Preoperative Variables of 30-Day Mortality in Adults Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Risk adjustment following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is vital for clinical quality registries, performance monitoring, and clinical decision-making. There remains significant variation in the accuracy and nature of risk adjustment models utilised in international PCI registries/databases. Therefore, the current systematic review aims to summarise preoperative variables associated with 30-day mortality among patients undergoing PCI, and the other methodologies used in risk adjustments.

METHOD

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases until October 2022 without any language restriction were systematically searched to identify preoperative independent variables related to 30-day mortality following PCI. Information was systematically summarised in a descriptive manner following the Checklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies checklist. The quality and risk of bias of all included articles were assessed using the Prediction Model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool. Two independent investigators took part in screening and quality assessment.

RESULTS

The search yielded 2,941 studies, of which 42 articles were included in the final assessment. Logistic regression, Cox-proportional hazard model, and machine learning were utilised by 27 (64.3%), 14 (33.3%), and one (2.4%) article, respectively. A total of 74 independent preoperative variables were identified that were significantly associated with 30-day mortality following PCI. Variables that repeatedly used in various models were, but not limited to, age (n=36, 85.7%), renal disease (n=29, 69.0%), diabetes mellitus (n=17, 40.5%), cardiogenic shock (n=14, 33.3%), gender (n=14, 33.3%), ejection fraction (n=13, 30.9%), acute coronary syndrome (n=12, 28.6%), and heart failure (n=10, 23.8%). Nine (9; 21.4%) studies used missing values imputation, and 15 (35.7%) articles reported the model's performance (discrimination) with values ranging from 0.501 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.472-0.530) to 0.928 (95% CI 0.900-0.956), and four studies (9.5%) validated the model on external/out-of-sample data.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk adjustment models need further improvement in their quality through the inclusion of a parsimonious set of clinically relevant variables, appropriately handling missing values and model validation, and utilising machine learning methods.

Investigating the Association Between ABO Blood Groups and Rhesus Factors with Dengue and Chikungunya Virus Infections During the 2017 Outbreak in Bangladesh

This retrospective study was conducted in 2017 during the dual dengue and chikungunya outbreak in Bangladesh. Febrile participants underwent blood tests for chikungunya, dengue, and ABO groups and rhesus (Rh) factors. Blood grouping information was gathered from healthy donors. Males and those aged between 18 and 49 years had a higher risk of contracting dengue and chikungunya. Blood group O exhibited the highest infection rates at ∼50%, whereas group AB had the lowest at ∼9% among the participants in the study. Yet, when considering the general population's blood group distribution, the combined odds of infection were 2.0, 3.5, and 1.4 times higher in groups B, O, and AB, respectively, than in group A. Infection rates were greater in Rh-negative people. Blood groups B, O, and AB showed higher susceptibility than blood group A according to adjusted odds ratios. Blood groups ABO and Rh factor hold significance in disease susceptibility and vaccine effectiveness. Keeping these implications in mind, further investigations are necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying these connections and their effects on the efficacy of dengue and chikungunya vaccines.

Survey response rates in health sciences education research: A 10-year meta-analysis

Growth in the online survey market may be increasing response burden and possibly jeopardizing higher response rates. This meta-analysis evaluated survey trends over one decade (2011-2020) to determine: (1) changes in survey publication rates over time, (2) changes in response rates over time, (3) typical response rates within health sciences education research, (4) the factors influencing survey completion levels, and (5) common gaps in survey methods and outcomes reporting. Study I estimated survey publication trends between 2011 and 2020 using articles published in the top three health sciences education research journals. Study II searched the anatomical sciences education literature across six databases and extracted study/survey features and survey response rates. Time plots and a proportional meta-analysis were performed. Per 2926 research articles, the annual estimated proportion of studies with survey methodologies has remained constant, with no linear trend (p > 0.050) over time (Study I). Study II reported a pooled absolute response rate of 67% (95% CI = 63.9-69.0) across 360 studies (k), totaling 115,526 distributed surveys. Despite response rate oscillations over time, no significant linear trend (p = 0.995) was detected. Neither survey length, incentives, sponsorship, nor population type affected absolute response rates (p ≥ 0.070). Only 35% (120 of 339) of studies utilizing a Likert scale reported evidence of survey validity. Survey response rates and the prevalence of studies with survey methodologies have remained stable with no linear trends over time. We recommend researchers strive for a typical absolute response rate of 67% or higher and clearly document evidence of survey validity for empirical studies.

Mindfulness for academic performance in health professions students: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on the academic performance of undergraduate medicine, nursing and allied health students.

METHODS

Randomised controlled trials that examined the effects of MBIs in medicine, nursing and allied health students on academic performance were eligible for inclusion. Electronic database searches were conducted across Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Plus), PsycINFO and ERIC databases. Two authors independently reviewed citations, extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. A descriptive analysis of included studies and a meta-analysis using a random-effects model of standardised mean difference were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 267 studies were returned from the search, of which 2 met the inclusion criteria. The overall risk of bias was assessed as unclear risk of bias for one study and high risk of bias for second included study. A meta-analysis of MBIs on student academic performance as measured by marks in written examination indicated no statistical difference between interventions (Standardised Mean Difference (SMD)=0.43, 95% CI -1.77 to 2.62, I2=96%).

DISCUSSION

Our systematic review highlights a lack of evidence to either support, or refute, the use of mindfulness interventions on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students. We encourage that future randomised controlled trials pay heed to the dosing of mindfulness and include a measurement of mindfulness to enable us to draw a clearer causal relationship.

High cereal fibre but not total fibre is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes: Evidence from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

AIM

To assess the associations of total dietary fibre and fibre from different food sources (ie, cereal, fruit and vegetables) with the risk of diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study enrolled 41 513 participants aged 40 to 69 years from 1990 to 1994. The first and second follow-ups were conducted in 1994 to 1998 and 2003 to 2007, respectively. Self-reported diabetes incidence was recorded at both follow-ups. We analysed data from 39 185 participants, with a mean follow-up of 13.8 years. The relationships between dietary fibre intake (total, fruit, vegetable and cereal fibre) and the incidence of diabetes were assessed using modified Poisson regression, adjusted for dietary, lifestyle, obesity, socioeconomic and other possible confounders. Fibre intake was categorized into quintiles.

RESULTS

At total of 1989 incident cases were identified over both follow-up surveys. Total fibre intake was not associated with diabetes risk. Higher intake of cereal fibre (P for trend = 0.003), but not fruit (P for trend = 0.3) and vegetable fibre (P for trend = 0.5), was protective against diabetes. For cereal fibre, quintile 5 versus quintile 1 showed a 25% reduction in diabetes risk (incidence risk ratio [IRR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-0.88). For fruit fibre, only quintile 2 versus quintile 1 showed a 16% risk reduction (IRR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.96). Adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio eliminated the association and mediation analysis showed that BMI mediated 36% of the relationship between fibre and diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Intake of cereal fibre and, to a lesser extent, fruit fibre, may reduce the risk of diabetes, while total fibre showed no association. Our data suggest that specific recommendations regarding dietary fibre intake may be needed to prevent diabetes.

