scholarly journals Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of narrow-spectrum versus broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of childhood pneumonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110443
Author(s):  
Chilot Abiyu Demeke ◽  
Getnet Mequanent Adinew ◽  
Tamrat Befekadu Abebe ◽  
Abebech Tewabe Gelaye ◽  
Sisay G/Hana Gemeda ◽  
...  

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of empiric treatment with narrow-spectrum therapy versus broad-spectrum therapy for children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional-based retrospective chart review was conducted at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital (GURH) pediatrics ward from 1 February 2016 to 30 April 2016. The collected data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics were done to present the basic features and summary of the data set. In addition, binary logistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to test for an association between the dependent and independent variables. A P value of <0.05 was taken to declare statistical significance at a 95% confidence interval. Result: A total of 147 patients with CAP were included in the study. Seven different treatment regimens were employed for the 147 children hospitalized. About 63 (42.9%) of the study participants received a narrow-spectrum antibiotic and 84 (57.1%) received a broad-spectrum antibiotic. There was no significant difference between the broad and narrow spectrum treatment groups in main treatment outcomes. The median length of stay (LOS) for the study population was 3 days. The median LOS was shorter among those receiving narrow-spectrum therapy compared with those receiving broad-spectrum therapy. Treatment dose and duration of therapy were significantly associated with treatment outcome (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.003), respectively. Conclusion: The effectiveness of narrow-spectrum therapy is similar to that of broad-spectrum therapy for children hospitalized with CAP. Treatment regimens for children with community-acquired pneumonia should be selected based on their safety profile and their tendency for antibiotic resistance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S162-S163
Author(s):  
Jennifer B Radics-Johnson ◽  
Daniel W Chacon ◽  
Li Zhang

Abstract Introduction Burn camps provide a unique environment and activities for children that have experienced a burn-injury. Positive outcomes from attending burn camp include increased self-esteem, decreased feelings of isolation and a greater sense of self-confidence. In a 3-year retrospective review of camper evaluations from one of the largest and longest running week-long burn camps in the nation for ages 5–17, we aimed to assess if a child’s gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity affected the impact that burn camp had on a child. Methods A 3-year retrospective review of a Burn Camp’s camper evaluation forms was conducted for campers that attended burn camp between 2017–2019. Camp rosters were reviewed to determine the camper gender, age, TBSA and ethnicity. Camper self-evaluation forms completed at the end of each camp session were reviewed to record camper responses to questions regarding their opinions on the impact camp had on them as well as how camp will impact their lives once they return home. Categorical variables were summarized as frequency and percentage, and continuous variables were described as median and range. To check the relationship between two categorical variables, Chi-square test was used. To compare the continuous variable among groups, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used. Statistical significance was declared based on a p value&lt; 0.5. Results Within 2017–2019, there were 413 camper records. Participants’ demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. There were 208 males (50.3%) and 205 females (49.6%). The median age of campers were 11.86, 12.44 and 12.45 for 2017–2019, with the range from 5.16 years to 17.96 years. The median TBSA were 20, 20 and 18 for 2017–2019, with the range from 0.08 to 90. Collectively there were 47.7% Hispanic (n= 197); 24.2% Whites (n=100); 13.1% Black (n= 54); 4.6% Asian (n=19) and 7.7% Other (n=32). There were 395 camper self-evaluation forms submitted. Results of three questions there we were interested in are summarized collectively in Table 2. 57% of campers responded, “Yes, Definitely” to the question “After going to this event, will you feel more comfortable being around your classmates or friends?” 54% responded, “ Yes, Definitely” to the question “Do you feel more confidents in sharing your burn story with others when returning home?” and 51% responded “Yes, Definitely” to “Did you learn anything that will help you when you return home?” Conclusions In analyzing the camper responses, there was no statistically significant difference in responses comparing gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. ID20
Author(s):  
Shahid Alam ◽  
Sardar Bakht Khan ◽  
Qamar Wahid Khattak ◽  
Syed Zain Ul Abidin ◽  
Salman Farooqi ◽  
...  

