Last data update: Apr 22, 2024. (Total: 46599 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 51 Records) |
Query Trace: Wallis T[original query] |
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Assessing hand hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Guatemalan primary school students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Pieters MM , Fahsen N , Quezada R , Pratt C , Craig C , McDavid K , Vega Ocasio D , Hug C , Cordón-Rosales C , Lozier MJ . BMC Public Health 2023 23 (1) 2252 BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene (HH) is an important practice that prevents transmission of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. However, in resource-limited areas, where water and soap are not always available, it can be difficult to practice HH correctly and at appropriate moments. The purpose of this study was to assess HH knowledge and behaviors among students from six elementary schools in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala to identify gaps that could later inform interventions to improve HH. METHODS: We conducted knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) surveys among primary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2022. We also observed students' HH practices at three different moments during the day, making note of the use of the HH station and materials, duration of handwashing, presence of a HH assistant, and the students' sex. We also used the Quantitative Personal Hygiene Assessment Tool (qPHAT), to measure hand dirtiness before eating, after restroom use, and upon arriving to school. RESULTS: We surveyed 109 students across six schools. Mean scores were 4 out of 5 for knowledge, 8 out of 8 for attitudes, and 6 out of 7 for HH practices. Most students identified "before eating" as a critical moment for HH (68.8%), fewer identified "after restroom use" (31.2%), and no students mentioned HH being necessary "after coughing or sneezing". We observed 326 HH opportunities of which 51.2% performed correct HH (used water and soap for at least 20 s or used alcohol-based hand rub, where materials were available). We collected 82 qPHAT hand swabs. A Kruskal Wallis test revealed a significant difference in hand dirtiness between entering the school and after restroom use (p = 0.017), but no significant difference before eating and after entering the school (p = 0.6988). CONCLUSIONS: The results from the KAP survey show high scores, however correct identification of key moments for HH was relatively uncommon, especially after restroom use and after coughing or sneezing. Additionally, half of HH opportunities observed had correct HH practices and on average, hands were dirtiest when arriving at school. These findings will inform interventions to improve HH practices and behaviors, which will be evaluated with follow-up data collection. |
Investigating the etiology of acute febrile illness: a prospective clinic-based study in Uganda
Kigozi BK , Kharod GA , Bukenya H , Shadomy SV , Haberling DL , Stoddard RA , Galloway RL , Tushabe P , Nankya A , Nsibambi T , Mbidde EK , Lutwama JJ , Perniciaro JL , Nicholson WL , Bower WA , Bwogi J , Blaney DD . BMC Infect Dis 2023 23 (1) 411 BACKGROUND: Historically, malaria has been the predominant cause of acute febrile illness (AFI) in sub-Saharan Africa. However, during the last two decades, malaria incidence has declined due to concerted public health control efforts, including the widespread use of rapid diagnostic tests leading to increased recognition of non-malarial AFI etiologies. Our understanding of non-malarial AFI is limited due to lack of laboratory diagnostic capacity. We aimed to determine the etiology of AFI in three distinct regions of Uganda. METHODS: A prospective clinic-based study that enrolled participants from April 2011 to January 2013 using standard diagnostic tests. Participant recruitment was from St. Paul's Health Centre (HC) IV, Ndejje HC IV, and Adumi HC IV in the western, central and northern regions, which differ by climate, environment, and population density. A Pearson's chi-square test was used to evaluate categorical variables, while a two-sample t-test and Krukalis-Wallis test were used for continuous variables. RESULTS: Of the 1281 participants, 450 (35.1%), 