scholarly journals Audit of antenatal screening for syphilis and HIV in migrant and refugee women on the Thai-Myanmar border: a descriptive study

F1000Research ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose McGready ◽  
Joy Kang ◽  
Isabella Watts ◽  
Mary Ellen G Tyrosvoutis ◽  
Miriam B. Torchinsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Antenatal Screening ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Syphilis Testing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Syphilis Screening ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Positive Results

Objective: The antenatal prevalence of syphilis and HIV/AIDS in migrants and refugees is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to audit the first year of routine syphilis screening in the same population and reassess the trends in HIV rates.Methods: From August 2012 to July 2013, 3600 pregnant women were screened for HIV (ELISA) and syphilis (VDRL with TPHA confirmation) at clinics along the Thai-Myanmar border.Results: Seroprevalence for HIV 0.47% (95% CI 0.30-0.76) (17/3,599), and syphilis 0.39% (95% CI 0.23-0.65) (14/3,592), were low. Syphilis was significantly lower in refugees (0.07% 95% CI 0.01-0.38) (1/1,469), than in migrants (0.61% 95% CI 0.36-1.04) (13/2,123). The three active (VDRL≥1:8 and TPHA reactive) syphilis cases with VDRL titres of 1:32 were easy to counsel and treat. Women with low VDRL titres (>75% were < 1:8) and TPHA reactive results, in the absence of symptoms and both the woman and her husband having only one sexual partner in their lifetime, and the inability to determine the true cause of the positive results presented ethical difficulties for counsellors.Conclusion: As HIV and syphilis testing becomes available in more and more settings, the potential impact of false positive results should be considered, especially in populations with low prevalence for these diseases. This uncertainty must be considered in order to counsel patients and partners accurately and safely about the results of these tests, without exposing women to increased risk for abuse or abandonment. Our findings highlight the complexities of counselling patients about these tests and the global need for more conclusive syphilis testing strategies.

scholarly journals Low and stable rates of antenatal syphilis and HIV in migrant and refugee women on the Thai-Myanmar border: a descriptive study

F1000Research ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose McGready ◽  
Joy Kang ◽  
Isabella Watts ◽  
Mary Ellen G Tyrosvoutis ◽  
Miriam B. Torchinsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Syphilis Testing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Syphilis Screening ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Positive Results

Objective: The antenatal prevalence of syphilis and HIV/AIDS in migrants and refugees is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to audit the first year of routine syphilis screening in migrant and refugee women on the Thai Myanmar border.Methods: From August 2012 to July 2013, 3600 pregnant women were screened for HIV (ELISA) and syphilis (VDRL with TPHA confirmation) at clinics along the Thai-Myanmar border.Results: Seroprevalence for HIV 0.47% (95% CI 0.30-0.76) (17/3,599), and syphilis 0.39% (95% CI 0.23-0.65) (14/3,592), were low. Syphilis was significantly lower in refugees (0.07% 95% CI 0.01-0.38) (1/1,469), than in migrants (0.61% 95% CI 0.36-1.04) (13/2,123). The three active (VDRL≥1:8 and TPHA reactive) syphilis cases with VDRL titres of 1:32 were easy to counsel and treat. Women with low VDRL titres (>75% were < 1:8) and TPHA reactive results, in the absence of symptoms and both the woman and her husband having only one sexual partner in their lifetime, and the inability to determine the true cause of the positive results presented ethical difficulties for counsellors.Conclusion: As HIV and syphilis testing becomes available in more and more settings, the potential impact of false positive results should be considered, especially in populations with low prevalence for these diseases. This uncertainty must be considered in order to counsel patients and partners accurately and safely about the results of these tests, without exposing women to increased risk for abuse or abandonment. Our findings highlight the complexities of counselling patients about these tests and the global need for more conclusive syphilis testing strategies.