Challenges and Strategies in Conducting Population Health Research during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience from a Nationwide Mixed-Methods Study in Bangladesh

Introduction: Globally, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic poses fundamental challenges in everyday life. Various controlling measures, including nationwide lockdowns, movement restrictions, travel bans, social distancing, and improved hygiene practices, have been widely introduced to curtail transmission of the disease. Notably, these measures have affected the execution of population health research that typically involves face-to-face data collection. This paper details a subjective reflective account of the challenges and mitigating strategies in conducting a nationwide study during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Challenges and strategies: The research team faced a wide range of challenges in conducting this study. The major categories of challenges were defined as follows: (i) challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as insufficient access to field sites; (ii) challenges related to contextual factors, such as cultural and gender sensitivity and extreme weather events; and (iii) challenges related to data quality and validity. The key mitigating strategies to overcoming these challenges included engaging a local-level field supervisor, hiring data collectors from respective study sites, incorporating team members' reviews of literature and experts' views to develop research instruments, modifying original research instruments, organizing regular meetings and debriefing, adjusting field operation plans, building gender-sensitive teams, understanding local norms and adopting culturally appropriate dress codes, and conducting interviews in local languages. Conclusions: This paper concludes that despite several COVID-19-related challenges coupled with contextual factors, data were successfully collected through timely and successful adaptations of several mitigating strategies. The strategies adopted in this study may be useful for overcoming unforeseeable challenges in planning and conducting future population-based health research in similar circumstances elsewhere.

The capacity of primary healthcare facilities in Bangladesh to prevent and control non-communicable diseases

BACKGROUND

The rapid rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has become a significant public health concern in Bangladesh. This study assesses the readiness of primary healthcare facilities to manage the following NCDs: diabetes mellitus (DM), cervical cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (CRIs), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 2021 and October 2021 among 126 public and private primary healthcare facilities (nine Upazila health complexes (UHCs), 36 union-level facilities (ULFs), 53 community clinics (CCs), and 28 private hospitals/clinics). The NCD-specific service readiness was assessed using the World Health Organization's (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) reference manual. The facilities' readiness was assessed using the following four domains: guidelines and staff, basic equipment, diagnostic facility, and essential medicine. The mean readiness index (RI) score for each domain was calculated. Facilities with RI scores of above 70% were considered 'ready' to manage NCDs.

RESULTS

The general services availability ranged between 47% for CCs and 83% for UHCs and the guidelines and staff accessibility were the highest for DM in the UHCs (72%); however, cervical cancer services were unavailable in the ULFs and CCs. The availability of basic equipment was the highest for cervical cancer (100%) in the UHCs and the lowest for DM (24%) in the ULFs. The essential medicine for CRI was 100% in both UHCs and ULFs compared to 25% in private facilities. The diagnostic capacity for CVD and essential medicine for cervical cancer was unavailable at all levels of public and private healthcare facilities. The overall mean RI for each of the four NCDs was below the cut-off value of 70%, with the highest (65%) for CRI in UHCs but unavailable for cervical cancer in CCs.

CONCLUSION

All levels of primary healthcare facilities are currently not ready to manage NCDs. The notable deficits were the shortage of trained staff and guidelines, diagnostic facilities, and essential medicine. This study recommends increasing service availability to address the rising burden of NCDs at primary healthcare levels in Bangladesh.

A systematic review of dengue outbreak prediction models: Current scenario and future directions

Dengue is among the fastest-spreading vector-borne infectious disease, with outbreaks often overwhelm the health system and result in huge morbidity and mortality in its endemic populations in the absence of an efficient warning system. A large number of prediction models are currently in use globally. As such, this study aimed to systematically review the published literature that used quantitative models to predict dengue outbreaks and provide insights about the current practices. A systematic search was undertaken, using the Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science databases for published citations, without time or geographical restrictions. Study selection, data extraction and management process were devised in accordance with the 'Checklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies' ('CHARMS') framework. A total of 99 models were included in the review from 64 studies. Most models sourced climate (94.7%) and climate change (77.8%) data from agency reports and only 59.6% of the models adjusted for reporting time lag. All included models used climate predictors; 70.7% of them were built with only climate factors. Climate factors were used in combination with climate change factors (13.4%), both climate change and demographic factors (3.1%), vector factors (6.3%), and demographic factors (5.2%). Machine learning techniques were used for 39.4% of the models. Of these, random forest (15.4%), neural networks (23.1%) and ensemble models (10.3%) were notable. Among the statistical (60.6%) models, linear regression (18.3%), Poisson regression (18.3%), generalized additive models (16.7%) and time series/autoregressive models (26.7%) were notable. Around 20.2% of the models reported no validation at all and only 5.2% reported external validation. The reporting of methodology and model performance measures were inadequate in many of the existing prediction models. This review collates plausible predictors and methodological approaches, which will contribute to robust modelling in diverse settings and populations.

Health system challenges and opportunities in organizing non-communicable diseases services delivery at primary healthcare level in Bangladesh: A qualitative study

Introduction

The weak health system is viewed as a major systematic obstacle to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-poor settings. There is little information about the health system challenges and opportunities in organizing NCD services. This study examined the health system challenges and opportunities in organizing NCD services for four major NCDs (cervical cancer, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory illnesses) at the primary healthcare (PHC) level in Bangladesh.

Methods

Using a qualitative method, data were collected from May to October 2021 by conducting 15 in-depth interviews with local healthcare providers, 14 key informant interviews with facility-based providers and managers, and 16 focus group discussions with community members. Based on a health system dynamics framework, data were analyzed thematically. Information gathered through the methods and sources was triangulated to validate the data.

Results

Organization of NCD services at the PHC level was influenced by a wide range of health system factors, including the lack of using standard treatment guidelines and protocols, under-regulated informal and profit-based private healthcare sectors, poor health information system and record-keeping, and poor coordination across healthcare providers and platforms. Furthermore, the lack of functional referral services; inadequate medicine, diagnostic facilities, and logistics supply; and a large number of untrained human resources emerged as key weaknesses that affected the organization of NCD services. The availability of NCD-related policy documents, the vast network of healthcare infrastructure and frontline staff, and increased demand for NCD services were identified as the major opportunities.

Conclusion

Despite the substantial potential, the health system challenge impeded the organization of NCD services delivery at the PHC level. This weakness needs be to addressed to organize quality NCD services to better respond to the rising burden of NCDs at the PHC level.