382 (29.8%), and 449 (35.1%) were recruited from the western, central, and northern regions, respectively. The median age (range) was 18 (2-93) years; 717 (56%) of the participants were female. At least one AFI pathogen was identified in 1054 (82.3%) participants; one or more non-malarial AFI pathogens were identified in 894 (69.8%) participants. The non-malarial AFI pathogens identified were chikungunya virus, 716 (55.9%); Spotted Fever Group rickettsia (SFGR), 336 (26.2%) and Typhus Group rickettsia (TGR), 97 (7.6%); typhoid fever (TF), 74 (5.8%); West Nile virus, 7 (0.5%); dengue virus, 10 (0.8%) and leptospirosis, 2 (0.2%) cases. No cases of brucellosis were identified. Malaria was diagnosed either concurrently or alone in 404 (31.5%) and 160 (12.5%) participants, respectively. In 227 (17.7%) participants, no cause of infection was identified. There were statistically significant differences in the occurrence and distribution of TF, TGR and SFGR, with TF and TGR observed more frequently in the western region (p = 0.001; p < 0.001) while SFGR in the northern region (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Malaria, arboviral infections, and rickettsioses are major causes of AFI in Uganda. Development of a Multiplexed Point-of-Care test would help identify the etiology of non-malarial AFI in regions with high AFI rates. |
The substantial burden of non-communicable diseases and HIV-comorbidity amongst adults: Screening results from an integrated HIV testing services clinic for adults in Soweto, South Africa
Hopkins KL , Hlongwane KE , Otwombe K , Dietrich J , Cheyip M , Olivier J , van Rooyen H , Doherty T , Gray GE . EClinicalMedicine 2021 38 101015 BACKGROUND: South Africa is disproportionately impacted by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV/AIDS. We investigated the prevalence of known/unknown NCD risk factors, HIV, and NCD risk factor-HIV comorbidity; and treatment status on known diseases to determine the prevalence of controlled/uncontrolled disease. METHODS: This cross-sectional study (June 2018-March 2019) within an integrated testing centre in Soweto, South Africa, screened adults (aged ≥18 years) for body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HT), rapid glucose and cholesterol, and HIV. Results were stratified by age group, sex, HIV-status, and self-reported ART use. Analysis included Fisher's exact, chi-squared, Kruskal Wallis, and Student's T-tests. FINDINGS: Of 780 enrolled participants, 19.2% were HIV-positive, 37.5% were overweight/obese, 18.0% hypertensive, 10.8% hyperglycaemic, and 8.1% had hypercholesterolaemia. Significantly more women had overweight/obese BMI than men (46.8% vs 19.7%; p<0.0001), and women aged 25-34 years had significantly more hypercholesterolaemia than same-aged men (18.2% vs 5.6%; p = 0.02). HIV-positive participants had significantly more hyperglycaemia than HIV-negative participants (16.1% vs 9.6%; p = 0.02), and those on ART (63.9%) had significantly more hypercholesterolaemia than those not on ART (21.7% vs. 4.9%; p = 0.002). Of participants with HT, hyperglycaemia, and hypercholesterolaemia; 72.4%, 96.1%, and 93.3% were newly diagnosed. All participants with previously diagnosed NCDs remained with uncontrolled disease. INTERPRETATION: There is a high burden of HIV, NCD risk factors, and comorbidity in Soweto, and amongst young adults (18-34 years), especially women. Lowering age requirements for glucose/cholesterol screening to 18+ years, regardless of BMI, HIV-status, or ART use, may yield timely NCD diagnosis/management. |
Immune response to co-administration of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and yellow fever vaccines: a randomized non-inferiority trial among one-year-old children in Argentina
