The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which is widely referred to as “COVID-19”, has been infecting more than 5.5 million over 144 countries. A vaccine is considered to be the mo...The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which is widely referred to as “COVID-19”, has been infecting more than 5.5 million over 144 countries. A vaccine is considered to be the most awaiting intervention and hundreds of global R&D institutions engaged in unprecedented speed to develop the vaccine. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines may not translate into its uptake. Although governments will provide the vaccines, their uptake is voluntary. Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and it’s determinants among high risk groups for severe COVID-19 infection living in Mogadishu Somalia. Methods: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive analysis conducted to obtain reliable information about the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and it is determinants among high-risk groups living in Mogadishu, Somalia. The calculated sample size was 404 using Cochran’s formula = Z<sup>2</sup>p(1 <span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">− p)/d<sup>2</sup> and addition of 5% non-respondent rate. According to PESS population estimate in 2020, there are 17 districts. We grouped them into 2 strata and through simple random sampling one district was selected from each strata. After randomly selecting the two districts, three sub districts were randomly selected from each and then every second house (1, 3, 5) in the main roads will be selected. If target population were not found in the second selected house, the next house will be taken until sample size is obtained. Results: 59.4% of respondents were willing to accept and take vaccination while 40.6% of them were not accepting the vaccination. Being afraid of the side effect was the most common reason for not accepting the vaccine Conclusion: More than one third of respondents (40.6%) were not willing to accept the vaccination, knowledge towards COVID-19 was strongly associated with acceptance level of COVID-19 vaccine. Recommendation: Multi-sector organized awareness campaigns involving FMH as well as local authorities and civil society to enhance level of knowledge of community towards COVID-19.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus(HCV) is an emerging infection worldwide and the numbers of persons infected are increasing every year. Poor blood transfusion methods along with unsafe injection practices are potential sources for t...Hepatitis C virus(HCV) is an emerging infection worldwide and the numbers of persons infected are increasing every year. Poor blood transfusion methods along with unsafe injection practices are potential sources for the rapid spread of infection. Early detection of HCV is the need of the hour especially in high riskgroup population as these individuals are severely immunocompromised. Enzyme Immunoassays are the most common detection techniques but they provide no evidence of active viremia or identification of infected individuals in the antibody-negative phase and their efficacy is limited in individuals within high risk group population. Molecular virological techniques have an important role in detecting active infection with utmost specificity and sensitivity. Technologies for assessment of HCV antibody and RNA levels have improved remarkably, as well as our understanding of how to best use these tests in patient management. This review aims to give an overview of the different serological and molecular methods employed in detecting HCV infection used nowadays. Additionally, the review gives an insight in the new molecular techniques that are being developed to improve the detection techniques particularly in High Risk Group population who are severely immunocompromised.展开更多
Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been associated with various liver injury cases worldwide.To date,the prevalence,mechanism,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,and outcomes of COVID-19-induced liver injury in vario...Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been associated with various liver injury cases worldwide.To date,the prevalence,mechanism,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,and outcomes of COVID-19-induced liver injury in various at-risk groups are not well defined.Liver injury may arise in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 from direct causes such as viral infection and indirect causes such as systemic inflammation,hypoxic changes,and drugs that exacerbate any pre-existing liver disease.Studies have found that patients with underlying liver disease are at higher risk of COVID-19-induced liver injury.Certain condition of cardiopulmonary and metabolic diseases and vulnerable stages in lifespan may also involve in the development of COVID-19-induced liver injury.This review summarized studies of COVID-19-induced liver injury in different at-risk groups regarding their clinical characteristics,parameters,and correlations of the severity with these indicators and signs as well as potential treatment suggestions,to increase attention to physiological and pathological conditions and continue liver function monitoring as they can help in strengthening early supportive treatment and reducing the incidence of adverse outcomes.展开更多
Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease with an important public health impact. Although the transmission of <em>Brucella</em> from animals to humans can occur in different epidemiological settings of s...Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease with an important public health impact. Although the transmission of <em>Brucella</em> from animals to humans can occur in different epidemiological settings of sub-Saharan African countries, little data has been published on human brucellosis. This study aimed to detect <em>Brucella</em> antibodies and the risk factors associated to brucellosis among high-risk occupational groups of people in the Noun Division of Cameroon. For this study, a structured questionnaire was used to assess risk factors associated with human brucellosis. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from high-risk occupational groups of people in four villages. Plasma was extracted from each sample and<em> Brucella</em> antibodies were detected using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA). Of the 273 participants enrolled, the overall seroprevalence of <em>Brucella </em>antibodies was 12.45% with RBPT and 10.26% with i-ELISA test. This seroprevalence was significantly (<em>P</em> = 0.04;<em>X</em><sup>2</sup> = 9.73) higher among livestock herdsmen (15.8%), slaughterhouse workers (9.8%), butchers (4.8%), participants having no educational level (14.3%) and those experiencing above 5 years of risky activity (15%). Raw milk consumption (OR: 4.8;<em>P</em> = 0.001), no formal education (OR: 6.4;<em>P</em> = 0.03) and assistance of animal during parturition (OR: 7.2;<em>P</em> < 0.0001) appeared as factors that may increase the risk of <em>Brucella</em> infections. The detection of <em>Brucella </em>antibodies indicates the risk of human brucellosis in some groups of people of the Noun division. Consuming unpasteurized milk, participating in parturition and lacking knowledge on brucellosis appeared as risk factors associated with human brucellosis in western Cameroon. It raises the need of developing and implementing control measures for human and animal brucellosis.展开更多
Purpose: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is a major cause of neonatal sepsis. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for GBS carriership among parturient women in Jerusalem. ...Purpose: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is a major cause of neonatal sepsis. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for GBS carriership among parturient women in Jerusalem. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 436 parturient Jewish women at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus. The study included patient interview and vagino-rectal swab for culture. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of GBS carriership among study population. Results: Of the 436 participants, 77 had a positive culture for GBS, giving a carrier rate of 17.7%. No differences were found between carriers and non-carriers in age, BMI or parity. Orthodox Jewish women had a significantly higher carrier rate compared with secular Jewish women (20.6% vs. 12.8% respectively), yielding an age, education and BMI adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06 - 3.40). Similarly, ritual immersion was associated with increased risk of carrier state with an adjusted OR of 2.01 (95% CI: 1.03 - 3.92, P = 0.039). Conclusions: Our study suggests an association between ritual immersion in the Mikveh and GBS carriership.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Group B </span><i><span style="f...<strong>Background:</strong><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Group B </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Streptococcus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(GBS) is a major cause of bacterial infections in the perinatal period, of which colonization prevalence among Northern-Nigerian pregnant women is scarce. We attempted to determine </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">1</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) its prevalence</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) risk factors for GBS colonization and </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) drugs-susceptibility.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methodology:</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> This cross-sectional study involved 185 pregnant women between 35</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">37 weeks of gestation at tertiary health center of Sokoto, Nigeria. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Vaginal/rectal swabs were collected, were cultured for GBS and tested for drug-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">susceptibilities. The study was conducted between December, 2017 and April, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2018.</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> <a name="_Toc14800008"></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">One hundred and eighty five (185) pregnant women participated </span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">in this study. GBS vaginal-colonization-rate was 3.8% (7/185). A significance relationship was observed between GBS-colonization and socio-economic class, as 57.10% (4/7) of the GBS positive women were of low-socio economic class (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 0.035). No associations were observed between GBS-colonization and the followings: maternal age, parity, poor obstetric outcome-history. All the 7 GBS positive cultures were sensitive to Clindamycin. One was sensitive to both Clindamycin and Ceftriaxone. None was sensitive to Penicillin. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The prevalence of GBS colonization was low in this area. Maternal socio-economic class is found to be a risk of GBS-colonization.</span></span></span>展开更多
OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the association of X-ray cross-complementing group 1 （XRCC1） Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma. DATA SOURCES： A systematic literature search of papers ...OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the association of X-ray cross-complementing group 1 （XRCC1） Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma. DATA SOURCES： A systematic literature search of papers published from January 2000 to August 2012 in PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Wanfang da- tabase was performed. The key words used were ＂glioma＂, ＂polymorphism＂, and ＂XRCC1 or X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1＂. References cited in the retrieved articles were screened manually to identify additional eligible studies. STUDY SELECTION： Studies were identified according to the following inclusion criteria： case-control design was based on unrelated individuals; and genotype frequency was available to estimate an odds ratio （OR） and 95% confidence interval （CI）. Meta-analysis was performed for the selected studies after strict screening. Dominant and recessive genetic models were used and the relationship between homozygous mutant genotype frequencies and mutant gene frequency and glioma incidence was investigated. We chose the fixed or random effect model according to the heterogeneity to calculate OR and 95%CI, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Publication bias was examined using the inverted funnel plot and the Egger＇s test using Stata 12.0 software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Association of XRCC1 Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp, and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma, and subgroup analyses were performed according to differ- ent ethnicities of the subjects.RESULTS： Twelve articles were included in the meta-analysis. Eleven of the articles were concerned with the Arg399GIn polymorphism and glioma onset risk. Significantly increased glioma risks were found only in the dominant model （Gin/Gin ＋ GIn/Arg versus Arg/Arg： OR = 1.26, 95%CI= 1.03-1.54, P = 0.02）. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risk was found in Asian subjects in the recessive （OR = 1.46, 95%CI= 1.04-2.45, P = 0.03） and dominant models （OR = 1.40, 95%CI= 1.10-1.78, P = 0.007）, and homozygote contrast （OR = 1.69, 95%CI= 1.17-2.45, P = 0.005）, but not in Caucasian sub- jects. For association of the Arg194Trp （eight studies） and Arg280His （four studies） polymorphisms with glioma risk, the meta-analysis did not reveal a significant effect in the allele contrast, the recessive genetic model, the dominant genetic model, or homozygote contrast. CONCLUSION： The XRCC1 Arg399GIn polymorphism may be a biomarker of glioma susceptibility, espe- cially in Asian populations. The Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms were not associated with overall glioma risk.展开更多
It is set and analyzed a simulation model based on non-linear ordinary differential equations to interpret the dynamics of the microcephaly incidence caused by the Zika virus in a risk group of pregnant women. This on...It is set and analyzed a simulation model based on non-linear ordinary differential equations to interpret the dynamics of the microcephaly incidence caused by the Zika virus in a risk group of pregnant women. This one is induced by a population of men in a reproductive age. Also, some parameters of the model were estimated for an average temperature of 23℃ and by using the adjusted functions from references [1] [2]. All system simulations were done with the Maple software and parameters values obtained from several sources (estimated, hypothetic, and form literature). It has been found that the application of contraceptive measures impacts the population of sexually active women. As result, the exposure to congenital abnormalities increases, particularly, microcephaly.展开更多
Objective: to explore the reliability of screening through the detection rate of hidden hypertension in high-risk groups of cardiovascular disease and related adverse factors. Methods: according to the relevant guidel...Objective: to explore the reliability of screening through the detection rate of hidden hypertension in high-risk groups of cardiovascular disease and related adverse factors. Methods: according to the relevant guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention in China, 786 people who meet the high risk and carry out ambulatory blood pressure examination and monitoring were screened. 261 of them had no history of hypertension and the diagnosed blood pressure was greater than 140 / 90 mmHg. The influencing factors of occult hypertension were determined by single factor comparison and factor regression. The sensitivity of occult hypertension was screened by related indexes. Results: the detection rate of hidden hypertension in high-risk groups was 55.89% (147 / 262). The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and body mass index were selected as 124 mmHg, 74 mmHg and 26 kg / m2 respectively. When any of the three items was greater than the threshold, the sensitivity was 91.8% and the specificity was 41.3%. Conclusion: the high-risk group of cardiovascular disease has a high probability of occult hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring can effectively detect patients with occult hypertension.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of bronchial asthma in the Li ethnic group in Hainan,China.Methods:This study employed a stratified random sample design using custom-designed questionnaires.Su...Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of bronchial asthma in the Li ethnic group in Hainan,China.Methods:This study employed a stratified random sample design using custom-designed questionnaires.Subjects with asthma-like symptoms were first identified by two rounds of surveys and then confirmed by respiratory physicians using pulmonary function test,bronchial dilation test and challenge test.Demographic data,information on family history of asthma,history of allergies,smoking habits,domestic cooking fuel and other potential risk factors were collected.Logistic regression was performed to evaluate risk factors for asthma.Results: The prevalence of asthma in the Li ethnic group was 3.38%,much higher than the national average level in China.Aging,agriculture industry(the rubber industry in particular),rural residence,family history of asthma,history of allergies,cold air,inhalation of dust and irritant gases,smoking,domestic cooking fuel and living environment were associated with increased risk of asthma.Conclusions:The high prevalence of asthma in the Li ethnic group highlights the importance of asthma prevention and treatment in this population.Risk factors indentified in this study warrant special attention.Elevating public awareness about asthma in local communities will benefit the prevention of the disease.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate whether the ABO blood group is related to pancreatic cancer risk in the general population of the United States.METHODS:Using the University of Pittsburgh's clinicalpancreatic cancer registry,the b...AIM:To evaluate whether the ABO blood group is related to pancreatic cancer risk in the general population of the United States.METHODS:Using the University of Pittsburgh's clinicalpancreatic cancer registry,the blood donor database from our local blood bank (Central Blood Bank),and the blood product recipient database from the regional transfusion service (Centralized Transfusion Service) in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania,we identified 274 pancreatic cancer patients with previously determined serological ABO blood group information.The ABO blood group frequency was compared between these patients and 708842 individual,community-based blood donors who had made donations to Pittsburgh's Central Blood Bank between 1979 and 2009.RESULTS:The frequency of blood group A was statistically significantly higher amongst pancreatic cancer patients compared to its frequency amongst the regional blood donors [47.63% vs 39.10%,odds ratio (OR)=1.43,P=0.004].Conversely,the frequency of blood group O was significantly lower amongst pancreatic cancer patients relative to the community blood donors (32.12% vs 43.99%,OR=0.60,P=0.00007).There were limited blood group B (n=38) and AB (n=17) pancreatic cancer patients;the overall P trend value comparing patient to donor blood groups was 0.001.CONCLUSION:The ABO blood group is associated with pancreatic cancer risk.Future studies should examine the mechanism linking pancreatic cancer risk to ABO blood group.展开更多
Objective： Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is a complex disease which associates with both environmental and genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of UDP-glu...Objective： Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is a complex disease which associates with both environmental and genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase（UGT1A7）, an important phase II biotransformation enzyme, and X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1（XRCC1）, a pivotal DNA-repair gene, were related to the risk of HCC in Northeast China. Methods： One hundred and thirty six HCC patients and one hundred and thirty six frequency-matched controls were included in this hospital-based case-control study. Genotypes of UGT1A7 and XRCC1 were determined using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction （AS-PCR） and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP）, and for which the odds ratio （OR） with 95% confidence interval （95% CI） were calculated. Results： The proportion of UGT1A7 low enzymatic allele （＊2 or ＊3） was higher in HCC patients than those in controls. The UGT1A7＊1/＊2 and ＊3/＊3 genotypes were associated with higher HCC risk （OR=2.09, 95%CI： 1.10-3.97; OR=5.67, 95%CI： 1.76-18.30, respectively）. The XRCC1 codon 399 Arg/Gln genotype could also elevate HCC risk （OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.29-3.61）. In addition to polymorphisms of UGT1A7 and XRCC1, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that other significant independent factors associated with HCC were HBV infection （OR=68.07, 95%CI： 28.03-165.26）, HCV infection （OR=30.97, 95%CI： 8.06-118.94） and family history of HCC （OR=10.62, 95%CI： 2.22-50.77）. Conclusion： The study shows that the polymorphisms of UGT1A7 and XRCC1 are associated with HCC risk. Determination of the polymorphisms of UGT1A7 and XRCC1 may provide an important clue to preventive measure against HCC.展开更多
Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication of pregnancy that causes chronic hypertension, increased rate of cesarean delivery, fetal mortality and morbidity. Therefore, early diagn...Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication of pregnancy that causes chronic hypertension, increased rate of cesarean delivery, fetal mortality and morbidity. Therefore, early diagnosis of GDM is vital to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity. Moreover, it can circumvent or procrastinate the onset of type 2 diabetes. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of GDM in pregnant women attending Kimironko, Kicukiro and Muhima Health Centres. The specific objectives were to determine the blood glucose during the second trimester in pregnant women aged between 21 and 45 years, to find out the frequencies of pregnant women presenting with GDM according to age and to assess some promising risk factors associated with GDM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Kimironko, Kicukiro and Muhima Health centers using a sample size of 96 pregnant women. Blood glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase method with a glucometer. Data were analyzed by using Microsoft Office Excel and SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 96 pregnant women who participated in the study, 8.3% were found to have GDM with the mean ± 2SD of 194.12 ± 25.53 mg/dl of their blood glucose results (Mean ± 2SD: A 95% level of confidence Intervals). The highest proportion of GDM was revealed in pregnant women aged between 26 - 30 years, representing a frequency of 5.2% whereas 2.1% of GDM was reflected in women aged between 21 - 25 years. The lowest proportion of GDM fell in age group of 31 - 35 years contributing to 1% of the total GDM. There were no cases of GDM in pregnant women in the 36 - 40 or 41 - 45 age groups. The mean ± 2SD of participant’s age groups was 27.12 ± 5.01 years. In addition, while obesity did not show to be associated with GDM, age and family history were found to be risk factors of GDM. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that the prevalence of GDM was 8.3% and the most affected pregnant women were in the age group of 26 - 30 years.展开更多
文摘The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which is widely referred to as “COVID-19”, has been infecting more than 5.5 million over 144 countries. A vaccine is considered to be the most awaiting intervention and hundreds of global R&D institutions engaged in unprecedented speed to develop the vaccine. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines may not translate into its uptake. Although governments will provide the vaccines, their uptake is voluntary. Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and it’s determinants among high risk groups for severe COVID-19 infection living in Mogadishu Somalia. Methods: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive analysis conducted to obtain reliable information about the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and it is determinants among high-risk groups living in Mogadishu, Somalia. The calculated sample size was 404 using Cochran’s formula = Z<sup>2</sup>p(1 <span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">− p)/d<sup>2</sup> and addition of 5% non-respondent rate. According to PESS population estimate in 2020, there are 17 districts. We grouped them into 2 strata and through simple random sampling one district was selected from each strata. After randomly selecting the two districts, three sub districts were randomly selected from each and then every second house (1, 3, 5) in the main roads will be selected. If target population were not found in the second selected house, the next house will be taken until sample size is obtained. Results: 59.4% of respondents were willing to accept and take vaccination while 40.6% of them were not accepting the vaccination. Being afraid of the side effect was the most common reason for not accepting the vaccine Conclusion: More than one third of respondents (40.6%) were not willing to accept the vaccination, knowledge towards COVID-19 was strongly associated with acceptance level of COVID-19 vaccine. Recommendation: Multi-sector organized awareness campaigns involving FMH as well as local authorities and civil society to enhance level of knowledge of community towards COVID-19.
文摘Hepatitis C virus(HCV) is an emerging infection worldwide and the numbers of persons infected are increasing every year. Poor blood transfusion methods along with unsafe injection practices are potential sources for the rapid spread of infection. Early detection of HCV is the need of the hour especially in high riskgroup population as these individuals are severely immunocompromised. Enzyme Immunoassays are the most common detection techniques but they provide no evidence of active viremia or identification of infected individuals in the antibody-negative phase and their efficacy is limited in individuals within high risk group population. Molecular virological techniques have an important role in detecting active infection with utmost specificity and sensitivity. Technologies for assessment of HCV antibody and RNA levels have improved remarkably, as well as our understanding of how to best use these tests in patient management. This review aims to give an overview of the different serological and molecular methods employed in detecting HCV infection used nowadays. Additionally, the review gives an insight in the new molecular techniques that are being developed to improve the detection techniques particularly in High Risk Group population who are severely immunocompromised.
文摘Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been associated with various liver injury cases worldwide.To date,the prevalence,mechanism,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,and outcomes of COVID-19-induced liver injury in various at-risk groups are not well defined.Liver injury may arise in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 from direct causes such as viral infection and indirect causes such as systemic inflammation,hypoxic changes,and drugs that exacerbate any pre-existing liver disease.Studies have found that patients with underlying liver disease are at higher risk of COVID-19-induced liver injury.Certain condition of cardiopulmonary and metabolic diseases and vulnerable stages in lifespan may also involve in the development of COVID-19-induced liver injury.This review summarized studies of COVID-19-induced liver injury in different at-risk groups regarding their clinical characteristics,parameters,and correlations of the severity with these indicators and signs as well as potential treatment suggestions,to increase attention to physiological and pathological conditions and continue liver function monitoring as they can help in strengthening early supportive treatment and reducing the incidence of adverse outcomes.