Background: Physical activity is one of the leading health indicators, considered an essential factor in the population's health and quality of life promotion. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Physical inactivity has been linked with chronic disease and obesity in most populations. This study aims to compare the prevalence of physical activity and overweight/obesity among students of the university. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to September 2019 on undergraduate students from different departments of Peshawar University. A sample of 377 (male n = 243, female n = 134) was taken through convenience sampling. Those individuals who were physically disabled and not willing to participate were excluded from the study. Those meeting the inclusion criteria were given the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short form). Demographic data included age, weight, and height was self-stated by the participants. The levels of physical activity in each of three domains (leisure, transport, and domestic) were calculated and presented as metabolic equivalent (M.E.T.) hour per week in the form of means, percentage, and frequency in different physical activity domains. Results: The overall sample showed that 13.70% of participants were inactive, 27.76% showed a low level of physical activity, 41.29% showed moderate physical activity level, and 17.24% showed a high level of physical activity. A total of 90.98% of participants were involved in leisure physical activities, 93.10% presented transport-related physical activity, and 74.80% were involved in domestic-related physical activity. Average time spent during sitting was found to be 53.32 hrs/week and 7.61 hrs/ day, with females being more involved in sitting activities as compared to males. A significant difference was found between B.M.I. and sitting domain (p-value 0.002) with a Pearson value of -0.12 showing a negative correlation. Conclusion: The B.M.I. and Physical Activity are found negatively associated with each other. Male students were more physically active than females as females spend their majority of time sitting. It is concluded that students are moderately active, while a minimal percent of students are highly active. There were a few numbers of respondents too who were physically inactive, which shows that there is still unawareness of physical activity on the university level.


