scholarly journals Circulating Levels of MicroRNAs Associated With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in Male and Female South African Participants

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don M. Matshazi ◽  
Cecil J. Weale ◽  
Rajiv T. Erasmus ◽  
Andre P. Kengne ◽  
Saarah F. G. Davids ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Hypertension Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Progression Of Disease ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Circulating Levels ◽  
Diagnosis Of Hypertension

MicroRNAs are non-coding, post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and their dysregulation has been associated with development of various diseases, including hypertension. Consequently, understanding their role in the pathogenesis and progression of disease is essential. Prior research focusing on microRNAs in disease has provided a basis for understanding disease prognosis and offered possible channels for therapeutic interventions. Herein, we aimed to investigate possible differences in the expression profiles of five microRNAs in the blood of participants grouped on the basis of their hypertension status. This was done to elucidate the possible roles played by these microRNAs in the development of hypertension. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we evaluated the expression levels of miR-126-3p, 30a-5p, 182-5p, 30e-3p, and 1299 in the whole blood of 1456 participants, normotensive (n = 573), screen-detected hypertensive (n = 304) and known hypertensive (n = 579). The expression of miR-126-3p and 182-5p was significantly higher in known hypertensives relative to both screen-detected hypertensives and normotensives, and also in screen-detected hypertensives vs normotensives. A significant association between the expression of miR-126-3p, 182-5p, and 30a-5p and known hypertension was also evident. This study demonstrated dysregulated miR-126-3p, 182-5p, and 30a-5p expression in hypertension, highlighting the possible efficacy of these microRNAs as targets for the diagnosis of hypertension as well as the development of microRNA-based therapies.

scholarly journals Imaging of COVID-19: Experience in BIRDEM General Hospital

2020 ◽  
pp. 56-62
Author(s):  
MA Taher ◽  
Jafreen Sultana ◽  
Ishtiaque Mohammad Behnom ◽  
Mohua Saha
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Lower Lobe ◽  
Ground Glass Opacity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Progression Of Disease ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Background: Pneumonia associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan of China which was recognized as a global health emergency. Role of imaging, specially high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest is considered as an important tool in the early diagnosis, evaluation of disease progression and prompt management of COVID-19 patient in this global health pandemic. This study was designed to report the spectrum of HRCT imaging findings in COVID-19 infected patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 consecutive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients who underwent HRCT chest from 1st of September 2020 to 30th October 2020 in BIRDEM General Hospital. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Prevalence, distribution, extent and type of abnormal lung findings were recorded. Results: Total 30 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. Among them, 26 (86.6%) patients had fever and 17 (66.66%) patients had fatigability. The most frequent CT abnormality was ground glass opacity in (26, 86.67%). Crazy-paving pattern was found in 19 (63.33%) cases. Most patients had multiple lesions and involved all the 5 lobes The lesions were mostly peripheral (26, 86.6%) in distribution. Most commonly involved lobe is right lower lobe (27, 90%). Conclusion: Radiology & Imaging, specially HRCT of chest is an excellent modality in diagnosis of disease, evaluation of progression of disease, evaluation of post COVID-19 patient and prompt management of COVID- 19 patient in this global health emergency. Birdem Med J 2020; 10, COVID Supplement: 56-62

scholarly journals 425. The Utility of Paired Upper and Lower COVID-19 Sampling in Patients with Artificial Airways

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S279-S279
Author(s):  
Eimear Kitt ◽  
Julia S Sammons ◽  
Kathleen Chiotos ◽  
Susan E Coffin ◽  
Susan E Coffin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends upper respiratory tract (URT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing as the initial diagnostic test for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Lower respiratory tract (LRT) testing for patients requiring mechanical ventilation is also recommended. The goal of this study was to evaluate concordance between paired URT and LRT specimens in children undergoing pre-admission/procedure screening or diagnostic testing. We hypothesized that < 10% of paired tests would have discordant results. Methods Single center cross-sectional study including children with artificial airways who had paired URT and LRT SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing between 4/1/2020 and 6/8/2020. URT specimens included nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and aspirates. LRT specimens included tracheal aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavages. URT and LRT specimens were classified as paired if the two specimens were collected within 24 hours. Artificial airways included tracheostomies and endotracheal tubes. Tests were classified as diagnostic versus screening based on the indication selected in the order. Results 102 paired specimens were obtained during the study period. Fifty-nine were performed for screening and 43 were performed for diagnosis of suspected SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 94 specimens (92%) were concordant, including 89 negative from both sources and 5 positive from both sources. Eight specimens (8%) were discordant, all of which were positive from the URT and negative from the LRT (Figure 1). Among patients undergoing screening, 3 of 4 positive tests were discordant and among symptomatic patients, 5 of 9 positive tests were discordant. There were no instances of a positive LRT specimen with a negative URT specimen. Figure 1. Performance of upper and lower respiratory tract SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing in children with artificial airways Conclusion Overall, most paired samples from the URT and LRT yielded concordant results with no pairs positive from the LRT and negative from the URT. These data support the CDC recommendation that URT specimens are the preferred initial SARS-CoV-2 test, while LRT specimens should be collected only from mechanically ventilated with suspected SARS-CoV-2. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Prevalence, median time, and associated factors with the likelihood of initial antidepressant change: a cross-sectional study in Qatar