文摘Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease with an important public health impact. Although the transmission of <em>Brucella</em> from animals to humans can occur in different epidemiological settings of sub-Saharan African countries, little data has been published on human brucellosis. This study aimed to detect <em>Brucella</em> antibodies and the risk factors associated to brucellosis among high-risk occupational groups of people in the Noun Division of Cameroon. For this study, a structured questionnaire was used to assess risk factors associated with human brucellosis. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from high-risk occupational groups of people in four villages. Plasma was extracted from each sample and<em> Brucella</em> antibodies were detected using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA). Of the 273 participants enrolled, the overall seroprevalence of <em>Brucella </em>antibodies was 12.45% with RBPT and 10.26% with i-ELISA test. This seroprevalence was significantly (<em>P</em> = 0.04;<em>X</em><sup>2</sup> = 9.73) higher among livestock herdsmen (15.8%), slaughterhouse workers (9.8%), butchers (4.8%), participants having no educational level (14.3%) and those experiencing above 5 years of risky activity (15%). Raw milk consumption (OR: 4.8;<em>P</em> = 0.001), no formal education (OR: 6.4;<em>P</em> = 0.03) and assistance of animal during parturition (OR: 7.2;<em>P</em> < 0.0001) appeared as factors that may increase the risk of <em>Brucella</em> infections. The detection of <em>Brucella </em>antibodies indicates the risk of human brucellosis in some groups of people of the Noun division. Consuming unpasteurized milk, participating in parturition and lacking knowledge on brucellosis appeared as risk factors associated with human brucellosis in western Cameroon. It raises the need of developing and implementing control measures for human and animal brucellosis.
文摘Purpose: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is a major cause of neonatal sepsis. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for GBS carriership among parturient women in Jerusalem. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 436 parturient Jewish women at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus. The study included patient interview and vagino-rectal swab for culture. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of GBS carriership among study population. Results: Of the 436 participants, 77 had a positive culture for GBS, giving a carrier rate of 17.7%. No differences were found between carriers and non-carriers in age, BMI or parity. Orthodox Jewish women had a significantly higher carrier rate compared with secular Jewish women (20.6% vs. 12.8% respectively), yielding an age, education and BMI adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06 - 3.40). Similarly, ritual immersion was associated with increased risk of carrier state with an adjusted OR of 2.01 (95% CI: 1.03 - 3.92, P = 0.039). Conclusions: Our study suggests an association between ritual immersion in the Mikveh and GBS carriership.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Group B </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Streptococcus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(GBS) is a major cause of bacterial infections in the perinatal period, of which colonization prevalence among Northern-Nigerian pregnant women is scarce. We attempted to determine </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">1</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) its prevalence</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) risk factors for GBS colonization and </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) drugs-susceptibility.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methodology:</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> This cross-sectional study involved 185 pregnant women between 35</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">37 weeks of gestation at tertiary health center of Sokoto, Nigeria. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Vaginal/rectal swabs were collected, were cultured for GBS and tested for drug-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">susceptibilities. The study was conducted between December, 2017 and April, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2018.</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> <a name="_Toc14800008"></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">One hundred and eighty five (185) pregnant women participated </span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">in this study. GBS vaginal-colonization-rate was 3.8% (7/185). A significance relationship was observed between GBS-colonization and socio-economic class, as 57.10% (4/7) of the GBS positive women were of low-socio economic class (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 0.035). No associations were observed between GBS-colonization and the followings: maternal age, parity, poor obstetric outcome-history. All the 7 GBS positive cultures were sensitive to Clindamycin. One was sensitive to both Clindamycin and Ceftriaxone. None was sensitive to Penicillin. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The prevalence of GBS colonization was low in this area. Maternal socio-economic class is found to be a risk of GBS-colonization.</span></span></span>
基金The Fundamental Research Funds for Jilin University in China,No.450060445246the High-Tech Industrial Development Project of Jilin Province in China,No.20090633+1 种基金the Scientific Research Foundation of Jilin Province in China,No.20130206001YY,20120713 and 200905169the Scientific Research Foundation of Changchun in China,No.12SF29