Prevalence of, and risk factors for, diabetes and prediabetes in Bangladesh: Evidence from the national survey using a multilevel Poisson regression model with a robust variance

To estimate the age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes and identify factors associated with these conditions at individual, household, and community levels. Data from 11952 Bangladeshi adults aged 18-95 years available from the most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 were used. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood glucose samples were taken as part of the survey. Prevalence estimates of diabetes and prediabetes were age-standardized with direct standardization, and risk factors were identified using multilevel mix-effects Poisson regression models with robust variance. The overall age-standardised prevalence of diabetes was 9.2% (95%CI 8.7-9.7) (men: 8.8%, women: 9.6%), and prediabetes was 13.3% (95%CI 12.7-13.9) (men: 13.0%, women: 13.6%). Among people with diabetes, 61.5% were unaware that they had the condition. 35.2% took treatment regularly, and only 30.4% of them had controlled diabetes. Factors associated with an increased prevalence of having diabetes were increasing age, male, overweight/obesity, hypertension, being in the highest wealth quintile, and living in the Dhaka division. People currently employed and living in the Rangpur division were less likely to have diabetes than those currently not employed and living in the Barishal division. Diabetes and prediabetes affect a substantial proportion (over one-quarter) of the Bangladeshi adult population. Continuing surveillance and effective prevention and control measures, focusing on obesity reduction and hypertension management, are urgently needed.

Hypothyroidism in Bangladesh: Is Autoimmunity the Next Big Threat?

In many low and middle-income countries, iodine-deficient hypothyroidism leads to complex public health consequences. However, increasing evidence from population-based studies has linked thyroid autoimmunity with excess iodine intake. The iodine supplementation program in Bangladesh was a success story. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the pattern and predictors of autoimmunity among Bangladeshi hypothyroid patients. In this study, 154 consecutive, newly detected, biochemically-confirmed patients with primary hypothyroidism were recruited from the Endocrinology outpatient department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and tested for anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibody levels from October 2015 and November 2016. Patterns of thyroid autoimmunity were assessed via descriptive statistics. Predictors of autoimmunity were assessed with multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression. The mean age of participants was 36.1±11.0 years, and 70.1% were female. The frequency of thyroid autoimmunity in the study subjects was very high, 89.0% were positive for either anti-TPO or anti-Tg antibodies and 48.7% were positive for both. More participants were positive for anti-TPO antibodies (82.5%) than anti-Tg antibodies (55.2%). The risk of autoimmunity was associated with the thyroid's structural abnormalities but not with functional status. Weight gain and hypertension were associated with autoimmunity, whereas diabetes was protective against autoimmunity.

Factors Associated With Undergraduate Nursing Students' Academic and Clinical Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background

There is conflicting and limited information regarding factors that influence undergraduate nursing students' academic and clinical performance prior to entry to practice.

Objective

To identify factors influencing the academic and clinical performance of undergraduate nursing students throughout the course.

Design

Mixed methods study utilizing a retrospective cohort and a qualitative study.

Setting

Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

Longitudinal existing data of nursing undergraduate students who commenced in 2017 (n = 176) and 2018 (n = 76), and two focus groups with final year nursing students were analyzed.

Methods

Retrospective students' records were used to determine the students' academic and clinical performance using the weighted average mark (WAM) of the theoretical and clinical components of the curriculum, separately. The WAM considered the year level of each unit and was scored out of 100. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine predictor factors of academic and clinical performance. Variables include entry cohort (with no previous nursing qualification vs. diploma of nursing), admission category (domestic vs. international), campus (metropolitan vs. outer metropolitan), and secondary school (year 12) results. Two focus group discussions were conducted and thematically analyzed.

Results

More than two-thirds of the students were aged 18–20 years and mainly female. Almost 20% of the participants were international students. Students with higher secondary school (year 12) results and studying at the outer metropolitan campus achieved a higher academic performance while international students had significantly lower academic performance compared to domestic students. Students with a previous diploma of enrolled nursing and international students had lower clinical performance. Students identified that a comprehensive orientation, interactive curriculum, formal and informal support structure, and educator qualities influenced their academic and/or clinical performance.

Conclusions

A supportive educational environment with an interactive curriculum may enhance students' academic and clinical performance and readiness for practice. Furthermore, targeted interventions for international students, those with lower secondary school (year 12) results, and those with a former diploma of nursing may be required to increase academic and clinical performance.

Health system readiness for non-communicable diseases at the primary care level: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To synthesise evidence on the primary healthcare system's readiness for preventing and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched from 1 January 1984 to 30 July 2021, with hand-searching references and expert advice.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Any English-language health research with evidence of readiness/preparedness of the health system at the primary healthcare level in the context of four major NCDs: diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the bias. The full-text selected articles were then assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Health system readiness was descriptively and thematically synthesised in line with the health system dynamics framework.

RESULTS

Out of 7843 records, 23 papers were included in this review (15 quantitative, 3 qualitative and 5 mixed-method studies). The findings showed that existing literature predominantly examined health system readiness from the supply-side perspective as embedded in the WHO's health system framework. However, at the primary healthcare level, these components are insufficiently prepared for NCDs. Among NCDs, higher levels of readiness were reported for diabetes mellitus and hypertension in comparison to CRDs (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), CVDs and cancer. There has been a dearth of research on the demand-side perspective, which is an essential component of a health system and must be addressed in the future research.

CONCLUSION

The supply-side components at the primary healthcare level are inadequately ready to address the growing NCD burden. Improving supply-side factors, with a particular focus on CRDs, CVDs and cancer, and improving understanding of the demand-side components of the health system's readiness, may help to prevent and manage NCDs at the primary healthcare level.

Psychometric validation of diabetes distress scale in Bangladeshi population

Diabetes Distress (DD)-an emotional or affective state arise from challenge of living with diabetes and the burden of self-care-negatively impact diabetes management and quality of life of T2DM patients. Early detection and management of DD is key to efficient T2DM management. The study aimed at developing a valid and reliable instrument for Bangladeshi patients as unavailability such a tool posing challenge in diabetes care. Linguistically adapted, widely used, 17-item Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), developed through forward-backward translation from English to Bengali, was administered on 1184 T2DM patients, from four diabetes hospitals in Bangladesh. Psychometric assessment of the instrument included, construct validity using principal component factor analysis, internal consistency using Cronbach's α and discriminative validity through independent t-test and test-retest reliability using intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa statistics. Factor analysis extracted 4 components similar to original DDS domains, confirms the construct validity. The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.838), stability (test-retest ICC = 0.941) and good agreement across repeated measurements (Kappa = 0.584). Discriminative validity revealed that patients with complication (p < 0.001) and those are on insulin (p < 0.001) had significantly higher distress scores in all domains. Bengali version of DDS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing distress among Bangladeshi T2DM patients.