Vizzotti C , Harris JB , Aquino A , Rancaño C , Biscayart C , Bonaventura R , Pontoriero A , Baumeister E , Freire MC , Magariños M , Duarte B , Grant G , Reef S , Laven J , Wannemuehler KA , Alvarez AMR , Staples JE . BMC Infect Dis 2023 23 (1) 165 BACKGROUND: In yellow fever (YF) endemic areas, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and YF vaccines are often co-administered in childhood vaccination schedules. Because these are live vaccines, we assessed potential immune interference that could result from co-administration. METHODS: We conducted an open-label, randomized non-inferiority trial among healthy 1-year-olds in Misiones Province, Argentina. Children were randomized to one of three groups (1:1:1): Co-administration of MMR and YF vaccines (MMR(1)YF(1)), MMR followed by YF vaccine four weeks later (MMR(1)YF(2)), or YF followed by MMR vaccine four weeks later (YF(1)MMR(2)). Blood samples obtained pre-vaccination and 28 days post-vaccination were tested for immunoglobulin G antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella, and for YF virus-specific neutralizing antibodies. Non-inferiority in seroconversion was assessed using a -5% non-inferiority margin. Antibody concentrations were compared with Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Of 851 randomized children, 738 were correctly vaccinated, had ≥ 1 follow-up sample, and were included in the intention-to-treat population. Non-inferior seroconversion was observed for all antigens (measles seroconversion: 97.9% in the MMR(1)YF(1) group versus 96.3% in the MMR(1)YF(2) group, a difference of 1.6% [90% CI -1.5, 4.7]; rubella: 97.9% MMR(1)YF(1) versus 94.7% MMR(1)YF(2), a difference of 3.3% [-0.1, 6.7]; mumps: 96.7% MMR(1)YF(1) versus 97.9% MMR(1)YF(2), a difference of -1.3% [-4.1, 1.5]; and YF: 96.3% MMR(1)YF(1) versus 97.5% YF(1)MMR(2), a difference of -1.2% [-4.2, 1.7]). Rubella antibody concentrations and YF titers were significantly lower following co-administration; measles and mumps concentrations were not impacted. CONCLUSION: Effective seroconversion was achieved and was not impacted by the co-administration, although antibody levels for two antigens were lower. The impact of lower antibody levels needs to be weighed against missed opportunities for vaccination to determine optimal timing for MMR and YF vaccine administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03368495) on 11/12/2017. |
A standardized approach for collection of objective data to support outcome determination for late-phase TB trials
Kurbatova EV , Phillips PP , Dorman SE , Sizemore EE , Bryant KE , Purfield AE , Ricaldi J , Brown NE , Johnson JL , Wallis CL , Akol JP , Ocheretina O , Van Hung N , Mayanja-Kizza H , Lourens M , Dawson R , Nhung NV , Pierre S , Musodza Y , Shenje J , Badal-Faesen S , Vilbrun SC , Waja Z , Peddareddy L , Scott NA , Yuan Y , Vernon A , Goldberg SV , Swindells S , Chaisson RE , Nahid P . Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023 207 (10) 1376-1382 INTRODUCTION: We developed a standardized method, "Possible poor treatment response" (PPTR), to help ascertain efficacy endpoints in Study S31/A5349 (NCT02410772), an open-label trial comparing two 4-month rifapentine-based regimens with a standard 6-month regimen for the treatment of pulmonary TB. We describe the use of the PPTR process and evaluate whether the goals of minimizing bias in efficacy endpoint assessment and attainment of relevant data to determine outcome for all participants were achieved. METHODS/DESIGN: A PPTR event was defined as the occurrence of one or more pre-specified triggers. Each PPTR required initiation of a standardized evaluation process that included obtaining multiple sputum samples for microbiology. RESULTS: Among 2,343 participants with culture-confirmed drug-susceptible TB, 454 individuals (19.4%) had a total of 534 individual PPTR events, of which 76.6% were microbiological (positive smear or culture at or after 17 weeks). At least one PPTR event was experienced by 92.4% (133 of 144) of participants with TB-related unfavorable outcome, and between 13.8 and 14.7% of participants with favorable and not assessable outcomes. 75% of participants with TB-related unfavorable outcomes had microbiological confirmation of failure to achieve disease-free cure. DISCUSSION: Standardized methodologies, such as our PPTR approach, could facilitate unbiased efficacy outcome determinations, improve discrimination between outcomes that are related and unrelated to regimen efficacy, and enhance the ability to conduct pooled analyses of contemporary trials. Clinical trial registration available at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov, ID: NCT02410772. |
Insecticidal effects of some selected plant extracts against Anopheles stephensi (Culicidae: Diptera).