Factors Affecting Women's Knowledge of Antenatal Serum Screening

1997 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 111-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.K. Grewal ◽  
H.J. Moss ◽  
D.A. Aitken ◽  
S. Bjornsson ◽  
A.D. Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spina Bifida ◽  
Fetal Anomaly ◽  
Antenatal Screening ◽  
Fetal Abnormality ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Written Information ◽  
Superior Knowledge ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Positive Results

Antenatal screening for fetal anomaly is offered routinely in Glasgow. This study assessed pregnant women S knowledge of the test and implications of results. Questionnaires were completed by 574 women. Knowledge of the nature and uses of the test was superior to earlier studies Two-thirds knew that screening was undertaken for Down's syndrome, and 81% for spina bifida. The majority were aware of the sample used, ages invited and gestation at which it was undertaken. Knowledge of the likely results and implications was poorer. Three-quarters were unaware that 10% of results would suggest an increased risk. Half did not realise that positive results could occur without fetal abnormality, or negative results could be falsely reassuring. Socioeconomic deprivation was associated with poorer knowledge but not lower uptake. Written information was associated with superior knowledge and higher uptake. Leaflets should be provided prior to booking, at which time resultant queries can be answered.

scholarly journals Syphilis testing adherence among women with livebirth deliveries: Indianapolis 2014-2016

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Opeyemi C. Ojo ◽  
Janet N. Arno ◽  
Guoyu Tao ◽  
Chirag G. Patel ◽  
Brian E. Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Congenital Syphilis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Syphilis Testing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Syphilis Screening

Abstract Background The number of congenital syphilis (CS) cases in the United States are increasing. Effective prevention of CS requires routine serologic testing and treatment of infected pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing all pregnant women at their first prenatal visit and subsequent testing at 28 weeks gestation and delivery for women at increased risk. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of syphilis testing among pregnant women with a livebirth delivery from January 2014 to December 2016 in Marion County, Indiana. We extracted and linked maternal and infant data from the vital records in a local health department to electronic health records available in a regional health information exchange. We examined syphilis testing rates and factors associated with non-testing among women with livebirth delivery. We further examined these rates and factors among women who reside in syphilis prevalent areas. Results Among 21260 pregnancies that resulted in livebirths, syphilis testing in any trimester, including delivery, increased from 71.7% in 2014 to 86.6% in 2016. The number of maternal syphilis tests administered only at delivery decreased from 16.6% in 2014 to 4.04% in 2016. Among women living in areas with high syphilis rates, syphilis screening rates increased from 79.6% in 2014 to 94.2% in 2016. Conclusion Improvement in prenatal syphilis screening is apparent and encouraging, yet roughly 1-in-10 women do not receive syphilis screening during pregnancy. Adherence to recommendations set out by CDC improved over time. Given increasing congenital syphilis cases, the need for timely diagnoses and prevention of transmission from mother to fetus remains a priority for public health.

Effects of Gender, Parental Role, and Time on Infant- and Adult-Directed Read and Spontaneous Speech

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (11) ◽  
pp. 4001-4014
Author(s):  
Melanie Weirich ◽  
Adrian Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Parental Involvement ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Spontaneous Speech ◽  
First Year ◽  
Space Size ◽  
Vowel Space ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Phonetic Features ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Description Task

Purpose The study sets out to investigate inter- and intraspeaker variation in German infant-directed speech (IDS) and considers the potential impact that the factors gender, parental involvement, and speech material (read vs. spontaneous speech) may have. In addition, we analyze data from 3 time points prior to and after the birth of the child to examine potential changes in the features of IDS and, particularly also, of adult-directed speech (ADS). Here, the gender identity of a speaker is considered as an additional factor. Method IDS and ADS data from 34 participants (15 mothers, 19 fathers) is gathered by means of a reading and a picture description task. For IDS, 2 recordings were made when the baby was approximately 6 and 9 months old, respectively. For ADS, an additional recording was made before the baby was born. Phonetic analyses comprise mean fundamental frequency (f0), variation in f0, the 1st 2 formants measured in /i: ɛ a u:/, and the vowel space size. Moreover, social and behavioral data were gathered regarding parental involvement and gender identity. Results German IDS is characterized by an increase in mean f0, a larger variation in f0, vowel- and formant-specific differences, and a larger acoustic vowel space. No effect of gender or parental involvement was found. Also, the phonetic features of IDS were found in both spontaneous and read speech. Regarding ADS, changes in vowel space size in some of the fathers and in mean f0 in mothers were found. Conclusion Phonetic features of German IDS are robust with respect to the factors gender, parental involvement, speech material (read vs. spontaneous speech), and time. Some phonetic features of ADS changed within the child's first year depending on gender and parental involvement/gender identity. Thus, further research on IDS needs to address also potential changes in ADS.