Construct validity and internal consistency of the Breast Inflammatory Symptom Severity Index in lactating mothers with inflammatory breast conditions

Background

Inflammatory Conditions of the Lactating Breast (ICLB) affect more than one in five lactating mothers, yet no fully validated outcome measures exist to aid clinicians in their patient-centred care of women with ICLB. The Breast Inflammatory Symptom Severity Index (BISSI) is an ICLB-specific clinician administered patient-reported outcome measure, currently used by Australian clinicians, who treat mothers with ICLB. To date the BISSI has undergone partial psychometric development. This study, therefore, aimed to undertake the next stage of psychometric development by determining the construct validity and internal consistency of the BISSI.

Methods

A retrospective audit was conducted on patient records of 160 mothers who were treated for ICLB, at a private physiotherapy practice in Melbourne, Australia. An electronic data capture tool was used to collate BISSI scores and associated ICLB assessment variables. Construct validity was determined through factor analysis and discriminant performance. Reliability was determined by assessing measures of internal consistency.

Results

Factor analysis established that BISSI items (n = 10) loaded on to four factors, Wellness, Pain, Physical Characteristics of Affected Area (PCAA), and Inflammation, which together, explained 71.2% of variance. The remaining item (‘Wellness/sickness unspecified’) did not load. Wellness, Pain, PCAA and Inflammation factors individually and collectively displayed the ability to discriminate symptom severity, as scores were significantly higher in mothers with high symptom severity (assessed via AUC close to or >0.7 and P value <0.005 for each factor). The BISSI demonstrated internal consistency with an overall Cronbach alpha of 0.742.

Conclusions

The BISSI has adequate construct validity, demonstrating behaviour consistent with theoretical constructs of inflammation severity, via its dimensionality and ability to discriminate symptom severity. The BISSI also has adequate internal consistency demonstrating reliability. Therefore, clinicians can have confidence that the BISSI is valid, the individual item scores are correlated, and the concepts are consistently measured.

Neuroendocrine cells in prostate cancer correlate with poor outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to understand the variation in the reporting of neuroendocrine staining and determine the influence of reporting neuroendocrine staining at diagnosis on patient outcomes.

METHODS

Medical databases were searched to identify studies in which adenocarcinoma specimens were stained with any of the following four neuroendocrine markers: chromogranin A (CgA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin and CD56. The prevalence of neuroendocrine staining and correlation of the prevalence of neuroendocrine staining to patient outcomes were analysed using a random-effects model. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Sixty-two studies spanning 7616 patients were analysed. The pooled prevalence for the most common marker, CgA (41%), was similar to that of NSE (39%) and higher than that of synaptophysin (31%). The prevalence of CgA staining was significantly influenced by reporting criteria, where objective thresholds reduced the variation in prevalence to 26%. No correlation was found between CgA prevalence and tumour grade. Patients positive for CgA staining using objective criteria had more rapid biochemical progression (hazard ratio [HR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49 to 2.65) and poorer prostate cancer-specific survival (HR 7.03, 95% CI 2.55 to 19.39) compared to negative patients, even among those with low-risk cancers.

CONCLUSION

Discrepancies in the reported prevalence of neuroendocrine cells in adenocarcinoma are driven by the inconsistent scoring criteria. This study unequivocally demonstrates that when neuroendocrine cell staining is assessed with objective criteria it identifies patients with poor clinical outcomes. Future studies are needed to determine the exact quantifiable thresholds for use in reporting neuroendocrine cell staining to identify patients at higher risk of progression.

Primary healthcare system readiness to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh: a mixed-method study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing in Bangladesh. Currently, it contributes to 67% of annual deaths, and accounts for approximately 64% of the disease burden. Since 70% of the Bangladeshi population residing in the rural area rely on the primary healthcare system, assessment of its capacity is crucial for guiding public health decisions to prevent and manage NCDs. This protocol is designed to recognise and assess the Bangladeshi health system's readiness for NCDs at the primary level.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study will use a mixed-method design. Numerical data will be collected using households and health facilities surveys, while qualitative data will be collected by interviewing healthcare providers, policy planners, health administrators and community members. The WHO's Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) methodology and Package of Essential Non-communicable (PEN) Disease Interventions for Primary Healthcare reference manuals will be used to assess the readiness of the primary healthcare facilities for NCD services. Furthermore, Health System Dynamics Framework will be used to examine health system factors. Using the supportive items outlined in the WHO PEN package, and indicators proposed in WHO SARA methodology, a composite score will be created to analyse facility-level data. Two independent samples t-test, analysis of variance and χ² test methods will be used for bivariate analysis, and multiple regression analysis will be used for multivariable analysis. Complementarily, the thematic analysis approach will be used to analyse qualitative data.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The project has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 27112), and Bangladesh Medical Research Council (Ref: BMRC/NREC/2019-2022/270). The research findings will be shared through research articles, conference proceedings or in other scientific media. The reports or publications will not have any information that can be used to identify any of the study participants.

Risk of Depression among Early Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

<b><i>Methodology:</i></b> Biochemically confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (<i>n</i> = 1,114) were recruited from the outpatient department of 2 tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Face-to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic parameters and relevant information about depression and diabetes. Biochemical test results and treatment-related information were taken from patients’ records. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to screen all patients for psychiatric manifestation. Those diagnosed by HADS were subsequently reassessed using structured clinical interview for DSM-5 Disorders – Clinician Version. T2DM diagnosed at age &#x3c;40 years were considered as early onset T2DM. Association between age of onset category and depression was assessed using multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression adjusting for random variation of the area of residence and plausible confounders. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Around a third of the participants (32.5%) were diagnosed with T2DM before the age of 40 years. Early onset T2DM patients were found to have 57% increase in the risk of developing depression (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.13–2.28; <i>p</i> = 0.011) in comparison to those with usual onset T2DM (≥40 years). Among other factors a positive family history for diabetes (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.03–1.78; <i>p</i> = 0.038), poor glycemic control (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.03–1.68; <i>p</i> = 0.028), presence of 1, or more diabetic complications (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.03–1.78; <i>p</i> = 0.011) also showed increased risk of depression. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Early onset T2DM patients are at greater risk of developing depression. The finding is likely to help in setting preventive strategies aiming to reduce the presence of concomitant depression symptoms among diabetes.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure and Kidney Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

OBJECTIVES

An estimated 125 million workers are exposed to asbestos worldwide. Asbestos is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogen. The association between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer is not well established however. This study aimed to determine the mortality and incidence of kidney cancer in workers who have been exposed to asbestos. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for articles on occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer. The studies reported the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) or standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of kidney cancer in workers exposed to asbestos. SMRs or SIRs with its 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled using a fixed-effect model.