Author(s):  
Dilip S. Shaktawat ◽  
Anil Kumar Mishra ◽  
Manoj R. Kashid ◽  
Amit Chaudhry ◽  
Rajshekhar . ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Bone patellar tendon bone <strong>(</strong>BPTB) and hamstring (HT) auto grafts have been used routinely in reconstruction of ACL over past two decades. Controversy still remains as to which graft is superior over other. Many studies have compared these graft options using different implants and different methods of fixation. Continuation of efforts in the same direction; purpose of the study is to compare these two graft options utilizing identical implants and similar method of fixation.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 40 patients of clinically and radiologically diagnosed ACL tear fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized into two groups to undergo arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring graft (n=20) and bone patellar tendon bone auto graft (n=20) utilizing bioscrew by aperture fixation method in both the groups. They were compared post operatively for symptomatic improvement, clinical and rolimeter laxity tests and Lysholm functional knee scoring at 02 year.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> At the end of 02 years laxity measurement by rolimeter showed slightly better results in BPTB group; however it was not statistically significant (p value= 0.362). Knee pain at the end of 02 year was slightly more in HT groups (45%) as compared to BPTB group (35%) but not significant (p value =0.748). Instability symptoms are comparable in both the groups (sense of giving away on exertion). Manual laxity testing by Lachman and Pivot shift tests were comparable in both the groups with p value of 0.695 and 0.999 respectively. Lysholm functional knee score also showed no statistical significance (p value =0.957).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> There is no significant difference between HT and BPTB auto grafts in terms of clinical and functional outcome at the end of 02 years. </p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertrand Sagnia ◽  
Fabrice MBAKOP Ghomsi ◽  
Ana Gutierrez ◽  
Samuel SOSSO ◽  
Rachel KAMGAING ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In the context of scaling the viral load in resource limited settings, following HIV infected patient’s adults and children with CD4+ T-lymphocyte count still very important in settings where the decentralization of treatment still has some challenges. Effective HIV monitoring in these resource-constrained settings needs affordable and reliable CD4+ T lymphocytes enumeration methods. We investigated the validity of a BD FACSPresto POC which is a dedicated system for enumeration that uses immunofluorescent technologies. In this study, we have assessed the sensitivity, specificity and correlation between most representative flow cytometry instruments present in Cameroon with more than 5000 CD4 T cells tests per year including FACSCalibur, FACSCount, and PIMA POC from Becton dinkinson and ALERE respectively. Methods 268 patients aged from 1 to 72 years old were enrolled and included in the study after inform consent. The BD FACSPresto POC CD4+ T cell technology was placed at CIRCB and operated by technician staff. HIV infected patients were from Chantal BIYA international reference Center (CIRCB), Centre de Sante Catholique de NKOLODOM, Centre de Sante Catholique de BIKOP and CASS de Nkolndongo – Yaounde We compared the accuracy of the BD FACSPresto and three existing reference technologies with more than 5000 tests per year like FACSCalibur, FACSCount and PIMA according to the number of CD4 test done per year and their repartition in the country. Bland – Altman method and correlation analysis were used to estimate mean bias and 95% limits of agreement and to compare the methods, including analysis by subgroup of participant gestational age. In addition sensitivity and specificity were determined. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05 Results The BD FACSPresto POC system has excellent precision, accuracy and linearity for CD4+ T lymphocytes enumeration. Good correlations were obtained between the BD FACSPresto poc system and other single platform methods. Bland–Altman plots showed interchangeability between two machines mean bias BD-FACSPresto vs PIMA= -126,522(-161,221 to -91,822) BD-FACSPresto vs FACSCount= -38,708 (-58,935 to -18,482) and FACSPresto vs FACSCALIBUR= 0,791(-11,908 to 13,491). Mean difference with Absolute CD4+ T-lymphocyte values obtained from the BD FACSPresto system correlated well with PIMA, FACSCount, and FACSCalibur method with R 2 equal to 0.88, 0.92 and 0.968 respectively with P < 0.001 for all. The mean comparison between values obtained from BD FACSPresto with PIMA, FACSCount, and FACSCalibur using paired T test give P=0.17, P=0.5 and P=0.6 respectively meaning that there is no significant differences between values obtained with BD FACSPresto and PIMA, FACSCount or FACSCalibur CD4 enumeration machines. Further analysis revealed close agreement between all the three instruments with no significant difference between the forth methods (P=0.91) Conclusion This BD-FACSPresto POC system is a simple, robust and reliable system for enumeration of absolute and percentage of CD4+ T-lymphocytes especially suitable for remote areas with limited resources. Having one BD-FACSPresto POC system easy to use, should reduce the cost and thus increase and improved access to CD4 testing for HIV infected patients in resource-constrained countries. BD-FACSPresto POC CD4 will enable reduction in patient time and improve the overall quality of ART service count and may improve test access in remote areas. This technology can allow for greater decentralization and wider access to CD4 testing and ART


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11
Author(s):  
A. Ceviker ◽  
K. Ozlu ◽  
G. Deryahanoglu ◽  
C. Demirdoken ◽  
H. Turkay

Background and Study Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between personality traits and optimal performance mood in response to gender, sports branch, weekly training hours of the athletes competing in the university league variables. Material and Methods: A total of 250 volunteer athletes from 17 universities, 75 female and 175 male, participated in the study. 95 of the athletes are basketball and 155 are volleyball players. In addition to the personal information form which includes demographic information prepared by the researchers, “Optimal Performance Mood Scale” developed by Jackson and Eklund (2004) and adapted to Turkish by Aşçı et al. (2007) and “5-factor personality traits scale” developed by Benet-Martinez, John (1998) and adapted to Turkish by Schmitt, Allik, McCrae and Benet-Martinez (2007) were applied to the participants. Frequency analysis was applied in order to determine the participants’ demographic information based on the statistical data analysis, and unpaired t-test was applied to determine the personal traits and optimal performance mood scores in response to gender, branch, weekly training sessions. Furthermore, in order to determine the relationship between that personal traits and optimal performance moods correlation test was applied. Statistical significance level was accepted as p <0.05. Results: As a result of the analysis of the data obtained; while there was no significant difference between the athletes according to the gender variable, it was concluded that there was a significant difference between sports branch, weekly sport variables and personality traits and optimal performance moods. In addition, a positive correlation was found between the participants' personality traits and optimal performance moods as a result of the correlation test (r=0,608). Conclusions: This study has proved that personality traits and optimal performance moods effect one another positively and gender variable makes no significant difference. Yet, sport branches and weekly training hours makes meaningful differences between general and subscales scores.


