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BMC Pediatrics Dec 2021Anemia is a major health problem in the worldwide. Because of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries. However,...
BACKGROUND
Anemia is a major health problem in the worldwide. Because of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries. However, there was a limited finding in our study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five age children in Shanan Gibe Hospital (SGH), Southwest Ethiopia.
METHODS
Institution based cross sectional study was conducted at SGH, Ethiopia using consecutive convenient sampling technique during 1 January to 30 April, 2021. Data was collected by interviewing and capillary blood was taken from the fingertip for hemoglobin determination by using HaemoCue digital photometer. Additionally, stool sample was processed using wet mount and formal-ether concentration technique. Then after, the data were entered to Epidata version 3.1 and analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Factors associated with anaemia were assessed by bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model by considering P < 0.05 as statistical significance.
RESULTS
A total of 368 under five children were recruited to the study and the current prevalence of anemia was 48.9%. Of this anemia, 25.0% mild, 15.8% moderate and 8.2% were severely anemic. More ever, being rural resident (AOR = 6.11; 95% CI = 1.49-8.99, P = 0.002), family low income (AOR = 6.27, 95% CI = 1.35-11.43, P = 0.004), family size greater than five (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI =1.47-7.11, P = 0.002) and intestinal parasite infections such as Enteameoba histolytica (AOR =3.37; 95%CI = 2.16-11.31, P = 0.005), Hookworm (AOR = 6.09; 95%CI = 2.37-11.56, P = 0.001), and Trichuris trichuria (AOR = 2.79; 95%CI = 1.45-9.13, P = 0.002) (P < 0.05) were factors significantly associated with anemia among under five children.
CONCLUSION
The current prevalence of anemia among under five age children is relatively high. On the other hand, the rural residence, large family size, low family income, infection with Enteameoba histolytica, hookworm and Trichuris trichuria were the identified factors associated with anemia among under five children. Therefore, there should be massive and routine deworming program in addition to imperative targeting anemia prevention, and nutritional supplementation to reduce the burden of anemia.
Topics: Anemia; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Hospitals; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34861848
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-03011-5 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Nov 2017Anemia is common during pregnancy and is associated with poor outcomes. Objectives were not only 1) to determine the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency (ID) but...
Anemia is common during pregnancy and is associated with poor outcomes. Objectives were not only 1) to determine the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency (ID) but also 2) to identify other factors associated with anemia in pregnant women from South Kivu province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Between December 2013 and March 2014, 531 women attending the first antenatal visit in their second trimester of pregnancy were recruited. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biological data were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb) was determined by a portable photometer (Hemocue Hb201+), and anemia was defined as altitude-adjusted Hb < 110 g/L. ID was defined as serum ferritin < 15 μg/L adjusted for inflammation status (C-reactive protein [CRP] > 5 mg/L and/or α-1-acid glycoprotein > 1 g/L) whereas hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin < 35 g/L. A Giemsa-stained blood smear was used to diagnose malaria. The median age (interquartile range ) was 25.5 (21.1-31.3) years, with anemia in 17.6% and ID in 8%. Malaria was present in 7.5% and hypoalbuminemia among 44%. Soluble transferrin receptor concentration was higher in the presence of inflammation and/or malaria. In the final logistic regression model, factors independently associated with anemia were malaria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 11.24 (4.98-25.37) < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia [aOR: 2.14 (1.27-3.59); = 0.004] and elevated CRP [aOR: 1.94 (1.10-3.45); = 0.022]. ID was not highly prevalent and not associated with anemia in our population. Effective control of anemia during pregnancy in this region should consider fighting malaria and other infectious diseases in combination with measures to improve women's nutrition, both before and during pregnancy.
Topics: Adult; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; C-Reactive Protein; Congo; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Hypoalbuminemia; Inflammation; Iron; Logistic Models; Malaria; Orosomucoid; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Receptors, Transferrin; Rural Population; Sample Size; Serum Albumin; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 29016317
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0267 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021Sky Quality Meter (SQM) is a commercial instrument based on photometers widely used by amateur astronomers for skyglow measurement from the ground. In the framework of...
