Category: Nevin Manimala

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264498. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264498. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and genotype distribution data is important for HPV vaccine monitoring. This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes in cervical lesions of unvaccinated women referred to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital Gynaecology Department due to different abnormal cervical conditions. A total of 459 women referred to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital Gynaecology department were recruited. When the cervical biopsy was collected for histopathology, an adjacent biopsy was provided for HPV detection. Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping assay that detects 37 HPV genotypes was used to detect HPV infection in cervical biopsies. HPV infection was detected in 84.2% (383/455) of participants. The six most dominant HPV types were HPV-16 (34.7%), followed by HPV-35 (17.4%), HPV-58 (12.1%), HPV-45 (11.6%), HPV-18 (11.4%) and HPV-52 (9.7%). HPV-35 was the third most dominant type among women with cervical intraepithelial lesion (CIN)-2 (12.6%; single infection: 5.7% and multiple infection: 6.9%), the second most dominant type among women with CIN3 (22.2%; single infection: 8.0% and multiple infection: 14.2%); and the fourth most dominant type among women with cervical cancer (12.5%; single infection: 7.1% and multiple infection: 5.4%). A proportion of 41.1% (187/455) was positive for HPV types targeted by the Cervarix®, 42.4% (193/455) by Gardasil®4, and 66.6% (303/455) by Gardasil®9. There was a statistically significant increase when the prevalence of women infected with HPV-35 only or with other HPV types other than Gardasil®9 types was included to those infected with Gardasil®9 HPV types (66.6%, 303/455 increase to 76.0%, 346/455, p = 0.002). High HPV-35 prevalence in this population, especially among women with CIN3 warrants attention since it is not included in current commercially available HPV vaccines.

PMID:35263376 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264498

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0265061. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265061. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Even though people of the world were eagerly waiting for the hope of vaccine development, vaccine hesitancy is becoming the top concern in both developed and developing countries. However, there is no adequate evidence regarding the attitude and perception of health professionals towards the COVID 19 vaccine in resource-limited settings like Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess health professionals’ attitudes and perceptions towards COVID 19 vaccine in Western Ethiopia.

METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among health care workers found in Nekemte town from April 14-21, 2021. A total of 439 health professionals present on duty during the study period was included in the study. The data were collected by using self-administered questionnaire. Epidata version 3.2 was used for data entry, and STATA version 14 was used for data analysis. The binary logistic regression model was employed to determine factors associated with the attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals was computed and statistical significance was declared at a 5% level (p-value < 0.05).

RESULT: A total of 431 health professionals participated in the study yielding a response rate of 98.1%. The results indicated that 51.28% (95%CI: 45.12%, 57.34%) of health professionals had a favorable attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Having good knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.22, 0.64, P-value <0.001) was negatively associated with unfavorable attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine, whereas age less than 30 years (AOR = 2.14, 95%CI:1.25,3.67, P-value <0.001), working in a private clinic (AOR = 7.77, 95% CI: 2.19, 27.58, P-value <0.001) and health center (AOR = 2.45, 95%CI: 1.01, 5.92, P-value = 0.045) were positively associated with unfavorable attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: In general, the attitude and perception of health care professionals toward the COVID-19 vaccine in the study area were unsatisfactory. Knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, age of health care workers, and place of work are the factors which affects attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, we recommend the media outlets and concerned bodies to work to develop trust among the public by disseminating accurate and consistent information about the vaccine.

PMID:35263375 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0265061

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264925. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264925. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We analyzed skin images with various color space models to objectively assess radiodermatitis severity in patients receiving whole-breast radiotherapy.

