients. All patients underwent the IOP measurement with both methods and a central corneal thickness (CCT) measured. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software. Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.3±11.29 years. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between the mean NCT and GAT readings which persisted even after correction for central corneal thickness. The correlation between NCT and GAT using Pearson’s correlation coefficient was strong irrespective of the corrections for their corneal thickness (r = 0.751 and 0.718 for uncorrected and corrected values respectively). The correlation of the individual clinicians for the readings varied from moderate to strong. The ROC curve showed the best sensitivity and specificity to occur at around 13 to 14 mmHg. Conclusion: NCT seems to overestimate the IOP at low ranges as compared to the GAT and underestimate at higher ranges. The crossover of the values is seen between 12 to 13 mmHg.  The clinician should do an individualized analysis of his/her GAT measurements to the readings of the NCT machine at the clinic to obtain clinician specific nomogram. 

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