Effects of Diabetes and Hypertension on Oral Mucosa and TGFβ1 Salivary Levels

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate salivary levels of TGFβ1 and proliferation/ maturation of epithelial mucosa cells in diabetic and hypertensive patients. Design: in this cross-sectional study, whole stimulated saliva and oral mucosa exfoliative cytology specimens were collected from 39 patients that were healthy (control, n=10) or presented history of arterial hypertension (HAS, n=9), diabetes mellitus (DM, n=10) or both (DM+HAS, n=10). Salivary flow rate (SFR), TGFβ1 level in saliva, AgNORs and the epithelial maturation were evaluated. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn’s multiple comparison post-test and the Spearman test correlation analysis were used. SFR showed a significant decreased in DM and DM+HAS (0.47±0.11 and 0.64±0.43 mL/min) when compared to control (1.4±0.38 mL/min). DM+HAS presented the highest value of TGFβ1 concentration (24.72±5.89 pg/mL). It was observed a positive correlation between TGFβ1 and glycaemia (R=0.6371; p<0.001) and a negative correlation between TGFβ1 and saliva (R=-0.6162; p<0.001) and glycaemia and SFR (R=-0.5654; P=0.001). AgNORs number and status of maturation of mucosa cells were similar for all conditions. DM and DM+HAS presented the lowest SFR, which correlated with increased TGFβ1 levels. Despite the higher TGFβ1 secretion it was not observed changes in the morphology or proliferation of epithelial cells when diabetes or hypertension was present.

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Incidence of headache after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with history of headache: A cross-sectional study

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/03331024211038654 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 033310242110386

Author(s):

Koji Sekiguchi ◽

Narumi Watanabe ◽

Naoki Miyazaki ◽

Kei Ishizuchi ◽

Chisato Iba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Event ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthy Control ◽

History Of ◽

Baseline Characteristics ◽

Migrainous Headache ◽

Headache Patients

Background Headache is an adverse event of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. Whether patients with history of headache suffer more from vaccination-induced headaches is unknown. We aimed to uncover if headache patients develop more headaches after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination than healthy controls. Methods We performed a questionnaire survey for nursing staff in our hospital from April to May 2021. Based on baseline characteristics, we divided the participants into migraine, non-migrainous headache, and healthy control, and examined the occurrence and features of headache after COVID-19 vaccinations. Results We included 171 participants (15.2% migraine and 24.6% non-migrainous headache). Headache incidence after vaccinations was significantly higher in the migraine (69.2%) and non-migrainous headache (71.4%) groups than in the healthy control (37.9%) group. The incidence of headaches was significantly higher after the second dose compared to the first (45.6% vs. 20.5%). Conclusion Migraineurs and non-migrainous headache participants developed more headaches compared to the healthy controls after COVID-19 vaccination.

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Study on Clinico-Haematol-Biochemical Alterations in Goats Suffering from Trichostrongylosis in Anand District of Gujarat

THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY ◽

10.21887/ijvsbt.15.2.3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (02) ◽

pp. 10-13

Author(s):

N R Rajpura ◽

G C Mandali ◽

Neha Rao ◽

A C Patel

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Serum Total Protein ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Biochemical Alterations ◽

Loss Of Weight ◽

Healthy Control ◽

History Of ◽

The Mean ◽

Hematological And Biochemical Parameters

This cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the effect of trichostrongylosis on clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters in goats. The study included eight healthy control goats and 48 naturally infected goats from the Anand district of Gujarat. The cases having a history of diarrhea, anorexia, weakness, dullness, loss of weight, and not dewormed were selected. Fecal samples of infected goats were examined by direct smear method for the presence of Trichostrongylus spp. eggs and the infection was confirmed by quantitative evaluation and coproculture of the samples for the identification of larvae. The result indicated that the infected goats have significantly elevated rectal temperature, pulse rate, and respiration rate along with diarrhea, dullness, depression, emaciation, and loss of condition. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the mean Hb, TEC, PCV, lymphocyes, as well as serum total protein, calcium and phosphorus, and a significant increase in TLC, neutrophils, eosinophils, ALT, AST and ALP in infected goats.

