Nevin Manimala

Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Jun 2;8:669342. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.669342. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Background: The association between endometriosis and embryological outcomes remains uncertain. The meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of endometriosis on embryo quality. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association between the endometriosis and embryo quality. Searches were performed on the three electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The detailed characteristics and data of the included studies were extracted. The risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random and fixed effects model. The main outcome measures were high-quality embryo rate, cleavage rate, and embryo formation rate. Results: A total of 22 studies included were analyzed. Compared with the control group, women with endometriosis had a similar high-quality embryo rate (RR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.94-1.06), a comparable cleavage rate (RR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.97-1.02), and a similar embryo formation rate (RR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.97-1.24). In women with stage III-IV endometriosis, there was no statistically significantly difference in high-quality embryo rate (RR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10), cleavage rate (RR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.02), and embryo formation rate (RR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.97-1.14), compared with those without endometriosis. For women with unilateral endometrioma, pooling of results from the affected ovaries did not show a statistically significantly difference in high-quality embryo rate (RR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.60-1.63) in comparison to the normal contralateral ovaries. Conclusions: Our results seem to indicate that endometriosis does not compromise embryo quality from the perspective of morphology.

PMID:34150804 | PMC:PMC8206501 | DOI:10.3389/fmed.2021.669342

Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Jun 2;8:578684. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.578684. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Both rhino-orbital-cerebral mycosis and lethal midline granuloma (LMG) may result in midline destruction. LMG has now been generally considered as a natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL-NT) with an association of EBV. Fungi have been detected from the diseased tissues now and then but are often considered as lymphoma-associated infections. We previously reported an ENKTL-NT case with Mucor irregularis, which played a causal role in the disease and was involved in the overexpression of Ki67 and CD56 in the mouse experiment. The present study describes a chronic Rhizopus arrhizus infection with immunological parameters that are closely similar to LMG. We aim to explore the relationship of another Mucorales fungus, R. arrhizus, and LMG in a patient and in mice. Methods: Case study and mouse infection modules were designed for our observation. A 35-year-old man with midline face ulcers which was clinically suspected as LMG was selected. Biopsy specimens were sent for lymphoma diagnosis and microbiological detection. The isolated fungus was tested in an ICR mouse model for mycological and histological analyses. Results: Five tissue samples yielded Rhizopus arrhizus. In the pathology, characteristic inflammation, necrosis, and granulation with thin-walled hyphae are observed. Immunohistochemistry showed NK/T cell infiltration (CD3+, CD8+, TIA1+, GZMB+, PRF+, individual CD56+) with hyperplasia (Ki67+) and angioinvasion. The patient recovered completely with amphotericin B. In the murine experiment, R. arrhizus caused angioinvasion with NK/T cell infiltration (CD3+, CD56+, TIA1+, GZMB +, PRF+) with proliferation (Ki67+) and was re-isolated from the infected host. Conclusions: We here describe a mid-face destruction patient, which was diagnosed by the top pathologists in China according to the current criteria of NK/T cell lymphoma, with a negative result for EBV and positive result for R. arrhizus. With a then developed mouse experiment, the R. arrhizus in the diseased lesions was responsible for the NK/T cell infiltration (CD3+, CD8+, CD56+, TIA1+, GZMB+, PRF+), proliferation (Ki67+), and angioinvasion, suggesting another fungal etiological agent for LMG, which could be eradicated with amphotericin B. Limitations: The sample size is not sufficient for statistical analysis. However, our findings are suggestive for the role fungus plays in LMG.

PMID:34150783 | PMC:PMC8208083 | DOI:10.3389/fmed.2021.578684

Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2021 Jun 2;9:694484. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.694484. eCollection 2021.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34150740 | PMC:PMC8207135 | DOI:10.3389/fbioe.2021.694484

Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 4;9:661058. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.661058. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Context: The feeding practices during first 2 years of life determine the overall health and survival during childhood and beyond. Child nutrition is responsibility of both parents and so far emphasis has been laid mostly on mothers. Fathers’ involvement toward Infant and Young child feeding (IYCF) has been proved to be of paramount importance and yet it is given limited importance. Objectives: This study aims to study the level of paternal involvement toward IYCF and its associated factors and to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward IYCF in Dakshina Kannada District in South Indian State of Karnataka. Settings and Design: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the coastal District of Dakshina Kannada; Karnataka State in India. Methods: The study included 450 fathers of infant and young children (aged <2 years) in five taluks of Dakshina Kannada district. They were assessed for knowledge, attitude, and practices related to IYCF. Median score for the practice component was considered cut off to classify involvement in IYCF. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Chi-square-test and Binary Logistic Regression with Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit model were used. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were generated. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of the study population was 34.6 years (SD, 5.4). The practice scores median (IQR) was 34.0 (IQR, 31.0-39.0), and 40.9% of the participants had poor involvement in IYCF. This was significantly higher among fathers from predominantly urban area. Those who had education above graduation and younger fathers had better involvement in IYCF. Conclusions: Less than half of fathers had poor involvement in IYCF, and it was lower among fathers from urban areas, higher age, and lower educational levels.