Muhammed M , Dugassa S , Belina M , Zohdy S , Irish SR , Gebresilassie A . Malar J 2022 21 (1) 295 BACKGROUND: The use of synthetic insecticides against mosquitoes may lead to resistance development and potential health hazards in humans and the environment. Consequently, a paradigm needs to shift towards the alternative use of botanical insecticides that could strengthen an insecticide resistance management programme. This study aimed to assess the insecticidal effects aqueous, hexane, and methanol crude leaf extracts of Calpurnia aurea, Momordica foetida, and Zehneria scabra on an insectary colony of Anopheles stephensi larvae and adults. METHODS: Fresh leaves of C. aurea, M. foetida and Z. scabra were collected and dried, then separately ground to powder. Powdered leaves of test plants were extracted using sonication with aqueous, hexane, and methanol solvents. The extracts were concentrated, and a stock solution was prepared. For comparison, Temephos (Abate®) and control solutions (a mixture of water and emulsifier) were used as the positive and negative controls, respectively. Different test concentrations for the larvae and the adults were prepared and tested according to WHO (2005) and CDC (2010) guidelines to determine lethal concentration (LC) values. Mortality was observed after 24 h exposure. The statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (Kruskal-Wallis test) and R software (a generalized linear model was used to determine LC(50) and LC(90) values of the extracts). RESULTS: The lowest LC(50) values were observed in aqueous extracts of M. foetida followed by Z. scabra extract and C. aurea leaves at 34.61, 35.85, and 38.69 ppm, respectively, against the larvae. Larval mortality was not observed from the hexane extracts and negative control, while the standard larvicide (temephos) achieved 100% mortality. Further, the adulticidal efficacy was greatest for aqueous extract of Z. scabra with LC(50) = 176.20 ppm followed by aqueous extract of C. aurea (LC(50) = 297.75 ppm). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the leaf extracts of the three test plants have the potential of being used for the control of vector An. stephensi larvae and adult instead of synthetic mosquitocides. Further studies need to be conducted to identify the active ingredients and their mode of action. |
Childcare and School Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreaks: 2009-2020.
Mattison CP , Calderwood LE , Marsh ZA , Wikswo ME , Balachandran N , Kambhampati AK , Gleason ME , Lawinger H , Mirza SA . Pediatrics 2022 150 (5) OBJECTIVES: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks commonly occur in congregate settings, including schools and childcare facilities. These outbreaks disrupt institutions, causing absences and temporary facility closures. This study analyzed the epidemiology of school and childcare AGE outbreaks in the United States. METHODS: We analyzed AGE outbreaks occurring in kindergarten to grade 12 schools and childcare facilities reported via the National Outbreak Reporting System in the United States from 2009 to 2019 and compared this information to 2020 data. Outbreak and case characteristics were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, 2 goodness-of-fit test, and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2019, there were 2623 school, 1972 childcare, and 38 school and childcare outbreaks. School outbreaks were larger (median, 29 cases) than childcare outbreaks (median, 10 cases). Childcare outbreaks were longer (median, 15 days) than school outbreaks (median, 9 days). Norovirus (2383 outbreaks; 110190 illnesses) and Shigella spp. (756 outbreaks; 9123 illnesses) were the most reported etiologies. Norovirus was the leading etiology in schools; norovirus and Shigella spp. were dominant etiologies in childcare centers. Most (85.7%) outbreaks were spread via person-to-person contact. In 2020, 123 outbreaks were reported, 85% in the first quarter. CONCLUSIONS: Schools and childcare centers are common AGE outbreak settings in the United States. Most outbreaks were caused by norovirus and Shigella spp. and spread via person-to-person transmission. Fewer outbreaks were reported in 2020 from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevention and control efforts should focus on interrupting transmission, including environmental disinfection, proper handwashing, safe diapering, and exclusion of ill persons. |