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Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives on the Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine in Terms of Their Exposure to the Influenza Vaccine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050465 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 465

Author(s):

Leena R. Baghdadi ◽

Shatha G. Alghaihb ◽

Alanoud A. Abuhaimed ◽

Dania M. Alkelabi ◽

Rawan S. Alqahtani

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Work Experience ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ◽

History Of

In 2019, a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)) caused a global pandemic. There was an urgent need to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 to reduce its spread and economic burden. The main objective of this study was to understand the attitudes and concerns of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine, whether their decision was influenced by their history of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine, and factors that influence the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We selected and surveyed 356 HCWs via an electronic self-administered questionnaire. A total of 61.16% of HCWs were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and 55.9% of them had received the seasonal influenza vaccine in the preceding year (2019–2020). The strongest predictors for taking the COVID-19 vaccine were the HCWs’ belief that the COVID-19 vaccine would be safe, needed even for healthy people, that all HCWs should be vaccinated against COVID-19, and that HCWs will have time to take the vaccine. Being female, being middle aged, having <5 years of work experience, having no fear of injections, and being a non-smoker were predictive factors for taking the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. No associations were found between the intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine and a history of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine.

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Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and feasibility of TB preventive therapy among Thai prisoners: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11271-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sivaporn Gatechompol ◽

Weerakit Harnpariphan ◽

Ruamthip Supanan ◽

Gompol Suwanpimolkul ◽

Jiratchaya Sophonphan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latent Tuberculosis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Preventive Therapy ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ltbi Prevalence ◽

History Of ◽

Chest X Ray ◽

Latent Tb ◽

Latent Tb Infection

Abstract Background Prisons are considered as major reservoirs for tuberculosis. Preventive therapy for latent TB infection (LTBI) is an adjunctive strategy to control TB. However, LTBI data in Thai prisoners is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of LTBI and feasibility of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among prisoners in Klong Prem Central Prison, Bangkok. Participants were screened for active TB by questionnaire and chest X-ray. LTBI was evaluated by Tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFTP) among subgroup. Participants with positive TST or QFTP were considered to have LTBI. Participants with LTBI were offered IPT. Results From August 2018–November 2019, 1002 participants were analyzed. All participants were male with a median age of 38 (IQR 32–50) years. LTBI identified by either TST/QFTP was present in 466 (46.5%) participants. TST was positive in 359 (36%) participants. In the subgroup of 294 participants who had both TST and QFTP results, 181/294 (61.6%) tested positive by QFTP. Agreement between TST and QFTP was 55.1% (Kappa = 0.17). The risk factors associated with LTBI were previous incarceration (aOR 1.53, 95%CI, 1.16–2.01, p = 0.002), history of prior active TB (aOR 3.02, 95%CI, 1.74–5.24, p < 0.001) and duration of incarceration ≥10 years (aOR 1.86, 95%CI, 1.24–2.79, p = 0.003). Majority of LTBI participants (82%) agreed to take IPT. Three hundred and 56 (93%) participants completed treatment whereas 27 (7%) participants discontinued IPT due to the side effects of INH. Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI and feasibility of IPT among Thai prisoners. LTBI prevalence in male prisoners in Thailand is high. LTBI screening and treatment should be implemented together with other preventive components.

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Malaria among migrants in a university hospital in Colombia during 2018: A case series

Tropical Doctor ◽

10.1177/0049475520981301 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 004947552098130

Author(s):

Fabián R Carreño-Almánzar ◽

Adán Coronado-Galán ◽

Sonia A Cala-Gómez ◽

Agustín Vega-Vera

Keyword(s):

Latin American ◽

Previous History ◽

Case Series ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Imported Malaria ◽

University Hospital ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Clinical Profiles

Imported malaria has increased in Colombia since 2015 and has been attributed to migrants coming from Venezuela. We present a series of malaria cases, nested in a retrospective cross-sectional study between 2017 and 2018, aimed at calculating the prevalence of medical diseases among immigrants in a University Hospital in Colombia. Among 154 immigrants admitted for medical causes between 2017 and 2018, 8 were diagnosed with malaria, all due to Plasmodium vivax. Of these, seven had uncomplicated malaria, five had a previous history of malaria, one was critically ill, but none died. We highlight that, similar to other case series of imported malaria, Latin American migrants were young, with similar clinical profiles, having a low proportion of severe cases, and P. vivax was the most frequent cause.