PMID:34150705 | PMC:PMC8212972 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2021.661058

Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 4;9:660813. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.660813. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Because older adults are at elevated risk of COVID-19-related adverse health outcomes, and staying at home is an effective strategy to avoid unnecessary exposures, the current formative study used the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) to identify the beliefs underlying older adults’ decision to stay home for the next month. Methods: The participants (weighted n = 206, age 65-94) for the current study were selected from a nationally representative online survey of US adults from April 10-20, 2020. We used multiple linear regression to estimate the relative contribution of the four RAA global constructs (instrumental attitude, injunctive norms, descriptive norms, and self-efficacy) in explaining intention to stay home after controlling for demographic covariates. We also conducted a content analysis to identify beliefs about advantages, disadvantages, and facilitators of staying home. Results: After controlling for demographic characteristics, injunctive norms (b = 0.208; SE = 0.059; B = 0.213, p < 0.01) and self-efficacy (b = 0.532; SE = 0.058; B = 0.537, p < 0.001) showed statistically significant independent associations with intention to stay home. The specific beliefs underlying the decision to stay home spanned across health and wellness dimensions and suggested interpersonal, mental health, and leisure/recreational facilitators. Conclusions: These findings suggest three public health intervention targets. First, self-efficacy building interventions could enhance older adults’ perceptions of their ability to stay home to avoid unnecessary exposures. Second, health communication messages to address injunctive norms could emphasize that people important to older adults think they should stay home. Third, for the youngest of the older adults, health communication messages could emphasize the advantages of staying home.

PMID:34150704 | PMC:PMC8211911 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2021.660813

Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 4;9:659701. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.659701. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Personal lifestyle and air pollution are potential risk factors for major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, these risk factors have experienced dramatic changes in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region in recent years, and few cohorts have focused on identifying risk factors for major NCDs in this specific region. The current study is a large, prospective, long-term, population-based cohort study that investigated environmental and genetic determinants of NCDs in BTH areas. The results of this study may provide scientific support for efforts to develop health recommendations for personalized prevention. Methods: About 36,000 participants 18 years or older would be obtained by multistage, stratified cluster sampling from five cities for the baseline assessment. Participants underwent seven examinations primarily targeting respiratory and circulatory system function and filled out questionnaires regarding lifestyle behavior, pollutant exposure, medical and family history, medication history, and psychological factors. Biochemistry indicators and inflammation markers were tested, and a biobank was established. Participants will be followed up every 2 years. Genetic determinants of NCDs will be demonstrated by using multiomics, and risk prediction models will be constructed using machine learning methods based on a multitude of environmental exposure, examination data, biomarkers, and psychosocial and behavioral assessments. Significant spatial and temporal differentiation is well-suited to demonstrating the health determinants of NCDs in the BTH region, which may facilitate public health strategies with respect to disease prevention and survivorship-related aspects.

PMID:34150703 | PMC:PMC8212971 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2021.659701

Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 4;9:651228. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.651228. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Concerns about weight and body image are common among adolescents since they are particularly vulnerable to body-image dissatisfaction due to the normal physiological, social, and psychological changes they are going through. This study aims to analyse the relationship between food choice motivations and physical activity in body-image perception among adolescents. Twelve to sixteen years old adolescents were recruited from three school districts. The Portuguese version of the Food Choices Questionnaire (FCQ) was used to assess food choice motivators, and the Quantification de l’Activité Physique en Altitude Chez les Enfants was used to assess physical activity and to calculate daily energy expenditure (DEE). Body image perception was measured using Collins’ sequence of seven silhouettes. Body image (dis)satisfaction was estimated by the present body shape minus the desired body shape. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare groups, and the post-hoc Bonferroni test was used to compare target groups. A multinominal logistic regression was performed to analyse the association between gender, age, hours of sport’s competition, FCQ, and body dissatisfaction. All analyses were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. The sample comprised 286 adolescents (51.4% females). Means of FCQ categories varied between 0.33 and 0.97 (range: -2 to 2). Regarding the categories of FCQ, statistically significant differences were found in the category of body satisfaction and weight control among the three groups (p = 0.004). A preventive effect was found of choosing food regarding body satisfaction and weight control, on body-image dissatisfaction.