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nervana Elbakary ◽  
Sami Ouanes ◽  
Sadaf Riaz ◽  
Oraib Abdallah ◽  
Islam Mahran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Median Time ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disease Outcomes ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Risk Predictors ◽  
Subsequent Failure

Abstract Background Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires therapeutic interventions during the initial month after being diagnosed for better disease outcomes. International guidelines recommend a duration of 4–12 weeks for an initial antidepressant (IAD) trial at an optimized dose to get a response. If depressive symptoms persist after this duration, guidelines recommend switching, augmenting, or combining strategies as the next step. Premature discontinuation of IAD due to ineffectiveness can cause unfavorable consequences. We aimed to determine the prevalence and the patterns of strategies applied after an IAD was changed because of a suboptimal response as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the median survival time on IAD before any change; and the predictors that were associated with IAD change. Methods This was a retrospective study conducted in Mental Health Services in Qatar. A dataset between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, was extracted from the electronic health records. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined and applied. The sample size was calculated to be at least 379 patients. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequencies and percentages, in addition, to mean and standard deviation. The median time of IAD to any change strategy was calculated using survival analysis. Associated predictors were examined using several cox regression models. Results A total of 487 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study, 431 (88%) of them had an occurrence of IAD change to any strategy before end of the study. Almost half of the sample (212 (49%); 95% CI [44–53%]) had their IAD changed less than or equal to 30 days. The median time to IAD change was 43 days with 95% CI [33.2–52.7]. The factors statistically associated with higher hazard of IAD change were: younger age, un-optimization of the IAD dose before any change, and comorbid anxiety. Conclusions Because almost half of the patients in this study changed their IAD as early as within the first month, efforts to avoid treatment failure are needed to ensure patient-treatment targets are met. Our findings offered some clues to help clinicians identify the high-risk predictors of short survival and subsequent failure of IAD.

West Nile Virus Chorioretinitis in the Presence of Negative Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction Results

2021 ◽  
pp. 247412642097925
Author(s):  
Kareem Moussa ◽  
Karen W. Jeng-Miller ◽  
Leo A. Kim ◽  
Dean Eliott
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Serum ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Purpose: This work aims to evaluate the utility of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and serology in confirming West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in patients with suspected WNV chorioretinitis. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted of a cluster of patients who presented to the Retina Service of Massachusetts Eye and Ear between September and October 2018. Results: Three patients were identified with classic WNV chorioretinitis lesions with negative cerebrospinal fluid NAAT and positive serum serology findings. The diagnosis of WNV chorioretinitis was made based on the appearance of the fundus lesions and the presence of characteristic findings on fluorescein angiography as previously described in the literature. Conclusions: This report highlights 3 unique cases of WNV chorioretinitis in which NAAT of cerebrospinal fluid failed to identify WNV as the inciting agent. These cases stress the importance of serum serologic testing in diagnosing WNV infection.

scholarly journals Concordance between fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes in black South African adults: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e046060
Author(s):  
Alisha N Wade ◽  
Nigel J Crowther ◽  
Shafika Abrahams-Gessel ◽  
Lisa Berkman ◽  
Jaya A George ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
South African ◽  
Plasma Glucose ◽  
Fat Distribution ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
South African Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Black South African