RESULTS

Forty-nine cohort studies involving 335 492 workers were selected for analysis. These studies included 468 kidney cancer deaths and 160 incident cases. The overall pooled-SMR of kidney cancer was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86-1.05), with no significant heterogeneity (PQ = 0.09, I2 = 24.87%). The overall pooled-SIR of kidney cancer was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.79-1.11), with no significant heterogeneity (PQ = 0.68, I2 = 0.00%). Subgroup analysis did not find any increased association with occupational asbestos exposure. There was no evidence of publication bias with Egger's test P values of 0.08 for mortality studies and 0.99 for incidence studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis did not show evidence of association between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer mortality or incidence.

Distribution of Body Hair in Young Australian Women and Associations With Serum Androgen Concentrations

CONTEXT

An important element of the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is hyperandrogenism.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the distribution of modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mF-G) scores, as a measure of facial and body hair growth, and associations between the mF-G scores and serum androgen concentrations, including 11-oxygenated androgens.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of non-health-care-seeking women, aged 18 to 39 years, recruited from the eastern states of Australia from November 2016 to July 2017.

PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Participants provided an mF-G self-assessment that corresponded to their appearance when not using treatment for excess hair. Androgens were measured in 710 women by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The distribution of the mF-G scores was right-skewed. The median (range) mF-G score of all participants (73.1% Caucasian) was 5 (0-36). The mF-G scores were negatively associated with age (rs = 0.124; P < 0.0001) and positively associated with body mass index (BMI) (rs = 0.073; P < 0.0001). Only androstenedione remained significantly associated with mF-G scores when controlling for age and BMI. Cluster analysis identified 2 groups with mF-G score of < 10 and ≥ 10. Repeating the cluster analysis using the combined vector of mF-G score and androstenedione returned a similar cluster structure, and again separated the 2 groups at a mF-G score < 10 versus ≥ 10.

CONCLUSIONS

A self-assessed mF-G score ≥ 10 is indicative of excess body hair. Androstenedione, as well as testosterone, should be measured when hyperandrogenism is being evaluated. The lack of association between mF-G scores and the 11-oxygenated androgens highlights the need for a better understanding of these steroids.

Renal Disease Is Associated With Poor Outcomes Following Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

BACKGROUND

People with renal disease have a markedly higher risk of cardiovascular disease as well as morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Little is known regarding the post-operative adverse outcomes following isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in the Australian population with renal disease.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of different stages of renal disease on patients' risk of post-operative mortality and complications following isolated CABG in an Australian cohort.

METHODS

Using the ANZSCTS (Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons) registry, data from 44,968 patients who underwent isolated CABG between 2001 and 2014 were used. The effect of renal disease stages on short- and long-term outcomes were examined using multivariable logistic and Cox's regression methods respectively.

RESULTS

Three of 4 Australian patients (74.6%) who underwent isolated CABG had some degree of renal disease: 50.2% mild; 20.9% moderate; 2.1% severe; and 1.6% dialysis-dependent. Adjusted risk of 30-day mortality increased with deteriorating renal disease from mild (1.6-fold) to dialysis-dependent (4.6-fold). Worsening renal disease was also associated with higher risk of post-operative complications. Hazard ratio for long-term survival shows steady increase of mortality risk with worsening renal disease categories from 1.1-fold for mild to 3.9-fold for patients on dialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-existing renal disease is significantly associated with 30-day and long-term mortality, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay as well as several other post-operative complications.

Glycaemic Control for People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bangladesh - An urgent need for optimization of management plan

AIMS

The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of glycaemic control among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out during March to September 2017, and 1253 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited from six hospitals. Data were collected from patients via face-to-face interview, and their medical records were reviewed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Among the participants, 53.2% were male. Mean (±SD) age was 54.1 (±12.1) years and mean (±SD) duration of diabetes was 9.9 (±7.2) years. About 82% participants had inadequate glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) and 54.7% had very poor control (HbA1c ≥ 9%). Low education level, rural residence, unhealthy eating habits, insulin use, infrequent follow up check-ups and history of coronary artery diseases found associated with inadequate and very poor controls. Being female and smokeless tobacco consumer appeared to be associated with inadequate control however cognitive impairment was associated with very poor control only. Prevalence of inadequate glycaemic level was very high in Bangladesh. Having understood relatable lifestyle modification factors, demographics and co-morbidities among people with type 2 diabetes, health care providers in conjunction with patients should work together to address the glycaemic control.

Prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh: Results from STEPS survey 2010

Background

Nationally representative data on noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors are lacking in Bangladesh. This study was done to determine the prevalence of common risk factors for major NCDs among men and women of rural and urban areas of Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods

This survey was done with 9,275 individuals aged 25 years or older randomly drawn from all over the country. Information on diet, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol, and treatment history for hypertension and diabetes were collected. Height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure (BP) were measured.

Results

There were 4,312 men and 4,963 women with the mean age of 42 years (standard deviation 13 years). Half of them (54%) used tobacco in some form, <1% consumed alcohol within the past 30 days, 92% did not consume adequate fruit and vegetables (five servings or more), and 35% had low physical activity level [<600 metabolic equivalent (MET) min per week]. Documented diabetes was found in 4% of the participants. Seventeen percent were overweight [body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m²] and 21% had abdominal obesity (men ≥94, women ≥80 cm). Overall, 21% people had hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or medication). Physical inactivity, alcohol intake, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes were more prevalent in urban areas, as opposed to tobacco. Tobacco intake showed a decreasing gradient, but hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and low physical activity showed an increasing gradient across the wealth quartiles.

Conclusion

Risk factors are widely prevalent in Bangladeshi people across sexes and across both rural and urban areas of residences. NCD prevention through risk factor control, and early detection and treatment of hypertension and diabetes are warranted.

Dyslipidaemia as a risk factor for erectile dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND

Despite epidemiological studies worldwide have documented erectile dysfunction (ED) as a major complication of type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in men, only limited research reported on determinants of ED in this population. The study aimed at examining the association of ED with dyslipidaemia in T2DM patients.

METHODS

The study enrolled 813 consecutive eligible adult male T2DM patients attending the endocrinology departments of a tertiary teaching hospital in Bangladesh. Sexual function was assessed using modified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in face-to-face interview and collected along with sociodemographic information. Diabetes and lipid profile and treatment history were collected from patient's treatment records. Association of ED with dyslipidaemia was assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULT

Prevalence of ED among the T2DM patients was very high (72.7%), of which around half had moderated-to-severe ED. Odds of having dyslipidaemia among T2DM patients with ED is 2.3 times higher than those without. The odds increased by approximately 3 fold for an abnormal High Density Lipoprotein level and by 2.7 fold for abnormal Low Density Lipoprotein.