Author(s):  
Hamideh Shajari ◽  
Ahmad Shajari ◽  
Mohammad Golshan Tafti ◽  
Reza Samaninejad

Background: Kidney stones are one of several serious health problems in childhood that cause nutritional and growth disorders, and may finally lead to chronic kidney failure in this group. Methods: In this analytical study conducted through a case-control design, 30 children under the age of two with kidney stones, and 125 children of the same age and sex without stones were studied. Patient information including personal profile and the results of some necessary tests were extracted from patient records and listed in a checklist. The data was analyzed using SPSS (Version 17.0). Statistical significance was considered when p-value was <0.05. Results: In terms of duration of breastfeeding, a significant difference was observed between the patients with stones and patients without stones; the duration of breastfeeding was longer in the control group (p=0.003). In addition, the duration of feeding with formula milk and cow milk was longer in the case group (p=0.038 and p=0.012, respectively). Conclusion: Breastfeeding can serve as a nutritional factor that plays a preventive and protective role against the formation of kidney stones in infants.


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiekumo Igbida Buseri ◽  
Charity Ngozi Okonkwo

Background: This study aims at investigating the seroprevalence of HIV infection among status naive pregnant women and probable vertical transmission in Sokoto, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 13,026 apparently healthy pregnant women aged between 14 and 45 years and 312 mother-baby pairs in 4 different hospital settings in Sokoto State, North West, Nigeria between March, 2011 and February, 2013. The babies were aged between 8 and 16 months. HIV screening was performed using qualitative rapid tests and ELISA and HIV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Measurement of CD4+ T-lymphocytes was carried out by the BD FACScount System. All seropositive pregnant women were immediately placed on triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) throughout the duration of the pregnancy and beyond.Results: An overall 2.4% prevalence of HIV-1 infection among the pregnant women and 20.5% incident of mother-to-child transmission were found. Of the seropositive pregnant women, 75.0% were full-time house wives, 13.8% and 11.2% were traders and civil servants respectively; of which, 70.2% were within the ages of 14 and 27 years (youthful predominance). Pearson’s χ2analysis did not show any statistically significant difference in the Mean values in the 4 health facilities (χ2 =2.084, df=3, P-value=0.555). Similarly, no significant difference in HIV seropositivity in the demographic data of the pregnant women were observed (P>0.05). Infection was recorded in all age groups but there was no statistical significance between age groups and infection (P = 0.833). Of the 64 seropositive babies, 62 (92.5%) contracted HIV from antiretroviral therapy non-adherence mothers (χ2 =271.457, df=1, P<0.01), OR=1506.6 (95%CI=285.5-7950.4). Conclusion: This study found high prevalence of vertical transmission due to ART non-adherence. Intervention initiatives should, therefore, focus seriously on ART non-adherence. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.11530Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 49-57  


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711982583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Jack ◽  
Kyle R. Sochacki ◽  
Takashi Hirase ◽  
Justin Vickery ◽  
Patrick C. McCulloch ◽  
...  

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain that may lead to decreased performance in Major League Baseball (MLB) players. Purpose: To determine the (1) return-to-sport (RTS) rate in MLB players after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI; (2) postoperative career length, innings pitched (IP) (pitchers), and plate appearances (PA) (position players); (3) preoperative and postoperative performance; and (4) postoperative performance compared with control players matched by position, age, years of experience, and performance. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: MLB athletes who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI and matched controls were identified. Demographic and performance data were collected. RTS was defined as playing in at least 1 MLB game after surgery. Continuous variables of each group were compared using a 2-tailed paired-samples Student t test for normally distributed data. The chi-square test was used to analyze categorical data. The Bonferroni correction was used to control for multiple comparisons, with statistical significance defined by a P value of ≤.007. Results: A total of 50 players (57 surgeries) were analyzed (mean age, 30.4 ± 3.9 years; mean MLB experience at the time of surgery, 7.0 ± 4.6 years). Pitchers (31 surgeries; 54.4%) represented the largest proportion of players analyzed. Of these players, 42 (47 surgeries; 82.5%) were able to RTS at a mean of 8.3 ± 4.1 months. The overall 1-year MLB career survival rate of players undergoing FAI surgery was 78.9%. Players in the control group were in MLB a similar number of years (4.0 ± 2.9 years) to players who underwent surgery (3.3 ± 2.4 years) ( P > .007). There was no significant decrease in IP or PA per season after surgery ( P > .007). There was no significant difference in performance for pitchers and nonpitchers compared with matched controls after surgery ( P > .007). Conclusion: The RTS rate for MLB athletes after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI was high. There were similar IP, PA, and career lengths postoperatively compared with preoperatively and with matched controls. There was no significant difference in performance for pitchers and nonpitchers compared with matched controls after surgery.