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Hepatitis B virus infection and its associated factors among medical waste collectors at public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05918-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Degu Abate Mengiste ◽

Abebe Tolera Dirbsa ◽

Behailu Hawulte Ayele ◽

Tewodros Tesfa Hailegiyorgis

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Medical Waste ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Eastern Ethiopia ◽

B Virus ◽

History Of

Abstract Background The risk of hepatitis B virus infection among medical waste handlers who undergo collection, transportation, and disposal of medical wastes in the health institutions is higher due to frequent exposure to contaminated blood and other body fluids. There is limited evidence on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B among medical waste handlers in eastern Ethiopia. The study was aimed at studying the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and associated risk factors among medical waste collectors at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected medical waste collectors from public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia from March to June 2018. A pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and hepatitis B infection risk factors. A2.5ml venous blood was also collected, centrifuged and the serum was analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using the instant hepatitis B surface antigen kit. Descriptive summary measures were done. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess the risk of association. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted with 95% CI and all value at P-value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. Results From a total of 260 (97.38%) medical waste collectors participated, HBV was detected in 53 (20.4%) of the participants [95%CI; 15.8, 25.6]. No significant differences were observed in the detection rates of HBV with respect to socio-demographic characteristics. In both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis, being unvaccinated (AOR = 6.35; 95%CI = [2.53–15.96], P = 0.001), history of blood transfusion (receiving) (AOR; 3.54; 95%CI; [1.02–12.24], P = 0.046), history of tattooing (AOR = 2.86; 95%CI = [1.12–7.27], p = 0.03), and history of multiple sexual partner (AOR = 10.28; 95%CI = [4.16–25.38], P = 0.001) remained statistically significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. Conclusion This cross-sectional study identified that HBV infection is high among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia. Immunization and on job health promotion and disease prevention measures should be considered in order to control the risk of HBV infection among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia.

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Analysis of the relationship between periodontitis and osteoporosis/fractures: a cross-sectional study

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-021-01496-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Seok-Jin Hong ◽

Byoung-Eun Yang ◽

Dae-Myoung Yoo ◽

Sung-Jae Kim ◽

Hyo-Geun Choi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Odds Ratio ◽

Bone Destruction ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Income Group ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease resulting in patients exhibiting high levels of inflammatory factors causing systemic inflammatory bone destruction that may lead to osteoporosis development. The association between periodontitis and osteoporosis has been documented; however, the findings remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the association between periodontitis and osteoporosis using a cross-sectional study design and Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) health examinee data. Methods This cross-sectional study used epidemiological data from the KoGES during 2004–2016. Of 125,324 participants (age, 40–79 years), 9969 with periodontitis and 115,332 controls (without periodontitis) were selected. We analyzed the history of osteoporosis and fractures of all participants. All participants were examined according to age, sex, income group, obesity, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and food intake. To analyze the odds ratio (OR) of periodontitis for those with osteoporosis and fractures, a logistic regression model was used. Results The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of periodontitis for osteoporosis was 2.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01–2.31; P < 0.001). The aOR of periodontitis for any fracture was 1.54 (95% CI 1.46–1.62; P < 0.001). Conclusion Osteoporosis and fractures are associated with periodontitis. Performing regular oral hygiene and examinations of bone mineral density are recommended to prevent aggravation of osteoporosis and periodontitis.

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Assessment of alcohol use disorder and its associated factors among alcohol users of medical and surgical outpatients attending a specialized hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

International Journal of Mental Health Systems ◽

10.1186/s13033-021-00454-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Demeke Demilew ◽

Berhanu Boru ◽

Getachew Tesfaw ◽

Habtamu Kerebih ◽

Endalamaw Salelew

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Use ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Alcohol Use Disorder ◽

Alcohol Use Disorders ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Male Sex

Abstract Background Alcohol use disorder increase the risk of physical harm, mental or social consequences for patients and others in the community. Studies on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among medical and surgical outpatients in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study is meant to provide essential data on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among alcohol user medical and surgical outpatients to intervene in the future. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using the systematic random sampling technique. Alcohol use disorders were assessed using the World Health Organization’s 10-item Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, a P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the multivariate analysis and the strength of association was measured at a 95% confidence interval. Results The prevalence of alcohol use disorder was 34.5% with a 95% CI (29.20, 39.80) among study participants. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex (AOR = 3.33, 95%CI: 1.40, 7.93), history of mental illness (AOR = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.12, 6.38), drinking for relaxation (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI: 1.02, 3.48) and history of lifetime tobacco use (AOR = 5.64, 95%CI: 1.95, 16.29) were factors significantly associated with alcohol use disorder. Conclusion The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among medical and surgical outpatients was found to be high. Male sex, history of mental illness, alcohol use for relaxation and lifetime cigarette smoking need more attention during the assessment of patients in the medical and surgical outpatient departments.