CONCLUSION

Dyslipidaemia was associated with increased ED risk among T2DM. Abnormal lipoprotein level particularly were found to pose greater risk.

Risk of depression among Bangladeshi type 2 diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the strength and consistency of the relationship between depression and diabetes in Bangladeshi population.

METHODS

The study was conducted at the medicine department of Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during May 2012 to May 2013. Equal number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and non-diabetic subjects (patient attendants) were recruited from outpatient department matching for age (±2 years) and gender. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected from all the subjects. Depression was assessed using, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. A subject with a score above 8 was considered as depressive. Baseline characteristics of diabetic and non-diabetic participants were compared using chi square test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association between diabetes and depression adjusting for all plausible confounders in the model.

RESULTS

24.8% non-diabetic and 56.2% diabetic subjects were found to have depression. Statistically significant difference was found in income, waist-to-hip ratio between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects (P<0.001). Diabetic patients show 7-fold greater odds of having depression in comparison to their non-diabetic counterpart [OR 7.0, 95% CI (3.4, 14.3)]. Female gender appeared as significant predictor of depression [OR 4.3, 95% CI (2.1, 8.9)].

CONCLUSIONS

In Bangladeshi population, people with diabetes are 7 times more likely to have co-existing depression in comparison to non-diabetic subjects. Further studies are required to establish the nature of the relationship between depression and T2DM.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of, and risk factors for, pelvic floor disorders in community-dwelling women in low and middle-income countries: a protocol study

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) including urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are common debilitating conditions among women in high-income countries. However, PFDs in women in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) have not been studied extensively. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to determine the prevalence of, and/or risk factors for, PFDs in women in LMIC.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Maternity & Infant Care and Google Scholar for eligible studies. Inclusion criteria will be observational studies of healthy women, which have collected data using validated or non-validated tools, are published in English and were conducted in community women in LMICs, defined by the World Bank. A standardised data extraction form will be developed and piloted, based on the template of the Cochrane good practice data extraction form. All included studies will be assessed based on a risk-of-bias tool specifically developed for prevalence studies. Pooled prevalence estimates of PFDs will be generated using RevMan V.5.2.1 software. Forest plots will be generated to display the overall random-effects pooled estimates with CIs. A metaregression will be conducted to identify sources of between-study heterogeneity in the pooled prevalence estimates. We will quantify heterogeneity using the I² measure and its CI. We will use funnel plots to detect potential reporting biases and small-study effects. We will also conduct a sensitivity analysis to verify the robustness of the study conclusions, assessing the impact of methodological quality, study design, sample size and the effect of missing data.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Our review is entirely based on published data. Thus, an ethics committee approval or written informed consent will not be required for this study as primary data will not be collected. The results will be disseminated by publication of the manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal and/or will be presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016043881.

Development of highly digestible animal feed from lignocellulosic biomass Part 2: Oxidative lime pretreatment (OLP) and shock treatment of corn stover

Oxidative lime pretreatment (OLP) increases lignocellulose digestibility by removing lignin and hemicellulose acetyl content. Digestibility is improved further by adding mechanical shock treatment, which subjects aqueous slurry of biomass to an explosive pressure pulse. Shock treatment mechanically disrupts the microscopic structure while maintaining the macroscopic integrity of the biomass particle. This study determined the effectiveness of these pretreatments to enhance the ruminant digestibility of corn stover. In terms of compositional changes, OLP and shock treatment should negatively affect the feed value of corn stover; however, digestibility analysis provides a significantly different conclusion. With corn stover, shock + OLP improved the 48-h neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) to 79.0 g neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digested/100 g NDF fed, compared to 49.3 for raw corn stover. The 48-h in vitro total digestible nutrients (TDNom, g nutrients digested/100 g OM) was 51.9 (raw), 59.7 (OLP), and 72.6 (shock + OLP). Adding extracted corn stover solubles to shock + OLP increased TDNom to 74.9. When enough solubilized chicken feathers were added to match the protein content of corn grain, TDNom increases to 75.5, which is only 12.6 less than corn grain.

Development of highly digestible animal feed from lignocellulosic biomass Part 1: Oxidative lime pretreatment (OLP) and ball milling of forage sorghum

To feed a growing population, alternative sources of animal feed (e.g., lignocellulose) are needed to replace grains (e.g., corn). Oxidative lime pretreatment (OLP) increases lignocellulose digestibility by removing lignin and hemicellulose acetyl content. Adding a mechanical pretreatment (e.g., ball milling) further improves digestibility. This study determines the effectiveness of OLP and ball milling to enhance the ruminant digestibility of lignocellulose. For forage sorghum, the 48-h in vitro TDN were 40, 64, and 84 g nutrients digested/100 g organic matter (OM) for raw, short-term OLP, and short-term OLP + ball milling, respectively. In terms of compositional changes, OLP increases NDF and decreases non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) and crude protein (CP), all of which would normally be associated with a decrease in digestibility. However, because OLP and ball milling beneficially change composition (lignin removal) and structural features (reduced crystallinity), digestibility actually increases. Although ball milling increases digestibility according to standard laboratory assays, it reduces particle size possibly allowing fine particles to escape from the rumen before they are digested, thus limiting its practical application. Nonetheless, this study indicates that mechanical pretreatment greatly increases digestibility, and therefore it is desirable to identify an effective mechanical treatment that retains fiber integrity.

Sociodemographic Determinants of Low Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Bangladeshi Adults: Results From WHO-STEPS Survey 2010

This study aimed to investigate factors affecting fruit and vegetables (FAVs) intake among Bangladeshi adults. Dietary data of 9275 adults from the Bangladesh Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factor Survey 2010 were analyzed. The mean age of the respondents was 42.4 (±13.5) years. Multistage cluster sampling was applied to identify samples. Demographics, personal habits, physical activity, diet, and anthropometric data were collected using the WHO-STEPs questionnaire. Average daily intake of <5 servings of FAVs combined was considered to be low FAV consumption, and its prevalence was 82.8%. A mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to assess association of factors with low FAV intake. Higher educational attainment, greater wealth, female sex, low physical activity, body mass index >25 kg/m², and smokeless tobacco consumption were significantly associated with higher FAV consumption. Frequency of low FAV intake increased with increasing age and decreased with increasing educational attainment. Programs targeting people at risk of low FAV consumption are needed to promote consumption.

Utility of SUVmax on 18 F-FDG PET in detecting cervical nodal metastases

Background

The presence of cervical lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Accurate assessment of lymph node metastasis in these patients is essential for appropriate prognostic and management purposes. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV_max) on positron emission tomography (PET) in assessing lymph node metastasis in HNSCC prior to surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of 74 patients with HNSCC who underwent PET/CT prior to neck dissection were examined. Pre-operative PET/CT scans were reviewed by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians and SUV_max of the largest node in each nodal basin documented. These were compared with the histology results of the neck dissection.

