scholarly journals Frequency of asymptomatic carriers of SARS-CoV-2 among children and adults after school reopening

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregorio P. Milani ◽  
Paola Marchisio ◽  
Alessia Rocchi ◽  
Giuseppe Bertolozzi ◽  
Ludovico Furlan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
After School ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Short Stay ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Similar Frequency ◽  
Asymptomatic Carriers ◽  
Swab Specimen

Abstract Background Children often develop an asymptomatic form of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but it is debated if children are at higher risk than adults to be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-CoV-2, especially during the school reopening. The main aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic carriers in children and adults during the reopening of the schools in Milan, Italy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at the pediatric and adult Emergency Department (ED) of the Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico (Milan) between October 1 and 31, 2020, i.e. 3 weeks after the reopening of schools. Patients admitted to the ED short stay observation and without any sign or symptom consistent with a SARS-CoV-2 were eligible. These patients underwent a nasopharyngeal swab specimen for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to assess the risk of asymptomatically carrying the SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adults. Results A total of 69 (27 females, median age 8.7 years) children and 251 (107 females, median age 71 years) adults were enrolled. Pediatric and adult subjects tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with a similar frequency (1/69 [1.4%] vs 4/251 [1.6%]). Children had an odds ratio to be a carrier of 0.91 (CI 0.02– 9.38) compared to adults. Conclusions The frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers was similar among children and adults. Considering the emerging diffusion of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, the asymptomatic spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children and adults should be monitored.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Thorax ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 1089-1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Shields ◽  
Sian E Faustini ◽  
Marisol Perez-Toledo ◽  
Sian Jossi ◽  
Erin Aldera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Internal ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers.DesignA cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020.SettingUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK.Participants545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded.InterventionParticipants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked.Main outcome measureProportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, p<0.0001) and quantitatively greater antibody responses than those who had remained asymptomatic. Seroprevalence was greatest among those working in housekeeping (34.5%), acute medicine (33.3%) and general internal medicine (30.3%), with lower rates observed in participants working in intensive care (14.8%). BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) ethnicity was associated with a significantly increased risk of seropositivity (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.23, p=0.01). Working on the intensive care unit was associated with a significantly lower risk of seropositivity compared with working in other areas of the hospital (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.78, p=0.02).Conclusions and relevanceWe identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of hypertension in selected towns of Wollega zones, Western Ethiopia, 2019: A community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110245
Author(s):  
Getu Mosisa ◽  
Bikila Regassa ◽  
Bayise Biru
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: Hypertension remains an emerging public health problem globally, particularly in developing countries. Age, income level, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, vegetables and fruit consumption, physical activity and chat chewing were some risk factors of hypertension. However, there are limited data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess Epidemiology of Hypertension among the community of selected towns of Wollega zones. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 June 2019 in selected towns of Wollega zones. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 840 study participants. Data were collected using the WHO STEP wise approach. The data were coded and entered into EpiData 3, and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. Results: The study included a total of 838 respondents with a response rate of 99.7%. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 189 (22.6%) (95% confidence interval = 19.9%–25.2%). Of this, 108 (12.9%) and 81 (9.7%) of female and male were hypertensive, respectively. Age groups of 30–44 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.65 (1.43, 4.89)), 45–59 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.55 (1.79, 7.04)), above 60 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.97 (1.43, 6.18)), having history of alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 4.29 (2.4, 7.66)), involving in vigorous physical activity (adjusted odds ratio = 0.096 (0.028, 0.33)), not walking to and from the work (adjusted odds ratio = 13.12 (8.34, 20.67)), being overweight (adjusted odds ratio = 1.98 (1.21, 3.25)), inadequate fruits serving per day (adjusted odds ratio = 2.93 (1.75, 4.88)) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be high in the study area. Older age, alcohol consumption, not engaging in vigorous activity, physical inactivity, being overweight and inadequate intake of fruits were found to be risk factors for hypertension. Therefore, health care providers should provide extensive health education and promotion on recommended lifestyle modification to tackle the burden of hypertension.

