Cervical Length and Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Level in Endocervix of Spontaneous Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is one of the critical obstetrics issue until now, due to high risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and even death towards the preterm newborn babies. For those surviving preterm babies, they are facing lifetime disabilities such as blindness, deafness, mental retardation, and motor disabilities. Preterm labor is hard to prevent due to the unknown definite etiology. Early cervical maturation due to inflammation is hypothesized to be the triggering factor of preterm labor mechanism. To investigate the correlation between cervical length and matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) in the endocervix of spontaneous preterm labor case. This research was conducted with analytical cross-sectional study. Samples were pregnant women with gestational age between 20 until 36 weeks and 6 days with preterm labor in the Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, which were obtained in October, 1st 2014 until January 2015. Samples were collected consecutively. The length of the cervix was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS), and the level of MMP-8 was evaluated with ELISA in the Veterinary Laboratory of Udayana University. This study shows that age, parity, gestational age, hemoglobin, white blood cell, platelet and neutrophile count were having p value > 0.05 for all parameters, which means that there was no significant difference between two groups. The high level of MMP-8 in the endocervix (≥4.3920 ng/ml) is the risk factor for short cervical length by 4 fold, compared to the low MMP-8 level (PR = 4,00; 95% CI = 1,07-14,90; p=0,006) . In the spontaneous preterm labor, the shorter cervical length has higher level of uterine endocervical MMP-8.

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Clinical Implications of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Viable Preterm Period

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1713851 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (11) ◽

pp. 1077-1083 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Moti Gulersen ◽

Matthew J. Blitz ◽

Burton Rochelson ◽

Michael Nimaroff ◽

Weiwei Shan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gestational Age ◽

Preterm Labor ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Late Preterm ◽

Age At Diagnosis ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Key Points ◽

Diagnosis Of Infection

Objective This study aimed to determine the rate of preterm birth (PTB) during hospitalization among women diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between 23 and 37 weeks of gestation and whether this rate differs by gestational age at diagnosis of infection. Study Design Retrospective, cross-sectional study of all women diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection between 23 and 37 weeks of gestation within a large integrated health system from March 13 to April 24, 2020. Cases with severe fetal structural malformations detected prior to infection were excluded. Women were stratified into two groups based on gestational age at diagnosis: early preterm (230/7 to 336/7 weeks) versus late preterm (34 to 366/7 weeks). We compared the rate of PTB during hospitalization with infection between the two groups. Statistical analysis included use of Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher exact tests, as well as a multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value <0.05. Results Of the 65 patients included, 36 (53.7%) were diagnosed in the early preterm period and 29 (46.3%) were diagnosed in the late preterm period. Baseline demographics were similar between groups. The rate of PTB during hospitalization with infection was significantly lower among women diagnosed in the early preterm period compared with late preterm (7/36 [19.4%] vs. 18/29 [62%], p-value = 0.001). Of the 25 patients who delivered during hospitalization with infection, the majority were indicated deliveries (64%, 16/25). There were no deliveries <33 weeks of gestation for worsening coronavirus disease 2019 and severity of disease did not alter the likelihood of delivery during hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2 infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24–1.59). Increased maternal age was associated with a lower likelihood of delivery during hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2 infection (aOR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.58–0.96), while later gestational age at diagnosis of infection was associated with a higher likelihood of delivery during hospitalization (aOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.67–8.09). Conclusion The likelihood of PTB during hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2 infection is significantly lower among women diagnosed in the early preterm period compared with late preterm. Most women with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the early preterm period recovered and were discharged home. The majority of PTB were indicated and not due to spontaneous preterm labor. Key Points

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Safety climate and related factors in rehabilitation nurses of hospitals in Iran

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-203368 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Javad vatani ◽

Zahra Khanikosarkhizi ◽

Mohammad Ali Shahabi Rabori ◽

mohammad khandan ◽

Mohsen aminizadeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Safety Climate ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Climate Assessment ◽

Safety Work ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Training Courses ◽