Results

A total of 359 nodal basins including 86 basins with metastatic nodes were evaluated. A nodal SUV_max ≥3.16 yielded a sensitivity of 74.4 % and specificity of 84.9 % in detecting metastatic nodes. The nodal SUV_max/Liver SUV_max ratio was found on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) to be effective in detecting metastatic nodes with an area under ROC curve of 0.90. A nodal SUV_max/Liver SUV_max ratio ≥0.90 yielded a sensitivity of 74.1 % and specificity of 93.4 %. By comparison, visual inspection yielded sensitivities of 66.3 and 61.6 % in observers 1 and 2 respectively. The corresponding specificities were 77.7 and 86.5 %.

Conclusions

Nodal SUV_max and nodal SUV_max/liver SUV_max are both useful in the pre-operative detection of metastatic nodes with the latter being superior to visual inspection. The ratio is likely to be more useful as it corrects for inter-scanner variability.

An epidemiological study of injury in a rural community in Bangladesh

Injuries are a focus of public health practice because they pose a serious health threat, occur frequently and are preventable. The evidence regarding injury, its contributing factor and its consequence in rural population of Bangladesh is scarce. Present study aimed to assess the epidemiology of injury in a rural area. The study was conducted in the 'Bairag' Union of Anwara upazilla in Chittagong district of Bangladesh. Data of 6256 individuals were collected from 1016 households. Three structured and standardized questionnaires were used for data collection. The questionnaires were pretested and validated prior to final survey. Severity of injury was assessed based on the number of days with restricted activity and consequences of injury were considered as a measure of severity of injury. A total of six people died due to injury in last one year in the survey, the death tolls to 0.096% (95% CI 0.037%-0.199%). A total of 392 experienced an injury that at least hampered one day's routine activity. Crude prevalence of injury over last one year is calculated to be 6.27% (95% CI 5.69%-6.89%). Of injured subject's majority (77.2%) were aged between 10 to 59 years, 73% were male, 55.6% were of lower class and among them 7.9 % suffered multiple injuries. More than 80% of the incident leading to injury happened during the day, (8 am to 6 pm). Daytime injury mostly occurs in afternoon. The mechanism of injury of 30% subjects were road accident, of 29.5% subjects was slip, trip or fall. In 17.9% victims' mechanism of injury was collision with a person or object. Around 10% had deep cut, 1.4% had superficial cut, and 3.3% patient had burn through contact with heat. Among the injured only 19.2% escaped any physical consequence, 27.2% suffered from decrease in work capacity, 48.1% developed temporary disability, 3.8% developed permanent disability, and 1.2% suffered disfiguration.

Clustering of non-communicable diseases risk factors in Bangladeshi adults: An analysis of STEPS survey 2013

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have already become major killers in Bangladesh. Once NCDs are developed, they become chronic health and economic problems. Their primary prevention is linked to their common risk factors. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NCD risk factors with a focus on their clustering in Bangladeshi adults.

Methods

This nationally representative study was done in 4,073 (1,812 men and 2,261 women) adults aged 25 years or older selected from rural and urban households. Multistage cluster sampling design was used. Selected variables were in line with steps I and II of WHO stepwise surveillance except alcohol.

Results

Forty-four percent used tobacco in any form. Almost 93 % did not consume adequate fruit and vegetables (5 servings or more). Thirty eight percent had low physical activity level (<600 MET-minutes/week). One-quarter (26 %) were overweight (body mass index > =25 kg/m^2). Twenty-one percent had hypertension (blood pressure > =140/90 mmHg or medication) and about 5 % had documented diabetes.

Upon examination of risk factor clustering, we observed that 38 % had at least three risk factors. After this threshold, clustering suddenly dropped down to a fairly low level. Using this threshold as a cut-off, clustering of risk factors was associated with age, male gender, urban residence, educational levels and quality of house in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Prevalence of NCD risk factors is fairly high in Bangladeshi adults with a tendency of clustering. If a risk factor such as hypertension is detected, a closer look for other risk factors has to be given in both at clinical and public health settings. Clustering raises risk by more than a summation of risk factors. Our findings, therefore, suggest that Bangladesh could expect a significant increase in NCDs in near future.

Incidence of diabetic retinopathy in Bangladesh: a 15-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among type 2 diabetic (T2D) subjects in Bangladesh.

METHODS

A random sample of 977 patients with T2D was recruited retrospectively in 2008 from newly diagnosed T2D patients who had attended the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorder (BIRDEM) in 1993. Baseline information for the cohort was collected for 1993 from hospital records. The mean time until development of DR in newly diagnosed T2D patients was calculated using survival analysis. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to assess factors affecting the time until development of DR.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of DR over the 15-year period was 50.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 47.5%-53.8%). The incidence density (per 100 person-years) of DR was similar in the overall cohort (4.1; 95% CI 3.7-4.5) and in men (4.2; 95% CI 3.7-4.7) and women (4.1; 95% CI 3.6-4.6) separately. The mean time (in years) until development of DR in the cohort was 9.72 (95% CI 9.38-10.06), with similar times in men (9.8; 95% CI 9.3-10.3) and women (9.6; 95% CI 9.5-10.1) analyzed separately. Age, sex, hypertension, lipid profile, HbA1c, and serum creatinine were entered into the hazards model simultaneously. However, only age (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75; 95% CI 0.61-0.92) and HbA1c (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.33-0.82) had a significant effect on the time until development of DR.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose deregulation is the most important factor in the development of DR.

Preoperative detection of ovarian cancer by color Doppler ultrasonography and CA 125

PURPOSE

Early detection of ovarian malignancy is of great clinical importance. The high mortality rate is due to the difficulties with the early detection of ovarian cancer. Current research attempted to assess the accuracy of Color Doppler Sonography and serum CA-125 level as diagnostic tool of ovarian tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 60 consecutive patients with ovarian tumor attending the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of BSMMU were recruited. Of the study participants 23.3% belong to 16-25 year age group, 20% belong to 26-35 years age group and 23.30% each were of 46-55 years and > 55 years age group. All the patients recruited were from in-patient department and had undergone surgery. Following excision, routine histopathology revealed 43.30% malignant (n=26) and 56.7% (n=34) benign ovarian lesion. Data were collected from the clinical history form and bimanual pelvic examination, serum CA 125 levels, estimation of Resistance index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI), Novel Index by CDS and post-operative histo-pathological findings were then recorded. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value of the diagnosis made by CDS, CA125, in the discrimination of the benign and malignant ovarian tumors was calculated. Using Receiver operative characteristics analysis the accuracy of RI, PI, CA 125 and Novel Index in the diagnosis of ovarian tumor (benign or malignant) were assessed.