Preservation of lymphocyte functional fitness in perinatally-infected and treated HIV+ pediatric patients displaying sub-optimal viral control
Khanolkar A , Muller WJ , Simpson BM , Cerullo J , Williams R , Sowers SB , Matthews K , Mercader S , Hickman CJ , D'Aquila RT , Liu G . Commun Med (Lond) 2022 2 BACKGROUND: Host-pathogen dynamics associated with HIV infection are quite distinct in children versus adults. We interrogated the functional fitness of the lymphocyte responses in two cohorts of perinatally infected HIV+ pediatric subjects with early anti-retroviral therapy (ART) initiation but divergent patterns of virologic control. We hypothesized that sub-optimal viral control would compromise immune functional fitness. METHODS: The immune responses in the two HIV+ cohorts (n = 6 in each cohort) were benchmarked against the responses measured in age-range matched, uninfected healthy control subjects (n = 11) by utilizing tests for normality, and comparison [the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test (where appropriate)]. Lymphocyte responses were examined by intra-cellular cytokine secretion, degranulation assays as well as phosflow. A subset of these data were further queried by an automated clustering algorithm. Finally, we evaluated the humoral immune responses to four childhood vaccines in all three cohorts. RESULTS: We demonstrate that contrary to expectations pediatric HIV+ patients with sub-optimal viral control display no significant deficits in immune functional fitness. In fact, the patients that display better virologic control lack functional Gag-specific T cell responses and compared to healthy controls they display signaling deficits and an enrichment of mitogen-stimulated CD3 negative and positive lymphocyte clusters with suppressed cytokine production. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the immune resilience in HIV+ children on ART with sub-optimal viral control. With respect to HIV+ children on ART with better viral control, our data suggest that this cohort might potentially benefit from targeted interventions that might mitigate cell-mediated immune functional quiescence. |
Localized prostate cancer: An analysis of the CDC Breast and Prostate Cancer Data Quality and Patterns of Care study (CDC PoC-BP)
Celtik K , Wallis CJD , Lo M , Lim K , Lipscomb J , Fleming S , Wu XC , Anderson RT , Thompson TD , Farach A , Hamilton AS , Miles BJ , Satkunasivam R . Can Urol Assoc J 2022 16 (7) E391-E398 INTRODUCTION: Limited evidence exists on the comparative effectiveness of local treatments for prostate cancer (PCa) due to the lack of generalizability. Using granular national data, we sought to examine the association between radical prostatectomy (RP) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment and survival. METHODS: Records were abstracted for localized PCa cases diagnosed in 2004 across seven state registries to identify patients undergoing RP (n=3019) or IMRT (n=667). Comorbidity was assessed by the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance covariates between treatment groups. All-cause and PCa-specific mortality were primary endpoints. A subgroup analysis of patients with high-risk PCa (RP, n=89; IMRT, n=95) was conducted. RESULTS: Following PSM, matched patients (n=502 pairs) treated with either RP or IMRT were well-balanced with respect to covariates. With a median followup of 10.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 9.9-11.0), the 11-year overall survival (OS) was 71.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.9-75.8) for RP and 62.3% (95% CI 57.4-67.6) for IMRT. IMRT was associated with a 41% increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.76) but not PCa-specific mortality (HR 1.75, 95% CI 0.84-3.64), as compared to RP. In patients with high-risk PCa, IMRT, as compared to RP, was not associated with statistically significant difference in all-cause (HR 1.53, 95% CI 0.97-2.42) or PCa-specific mortality (HR 1.92, 95% CI 0.69-5.36). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a low mortality rate at 10 years and possible residual confounding, we found a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality, but no PCa-specific mortality associated with IMRT as compared to RP in this population-based study. |
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels among Thai healthcare providers receiving homologous and heterologous COVID-19 vaccination regimens.