The Individual

BACKGROUND: Safety climate is a common insight of staff that indicates individuals’ attitudes toward safety and priority of safety at work. OBJECTIVES: Nursing is a risky job where paying attention to safety is crucial. The assessment of the safety climate is one of the methods to measure the safety conditions in this occupation. The aim of this study was to assess the safety climate of rehabilitation nurses working in hospitals in Tehran. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study which was carried out on 140 rehabilitation nurses selected from all hospitals and clinics in Tehran in 2019. To collect the required data, a two-section questionnaire was used. The first section was related to demographic factors and the second part (22 statements) was to measure the safety climate using nurses’ safety climate assessment questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS V16 using independent t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test at the 5% level. RESULTS: Findings showed that the total mean of safety climate was 3.06±0.56. According to the results, a significant difference was found between the positive and negative satisfaction of nurses with safety climates (P-value = 0.03), communication with nurses (P-value = 0.01) and supervisors’ attitude (P-value = 0.02). Furthermore, a significant difference in safety climate between the individual with the second job and the individual without second could be observed (P-value = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the safety climate was not at an acceptable level. Thus, it is essential to introduce safety training courses (e.g. safety, work-rest balance, and so on) and to improve the safety performance at work.

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Professional burnout of nursing team working to fight the new coronavirus pandemic

Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0498 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 75 (suppl 1) ◽

Author(s):

Ana Maria Müller de Magalhães ◽

Denilse Damasceno Trevilato ◽

Daiane Dal Pai ◽

Amanda da Silveira Barbosa ◽

Natascha Monteiro Medeiros ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Professional Burnout ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Team Working ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Nursing Team ◽

High Level

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify burnout and associated factors among nursing workers working in coping with COVID-19. Methods: a cross-sectional study, developed in four hospitals in a capital in southern Brazil. Sample (n=499) composed of nurses and nursing technicians/assistants, who answered an online form containing socio-occupational characterization and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed, including multiple comparison tests. Results: burnout was identified in 60 (12%) workers, with no significant difference between hospitals, but with a difference in dimensions between them. In the emotional exhaustion dimension, a higher proportion (52.9%) was found at a moderate level. Prevalence of high level of professional achievement of 95.4% was identified. Conclusion: the presence of burnout was significantly prevalent among nurses and females. It reinforces the need to develop strategies to promote the health of nursing workers, providing improvement in health services and reduction of care and labor risks.

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Mothers Related to their Oral Health Status of 6-12 Years Old Children in Bhilai City, Chhattisgarh, India

European Scientific Journal ESJ ◽

10.19044/esj.2018.v14n21p248 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (21) ◽

pp. 248

Author(s):

Pallavi Pawar ◽

Nilotpol Kashyap ◽

Rohit Anand

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Oral Health ◽

Health Assessment ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Oral Health Status ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Related ◽

High Level ◽

Children’S Oral Health

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status of 6-12 year old children and their mother’s knowledge, attitude, and practices in Bhilai city. Moreover, this study was also carried out to determine whether mother’s oral health related knowledge, attitude, and practices have a significant influence on the oral health of their children. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted among children (n=600) aged between 6-12 years, attending both government and private schools accompanied with their mothers in Bhilai city. The oral health status of the children was evaluated by using WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2013). The parents were then asked to fill 25 item based on selfadministered questionnaire. Mother’s knowledge, attitude, and practices were assessed by direct contact with mothers using close ended questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: The data was then entered and analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Also, p value≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The result of the study showed that 90% of mothers had good knowledge, 75% mothers had average attitude, and 51% mothers had high level practices related to oral health. An inverse relationship was found between children’s oral health status and their mother’s knowledge, attitude, and practices about oral health. Thus, the findings were highly significant. Conclusion: Results showed that mother’s oral health related to knowledge, attitude, and practices had a significant impact on oral health status of their children.

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The Relationship between Mental Health with the Level of Empathy Among Medical Students in Southern Thailand: A University-Based Cross- Sectional Study

Siriraj Medical Journal ◽

10.33192/smj.2021.108 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 73 (12) ◽

pp. 832-840

Author(s):

Katti Sathaporn ◽

Jarurin Pitanupong

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Students ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Clinical Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Level

Objective: To determine the level of and factors associated with empathy among medical students.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed all first- to sixth-year medical students at the Facultyof Medicines, Prince of Songkla University, at the end of the 2020 academic year. The questionnaires consisted of:1) The personal and demographic information questionnaire, 2) The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, and 3) ThaiMental Health Indicator-15. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and factors associated with empathylevel were assessed via chi-square and logistic regression analyses.Results: There were 1010 participants with response rate of 94%. Most of them were female (59%). More than half(54.9%) reported a high level of empathy. There was a statistically significant difference in empathy levels betweenpre-clinical and clinical medical students; in regards to empathy subgroups (P-value < 0.001). The assessment ofemotional states in others by demonstrating appropriate sensitivity behavior, altruism, and empathic respondingscores among the pre-clinical group were higher than those of the clinical group. Multivariate analysis indicatedthat female gender, pre-clinical training level, and minor specialty preference were factors associated with empathylevel. The protective factor that significantly improved the level of empathy was having fair to good mental health.Conclusion: More than half of the surveyed medical students reported a high level of empathy. The protective factorthat improved the level of empathy was good mental health. However, future qualitative methods, longitudinalsurveillance, or long-term follow-up designs are required to ensure the trustworthiness of these findings.