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Salivary flow rate and the risk of cognitive impairment among Korean elders: a cross-sectional study

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02200-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Minh-Tung Do ◽

Huong Vu ◽

Jong-Koo Lee ◽

Sang-Min Park ◽

Joung-Sik Son ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Flow Rate ◽

Salivary Flow ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Salivary Flow Rate ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Denture Status

Abstract Background Salivary function has been suggested to be associated with cognitive impairment. However, the effect of salivary flow rate (SFR) on cognitive impairment remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether SFR is associated with cognitive impairment among Korean elders. Methods This cross-sectional study included 649 elders aged 65 and older in the Korean community-dwelling population. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Examination. Unstimulated SFR was measured and dichotomized. Denture status, age, sex, education level, smoking, drinking, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were considered confounders. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the adjusted association. Stratified analysis by sex and denture status was performed to clarify the effect modification. Results Participants without cognitive impairment showed a higher SFR level than those with cognitive impairment (0.81 mL/min for non-cognitive impairment versus 0.52 mL/min for cognitive impairment, p < 0.001). After controlling for confounders, participants with low SFR (< 0.3 mL/min) were more likely to have cognitive impairment by 1.5 times than participants with normal SFR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–2.10). The association of low SFR with cognitive impairment was higher in women and dentate participants: about 10% higher in women (OR = 1.63, CI = 1.07–2.50) and about 22% higher in dentate participants (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.41–2.90). Conclusions Salivary flow rate is independently associated with cognitive impairment among Korean elders. The association was modified in females and dentate elders. Physicians and dentists should consider low SFR and cognitive impairment as a risk factor between them in clinics.

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Use of electronic cigarettes and secondhand exposure to their aerosols are associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Respiratory Research ◽

10.1186/s12931-020-01569-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdullah Alnajem ◽

Abdullah Redha ◽

Dalal Alroumi ◽

Ahmed Alshammasi ◽

Mohamad Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Uncontrolled Asthma ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Current Asthma ◽

The Past ◽

Asthma Symptoms ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Globally, a surge in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has been observed in recent years, with youth being the most susceptible group. Given their recent emergence, studies assessing the health consequences of using e-cigarettes and exposure to their secondhand aerosols (SHA) are limited. Hence, this study sought to assess associations between e-cigarette use and household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling high school students (n = 1565; aged 16–19 years) in Kuwait. Participants self-completed a questionnaire on tobacco products use (e-cigarettes and cigarettes) and asthma symptoms. Current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking were defined as any use in the past 30 days. Household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes in the past 7 days was reported as none (0 days), infrequent (1–2 days), and frequent (≥ 3 days). Asthma symptoms included current (past 12 months) wheeze, current asthma (history of clinical diagnosis and current wheeze and/or medication use), and current symptoms of uncontrolled asthma (≥ 4 attacks of wheeze, ≥ 1 night per week sleep disturbance from wheeze, and/or wheeze affecting speech). Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results Among the analytical study sample (n = 1345), current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking was reported by 369 (27.4%) and 358 (26.6%) participants, respectively. Compared to never e-cigarette users and never cigarette smokers, current e-cigarette users with no history of cigarette smoking had increased prevalence of current wheeze (aPR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.01–2.45) and current asthma (aPR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.03–3.41). Moreover, the frequency of exposure to household SHA from e-cigarettes was associated with asthma symptoms. For example, compared to those with no exposure to household SHA, frequent exposure to household SHA was associated with current wheeze (aPR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.59), current asthma (aPR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.13–2.16), and current uncontrolled asthma symptoms (aPR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.35–2.62). Conclusions E-cigarette use and their household SHA exposure were independently associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Hence, such observations indicate that e-cigarette use and passive exposure to their aerosols negatively impact respiratory health among adolescents.

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