scholarly journals Assessment of exposure to influenza A viruses in pigs between weaning and market age

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Bonin Ferreira ◽  
Zvonimir Poljak ◽  
Robert Friendship ◽  
Éva Nagy ◽  
Greg Wideman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Ha Gene ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
2009 H1n1 ◽  
Low Prevalence

AbstractInfluenza A viruses (IAVs) are common causes of respiratory infection in pigs. The objective of this study was to characterize the circulation of IAVs between weaning and market age on the basis of development of antibody response and molecular epidemiology of detected viruses. Two batches of weaned pigs were followed in the nursery and finisher barns with a sample of 81 and 75 pigs. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from individual pigs for virological and serological analyses. A H3N2 subtype virus, of cluster IV, was detected in Study 1, with a maximum of 97.9% identity to HA gene of viruses previously isolated in Ontario. In Study 2, a H1N1 subtype virus, of 2009 H1N1 pandemic lineage, was detected, with a maximum of 97.8% identity to HA gene of viruses previously isolated in Ontario. On the basis of HA gene, it was observed that pigs were being detected with the same virus over time. The existence of antibody titers for IAV other than the isolated one confirmed that more than one subtype can circulate in the same population. In Study 1, pigs with higher numbers of IAV detection had lower serological titers for the same virus that was confirmed to circulate in the nursery (P < 0.01). Thorough knowledge of all endemic viral strains is fundamental for development of infection and disease control, particularly in complex production systems. This may include consideration of sampling and testing strategies which could detect circulation of all IAV variants, even if they have low prevalence.

scholarly journals Physiological Biomarkers Assessed by Low-Tech Exercise Tests Predict Complications and Overall Survival in Patients Undergoing Pneumonectomy Due to Lung Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Tomasz Marjanski ◽  
Damian Wnuk ◽  
Robert Dziedzic ◽  
Marcin Ostrowski ◽  
Wioletta Sawicka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Cardiac Complications ◽  
First Year ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Walking Test ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Surgery Department

Due to its debilitating character pneumonectomy this is last-resort procedure. Preoperative results of the 6-min walking test (6MWT) help to identify high risk of postoperative complications and increased mortality in patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer. The aim of the study was to validate the value of 500 m in 6MWT as an indicator, which differentiates risk of complications in patients undergoing pneumonectomy. 125 patients who underwent pneumonectomy at Thoracic Surgery Department between 2009 and 2018. On the day preceding the surgery, patients underwent 6MWT. The patients were in median age of 63 years. The cut-off value of 500 m identified patients with increased 90-day mortality [17.9% vs. 3.5%, odds ratio (OR) 6.271, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.528–25.739], first-year mortality (30.7% vs. 11.6%, OR 3.378, 95% CI 1.310–8.709), and overall survival (p = 0.02). Patients who covered a distance ≤ 500 m had an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (35.9% vs. 16.3%, OR 2.880, 95% CI 1.207–6.870) and cardiac complications (38.4% vs. 19.8%, OR 2.537, 95% CI 1.100–5.849). Patients unable to reach 500 m in 6MWT are in a high risk of postoperative death after pneumonectomy, what may be a result of increased frequency of postoperative cardiac complications. Poor result of 6MWT is a predictor of worse overall survival.