Kittikraisak W , Hunsawong T , Punjasamanvong S , Wongrapee T , Suttha P , Piyaraj P , Leepiyasakulchai C , Tanathitikorn C , Yoocharoen P , Jones AR , Mongkolsirichaikul D , Westercamp M , Azziz-Baumgartner E , Mott JA , Chottanapund S . Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2022 16 (4) 662-672 BACKGROUND: We examined SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike 1 IgG antibody levels following COVID-19 vaccination (AstraZeneca [AZ], Sinovac [SV], Pfizer-BioNTech [PZ]) among Thai healthcare providers. METHODS: Blood specimens were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We analyzed seven vaccination regimens: (1) one dose of AZ or SV, (2) two doses of homologous (2AZ, 2SV) or heterologous (1AZ+1PZ) vaccines, and (3) three doses of heterologous vaccines (2SV+1AZ, 2SV+1PZ). Differences in antibody levels were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis statistic, Mann-Whitney test, or Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. Antibody kinetics were predicted using fractional polynomial regression. RESULTS: The 563 participants had median age of 39years; 92% were female; 74% reported no underlying medical condition. Antibody levels peaked at 22-23days in both 1AZ and 2SV vaccinees and dropped below assay's cutoff for positive (35.2 binding antibody units/ml [BAU/ml]) in 55days among 1AZ vaccinees compared with 117days among 2SV vaccinees. 1AZ+1PZ vaccination regimen was highly immunogenic (median 2279 BAU/ml) 1-4weeks post vaccination. 2SV+1PZ vaccinees had significantly higher antibody levels than 2SV+1AZ vaccinees 4weeks post vaccination (3423 vs. 2105 BAU/ml; p-value<0.01), and during weeks 5-8 (3656 vs. 1072 BAU/ml; p-value<0.01). Antibodies peaked at 12-15days in both 2SV+1PZ and 2SV+1AZ vaccinees, but those of 2SV+1AZ declined more rapidly and dropped below assay's cutoff in 228days while those of 2SV+1PZ remained detectable. CONCLUSIONS: 1AZ+1PZ, 2SV+1AZ, and 2SV+1PZ vaccinees had substantial IgG levels, suggesting that these individuals likely mounted sufficient anti-S1 IgG antibodies for possible protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. |
Towards a newborn screening common data model: The utah newborn screening data model
Jones D , Shao J , Wallis H , Johansen C , Hart K , Pasquali M , Gouripeddi R , Rohrwasser A . Int J Neonatal Screen 2021 7(4) (4) As newborn screening programs transition from paper-based data exchange toward automated, electronic methods, significant data exchange challenges must be overcome. This article outlines a data model that maps newborn screening data elements associated with patient demographic information, birthing facilities, laboratories, result reporting, and follow-up care to the LOINC, SNOMED CT, ICD-10-CM, and HL7 healthcare standards. The described framework lays the foundation for the implementation of standardized electronic data exchange across newborn screening programs, leading to greater data interoperability. The use of this model can accelerate the implementation of electronic data exchange between healthcare providers and newborn screening programs, which would ultimately improve health outcomes for all newborns and standardize data exchange across programs. Copyright © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. |
COVID-19 Pandemic and Quality of Care and Outcomes of Acute Stroke Hospitalizations: the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program.