scholarly journals The Associated Factors of Prolonged Screen Time and Using Electronic Devices before Sleep among Elderly People in Shaanxi Province of China: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7020
Author(s):  
Yaxuan Zhang ◽  
Jiwei Wang ◽  
Xinyuan Lu ◽  
Beibei Che ◽  
Jinming Yu
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Shaanxi Province ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Monthly Income ◽  
Cross Sectional

This study aimed to investigate prolonged screen time and using electronic devices before sleep and their associated factors in elderly people in Shaanxi province of China. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2647 elderly participants aged 60–88 years. Data were collected through questionnaires. Demographic characteristics, screen time, using electronic devices before sleep, health status, lifestyles, sleep quality, and other associated factors were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the associated factors of screen time and using electronic devices before sleep. The crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 1784 subjects completed the questionnaire. There were 6.89% participants with prolonged screen time and 13.45% using electronic devices before sleep frequently. Prolonged screen time was associated with personal monthly income (aOR = 1.205, p = 0.001), number of household residents (aOR = 0.860, p = 0.010), rural residents (aOR = 0.617, p = 0.038), and regular drinkers (aOR = 2.889, p < 0.001). Using electronic devices before sleep was associated with being female (aOR = 0.657, p = 0.007), family monthly income (aOR = 0.866, p = 0.002), being an occasional drinker (aOR = 1.891, p = 0.005), and self-reported sleep quality (aOR = 1.593, p = 0.007). In conclusion, several factors related to screen time or using electronic devices before sleep were identified. Only being a drinker was a common associated factor for both screen time and using electronic devices before sleep.

scholarly journals Analysis of the relationship between periodontitis and osteoporosis/fractures: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seok-Jin Hong ◽  
Byoung-Eun Yang ◽  
Dae-Myoung Yoo ◽  
Sung-Jae Kim ◽  
Hyo-Geun Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Bone Destruction ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Income Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease resulting in patients exhibiting high levels of inflammatory factors causing systemic inflammatory bone destruction that may lead to osteoporosis development. The association between periodontitis and osteoporosis has been documented; however, the findings remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the association between periodontitis and osteoporosis using a cross-sectional study design and Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) health examinee data. Methods This cross-sectional study used epidemiological data from the KoGES during 2004–2016. Of 125,324 participants (age, 40–79 years), 9969 with periodontitis and 115,332 controls (without periodontitis) were selected. We analyzed the history of osteoporosis and fractures of all participants. All participants were examined according to age, sex, income group, obesity, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and food intake. To analyze the odds ratio (OR) of periodontitis for those with osteoporosis and fractures, a logistic regression model was used. Results The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of periodontitis for osteoporosis was 2.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01–2.31; P < 0.001). The aOR of periodontitis for any fracture was 1.54 (95% CI 1.46–1.62; P < 0.001). Conclusion Osteoporosis and fractures are associated with periodontitis. Performing regular oral hygiene and examinations of bone mineral density are recommended to prevent aggravation of osteoporosis and periodontitis.

scholarly journals Prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among under-five children in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia 2018: A cross sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisay Shine ◽  
Sindew Muhamud ◽  
Solomon Adnew ◽  
Alebachew Demelash ◽  
Makda Abate
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children Under Five ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Debre Berhan

Abstract Background: Diarrhea is responsible for 525,000 children under-five deaths and 1.7 billion cases globally and is the second leading cause of death among children under-five every year. It is a major public health problem in low income countries like Ethiopia. The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of diarrhea and associated risk factors among children under-five in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 420 parent or caretaker/children pairs in Debre Berhan town between 13–18 April 2018. A multi-stage sampling strategy was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaires. Data were entered in Epi-info computer software version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS Window Version-16 for analysis. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the level of significance. Results: The two week prevalence of diarrhea among children under-five was 16.4% (69/351). Children aged 7-11 months (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2 - 15.3), being the second-born child (AOR: 3.9, 95%CI: 1.8 - 8.5), not vaccinated against rotavirus (AOR: 10.3, 95%CI: 3.2 - 91.3) and feeding children by hand (AOR: 2.5, 95%CI: 1.1 - 6.1) were significant predictors of diarrhea. Conclusions: This study revealed that the two weeks period prevalence of diarrhea among children under-five years was 16.4%. Education programs on the importance of vaccination against rotavirus, increasing breast feeding frequency with complementary food after six months and the critical points of hand washing are recommended.