Sky Quality Meter (SQM) is a commercial instrument based on photometers widely used by amateur astronomers for skyglow measurement from the ground. In the framework of the MINLU project, two SQM-LE units were integrated in an autonomous sensor suite realized and tested at University of Padova for monitoring light pollution from drones or sounding balloons. During the ground tests campaign before airborne measurement, the performance of both SQM units was verified in laboratory using controlled light sources as a reference input; the results showed that both units presented an angular response deviating consistently from the expected performance and that the sensors' field of view was larger than the one declared in the manufacturer's datasheet. This aspect in particular would affect direct skyglow measurements during flight as light sources close to the boundaries of the field of view would not be attenuated but instead detected by the sensors. As a direct consequence, the measurement of low-intensity skyglows at stratospheric altitudes could be affected by high-intensity punctual sources acting as lateral disturbances. A dedicated test campaign was therefore conceived and realized to investigate SQM unit response to light sources in the field of view and identify the true angular response curve; the setup consisted in a controlled rotatory stage moving the unit in front of a fixed diffusive light source. Different test conditions were used to validate the experimental procedure, demonstrating the repeatability of the measurements. This paper presents the experimental campaign and the resulting SQM angular response curve; results indicate for both SQMs a larger than expected field of view and the presence of a double peak in the angular response, which is likely related to a non-perfect alignment of SQMs collimation optics. Furthermore, the wider resulting curves suggest that the contribution of lateral sources is more prominent with respect to the response predicted by the manufacturer. For this reason, the utilization of baffles to restrict SQMs field of view is analyzed to minimize the disturbance of lateral light sources and two different geometries are presented.
PubMed: 34833618
DOI: 10.3390/s21227544 -
Translational Vision Science &... Dec 2016We describe a pediatric visual field (VF) test based on a computer game where software and hardware combine to provide an enjoyable test experience.
PURPOSE
We describe a pediatric visual field (VF) test based on a computer game where software and hardware combine to provide an enjoyable test experience.
METHODS
The test software consists of a platform-based computer game presented to the central VF. A storyline was created around the game as was a structure surrounding the computer monitor to enhance patients' experience. The patient is asked to help the central character collect magic coins (stimuli). To collect these coins a series of obstacles need to be overcome. The test was presented on a Sony PVM-2541A monitor calibrated from a central midpoint with a Minolta CS-100 photometer placed at 50 cm. Measurements were performed at 15 locations on the screen and the contrast calculated. Retinal sensitivity was determined by modulating stimulus in size. To test the feasibility of the novel approach 20 patients (4-16 years old) with no history of VF defects were recruited.
RESULTS
For the 14 subjects completing the study, 31 ± 15 data points were collected on 1 eye of each patient. Mean background luminance and stimulus contrast were 9.9 ± 0.3 cd/m and 27.9 ± 0.1 dB, respectively. Sensitivity values obtained were similar to an adult population but variability was considerably higher - 8.3 ± 9.0 dB.
CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary data show the feasibility of a game-based VF test for pediatric use. Although the test was well accepted by the target population, test variability remained very high.
TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE
Traditional VF tests are not well tolerated by children. This study describes a child-friendly approach to test visual fields in the targeted population.
PubMed: 27980876
DOI: 10.1167/tvst.5.6.13 -
Cureus Aug 2023One of the most important aspects that determines the clinical lifetime of aesthetic restorations, is the color stability (CS) over the long term. This study aims to...
OBJECTIVES
One of the most important aspects that determines the clinical lifetime of aesthetic restorations, is the color stability (CS) over the long term. This study aims to assess the effect of artificial aging and thermocycling in different staining solutions on the CS of bioactive restorative materials compared to conventional ones.
METHODS
The following four material groups were investigated: ACTIVA™ Bioactive (AB) (Pulpdent Corporation, Massachusetts, United States), Beautifil II (BF) (SHOFU Inc., Kyoto, Japan), Fuji II (FJ) (GC Corporation, Tokyo Japan), and Filtek™ Z350 XT (FT) (3M, Minnesota, United States). A total of 100 specimens were fabricated using an acrylic mold and then immersed in five staining solutions groups: coffee, black tea, Cola, mixed berry juice, and saline. Baseline shade (T0) was recorded using two spectro-photometer devices, VITA Easyshade® Advance (VITA Zahnfabrik, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) and Color-Eye® 7000A (X-Rite, Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States). Following this, the shade was recorded at 30 days (T1), three months (T2), and after 5000 thermocycles (5C-55C) (T3). CIE L*a*b* (International Commission on Illumination color space) data was used to calculate ΔE for each group.