Tong X , King SMC , Asaithambi G , Odom E , Yang Q , Yin X , Merritt RK . Prev Chronic Dis 2021 18 E82 INTRODUCTION: Studies documented significant reductions in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for acute stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic. A limited number of studies assessed the adherence to stroke performance measures during the pandemic. We examined rates of stroke hospitalization and adherence to stroke quality-of-care measures before and during the early phase of pandemic. METHODS: We identified hospitalizations with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke or transient ischemic attack among 406 hospitals who contributed data to the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program. We used 10 performance measures to examine the effect of the pandemic on stroke quality of care. We compared data from 2 periods: pre-COVID-19 (week 11-24 in 2019) and COVID-19 (week 11-24 in 2020). We used χ(2) tests for differences in categorical variables and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank test or Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. RESULTS: We identified 64,461 hospitalizations. We observed a 20.2% reduction in stroke hospitalizations (from 35,851 to 28,610) from the pre-COVID-19 period to the COVID-19 period. Hospitalizations among patients aged 85 or older, women, and non-Hispanic White patients declined the most. A greater percentage of patients aged 18 to 64 were hospitalized with ischemic stroke during COVID-19 than during pre-COVID-19 (34.4% vs 32.5%, P < .001). Stroke severity was higher during COVID-19 than during pre-COVID-19 for both hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke, and in-hospital death among patients with ischemic stroke increased from 4.3% to 5.0% (P = .003) during the study period. We found no differences in rates of receiving care across stroke type during the study period. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant reduction in stroke hospitalizations, more severe stroke among hospitalized patients, and an increase in in-hospital death during the pandemic period, we found no differences in adherence to quality of stroke care measures. |
Urodynamic characteristics of neurogenic bladder in newborns with myelomeningocele and refinement of the definition of bladder hostility: Findings from the UMPIRE multi-center study
Tanaka ST , Yerkes EB , Routh JC , Tu DD , Austin JC , Wiener JS , Vasquez E , Joseph DB , Ahn JJ , Wallis MC , Williams T , Rose C , Baum MA , Cheng EY . J Pediatr Urol 2021 17 (5) 726-732 INTRODUCTION: Infants with myelomeningocele are at risk for chronic kidney disease caused by neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Urodynamic evaluation plays a key role to risk stratify individuals for renal deterioration. OBJECTIVE: To present baseline urodynamic findings from the Urologic Management to Preserve Initial Renal function for young children with spina bifida (UMPIRE) protocol, to present the process that showed inadequacies of our original classification scheme, and to propose a refined definition of bladder hostility and categorization. STUDY DESIGN: The UMPIRE protocol follows a cohort of newborns with myelomeningocele at nine children's hospitals in the United States. Infants are started on clean intermittent catheterization shortly after birth. If residual volumes are low and there is no or mild hydronephrosis, catheterization is discontinued. Baseline urodynamics are obtained at or before 3 months of age to determine further management. Based on protocol-specific definitions, urodynamic studies were reviewed by the clinical site in addition to a central review team; and if necessary, by all site urologists to achieve 100% concurrence. RESULTS: We reviewed 157 newborn urodynamic studies performed between May 2015 and September 2017. Of these 157 infants, 54.8% were boys (86/157). Myelomeningocele closure was performed in-utero in 18.4% (29/157) and postnatally in 81.5% (128/157) of newborns. After primary review, reviewers agreed on overall bladder categorization in 50% (79/157) of studies. Concurrence ultimately reached 100% with further standardization of interpretation. We found that it was not possible to reliably differentiate a bladder contraction due to detrusor overactivity from a volitional voiding contraction in an infant. We revised our categorization system to group the "normal" and "safe" categories together as "low risk". Additionally, diagnosis of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) with surface patch electrodes could not be supported by other elements of the urodynamics study. We excluded DSD from our revised high risk category. The final categorizations were high risk in 15% (23/157); intermediate risk in 61% (96/157); and low risk in 24% (38/157). CONCLUSION: We found pitfalls with our original categorization for bladder hostility. Notably, DSD could not be reliably measured with surface patch of electrodes. The effect of this change on future renal outcomes remains to be defined. |