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Transvaginal Ultrasound Assessment of Cervical Length in Threatened Preterm Labor

Indonesian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.32771/inajog.v36i2.1481 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 81-84

Author(s):

Prasila Ekaputri

Keyword(s):

Preterm Labor ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Uterine Contraction ◽

Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cervical Length ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Active Labor ◽

Ultrasound Assessment ◽

Threatened Preterm Labor

Objectives: To determine the cut off point of cervical length usingtransvaginal ultrasonography to predict the actual occurrence ofpreterm labor in women with threatened preterm labor. Methods: A cross sectional study with consecutive random samplingmethod. We examined 80 women with singleton pregnancycomplaining of regular, painful uterine contraction and rupturedmembrane at 24-36 weeks of gestation. Women in active labor, definedby the presence of cervical dilatation less than or equal 3 cm, and having complicationwere excluded. When the patient was admitted, a transvaginalscan was performed to measure the cervical length. Parenteralmagnesium sulfate was given as the subsequent management.The primary outcome was delivery within 24 hours of presentation.Results: We found that the optimal cut off values for cervical lengthwas 2.65 cm with sensitivity 94.4 Percent, specificity 65.4Percent, positive predictivevalue 75.4 Percent and negative predictive value 81.8 Percent. In 69cases, the cervical length was more than or 2.65 cm, with 52 patients successfullycontinued their pregnancy until more than 24 hours. In the 11cases with cervical length less than or equal 2.65 cm, delivery within 24 hours occurredin 9 cases (81,8 Percent). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that in women withthreatened preterm labor, cervical length more than or equal 2.65 cm may help predictthe actual occurrence of preterm labor. Keywords: cervical length, threatened preterm labor, transvaginalultrasonography

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Peak expiratory flow rate among smokers and non-smokers working in Kathmandu Medical College

Journal of Chitwan Medical College ◽

10.3126/jcmc.v10i2.29667 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 33-35

Author(s):

Preetu Gurung

Keyword(s):

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Peak Expiratory Flow ◽

Flow Rate ◽

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical College ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Expiratory Flow

Background: Cigarette smoking has remained a popular habit since ages. Most people are well aware of the deleterious effects of cigarette smoking yet continue to give a blind eye which deteriorates overall public health. The purpose of the present study was to assess Peak Expiratory Flow Rate among smoking and nonsmoking staffs who work in Kathmandu Medical College. Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study Peak Expiratory Flow Rate was obtained using Mini Wright’s Peak Flow Meter of 108 smokers and 108 nonsmokers in the age group ranging from 25-45 years. Those who never smoked or who have quit smoking for the past 2 years were grouped as nonsmokers and the smokers with history of smoking at least five or more cigarettes per day for at least two years were included in the study for measuring their Peak Expiratory Flow Rate. Data was collected, compiled and analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) software version16. Student ‘t’ test was used for group comparison. Results: The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate value was significantly reduced in the smokers (p value< 0.05). Mean Peak Expiratory Flow Rate was reduced with increasing age of the smokers. However, no significant difference was observed in Peak Expiratory Flow Rate with increase in the number of cigarettes smoked (p value> 0.05). Conclusions: In the study Peak Expiratory Flow Rate among smokers (367.13 ± 74.182) was lower than nonsmokers (471.39±60.842), which was statistically significant proving that cigarette smoking reduced peak expiratory flow rate.