RESULTS
All samples showed a significant color change (P<0.001) following one and three months of storage and after thermocycling. AB and BF showed the highest CS over time, whereas FT and FJ showed the least CS.
CONCLUSION
The CS of restorative materials is mostly determined by their type, followed by staining solution type and thermocycling. The most potent solutions were coffee, tea, and berry juice.
PubMed: 37674947
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43038 -
Environment International Aug 2023This study analyzed the variability of equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentrations and their sources in urban Europe to provide insights into the use of eBC as an...
This study analyzed the variability of equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentrations and their sources in urban Europe to provide insights into the use of eBC as an advanced air quality (AQ) parameter for AQ standards. This study compiled eBC mass concentration datasets covering the period between 2006 and 2022 from 50 measurement stations, including 23 urban background (UB), 18 traffic (TR), 7 suburban (SUB), and 2 regional background (RB) sites. The results highlighted the need for the harmonization of eBC measurements to allow for direct comparisons between eBC mass concentrations measured across urban Europe. The eBC mass concentrations exhibited a decreasing trend as follows: TR > UB > SUB > RB. Furthermore, a clear decreasing trend in eBC concentrations was observed in the UB sites moving from Southern to Northern Europe. The eBC mass concentrations exhibited significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity, including marked differences in eBC mass concentration and variable contributions of pollution sources to bulk eBC between different cities. Seasonal patterns in eBC concentrations were also evident, with higher winter concentrations observed in a large proportion of cities, especially at UB and SUB sites. The contribution of eBC from fossil fuel combustion, mostly traffic (eBC) was higher than that of residential and commercial sources (eBC) in all European sites studied. Nevertheless, eBC still had a substantial contribution to total eBC mass concentrations at a majority of the sites. eBC trend analysis revealed decreasing trends for eBC over the last decade, while eBC remained relatively constant or even increased slightly in some cities.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Environmental Monitoring; Aerosols; Air Pollution; Europe; Seasons; Soot; Carbon; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 37451041
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108081 -
The American Journal of Tropical... May 2018Undernutrition among under-five children is a public health concern in developing countries and has been linked with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)...
Undernutrition among under-five children is a public health concern in developing countries and has been linked with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. This study aimed at assessing WASH practices and its association with nutritional status of under-five children in semi-pastoral communities of Arusha. The study was cross-sectional in design. Mother-child pairs from 310 households in four villages of Monduli and Longido were involved. Weight and height of children were measured using weighing scale and length/height board, respectively. Children's age was recorded using clinic cards. Hemoglobin level of each child was tested using Hemo Cue Hb 201 + photometer (HemoCue AB, Ängelholm, Sweden) machine. Structured questionnaire was used to gather information on WASH, child morbidity, demographic, and sociocultural characteristics. Prevalence of stunted, underweight, wasted, anemia, and diarrhea were 31.6%, 15.5%, 4.5% 61.2%, and 15.5%, respectively. Children with diarrhea 2 weeks preceding the survey ( = 0.004), children using surface water for domestic purposes ( < 0.001), and those with uneducated mothers ( = 0.001) had increased risk of being stunted and underweight. Children introduced to complementary foods before 6 months of age ( = 0.02) or belonging to polygamous families ( = 0.03) had increased risk of being stunted. Consumption of cow's milk that is not boiled ( = 0.05) or being a boy ( = 0.03) was associated with underweight. Prevalence of undernutrition among under-five children in the population under study was alarming and it could be associated with poor WASH practices and other sociocultural factors. This study underlines the importance of incorporating WASH strategies in formulation of interventions targeting on promotion of nutrition and disease prevention in pastoral communities.
Topics: Agriculture; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child, Preschool; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Hygiene; Infant; Male; Sanitation; Tanzania; Water Supply
PubMed: 29532770
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0399 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2021Optical density (OD) measurement is the gold standard to estimate microbial cell density in aqueous systems. Recording microbial growth curves is essential to assess...