A Novel Paradigm for Engineering Education: Virtual Internships With Individualized Mentoring and Assessment of Engineering Thinking

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi C. Chesler ◽  
A. R. Ruis ◽  
Wesley Collier ◽  
Zachari Swiecki ◽  
Golnaz Arastoopour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
First Year ◽  
Collaborative Environment ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
Complex Engineering ◽  
Potential Impact

Engineering virtual internships are a novel paradigm for providing authentic engineering experiences in the first-year curriculum. They are both individualized and accommodate large numbers of students. As we describe in this report, this approach can (a) enable students to solve complex engineering problems in a mentored, collaborative environment; (b) allow educators to assess engineering thinking; and (c) provide an introductory experience that students enjoy and find valuable. Furthermore, engineering virtual internships have been shown to increase students'—and especially women's—interest in and motivation to pursue engineering degrees. When implemented in first-year engineering curricula more broadly, the potential impact of engineering virtual internships on the size and diversity of the engineering workforce could be dramatic.

scholarly journals Deep vein thrombosis after monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (9) ◽  
pp. 3582-3586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigurdur Y. Kristinsson ◽  
Thomas R. Fears ◽  
Gloria Gridley ◽  
Ingemar Turesson ◽  
Ulf-Henrik Mellqvist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Monoclonal Gammopathy ◽  
First Year ◽  
Small Hospital ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Crude Incidence ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Undetermined Significance

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), particularly when treated with immunomodulatory drugs. Recently, 2 small hospital-based studies observed persons with the MM precursor condition, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), to be at increased risk of developing DVT. Among 4 196 197 veterans hospitalized at least once at US Veterans Affairs hospitals, we identified a total of 2374 cases of MGUS, and 39 272 persons were diagnosed with DVT (crude incidence 0.9 per 1000 person-years). A total of 31 and 151 DVTs occurred among MGUS and MM patients, respectively (crude incidence 3.1 and 8.7 per 1000 person-years, respectively; P < .01). Compared with the entire study population, the relative risk (RR) of DVT after a diagnosis of MGUS and MM was 3.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-4.7) and 9.2 (95% CI, 7.9-10.8), respectively. The most prominent excess risk of DVT was found during the first year after diagnosis of MGUS (RR = 8.4; 95% CI, 5.7-12.2) and MM (RR = 11.6; 95% CI, 9.2-14.5). Among 229 MGUS cases (9.5%) that progressed to MM, only one person had a DVT diagnosis before transformation. Our findings suggest the operation of shared underlying mechanisms causing coagulation abnormalities among patients with MGUS and MM.

scholarly journals Would Universal Antenatal Screening for HIV Infection Be Cost‐Effective in a Setting of Very Low Prevalence? Modelling the Data for Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 190 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Graves ◽  
Damian G. Walker ◽  
Ann M. McDonald ◽  
John M. Kaldor ◽  
John B. Ziegler
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Antenatal Screening ◽  
Low Prevalence

scholarly journals Decline in prevalence and asymmetric distribution of human T cell lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 in blood donors, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 1993 to 2007

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 615-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Regina Dias-Bastos ◽  
Cláudia Di Lorenzo Oliveira ◽  
Anna Bárbara de Freitas Carneiro-Proietti
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Asymmetric Distribution ◽  
Donor Pool ◽  
Human T Cell ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Positive Results

INTRODUCTION: Human T cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) are endemic in Brazil and are screened for in transfusion services since 1993. This study evaluated the evolution of the prevalence of HTLV-1 and 2 in blood donors of the Hemominas Foundation from 1993 to 2007, and its geographical distribution in State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The Hemominas Foundation is a centralized blood center in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The sources of data were the Hemominas Foundation Technical Bulletin and files from the centralized serological laboratory. Donors were tested in the period using enzyme linked immuno sorbent assays (ELISA), followed by Western blot, when repeatedly reactive. The data were analyzed by EPIINFO 6.2 and TABWIN 3.5 softwares. RESULTS: The average seroprevalence in the period 1993-2007 was 0.1%. A steady decline occurred from 0.4% in 1993 to below 0.1% in 2002 and later, with a transient peak of 0.5% in 1994. HTLV reactivity distribution was asymmetrical in the state, with regions of higher prevalence, interspersed with low prevalence areas. Comparison of positive and negative donors verified that increasing age was proportional to virus positivity. Odds ratio for age ranged from 1.43 (30 to 39 years-old) to 3.09 (50 to 65 years-old). Women had a greater chance of being positive (OR-1.64), as previously described. CONCLUSIONS: Possible explanations for HTLV-1/2 prevalence decline are the exclusion of positive donors from the donor pool, an increase in repeat donors and ELISA test improvement, with reduction in the number of false positive results.

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