METHODS: Twenty female patients diagnosed with breast cancer were enrolled prospectively. All patients received whole-breast radiotherapy without boost irradiation. Skin images for both irradiated and unirradiated breasts were recorded in red-green-blue (RGB) color space using a mobile skin analysis device. For longitudinal analysis, the images were acquired before radiotherapy (RTbefore), approximately 7 days after the first fraction of radiotherapy (RT7days), RT14days, and approximately 10 days after radiotherapy completion (RTafter). Four color space models (RGB, hue-saturation-value (HSV), L*a*b*, and YCbCr models) were employed to calculate twelve color space parameters for each skin image. Skin dose measurements for irradiated breasts were performed using nanoDot optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters on the first fraction of radiotherapy. Subsequently, acute radiation dermatitis in each patient was assessed according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring criteria at both RT14days and RTafter. Finally, several statistical analysis methods were applied to investigate the performance of the color space parameters to objectively assess the radiodermatitis.

RESULTS: Owing to radiation-induced skin damage, R value of RGB model as well as S and V values of the HSV model for irradiated breasts increased significantly, while those for unirradiated breasts showed smaller increases. These parameters showed the longitudinal changes in color space parameters within each group and between groups over time with statistical significance. Strong correlations of the parameters for irradiated breasts at RT7days with skin doses and those at RTafter were observed with statistical significance.

CONCLUSION: The R value of RGB model as well as the S and V values of HSV model showed relatively better performance in evaluating the acute radiation dermatitis. These color space parameters could therefore serve as useful tools to assess radiodermatitis severity in a dose-dependent manner.

PMID:35263372 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264925

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264360. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264360. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Appropriate descriptions of statistical methods are essential for evaluating research quality and reproducibility. Despite continued efforts to improve reporting in publications, inadequate descriptions of statistical methods persist. At times, reading statistical methods sections can conjure feelings of dèjá vu, with content resembling cut-and-pasted or “boilerplate text” from already published work. Instances of boilerplate text suggest a mechanistic approach to statistical analysis, where the same default methods are being used and described using standardized text. To investigate the extent of this practice, we analyzed text extracted from published statistical methods sections from PLOS ONE and the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Topic modeling was applied to analyze data from 111,731 papers published in PLOS ONE and 9,523 studies registered with the ANZCTR. PLOS ONE topics emphasized definitions of statistical significance, software and descriptive statistics. One in three PLOS ONE papers contained at least 1 sentence that was a direct copy from another paper. 12,675 papers (11%) closely matched to the sentence “a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant”. Common topics across ANZCTR studies differentiated between study designs and analysis methods, with matching text found in approximately 3% of sections. Our findings quantify a serious problem affecting the reporting of statistical methods and shed light on perceptions about the communication of statistics as part of the scientific process. Results further emphasize the importance of rigorous statistical review to ensure that adequate descriptions of methods are prioritized over relatively minor details such as p-values and software when reporting research outcomes.

PMID:35263374 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264360

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264852. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264852. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sputum smear microscopy is simple and feasible technique to assess the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the respiratory tract of patients with Drug Resistance Tuberculosis (DR-TB). Conversion of sputum smear from positive to negative is considered as an interim indicator of efficacy of anti-tubercular treatment and the program effectiveness. Although evidences regarding the factors affecting the sputum smear conversion are available on drug susceptible TB patients, there is dearth of literature about smear conversion and its predictors among DR-TB patients in the study setting. Hence, shortening the time to sputum smear conversion is desirable to reduce the likelihood of mycobacterial transmission. This study has therefore aimed at estimating the median time of sputum smear conversion and to determine its predictors.

METHODS: This was a retrospective follow-up study conducted among DR-TB patients registered for second-line anti-TB treatment in the four hospitals of Amhara regional state, Northwest Ethiopia. Of all patients enrolled to DR-TB treatment in the study setting from 2010 to 2017, 436 patients have been include for this study who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The cox proportional hazard model was fitted and the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance of the variables associated with the smear conversion.

