Category: Nevin Manimala

West Afr J Med. 2022 Apr 29;39(4):415-424.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The burden of HIV infection in households of people living with HIV (PLHIV) is usually high. The existence of HIV discordance and reasons for that is largely unknown. Moreover, how people in a discordant relationship can live happily together with negative partner not getting infected and/or safely have children are not well understood. This study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HIV sero-discordance among in-union HIV patients receiving care in a private health facility in Jos, north central Nigeria.

METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional design was used for the study involving HIV clients. Their records were reviewed and a proforma used to extract needed information. Questionnaire was equally used. A total of 1505 patients were studied out of which 75 were sero-discordant. They were recruited consecutively. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and presented using frequencies, percentages, and tables.

RESULTS: Findings revealed that 75 (5.0%) were discordant giving a prevalence of 5%. Majority of the clients were females: [non-discordant 805(56.3%), discordant 45(60.0%)], attained secondary education [non-discordant 590(41.3%), discordant 60(80.0%)], have been in partnership for 1-10 years [non-discordant 525(36.7%). discordant 45(60.0%)], have sex with partner weekly [non-discordant 1385(96.9%), discordant 60(80.0%)], have no other sexual partner [non-discordant 1070(74.8%), discordant 75(100.0%)]. have viral load of <100 [non-discordant 1315(92.0%), discordant 75(100.0%)], have CD4 count of 200-499 [non-discordant 585(40.9%), discordant 30(40.0%)]. Most of participants knew that ART, consistent use of condom, abstinence and post exposure prophylaxis prevent HIV. There were statistical significant associations of characteristics of clients and their knowledge on HIV prevention with HIV status of partner.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence of discordance is high. There was no identified predictor of HIV status of partner. For HIV prevalence and sero-discordant status to reduce, women should have a say or be at an equal platform as men in terms of control over their sexuality.

PMID:35490416

West Afr J Med. 2022 Apr 29;39(4):407-414.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NASH is frequently associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its prevalence is increasing due to rising global epidemics of MetS. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors and correlates of NASH in patients with MetS in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

METHODS: We caried out a hospital based cross-sectional study of 81 subjects with MetS. The diagnosis of NASH was made by ultrasound evidence of hepatic steatosis, and exclusion of significant consumption of alcohol as well as histologic evidence of NASH on liver biopsy. Subjects gave informed consent and ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the hospital. Data obtained were entered into SPSS version 20 and analyzed using simple and inferential statistics. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Total of 81 subjects with MetS were studied, males 36(44.4%), females 45(55.6%), mean age(SD) of 49.77 (12.08) years. Ten (12.3%) subjects were diagnosed with NASH. Subjects with NASH had significant association with obesity, dyslipidaemia, and poor glycemic control. Regression analysis showed that morbid obesity, low HDL and presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for the development of NASH.

CONCLUSION: NASH is common in Nigerian patients with MetS and its presence is significantly associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID:35490415

Eur J Oral Sci. 2022 May 1:e12870. doi: 10.1111/eos.12870. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to measure real-time temperature changes in gold-restored teeth compared with intact teeth during the intake of hot and cold drinks. Sixteen molars, including eight natural intact teeth and eight restored teeth with gold inlays, were selected from the participants. Custom-made thermocouple sensors were attached to the coronal third of the buccal surface of teeth. Participants consecutively consumed hot and cold drinks according to a standardized regimen. Resting, maximum, and minimum temperatures; time to reach peak temperatures; and heating and cooling velocities were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using independent two-sample t-test. Teeth with gold restorations showed a significantly higher maximum temperature (44.7 °C [SD 2.9]) than did natural teeth (40.5 °C [SD 1.2]) during hot water drinking and showed a lower minimum temperature (25.0 °C [SD 4.9]) than did natural teeth (31.5 °C [SD 3.1]) during cold water drinking. The heating and cooling rates for the teeth with gold restorations were two and three times higher than those of the natural teeth. Gold-restored teeth showed greater temperature change than intact teeth in terms of magnitude and velocity in response to temperature changes induced by hot and cold drinks.

PMID:35490397 | DOI:10.1111/eos.12870

Scand J Psychol. 2022 May 1. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12825. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at identifying significant associations between stress, personality traits, and basic psychological needs’ satisfaction and frustration. In the study, a simple random sample consisted of 245 employees (mean age = 39.6; SD = 10.82). 138 (57.5%) employees worked in the public sector, and 102 (42.5%) employees worked in the private sector. This study found no statistically significant differences between the private and public sector employees in the stress overload. Private sector employees demonstrated higher autonomy and relatedness satisfaction, while public sector employees demonstrated higher autonomy frustration. Public sector employees demonstrated higher scores on agreeableness and conscientiousness, but no significant differences between public and private sectors were found comparing the scores on extraversion, neuroticism, and open-mindedness. The SEM identified some significant associations between neuroticism, unsatisfied needs, and stress overload; conscientiousness, unsatisfied needs, and stress overload; basic psychological needs’ satisfaction and four personality traits, namely, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and open-mindedness.