文摘OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the association of X-ray cross-complementing group 1 （XRCC1） Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma. DATA SOURCES： A systematic literature search of papers published from January 2000 to August 2012 in PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Wanfang da- tabase was performed. The key words used were ＂glioma＂, ＂polymorphism＂, and ＂XRCC1 or X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1＂. References cited in the retrieved articles were screened manually to identify additional eligible studies. STUDY SELECTION： Studies were identified according to the following inclusion criteria： case-control design was based on unrelated individuals; and genotype frequency was available to estimate an odds ratio （OR） and 95% confidence interval （CI）. Meta-analysis was performed for the selected studies after strict screening. Dominant and recessive genetic models were used and the relationship between homozygous mutant genotype frequencies and mutant gene frequency and glioma incidence was investigated. We chose the fixed or random effect model according to the heterogeneity to calculate OR and 95%CI, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Publication bias was examined using the inverted funnel plot and the Egger＇s test using Stata 12.0 software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Association of XRCC1 Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp, and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma, and subgroup analyses were performed according to differ- ent ethnicities of the subjects.RESULTS： Twelve articles were included in the meta-analysis. Eleven of the articles were concerned with the Arg399GIn polymorphism and glioma onset risk. Significantly increased glioma risks were found only in the dominant model （Gin/Gin ＋ GIn/Arg versus Arg/Arg： OR = 1.26, 95%CI= 1.03-1.54, P = 0.02）. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risk was found in Asian subjects in the recessive （OR = 1.46, 95%CI= 1.04-2.45, P = 0.03） and dominant models （OR = 1.40, 95%CI= 1.10-1.78, P = 0.007）, and homozygote contrast （OR = 1.69, 95%CI= 1.17-2.45, P = 0.005）, but not in Caucasian sub- jects. For association of the Arg194Trp （eight studies） and Arg280His （four studies） polymorphisms with glioma risk, the meta-analysis did not reveal a significant effect in the allele contrast, the recessive genetic model, the dominant genetic model, or homozygote contrast. CONCLUSION： The XRCC1 Arg399GIn polymorphism may be a biomarker of glioma susceptibility, espe- cially in Asian populations. The Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms were not associated with overall glioma risk.
文摘It is set and analyzed a simulation model based on non-linear ordinary differential equations to interpret the dynamics of the microcephaly incidence caused by the Zika virus in a risk group of pregnant women. This one is induced by a population of men in a reproductive age. Also, some parameters of the model were estimated for an average temperature of 23℃ and by using the adjusted functions from references [1] [2]. All system simulations were done with the Maple software and parameters values obtained from several sources (estimated, hypothetic, and form literature). It has been found that the application of contraceptive measures impacts the population of sexually active women. As result, the exposure to congenital abnormalities increases, particularly, microcephaly.
文摘Objective: to explore the reliability of screening through the detection rate of hidden hypertension in high-risk groups of cardiovascular disease and related adverse factors. Methods: according to the relevant guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention in China, 786 people who meet the high risk and carry out ambulatory blood pressure examination and monitoring were screened. 261 of them had no history of hypertension and the diagnosed blood pressure was greater than 140 / 90 mmHg. The influencing factors of occult hypertension were determined by single factor comparison and factor regression. The sensitivity of occult hypertension was screened by related indexes. Results: the detection rate of hidden hypertension in high-risk groups was 55.89% (147 / 262). The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and body mass index were selected as 124 mmHg, 74 mmHg and 26 kg / m2 respectively. When any of the three items was greater than the threshold, the sensitivity was 91.8% and the specificity was 41.3%. Conclusion: the high-risk group of cardiovascular disease has a high probability of occult hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring can effectively detect patients with occult hypertension.
基金supported by Hainan Natural Science Fund (2002-203-30222)
文摘Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of bronchial asthma in the Li ethnic group in Hainan,China.Methods:This study employed a stratified random sample design using custom-designed questionnaires.Subjects with asthma-like symptoms were first identified by two rounds of surveys and then confirmed by respiratory physicians using pulmonary function test,bronchial dilation test and challenge test.Demographic data,information on family history of asthma,history of allergies,smoking habits,domestic cooking fuel and other potential risk factors were collected.Logistic regression was performed to evaluate risk factors for asthma.Results: The prevalence of asthma in the Li ethnic group was 3.38%,much higher than the national average level in China.Aging,agriculture industry(the rubber industry in particular),rural residence,family history of asthma,history of allergies,cold air,inhalation of dust and irritant gases,smoking,domestic cooking fuel and living environment were associated with increased risk of asthma.Conclusions:The high prevalence of asthma in the Li ethnic group highlights the importance of asthma prevention and treatment in this population.Risk factors indentified in this study warrant special attention.Elevating public awareness about asthma in local communities will benefit the prevention of the disease.