Optical density (OD) measurement is the gold standard to estimate microbial cell density in aqueous systems. Recording microbial growth curves is essential to assess substrate utilization, gauge sensitivity to inhibitors or toxins, or determine the perfect sampling point. Manual sampling for cuvette-photometer-based measurements can cause disturbances and impact growth, especially for strictly anaerobic or thermophilic microbes. For slow growing microbes, manual sampling can cause data gaps that complicate analysis. Online OD measurement systems provide a solution, but are often expensive and ill-suited for applications such as monitoring microbial growth in custom or larger anaerobic vessels. Furthermore, growth measurements of thermophilic cultures are limited by the heat sensitivity of complex electronics. Here, we present two simple, low-cost, self-assembled photometers-a "TubeOD" for online measurement of anaerobic and thermophilic cultures in Hungate tubes and a "ClampOD" that can be attached to virtually any transparent growth vessel. Both OD-meters can be calibrated in minutes. We detail the manufacturing and calibration procedure and demonstrate continuous acquisition of high quality cell density data of a variety of microbes, including strict anaerobes, a thermophile, and gas-utilizing strains in various glassware. When calibrated and operated within their detection limits (ca. 0.3-90% of the photosensor voltage range), these self-build OD-meters can be used for continuous measurement of microbial growth in a variety of applications, thereby, simplifying and enhancing everyday lab operations.
PubMed: 35095803
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.790576 -
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case... Dec 2022To report the efficacy of combination therapy using intravitreal injection of brolucizumab (IVbr) and sub-Tenon's injection of triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) and of...
PURPOSE
To report the efficacy of combination therapy using intravitreal injection of brolucizumab (IVbr) and sub-Tenon's injection of triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) and of monitoring with a laser flare-cell photometer (LFP) in a case of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with intraocular inflammation (IOI).
OBSERVATIONS
A 72-year-old Japanese woman with PCV had her treatment switched to IVbr due to being refractory to aflibercept. Two weeks after starting IVbr, her visual acuity (VA) declined to 0.40 from 0.10 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA at baseline. In addition, the LFP flare increased to 51.2 photon count/ms (pc/ms) compared with the baseline of 16.1 pc/ms. We diagnosed her with the onset of IOI and immediately started treatment with sub-Tenon's injection of 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide (STTA). Two weeks after receiving STTA, her VA had recovered to 0.15 logMAR, and the LFP flare had decreased to 17.9 pc/ms with dry macula. Eight weeks after the first IVbr treatment, the logMAR VA had improved to -0.18 with achievement of dry macula and stabilization of the LFP flare at 12.2 pc/ms. We administered combined therapy using IVbr and STTA to our patient, and 12 weeks later, the logMAR VA remained at 0.00 with dry macula and 18.1 pc/ms for LFP flare. We continued combination therapy, and after 8 months, her logMAR VA remained at -0.08, and optical coherence tomography showed dry macula, while the LFP flare had stabilized at 16.6 pc/ms.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE
Combination therapy of IVbr and STTA stabilized IOI and achieved dry macula. The LFP flare score clearly showed the degree of and changes in inflammation.
PubMed: 36281264
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101727 -
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2023Haemolysis - one of the major limiting factors of red cell concentrate quality - must be measured as a quality-monitoring requirement. According to international quality...
BACKGROUND
Haemolysis - one of the major limiting factors of red cell concentrate quality - must be measured as a quality-monitoring requirement. According to international quality standards, percentage haemolysis must be monitored in 1.0% of red cell concentrates produced monthly and maintained under 0.8%.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed three alternative methods for determining plasma haemoglobin concentration in peripheral blood banks that lack a plasma or low haemoglobin photometer - the gold-standard method - in Sri Lanka.
METHODS
A standard haemolysate was prepared using an unexpired whole blood pack of normal haemoglobin concentration. A concentration series from 0.1 g/dL to 1.0 g/dL was prepared by diluting portions of standard haemolysate with saline. The alternative methods, namely visual haemoglobin colour scale, spectrophotometric calibration graph, and standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison, were designed using this concentration series and were used to test red cell concentrates received at the Quality Control Department of the National Blood Center, Sri Lanka, from February 2021 to May 2021.
RESULTS
A strong correlation was observed between the haemoglobin photometer method and the alternative methods ( = ~0.9). Based on the linear regression model, the standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison method was the best of the three alternative methods ( = 0.974).
CONCLUSION
All three alternative methods are recommended for use in peripheral blood banks. The standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison method was the best model.
PubMed: 36873291
DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v12i1.1987