PMID:35490391 | DOI:10.1111/sjop.12825

West Afr J Med. 2022 Apr 29;39(4):399-406.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The transport sector is a male-dominated, sedentary, accident-prone occupation with limited opportunities for healthy meals and exercise breaks. Since stress is a recognized risk factor in the development of addiction and addiction relapse susceptibility, we explored relationship between stress perception and self-reported lifestyles with Health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL) among long distance Bus Drivers in Lagos State.

METHODS: 200 randomly enlisted commercial drivers from bus terminals in Lagos State were interviewed face-to-face using a validated structured questionnaire. Perceived stress was assessed using the perceived stress scale while health-related quality of life was assessed with the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Combined scores from the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and some lifestyle indicators (tobacco smoking, cannabis use, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable consumption, sleep pattern and prolonged sitting) on HRQOL (SF-12) was assessed by multivariable regression analysis controlling for covariates including age, marital status, education status, income level and chronic illness.

RESULTS: Prevalence of high perceived stress was 62%; 36% were moderate or heavy drinkers (2-4 drinks daily) while 30% were heavy smokers (>11 cigarettes per day); 49% used cannabis of which 20% of them had daily use. The mean scores for physical and mental components for SF-12 were 45.2 ±7.5 and 49.8 ±8.2 respectively. In the bivariate association between socio-demographic characteristics, perceived stress and HRQOL, educational status was significantly associated with perceived stress and the physical component of SF-12. In contrast, income was significantly associated with the mental component of SF-12. In the bivariate analysis and also in the multivariable regression analysis, perceived stress was significantly higher among those with harmful lifestyles: poor diet (OR: 1.42), alcohol consumption (OR: 1.86), heavy smoking (OR: 1.66), daily cannabis use (OR: 1.49) and sedentary lifestyle (OR: 1.45). After controlling for socio-demographic and clinical variables, perceived stress and harmful lifestyles were statistically significant predictor for poor quality of life (p <0.001).

CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of perceived stress and a high rate of addiction, with negative impacts on quality of life were observed among our study cohort. Since 75% of Nigerians depend on the public buses driven by these hassled drivers, it is imperative that organized strategies are instituted to encourage lifestyle modification and ameliorate the effect of stress on the HRQOL of bus drivers in Nigeria.

CONTEXTE: Le secteur des transports est dominé par les hommes,une profession sédentaire et sujette aux accidents avec des possibilités limitées dedes repas sains et des pauses d’exercice. Puisque le stress est un risque reconnufacteur dans le développement de la dépendance et la rechute de la dépendancesusceptibilité, nous avons exploré la relation entre la perception du stresset les modes de vie autodéclarés avec une qualité de vie liée à la santé(HRQOL) parmi les chauffeurs de bus longue distance dans l’État de Lagos.

MÉTHODES: 200 chauffeurs commerciaux enrôlés au hasard dans un busles terminaux de l’État de Lagos ont été interrogés en face à face à l’aide d’unquestionnaire structuré. Le stress perçu a été évalué à l’aide de l’échelle de stress perçu pendant que la qualité de vie liée à la santé a été évaluée avec l’Enquête abrégée sur la santé (SF-12). Scores combinés de l’échelle de stress perçu (SPS) à 10 éléments et certains indicateurs de style de vie(tabagisme, consommation de cannabis, consommation d’alcool, faible teneur en fruits etconsommation de légumes, rythme de sommeil et position assise prolongée) surHrQOL (SF-12) a été évalué par une analyse de régression multivariablecontrôle des covariables, y compris l’âge, l’état matrimonial, le niveau de scolaritéle statut, le niveau de revenu et la maladie chronique.

RÉSULTATS: La prévalence du stress perçu élevé était de 62 %; 36 % étaient buveurs modérés ou excessifs (2 à 4 verres par jour) tandis que 30% étaient grosfumeurs (>11 cigarettes par jour); 49 % consommaient du cannabis dont 20 % d’entre eux avaient une utilisation quotidienne. Les scores moyens pour le physique et le mentalles composantes du SF-12 étaient respectivement de 45.2 ±7.5 et 49.8 ±8.2. Dans l’association bivariée entre les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, le stress perçu et la QVLS, le statut scolaire était significativement associé au stress perçu et à la composante physique de la SF-12. En revanche, le revenu était significativement associé à la composant de SF-12. Dans l’analyse bivariée et aussi dans l’analyse de régression multivariable, le stress perçu était significativement plus élevé chez les personnes ayant des modes de vie nocifs: mauvaise alimentation (OR: 1.42),consommation d’alcool (RC : 1.86), tabagisme excessif (RC : 1.66), tous les jours la consommation de cannabis (RC : 1.49) et le mode de vie sédentaire (RC: 1.45). Après contrôle des variables socio démographiques et cliniques perçues le stress et les modes de vie nocifs étaient des prédicteurs statistiquement significatifs pour mauvaise qualité de vie (p <0.001).