ObjectivesWe investigated concordance between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-defined diabetes and fasting plasma glucose (FPG)-defined diabetes in a black South African population with a high prevalence of obesity.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingRural South African population-based cohort.Participants765 black individuals aged 40–70 years and with no history of diabetes.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was concordance between HbA1c-defined diabetes and FPG-defined diabetes. Secondary outcome measures were differences in anthropometric characteristics, fat distribution and insulin resistance (measured using Homoeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)) between those with concordant and discordant HbA1c/FPG classifications and predictors of HbA1c variance.ResultsThe prevalence of HbA1c-defined diabetes was four times the prevalence of FPG-defined diabetes (17.5% vs 4.2%). Classification was discordant in 15.7% of participants, with 111 individuals (14.5%) having HbA1c-only diabetes (kappa 0.23; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.31). Median body mass index, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, subcutaneous adipose tissue and HOMA-IR in participants with HbA1c-only diabetes were similar to those in participants who were normoglycaemic by both biomarkers and significantly lower than in participants with diabetes by both biomarkers (p<0.05). HOMA-IR and fat distribution explained additional HbA1c variance beyond glucose and age only in women.ConclusionsConcordance was poor between HbA1c and FPG in diagnosis of diabetes in black South Africans, and participants with HbA1c-only diabetes phenotypically resembled normoglycaemic participants. Further work is necessary to determine which of these parameters better predicts diabetes-related morbidities in this population and whether a population-specific HbA1c threshold is necessary.

scholarly journals Associations between dietary patterns and gene expression profiles of healthy men and women: a cross-sectional study

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Bouchard-Mercier ◽  
Ann-Marie Paradis ◽  
Iwona Rudkowska ◽  
Simone Lemieux ◽  
Patrick Couture ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Gene Expression Profiles ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Healthy Men

scholarly journals Lack of HPV in pterygium with no evidence of autoinoculation and the role of cytokines in pterygium with dry eye

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lita Uthaithammarat ◽  
Ngamjit Kasetsuwan ◽  
Yuda Chongpison ◽  
Pimpetch Kasetsuwan ◽  
Usanee Reinprayoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Eye ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hpv Dna ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

AbstractThis study evaluated human papillomavirus’s (HPV) role in pterygium pathogenesis, its autoinoculation from genitalia to ocular surface, potential cytokines involved, and crosstalk cytokines between pterygium and dry eye (DE). This cross-sectional study enrolled 25 healthy controls (HCs) and 116 pterygium patients. Four subgroups of pterygium and DE were used in cytokine evaluations. Conjunctival and pterygium swabs and first-void urine samples (i.e., genitalia samples) were collected for HPV DNA detection using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Tear cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tears were evaluated. No HPV DNA was detected in conjunctival or pterygium swabs. No association was found between HPV DNA in urine samples and that from conjunctival or pterygium swabs. Tear VEGF levels were significantly higher in pterygium patients than in HCs, with no markedly different levels between primary and recurrent pterygia. Tear IL-6, IL-18, and tear VEGF were significantly higher in participants with DE, regardless of pterygium status. In conclusion, HPV infection was not a pathogenic factor of pterygia. The hypothesis of HPV transmitting from the genitals to ocular surfaces was nullified. Tear VEGF was involved in both pterygia and DE, whereas tear IL-6 and IL-18 played roles only in DE.

scholarly journals High prevalence of lipoatrophy in pre-pubertal South African children on antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Innes ◽  
Mark F Cotton ◽  
Richard Haubrich ◽  
Maria M Conradie ◽  
Margaret van Niekerk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
South African ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
African Children ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
South African Children

scholarly journals Kondisi Kebersihan Lingkungan Berhubungan dengan Risiko Penularan Kasus Leptospirosis di Area Pasar Tradisional

2020 ◽  
pp. 199-208
Author(s):  
Dyah Widiastuti ◽  
Dwi Priyanto
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Market Area ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Pathogenic Leptospira ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
History Of ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Gathering Place ◽  
The Relationship

Leptospirosis is associated with occupations which exposed workers to contaminated environments. The risk of leptospirosis exposure in the market as a gathering place for many people needs to be assessed, to obtain the basis for decision making to anticipate leptospirosis transmission. This study aimed to determine the relationship between market environmental conditions including market sanitation conditions, the level of rat density and the presence of leptospira-positive rats  toward the history of leptospirosis exposure among market workers (traders and janitors). A cross sectional study conducted in 35 markets in Banjarnegara and 175 market workers randomly selected. Blood samples analysed using ELISA against 40 Kda pathogenic Leptospira protein. Rat trapping  conducted in each market for two days with 100 traps. The caught mice examined with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of Leptospira bacteria in their kidneys. Leptospirosis exposure was spread in 17 markets in Banjarnegara. The PCR examination showed that the pathogenic Leptospira infected rats were spread in four markets in Banjarnegara. Chi square test showed that the hygene condition in market area was significantly associated with the leptospirosis exposure. Markets workers (traders and janitors) were at risk for leptospirosis proved by high seroprevalence of leptospirosis in this study.

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