scholarly journals Fever without source as the first manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants less than 90 days old.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Blázquez-Gamero ◽  
Cristina Epalza ◽  
José Antonio Alonso Cadenas ◽  
Lourdes Calleja Gero ◽  
Cristina Calvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Urine Culture ◽  
Pediatric Intensive Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bacterial Coinfection ◽  
Growth Of Bacteria ◽  
Rule Out

Abstract Fever without source (FWS) in infants is a frequent cause of consultation at the emergency department and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 could affect the approach to those infants. The aim of this study is to define the clinical characteristics and rates of bacterial coinfections of infants < 90 days with FWS as the first manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is a cross-sectional study of infants under 90 days of age with FWS and positive SARS-CoV2 PCR in nasopharyngeal swab/aspirate, attended at the emergency departments of 49 Spanish hospitals (EPICO-AEP cohort) from March 1st to June 26th, 2020. Three hundred and thirty-three children with COVID-19 were included in EPICO-AEP. A total of 67/336 (20%) were infants less than 90 days old, and 27/67(40%) presented with FWS. Blood cultures were performed in 24/27(89%) and were negative in all but one (4%) who presented a Streptococcus mitis bacteremia. Urine culture was performed in 26/27(97%) children and was negative in all, except in two (7%) patients. Lumbar puncture was performed in 6/27(22%) cases, with no growth of bacteria. Two children had bacterial coinfections: 1 had UTI and bacteremia, and 1 had UTI. C-reactive was protein over 20 mg/L in two children (one with bacterial coinfection), and procalcitonin was normal in all. One child was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit because of apnea episodes. No patients died. Conclusion: FWS was frequent in infants under 90 days of age with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Standardized markers to rule out bacterial infections remain useful in this population, and the outcome is generally good.

scholarly journals Relationship between the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and the Self-Efficacy Scale among Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 269
Author(s):  
Yuhei Matsuda ◽  
Masaaki Karino ◽  
Takahiro Kanno
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Oral Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Self ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Functional Oral Intake Scale

A few studies have provided detailed reports suggesting that subjective swallowing disorders may be related to dysphagia. Therefore, we verified the relationship between oral health-related self-efficacy and dysphagia severity in cancer treatment using a cross-sectional study. Participants included patients undergoing treatment for cancer at Shimane University Hospital in Shimane, Japan, and those receiving outpatient treatment at the hospital’s Oral Care Center between August 2018 and April 2019. In all, 203 participants enrolled in the study and completed the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Self-efficacy Scale for Advanced Cancer (SEAC), and the Oral Health-related Self-Efficacy Scale for Patients with Cancer (OSEC). Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between the low FOIS score and the SEAC subscales of Activities of Daily Living Self-efficacy (ADE) (odds ratio 1.04, 95% [CI] 1.00–1.07) and Symptom Coping Self-efficacy (SCE) (odds ratio 0.61, 95% [CI] 0.42–0.88). Based on the Jonckheere-Terpstra test, the SEAC and the OSEC tended to increase as the category of the FOIS progressed. To conclude, self-efficacy played an important role in dysphagia and may affect the severity of dysphagia in cancer patients.