PMID:34150700 | PMC:PMC8213024 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2021.651228

Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 4;9:606801. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.606801. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Background: The anxiety caused by the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) globally has made many Nigerians resort to self-medication for purported protection against the disease, amid fear of contracting it from health workers and hospital environments. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the knowledge level, causes, prevalence, and determinants of self-medication practices for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and July 2020 among the Nigerian population, using a self-reported questionnaire. Statistical analysis of descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses was done using STATA 15. Results: A total of 461 respondents participated in the survey. Almost all the respondents had sufficient knowledge about self-medication (96.7%). The overall prevalence of self-medication for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 was 41%. The contributing factors were fear of stigmatization or discrimination (79.5%), fear of being quarantine (77.3%), and fear of infection or contact with a suspected person (76.3%). The proximal reasons for self-medication were emergency illness (49.1%), delays in receiving hospital services (28.1%), distance to the health facility (23%), and proximity of the pharmacy (21%). The most commonly used drugs for self-medication were vitamin C and multivitamin (51.8%) and antimalarials (24.9%). These drugs were bought mainly from pharmacies (73.9%). From the multivariable logistic regression model, males (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.07-0.54), and sufficient knowledge on SM (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.19-0.77) were significantly associated with self-medication. Conclusion: The key finding of this study was the use of different over-the-counter medications for the prevention (mainly vitamin C and multivitamins) and treatment (antibiotics/antimicrobial) of perceived COVID-19 infection by Nigerians with mainly tertiary education. This is despite their high knowledge and risk associated with self-medication. We suggest that medication outlets, media and community should be engaged to support the rational use of medication.

PMID:34150693 | PMC:PMC8213209 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2021.606801

J Med Trop. 2021 Jan-Jun;23(1):76-83. doi: 10.4103/jomt.jomt_24_20. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Standard safety precautions are essential in health care delivery regardless of the presumed infectious state of the patients. Safe handling practices as detailed in the universal safety precaution guidelines are available to health care workers globally. However, there have been documentation of suboptimal adherence to it especially in the developing countries including Nigeria. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the level of safe handling practices and its determinants among resident doctors in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau state, Nigeria.

METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 192 resident doctors using quantitative method of data collection in 2018.SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis with chi square test used to identify the determinants of safe handling practices. Crude odds ratio as well as 95% confidence interval were used with a p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents in the study was 33 ± 3 years with 119 (62.0%) of the respondents being males. Good knowledge of infection, prevention and control was reported among 120 (62.5%) while 137 (71.3%) were found to have engaged in safe handling practices. Sex (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.05-9.85) and level of knowledge (OR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.05-3.72) were found as the determinants of safe handling practice.

CONCLUSION: This study has brought to light the need for improvement in the level of compliance with safe handling practices as it is far from the optimum.

PMID:34150680 | PMC:PMC8211140 | DOI:10.4103/jomt.jomt_24_20

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Jun 4;11:595554. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.595554. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Differential diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI) remains a public health priority in high TB burden countries. Pulmonary TB is diagnosed by sputum smear microscopy, chest X-rays, and PCR tests for distinct Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) genes. Clinical tests to diagnose LTBI rely on immune cell stimulation in blood plasma with TB-specific antigens followed by measurements of interferon-γ concentrations. The latter is an important cytokine for cellular immune responses against Mtb in infected lung tissues. Sputum smear microscopy and chest X-rays are not sufficiently sensitive while both PCR and interferon-γ release assays are expensive. Alternative biomarkers for the development of diagnostic tests to discern TB disease states are desirable. This study’s objective was to discover sputum diagnostic biomarker candidates from the analysis of samples from 161 human subjects including TB patients, individuals with LTBI, negative community controls (NCC) from the province South Omo, a pastoral region in Ethiopia. We analyzed 16S rRNA gene-based bacterial taxonomies and proteomic profiles. The sputum microbiota did not reveal statistically significant differences in α-diversity comparing the cohorts. The genus Mycobacterium, representing Mtb, was only identified for the TB group which also featured reduced abundance of the genus Rothia in comparison with the LTBI and NCC groups. Rothia is a respiratory tract commensal and may be sensitive to the inflammatory milieu generated by infection with Mtb. Proteomic data supported innate immune responses against the pathogen in subjects with pulmonary TB. Ferritin, an iron storage protein released by damaged host cells, was markedly increased in abundance in TB sputum compared to the LTBI and NCC groups, along with the α-1-acid glycoproteins ORM1 and ORM2. These proteins are acute phase reactants and inhibit excessive neutrophil activation. Proteomic data highlight the effector roles of neutrophils in the anti-Mtb response which was not observed for LTBI cases. Less abundant in the sputum of the LTBI group, compared to the NCC group, were two immunomodulatory proteins, mitochondrial TSPO and the extracellular ribonuclease T2. If validated, these proteins are of interest as new biomarkers for diagnosis of LTBI.

PMID:34150670 | PMC:PMC8212885 | DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2021.595554