Author(s):  
Rex Parsons ◽  
Richard Parsons ◽  
Nicholas Garner ◽  
Henrik Oster ◽  
Oliver Rawashdeh

Abstract Motivation A fundamental interest in chronobiology is to compare patterns between groups of rhythmic data. However, many existing methods are ill-equipped to derive statements concerning the statistical significance of differences between rhythms that may be visually apparent. This is attributed to both the form of data used (longitudinal versus cross-sectional) and the limitations of the statistical tests used to draw conclusions. Results To address this problem, we propose that a cosinusoidal curve with a particular parametrization be used to model and compare data of two sets of observations collected over a 24-h period. The novelty of our test is in the parametrization, which allows the explicit estimation of rhythmic parameters [mesor (the rhythm-adjusted mean level of a response variable around which a wave function oscillates), amplitude and phase], and simultaneously testing for statistical significance in all three parameters between two or more groups of datasets. A statistically significant difference between two groups, regarding each of these rhythmic parameters, is indicated by a P-value. The method is evaluated by applying the model to publicly available datasets, and is further exemplified by comparison to the currently recommended method, DODR. The results suggest that the method proposed may be highly sensitive to detect rhythmic differences between groups in phase, amplitude and mesor. Availability and implementation https://github.com/RWParsons/circacompare/


2019 ◽  
Vol 236 (04) ◽  
pp. 442-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Kühne ◽  
Anja Palmowski-Wolfe

Abstract Background To compare two commonly used strengthening procedures in strabismus surgery: plication and resection of the extraocular muscle (EOM). Patients and Methods From an anonymous databank of strabismus surgeries, performed at the University Eye Hospital Basel, patients with a horizontal strabismus surgery, consisting of a recession combined with either plication or resection of the antagonist and a follow-up of at least 3 months, were included. Exclusion criteria were previous eye surgeries, binocular surgeries, and simultaneous surgery of oblique or vertical EOM. Pre- and postoperative angles were measured using the alternating prism cover test during fixation at distance. Results Fifty-nine patients met the criteria and were matched according to the angle at baseline in the recession/plication group, resulting in 12 resection/recession and 12 plication/recession patients. There was no significant difference in the number of eso- and exodeviations, age at surgery, or gender between the groups. Mean difference between plication and resection was 1.2 PD at 1 week (p = 0.72) and 1.7 PD at 3 months (p = 0.61). A separate analysis for eso- and exodeviations showed no significant difference between recession/plication and recession/resection at 1 week or 3 months (p value side effect = 0.59; resection vs. plication at 1 week p = 0.68; resection vs. plication at 3 months: p = 0.57). The overall dose effect (SD) was 2.13 PD (0.88)/mm in the recession/plication group and 2.51 PD (0.81)/mm in the recession/resection group after 1 week (p = 0.331). After 3 months, the mean dose effect was 1.85 PD (1.06)/mm in the recession/plication group and 2.09 PD (1.12)/mm in the recession/resection group (p = 0.611). Discussion Our findings show that recession/plication is a valid alternative to recession/resection in horizontal strabismus without the need to cut the muscle, as we saw no difference in surgical effectiveness in either eso- or exodeviations at 1 week or at 3 months.


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