scholarly journals Association of cleft lip and palate on mother-to-infant bonding: a cross-sectional study in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinobu Tsuchiya ◽  
◽  
Masahiro Tsuchiya ◽  
Haruki Momma ◽  
Takeyoshi Koseki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Maternal Age ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Cleft lip and/or palate is among the most prevalent congenital birth defects, and negatively affects maternal psychological status and may consequently result in higher prevalence of child maltreatment. However, the association of childbirths of infants with cleft lip and/or palate with maternal emotional involvement still remains unclear. We examined the association between childbirths of infants with cleft lip and/or palate and mother-to-infant bonding, using data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a nationwide birth cohort study. Methods A cross-sectional study using the jecs-an-20,180,131 dataset was performed. A total 104,065 fetuses in 15 regional centres in Japan were enrolled after obtaining informed written consent. The Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale, a self-report scale consisting of 10 items, was used to evaluate maternal bonding at one year after childbirth. Finally, the participants consisted of 79,140 mother-infant pairs, of which 211 mothers of infants with cleft lip and/or palate were included in our analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis using multiple imputation for missing data was performed to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval in the estimation of the association between bonding disorders and childbirths with cleft lip and/or palate. Results No increased risk of bonding disorders was observed among all the mothers of infants with cleft lip and/or palate (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]; 0.97 [0.63–1.48], p = 0.880), however, advanced maternal age or multiple parity may adversely affect the associations between bonding disorders and cleft lip and/or palate, respectively. After stratification with a combination of maternal age and parity, a significant association of cleft lip and/or palate with bonding disorders was found only among advanced-age multiparae (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 2.51 [1.17–5.37], p = 0.018), but it was weakened after additional adjustment for maternal depression. Conclusions Childbirths of infants with cleft lip and/or palate may increase the risk of bonding disorders among advanced-age multiparae, possibly through maternal depression. This finding provides valuable information for the provision of multidisciplinary cleft care.

scholarly journals The association of gout with an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among stroke survivors in New Zealand: A cross-sectional study using routinely collected electronic health data

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 204800401986323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina Eufemia D San Gabriel ◽  
Julia Slark
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Background There is a paucity of data relating to the association of gout with the occurrence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in patients with stroke. This study aimed to determine the association of gout with the risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in a cohort of stroke patients from Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among stroke survivors in South and East Auckland, New Zealand from the years 2010 to 2014. Electronic health record data were collected and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23. Multivariate logistic regression modelling adjusted for age, gender, and ethnicity was conducted to determine the association of gout with the risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in patients discharged with a diagnosis of stroke. Results The age-, gender-, and ethnicity-adjusted odds ratio for having hypertension and diabetes mellitus among stroke survivors with gout history were 3.25 (95% confidence interval 1.32–8.03) and 1.94 (95% confidence interval 1.12–3.36), respectively. Māori stroke survivors with gout history had the highest risk of having diabetes mellitus with age- and gender-adjusted odds ratio of 5.10 (95% confidence interval 1.90–18.93). Conclusion The findings from this study suggest gout may be independently associated with an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in patients with stroke. Māori who are the indigenous population of New Zealand show a greater risk of diabetes mellitus associated with a gout diagnosis compared to other populations. This finding highlights the importance of the need for further research with Māori stroke survivors and other indigenous populations.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study of Hyponatremia Associated with Acute Central Nervous System Infections

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1801
Author(s):  
Andy K.H. Lim ◽  
Sahira Paramaswaran ◽  
Lucy J. Jellie ◽  
Ralph K. Junckerstorff
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Cns Infection ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fluid Analysis

Hyponatremia can occur with central nervous system (CNS) infections, but the frequency and severity may depend on the organism and nature of CNS involvement. In this cross-sectional study at a large Australian hospital network from 2015 to 2018, we aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of hyponatremia associated with CNS infection clinical syndromes, and the association with specific organisms. We examined the results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis from lumbar punctures performed in 184 adult patients with a serum sodium below 135 mmol/L who had abnormal cerebrospinal fluid analysis and a clinical syndrome consistent with an acute CNS infection (meningitis or encephalitis). Hyponatremia affected 39% of patients and was more severe and frequent in patients with encephalitis compared to meningitis (odds ratio = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.43–6.39, after adjusting for age). Hyponatremia was present on admission in 85% of cases. Herpes simplex virus infection was associated with the highest odds of hyponatremia (odds ratio = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.13–7.87) while enterovirus infection was associated with the lowest (odds ratio = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14–0.92), compared to cases without an isolated organism. We concluded that the risk of hyponatremia may vary by the organism isolated but the clinical syndrome was a useful surrogate for predicting the probability of developing hyponatremia.

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