CONCLUSION: Une forte prévalence du stress perçu et un taux élevé de la toxicomanie, avec des impacts négatifs sur la qualité de vie ont été observésparmi notre cohorte d’étude. Depuis 75% des Nigérians dépendent du public bus conduits par ces chauffeurs harcelés, il est impératif que organize des stratégies sont mises en place pour encourager la modification du mode de vie et améliorer l’effet du stress sur la QVLS des chauffeurs de bus au Nigeria.

MOTS-CLÉS: Alcool; Cigarettes; Qualité de vie liée à la santé; Stress perçu; Tabac.

PMID:35490360

Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2022 Apr 27. doi: 10.2174/1871530322666220427094330. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It has been established that an increase in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein levels is associated with the development of systemic low-grade inflammation. Data on the prognostic role of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) dependent on the state of low-grade inflammation are limited.

OBJECTIVE: The study’s objective was to evaluate the predictive value of mild-to-moderate HTG (2.3-11.2 mmol/L) regarding the development of cardiovascular events in patients at high and very high cardiovascular risk (CVR), depending on the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) values.

METHODS: The study included 185 patients with high and very high CVR. The concentration of hsCRP in blood serum was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The combined endpoint was cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or unstable angina (which required hospitalization), nonfatal stroke, and coronary revascularization.

RESULTS: HTG was revealed in 17.3% of the patients. An increase in hsCRP ≥2.0 mg/L was observed in 51.9% of the patients. The event-free survival of patients with HTG was not statistically different from that in patients with TG <2.3 mmol/L (RR 1.61; 95% CI 0.86-3.00; p=0.133). In the subgroup of patients with hsCRP <2.0 mg/L, the survival rate of patients with HTG was not significantly different from the survival rate of patients without HTG. In the subgroup of patients with hsCRP ≥2.0 mg/L the presence of HTG was associated with 4.63 times increase in the RR of adverse cardiovascular events (95% CI 1.35-15.8; p=0.015) after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION: In patients with high and very high CVR, an increase in TG ≥2.3 mmol/L was associated with the development of adverse cardiovascular events only in the subgroup of patients with an increase in hsCRP ≥2.0 mg/L. The presence of HTG was associated with 4.63 times increase in RR of adverse cardiovascular events (95% CI 1.35-15.8; p=0.015).

PMID:35490328 | DOI:10.2174/1871530322666220427094330

Biophys J. 2022 Apr 30:S0006-3495(22)00361-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.04.033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Measuring the mechanical properties of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is a complex challenge that has been addressed lately by different methods. We measured the persistence length of ring ssDNA using a combination of special DNA origami structure, a self-avoiding ring-polymer simulation model and a non-parametric estimation statistics. The method overcomes the complexities set forth by previously used methods. We designed the DNA origami nano structures and measured the ring ssDNA polymer conformations using atomic force microscopy. We then calculated its radius of gyration, which was used as a fitting parameter for finding the persistence length. As there is no simple formulation for the radius of gyration distribution, we developed a simulation program consisting of a self-avoiding ring polymer to fit the persistence length to the experimental data. ssDNA naturally forms stem loops, which should be taken into account in fitting a model to the experimental measurement. To overcome that hurdle, we found the possible loops using minimal energy considerations and used it in our fitting procedure of the persistence length. Due to the statistical nature of the loops formation, we calculated the persistence length for different percentages of loops that are formed. In the range of 25-75% loop formation, we found the persistence length to be 1.9-4.4 nm and for 50% loop formation we get a persistence length of 2.83±0.63nm. This estimation narrows the previously known persistence length, and provides tools for finding the conformations of ssDNA.

PMID:35490298 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2022.04.033

Pediatrics. 2022 May 1;149(5):e2021052259. doi: 10.1542/peds.2021-052259.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Unplanned extubation (UE) in pediatric patients can result in significant harm or mortality. In our institution, efforts to reduce UE in the ICU were siloed and learnings were not shared. Our goal was to implement shared initiatives across ICUs in a pediatric institution using quality improvement methodology, with the global aim of reducing serious harm caused by UEs.

METHODS: The study was conducted as a single-center prospective quality improvement initiative in the pediatric, neonatal, and cardiac ICUs of a large, freestanding academic pediatric hospital. Using the model for improvement and plan-do-study-act cycles, our multidisciplinary team implemented multiple interventions to reduce UEs. The primary measure monitored was the monthly UE rate, defined as the number of UEs per 100 ventilator days, which was tracked over time using statistical control charts.