RESULTS: From the 436 patients with sputum smear positive at baseline, 351 (80.5%) converted sputum smear at a median time of 48 (IQR: 30-78) days. The median time of smear conversion was 59 (95% CI: 42, 74) and 44 (95% CI: 37, 54) days among patients who had and had no history of alcohol drinking, respectively. Similarly, the median time to smear conversion was 61 (95% CI: 36, 73) days among patients with comorbid conditions and 44 (95% CI: 38, 54) days among patients with no comorbid conditions. In the multi-variable analysis, only history of alcohol consumption [AHR = 0.66 (0.50, 0.87)] was found to delay significantly the rate of sputum smear conversion.

CONCLUSION: In our study, the median time of sputum smear conversion was with in the expected time frame of conversion. History of alcohol consumption was found to delay significantly the rate of sputum smear conversion. The DR-TB patients are strongly advised to avoid alcohol consumption.

PMID:35263367 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264852

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264373. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264373. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Partograph is a simple, inexpensive & economical tool that provides a continuous graphical overview of labour and prevents prolonged and obstructed labor. The purpose of the study is to assess partograph utilization and associated factors among obstetric care givers in governmental health institutions of Jigjiga and Degehabur Towns, Somali Region, Ethiopia.

METHODS: An institution based cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out among obstetric care givers who were working in governmental health institutions. Systematic random sampling with proportional to size allocation was used to recruit a total of 235 study participants. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data in this study. Three data collectors and one supervisor were recruited and trained to facilitate the data collection activities. Data were entered into Epi data software and exported into SPSS (23.0) for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were computed to determine proportions and significant association with partograph utilization among obstetric care givers.

RESULT: Less than half of obstetric care givers, 41% (95%CI: 34.5-46.9) had good partograph utilization to monitor progress of labor. Being female [AOR = 2.36, 95%CI:(1.03-5.44)], availability of partograph [AOR = 4.633, 95%CI: (1.698-12.640)], having good knowledge [AOR = 6.90, 95%CI:(2.62-18.18)], receiving on job training [AOR = 15.46, 95%CI:(6.95-34.42)] and positive attitude towards partograph [AOR = 2.99, 95%CI:(1.25-7.14)] were significantly associated with partograph utilization.

CONCLUSION: Partograph utilization in this study was low. Especial emphasizes and interventions should be given to periodic on job training that improve knowledge and attitude of obstetric care givers to increase partograph utilization.

PMID:35263361 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264373

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264338. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264338. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human trafficking is a significant problem in which healthcare workers are in a unique position to intervene. This study sought to determine the self-reported knowledge levels of healthcare providers most likely to come in direct contact with victims of human trafficking.

METHODS: An anonymous survey assessing self-reported knowledge of human trafficking was developed and distributed online. Demographic information and questions pertaining to training and knowledge of trafficking in a healthcare setting were asked. The primary outcomes were descriptive statistics and secondary outcomes were comparisons among demographic groups. Qualitative methodology via content analysis was implemented on an open-ended question.

RESULTS: The 6,603 respondents represented all regions of the country. Medical, nursing, and physician assistant students comprised 23% of the sample, while 40% were either physicians, fellows, or residents. Less than half the respondents (42%) have received formal training in human trafficking, while an overwhelming majority (93%) believe they would benefit by such training. Overall, respondents thought their level of knowledge of trafficking was average to below average (mean = 2.64 on a 5-point scale). There were significant differences in knowledge of trafficking by age group (p < .001), region (p < .001), and educational training level (p < .001). 949 respondents (14.4%) provided free-text comments that further described their opinions.

CONCLUSION: Most respondents stated they have not received training but felt they would benefit from it. There were significant differences between demographic groups. Further innovation is needed to design a universally appropriate curriculum on human trafficking that is accessible to all healthcare providers as well as mandatory training programs for healthcare institutions.

PMID:35263364 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264338

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264895. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264895. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Smoke-free legislation banning tobacco smoking in public places was implemented across Nepal in 2014 with the ambition to reduce the impact of second-hand smoking. As part of a comprehensive policy package on tobacco control, the implementation of the legislation has seen a marked reduction in tobacco consumption. Yet there remains uncertainty about the level of compliance with smoke-free public places.