基金Supported by The Frieda G.and Saul F.Shapira BRCA Cancer Research Program(Greer JB,Whitcomb DC)the Wayne Fu-saro Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund(Whitcomb DC)the Jack F.Walsh Pancreatic Cancer Foundation(Brand RE)
文摘AIM:To evaluate whether the ABO blood group is related to pancreatic cancer risk in the general population of the United States.METHODS:Using the University of Pittsburgh's clinicalpancreatic cancer registry,the blood donor database from our local blood bank (Central Blood Bank),and the blood product recipient database from the regional transfusion service (Centralized Transfusion Service) in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania,we identified 274 pancreatic cancer patients with previously determined serological ABO blood group information.The ABO blood group frequency was compared between these patients and 708842 individual,community-based blood donors who had made donations to Pittsburgh's Central Blood Bank between 1979 and 2009.RESULTS:The frequency of blood group A was statistically significantly higher amongst pancreatic cancer patients compared to its frequency amongst the regional blood donors [47.63% vs 39.10%,odds ratio (OR)=1.43,P=0.004].Conversely,the frequency of blood group O was significantly lower amongst pancreatic cancer patients relative to the community blood donors (32.12% vs 43.99%,OR=0.60,P=0.00007).There were limited blood group B (n=38) and AB (n=17) pancreatic cancer patients;the overall P trend value comparing patient to donor blood groups was 0.001.CONCLUSION:The ABO blood group is associated with pancreatic cancer risk.Future studies should examine the mechanism linking pancreatic cancer risk to ABO blood group.
基金supported by the grant from Department of Education of Liaoning Province, China (No. 2008S232)
文摘Objective： Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is a complex disease which associates with both environmental and genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase（UGT1A7）, an important phase II biotransformation enzyme, and X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1（XRCC1）, a pivotal DNA-repair gene, were related to the risk of HCC in Northeast China. Methods： One hundred and thirty six HCC patients and one hundred and thirty six frequency-matched controls were included in this hospital-based case-control study. Genotypes of UGT1A7 and XRCC1 were determined using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction （AS-PCR） and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP）, and for which the odds ratio （OR） with 95% confidence interval （95% CI） were calculated. Results： The proportion of UGT1A7 low enzymatic allele （＊2 or ＊3） was higher in HCC patients than those in controls. The UGT1A7＊1/＊2 and ＊3/＊3 genotypes were associated with higher HCC risk （OR=2.09, 95%CI： 1.10-3.97; OR=5.67, 95%CI： 1.76-18.30, respectively）. The XRCC1 codon 399 Arg/Gln genotype could also elevate HCC risk （OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.29-3.61）. In addition to polymorphisms of UGT1A7 and XRCC1, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that other significant independent factors associated with HCC were HBV infection （OR=68.07, 95%CI： 28.03-165.26）, HCV infection （OR=30.97, 95%CI： 8.06-118.94） and family history of HCC （OR=10.62, 95%CI： 2.22-50.77）. Conclusion： The study shows that the polymorphisms of UGT1A7 and XRCC1 are associated with HCC risk. Determination of the polymorphisms of UGT1A7 and XRCC1 may provide an important clue to preventive measure against HCC.
文摘Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication of pregnancy that causes chronic hypertension, increased rate of cesarean delivery, fetal mortality and morbidity. Therefore, early diagnosis of GDM is vital to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity. Moreover, it can circumvent or procrastinate the onset of type 2 diabetes. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of GDM in pregnant women attending Kimironko, Kicukiro and Muhima Health Centres. The specific objectives were to determine the blood glucose during the second trimester in pregnant women aged between 21 and 45 years, to find out the frequencies of pregnant women presenting with GDM according to age and to assess some promising risk factors associated with GDM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Kimironko, Kicukiro and Muhima Health centers using a sample size of 96 pregnant women. Blood glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase method with a glucometer. Data were analyzed by using Microsoft Office Excel and SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 96 pregnant women who participated in the study, 8.3% were found to have GDM with the mean ± 2SD of 194.12 ± 25.53 mg/dl of their blood glucose results (Mean ± 2SD: A 95% level of confidence Intervals). The highest proportion of GDM was revealed in pregnant women aged between 26 - 30 years, representing a frequency of 5.2% whereas 2.1% of GDM was reflected in women aged between 21 - 25 years. The lowest proportion of GDM fell in age group of 31 - 35 years contributing to 1% of the total GDM. There were no cases of GDM in pregnant women in the 36 - 40 or 41 - 45 age groups. The mean ± 2SD of participant’s age groups was 27.12 ± 5.01 years. In addition, while obesity did not show to be associated with GDM, age and family history were found to be risk factors of GDM. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that the prevalence of GDM was 8.3% and the most affected pregnant women were in the age group of 26 - 30 years.