RESULTS: The overall monthly institutional UE rate was reduced from 1.22 UE per 100 ventilator days to 0.2 UE per 100 ventilator days, representing an 84% improvement in rate and reduction of harm. Sixteen percent to 21% of UEs required additional resources because of a difficult airway, and 10% to 22% of UEs resulted in cardiovascular collapse requiring resuscitation.

CONCLUSIONS: Significant harm is associated with UEs in pediatric patients. We implemented a bundle for UE reduction across all ICU populations in a pediatric hospital and significantly reduced the rate of UE within our institution and within each individual unit. Allowing variation for implementation of interventions by unit, although targeting a common goal, contributed to overall success and sustainability.

PMID:35490283 | DOI:10.1542/peds.2021-052259

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 Apr 30;23(1):407. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05360-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and effect on instrument-related facet joints between fixed-axis pedicle screw (FAPS) and monoplanar pedicle screw (MPPS).

METHODS: 816 pedicle screws of 204 patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures (TLVF) who underwent internal fixation surgery were analyzed in this retrospective study. All patients were divided into two groups (FAPS and MPPS). Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 12-18-months postoperative CT and X-ray, and clinical data, including demographics, preoperative and immediate postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), blood loss (BL), operation time (OT) and hospital stay time (HST), were collected. Facet joint violation and degeneration grade were evaluated by CT according to Babu’s criteria and Weishaupt’s criteria respectively, and preoperative, immediate postoperative and 12-18-months postoperative anterior body compression index (ABCI) were measured by X-ray.

RESULTS: Postoperative VAS of two groups was lower than preoperative VAS (p < 0.05). BL, OT, and HST were less in MPPS than FAPS, and the difference was statistically significant in BL and HST (p < 0.05) but no in OT (p > 0.05). Immediate postoperative and 12-18-months postoperative ABCI were significantly higher than preoperative (p < 0.05), and the difference of ABCI between immediate postoperative and 12-18-months postoperative were not significant in two groups (p > 0.05). Total violation rate (VR) was about 1.35% (11/816) and FAPS had a lower VR than MPPS, but no significant (p > 0.05). Weishaupt’s criteria revealed that average class (AC) was 0.69 in FAPS and 0.67 in MPPS, and the distribution of degenerated facet joints in two groups did not differ preoperatively (p > 0.05). In 12-18 months postoperatively, AC was significantly higher in FAPS than in MPPS, and the distribution of degenerated facet joints in two groups was significantly different (p < 0.05). The comparison of cranial to caudal joints in two groups revealed that cranial joints had more severe degeneration than caudal joints.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that both MPPS and FAPS were effective for patients with TLVF, but MPPS by percutaneous may be a better choice to avoid adjacent segment degeneration, especially the surgery-involved facet joints degeneration.

PMID:35490240 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-022-05360-3

BMC Complement Med Ther. 2022 Apr 30;22(1):119. doi: 10.1186/s12906-022-03604-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Interstitial cystitis (IC) has a chronic chemical irritation and inflammation of non-bacterial origin in the bladder wall leading to various severe symptoms. There is evidence that chronic inflammation is significantly associated with abnormal urothelial barrier function, epithelial dysfunction. This is the underlying cause of urothelial apoptosis and sterile inflammation.

METHOD: The anti-inflammatory effects of lavender and eucalyptus essential oils (EOs) and their main components (linalool and eucalyptol) were investigated in the T24 human bladder epithelial cell line on TNFα stimulated inflammation, at 3 types of treatment schedule. The mRNA of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) were measured by Real Time PCR. Human IL-8 ELISA measurement was performed as well at 3 types of treatment schedule. The effects of lavender and eucalyptus EOs and their main components were compared to the response to NFκB inhibitor ACHP (2-amino-6-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-hydroxyphenyl]-4-(4-piperidinyl)-3-pyridinecarbonitrile).

RESULT: There is no significant difference statistically, but measurements show that lavender EOs are more effective than eucalyptus EO. Long time treatment (24 h) of both lavender EO and linalool showed higher effect in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression than ACHP inhibitor following TNFα pre-treatment. Moreover, both lavender EOs were found to be significantly more effective in decreasing IL-8 secretion of T24 cells after TNFα pre-treatment compared to the ACHP NFκB-inhibitor.

CONCLUSION: The lavender EOs may be suitable for use as an adjunct to intravesical therapy of IC. Their anti-inflammatory effect could well complement glycosaminoglycan-regenerative therapy in the urinary bladder after appropriate pharmaceutical formulation.

PMID:35490236 | DOI:10.1186/s12906-022-03604-2