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the compliance with smoke-free laws in public places and the factors associated with active smoking in public places in Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Nepal.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Biratnagar metropolitan city in Province 1 of Nepal from July to December 2019. A total of 725 public places within the metropolitan city were surveyed using a structured survey tool. Active smoking was the primary outcome of the study which was defined as smoking by any person during the data collection time at the designated public place.

RESULTS: The overall compliance with smoke-free legislation was 56.4%. The highest compliance (75.0%) was observed in Government office buildings. The lowest compliance was observed in eateries, entertainment, and shopping venues (26.3%). There was a statistically significant association between active smoking and the presence of ‘no smoking’ notices appended at the entrance and the odds of active smoking in eateries, entertainment, hospitality, shopping venues, transportations and transits was higher compared to education and health care institutions. None of the ‘no smoking’ notices displayed fully adhered to the contents as prescribed by the law.

CONCLUSION: As more than half of the public places complied with the requirements of the legislation, there was satisfactory overall compliance with the smoke-free public places law in this study. The public venues (eateries, shopping venues and transportations) that are more frequently visited and have a high turnover of the public have lower compliance with the legislation. The content of the message in the ‘no smoking’ notices needs close attention to adhere to the legal requirements.

PMID:35263360 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264895

PLoS Comput Biol. 2022 Mar 9;18(3):e1009960. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009960. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We present a novel algorithm, implemented in the software ARGinfer, for probabilistic inference of the Ancestral Recombination Graph under the Coalescent with Recombination. Our Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm takes advantage of the Succinct Tree Sequence data structure that has allowed great advances in simulation and point estimation, but not yet probabilistic inference. Unlike previous methods, which employ the Sequentially Markov Coalescent approximation, ARGinfer uses the Coalescent with Recombination, allowing more accurate inference of key evolutionary parameters. We show using simulations that ARGinfer can accurately estimate many properties of the evolutionary history of the sample, including the topology and branch lengths of the genealogical tree at each sequence site, and the times and locations of mutation and recombination events. ARGinfer approximates posterior probability distributions for these and other quantities, providing interpretable assessments of uncertainty that we show to be well calibrated. ARGinfer is currently limited to tens of DNA sequences of several hundreds of kilobases, but has scope for further computational improvements to increase its applicability.

PMID:35263345 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009960

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264374. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264374. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic gram-negative bacteria typically attributed to hospital-associated infection. It could also become multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan drug-resistant (PDR) during a short period. Although A. baumannii has been documented extensively, complete knowledge on the antibiotic-resistant mechanisms and virulence factors responsible for pathogenesis has not been entirely elucidated. This study investigated the drug resistance pattern and characterized the genomic sequence by de novo assembly of PDR A. baumannii strain VJR422, which was isolated from a catheter-sputum specimen. The results showed that the VJR422 strain was resistant to any existing antibiotics. Based on de novo assembly, whole-genome sequences showed a total genome size of 3,924,675-bp. In silico and conventional MLST analysis of sequence type (ST) of this strain was new ST by Oxford MLST scheme and designated as ST1890. Moreover, we found 10,915 genes that could be classified into 45 categories by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. There were 1,687 genes mapped to 34 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. The statistics from Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG) annotation identified 3,189 genes of the VJR422 strain. Regarding the existence of virulence factors, a total of 59 virulence factors were identified in the genome of the VJR422 strain by virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria databases (VFDB). The drug-resistant genes were investigated by searching in the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD). The strain harbored antibiotic-resistant genes responsible for aminoglycoside, β-lactam-ring-containing drugs, erythromycin, and streptogramin resistance. We also identified resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) and the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) associated with the antibiotic efflux pump. Overall, this study focused on A. baumannii strain VJR422 at the genomic level data, i.e., GO, COG, and KEGG. The antibiotic-resistant genotype and phenotype as well as the presence of potential virulence associated factors were investigated.

PMID:35263355 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264374