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Behavior of fetal longitudinal myocardial fibers assessed by speckle tracking to obtain strain and strain rate values for low-risk pregnancies

Journal of Perinatal Medicine ◽

10.1515/jpm-2019-0342 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 144-152

Author(s):

Mariana Biancardi ◽

Renato Augusto Moreira de Sa

Keyword(s):

Strain Rate ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Observer Agreement ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Strain And Strain Rate ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Myocardial Fibers

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the behavior of fetal longitudinal myocardial fibers assessed by speckle tracking (STE) after fetal viability.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in 156 women with normal singleton pregnancies from 22 to 31 weeks of gestation. Strain (S) and strain rate (SR) values were measured in both ventricles during the fetal cardiac cycle. The population was divided into five gestational age groups based on 2-week intervals. The correlations of maternal variables with the S and SR variables and intra-observer analysis were performed.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the S and SR values of the left ventricle (LV) among the gestational age groups (P = 0.007). Significantly higher S and SR values were observed in early age groups demonstrating reductions in LV S and SR values at 26 weeks, followed by stabilization. For the right ventricle (RV), there was no significant difference between gestational age groups. Significant intra-observer agreement was observed for S values of the RV (P = 0.008) and LV (P = 0.0004) and SR values of the RV (P = 0.0001) and LV (P = 0.015).ConclusionDecreases in the S and SR values of the LV occurred after 26 weeks, followed by stabilization. No significant difference was observed in the S or SR value of the RV among the gestational age groups, and no significant association of any maternal variable evaluated with S and SR values was observed. Significant intra-observer agreement was obtained among the results.

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Study of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Normal Nepalese Adults Using Ultrasound

Birat Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.3126/bjhs.v3i1.19758 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 357-360 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bidur KC ◽

Amit Thapa

Keyword(s):

Optic Nerve ◽

Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Optic Nerve Sheath ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Normal Limits ◽

Nerve Sheath ◽

Significant Difference

Introduction: Though invasive intracranial devices are gold standard to calculate intracranial pressure (ICP); these are not without any complications. Non-invasive measurement of ICP by Ultrasonography could be a safe and portable technique.Objectives: The objective of the study was to measure and compare values of optic nerve sheath diameter of both eyes in healthy Nepalese adults.Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study of healthy adult Nepalese volunteers was performed using a 7.5 MHz linear Ultrasound probe on the closed eyelids; optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) was measured 3 mm behind the globe in each eye.Results: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) of both eyes was measured in 100 healthy volunteers of age ranged from 15 to 75 years with a mean of 30.21 ± 14.05 years. There were 18 (18%) male and 82 (82%) female. ONSD for right eye ranged from 3.20 to 4.90 mm with mean of 4.10 ± 0.50 mm and left eye from 3.20 to 4.80 mm with mean of 4.22 ± 0.49 mm. P value for right and left eye ONSD (P = 0.06) and male and female (P = 0.12 and 0.85 for right and left ONSD respectively) were within normal limits. ONSD has no correlation with age (P = 0.27 and 0.27 for right and left ONSD respectively).Conclusion Mean of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is 4.10mm and 4.22 mm for right and left eye respectively. There is no statistical significant difference in mean of ONSD between right and left eye. BJHS 2018;3(1)5 : 357-360

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Harm Perception and Attitudes towards E-cigarette Use Among Qatar University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.29117/quarfe.2021.0145 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rana Kurdi ◽

Hanan Abdul Rahim ◽

Ghadir Al-Jayyousi ◽

Manar Yaseen ◽

Aetefeh Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Smoking Prevention ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

P Value ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is becoming popular worldwide especially among youth. Research reported that university students have poor knowledge and misconceptions about the health risks of e-cigarettes, which may lead students to use them even in populations where prevalence of cigarette smoking is relatively low. At this age, the influence of peers is also significant. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of e-cigarette use among university students as well as their knowledge and attitudes towards e-cigarettes. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study among Qatar University students using a self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive univariate analysis of all variables was conducted as well as a bivariate analysis to check the association of e-cigarette use with selected variables. A binary logistic regression was conducted to assess predictors of e-cigarette use. Results: The prevalence of e-cigarette use among students was found to be 14% where 32% of them were daily users. Approximately 42% of the participants agreed that ‘e-cigarettes are less harmful to health compared to traditional cigarettes, and 45.7% of them agreed that ‘e-cigarettes can prevent smoking traditional cigarettes. The prevalence of e-cigarettes use was 16.2% among males and 12.8% among females, which showed no significant difference between the two genders. Females were more likely to use e-cigarettes because they “don’t smell” (P-value=0.023). The study showed a significant association between e-cigarette use and knowledge items (P-value < 0.05) and having a smoker among siblings or friends. At the multivariate analysis level, only the friends’ effect remained significant after controlling for the other variables (OR= 7.3, P-value=0.000). Conclusion: Our research found that university students have inadequate knowledge and misconceptions in regards to e-cigarettes use, especially among users. Effective smoking prevention policy and educational interventions are needed to enhance awareness among university students about the health effects associated with e-cigarettes use.

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