RESULTS

With the Cut-off of < .5, Resistance Index is found to be capable of detecting 92% of malignant cases (sensitivity 91.7), and could detect 89% (specificity 88.9) of benign cases correctly which translates in to 90% accuracy in the diagnosis of ovarian tumor. Predictive values for positive (84.6) and negative (94.1) tests were also found to be quite high. Pulsatility index was found to be moderate accuracy (63.3%) with cutoff <1 for malignancy, however low predictive value for a positive test (38.5) questions its use. Both CA-125 and Novel Index showed similar level of sensitivity and specificity. Although Novel Index is derivative of CA125, Novel Index demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy and negative predictive value. The cutoff for CA 125 was mandated as 83.58. With the value the sensitivity is 76.9% and the specificity is 94.1%. RI is found to be more sensitive in detection of positive cases (Malignant) and CA125 is found to be more accurate in detection of negative cases (Benign). However a combination could be tried to make a better detection.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler ultra-sonography and CA125 excels in different tasks, the study concludes in favor of concurrent use of the methods for improving efficacy and thus early detection of ovarian malignancy.

Artificial neural networks in bioprocess state estimation

The application of artificial neural networks to the estimation and prediction of bioprocess variables is presented in this paper. A neural network methodology is discussed, which uses environmental and physiological information available from on-line sensors, to estimate concentration of species in the bioreactor. Two case studies are presented, both based on the ethanol production by Zymomonas mobilis. An efficient optimization algorithm which reduces the number of iterations required for convergence is proposed. Results are presented for different training sets and different training methodologies. It is shown that the neural network estimator provides good on-line bioprocess state estimations.

Identification and control of dissolved oxygen in hybridoma cell culture in a shear sensitive environment

The productivity of mammalian cells can be enhanced by facilitating adequate oxygen transfer into the cultivation medium. However, current methods of controlling dissolved oxygen (DO) fail to account for alterations in medium composition during the course of the fermentation. These changes, which directly affect gas solubility and overall mass transfer coefficient, may be significant and deteriorate controller's performance in the long run. In this paper, the applications of Generalized Predictive Controllers (GPC) to DO control were investigated in a shear sensitive environment and compared to PID and Model Predictive Controllers (MPC). Input and output data for system identification were initially generated by varying the composition of oxygen fed into the bioreactor from 0 to 0.21 mol % while keeping the total inlet gas flow rate at 8.75 vvm. The process was identified using an AutoRegressive model with eXogeneous inputs (ARX) model and tested on different data sets. The model parameters were then correlated with the overall mass transfer coefficients. In simulation tests, the output of the PID controller switched from minimum to maximum values while more continuous control signals were obtained with the MPC and GPC controllers. When tested in a cell-free medium, all three controllers were able to track setpoint changes with some chattering observed in the control signals. The GPC outperformed the MPC and PID controllers when applied to the cultivation of hybridoma cells.

Adaptive pole placement control algorithm for DO-control in beta-lactamase production

The dissolved oxygen (DO) is an important variable in aerobic fermentations and affects the cell growth and product formation. Dissolved oxygen control is difficult in batch fermentations because of the time-varying conditions, time delays, and the probe dynamics. Modeling of the various patterns of biological activity in fermentations and their impact on the DO process dynamics is essential to both achieve a satisfactory control and to track the aforementioned patterns. An adaptive pole placement algorithm with time-delay compensation was used for controlling the DO, coupled with system identification using recursively estimated autoregressive models with exogeneous inputs (ARX). The flow rate of O2 in a constant flow rate gas inlet mixture is used as the manipulated variable. Supervision and coordination techniques are applied to improve the control performance. The control performance is affected by the accuracy of the model prediction and the selected time delay. The effect of DO level on the productivity of beta-lactamase using Bacillus subtilis under oxygen-limited conditions is investigated. Beta-lactamase stability is improved under prolonged growth conditions with low DO levels.

An analysis of sugar content of commonly used pediatric liquid medicines--its relevance to dentistry

The sugar content of twenty-four liquid medicines commonly prescribed for infants and young children were measured and the type of sugars present were also identified in four randomly selected samples. All the liquid medicines tested contained sugar, in the range of 29.4% to 61.2%. Sucrose appeared to be the most commonly used sugar. Whilst it is agreed that sucrose makes the medicine more acceptable to children, its continual use by the pharmaceutical industry should be discontinued due to its harmful effect on the dental health of children, particularly those taking these syrup-based medicines on prolonged basis. Sugar-free alternatives such as sorbitol or saccharin should be used instead.

Clinical Profile of Dengue Fever in Children

Background: Dengue infection has become endemic in Bangladesh since it hasbeen broken out in June 2000. Although children are the usual victim of dengueinfection, there is paucity of published data regarding dengue infection in children inour country.Objectives: This study was designed to document the presenting features and outcomeof Dengue infection in children.Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done among the childrenhaving Dengue infection. Fifty four consecutive patients were enrolled. Purposivesampling was done. In every patient a detailed history was taken. Clinical examinationsand relevant investigations were done. Data were collected in a predesigned structuredquestionnaire. Data were analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics and Chisquare(x2) Test.Results: The mean age of the patients was 6.5±3.5 years with equal male and femaleratio. Among 54 patients, 40.7% presented with dengue fever (DF), the rest (59.3%)presented with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Most of the patients presented withhigh grade continued type of fever (75.9%), followed by abdominal pain (59.3%),vomiting (57.4%). Itchy rash and fever were the most important characteristic signs(75.9% each). Flushed appearance observed in 68.4% and 59.3% patients showedbleeding manifestation of which sub-conjunctival haemorrage was the commonestform (33.3%). Leucopenia were present in only 9.3% of the patients. Platelet countless than 100×109/L were found in 68.5% patients. Tourniquet test was positive in31.5% of cases. All of the patients had packed cell volume (PCV) less than 45%.Raised serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed in 40.7% of children.IgM and/or IgG antibodies for dengue virus were positive in 96.29% patients. Majority(94%) of the patients completely recovered from the disease and only 6% died.Conclusion: High grade continued fever, vomiting with abdominal pain and itchy skinrash (with normal platelet count) were the presenting features. Commonest form ofbleeding manifestation was subconjunctival haemorrhage. Bleeding manifestationhad a significant association with the degree of thrombocytopenia but no corelationwas observed with tourniquet test positivity.Key words: Dengue fever (DF); dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF); paediatric.DOI: 10.3329/bjch.v33i2.5678Bangladesh Journal of Child Health 2009; Vol.33(2): 55-58