Where Are the Newly Diagnosed HIV Positives in Kenya Time to Consider Geo-Spatially Guided Targeting at a Finer Scale to Reach the "First 90"
Waruru A , Wamicwe J , Mwangi J , Achia TNO , Zielinski-Gutierrez E , Ng'ang'a L , Miruka F , Yegon P , Kimanga D , Tobias JL , Young PW , De Cock KM , Tylleskär T . Front Public Health 2021 9 503555 Background: The UNAIDS 90-90-90 Fast-Track targets provide a framework for assessing coverage of HIV testing services (HTS) and awareness of HIV status - the "first 90." In Kenya, the bulk of HIV testing targets are aligned to the five highest HIV-burden counties. However, we do not know if most of the new HIV diagnoses are in these five highest-burden counties or elsewhere. Methods: We analyzed facility-level HTS data in Kenya from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016 to assess the spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV-positives. We used the Moran's Index (Moran's I) to assess global and local spatial auto-correlation of newly diagnosed HIV-positive tests and Kulldorff spatial scan statistics to detect hotspots of newly diagnosed HIV-positive tests. For aggregated data, we used Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations non-parametric rank test to compare absolute numbers across classes. Results: Out of 4,021 HTS sites, 3,969 (98.7%) had geocodes available. Most facilities (3,034, 76.4%), were not spatially autocorrelated for the number of newly diagnosed HIV-positives. For the rest, clustering occurred as follows; 438 (11.0%) were HH, 66 (1.7%) HL, 275 (6.9%) LH, and 156 (3.9%) LL. Of the HH sites, 301 (68.7%) were in high HIV-burden counties. Over half of 123 clusters with a significantly high number of newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons, 73(59.3%) were not in the five highest HIV-burden counties. Clusters with a high number of newly diagnosed persons had twice the number of positives per 1,000,000 tests than clusters with lower numbers (29,856 vs. 14,172). Conclusions: Although high HIV-burden counties contain clusters of sites with a high number of newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons, we detected many such clusters in low-burden counties as well. To expand HTS where most needed and reach the "first 90" targets, geospatial analyses and mapping make it easier to identify and describe localized epidemic patterns in a spatially dispersed epidemic like Kenya's, and consequently, reorient and prioritize HTS strategies. |
Incidence of urinary tract infections in newborns with spina bifida: Is antibiotic prophylaxis necessary
Wallis MC , Paramsothy P , Newsome K , Williams T , Routh JC , Joseph DB , Cheng E , Tu D , Austin JC , Tanaka ST , Walker WO , Smith KA , Baum MA , Wiener JS . J Urol 2021 206 (1) 101097ju0000000000001690 PURPOSE: Urinary tract infections (UTI) commonly occur in patients with spina bifida (SB) and pose a risk for renal scarring. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis has been utilized in newborns with SB to prevent UTI. We hypothesized that prophylaxis can safely be withheld in newborns with SB until clinical assessment allows for risk stratification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newborns with myelomeningocele at nine institutions were prospectively enrolled in the UMPIRE study and managed by a standardized protocol with a strict definition for UTI. Patient data were collected regarding details of reported UTI, baseline renal ultrasound findings, vesicoureteral reflux, use of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), and circumcision status in boys. Risk Ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using log-binomial models. RESULTS: From 2/2015 through 8/2019, data were available on 299 newborns (50.5% male). During the first four months of life, 48 (16.1%) newborns were treated for UTI with 23 (7.7%) having positive cultures; however, only 12 (4.0%) met the strict UTI definition. Infants with grade 3-4 hydronephrosis had an increased risk of UTI compared to infants with no hydronephrosis (RR=10.1; 95%CI=2.8, 36.3). Infants on CIC also had an increased risk of UTI (RR=3.3; 95%CI=1.0, 10.5). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of a culture-positive, symptomatic UTI among newborns with SB in the first 4 months of life was low. Patients with high grades of hydronephrosis or those on CIC had a significantly greater incidence of UTI. Our findings suggest that routine antibiotic prophylaxis may not be necessary for most newborns with SB. |
Haematological reference intervals for healthy adults in Bamenda, Cameroon
Fondoh VN , Fondoh RM , Awasom CN , Edith PL , Ntungwen WA , Roland B , Enow-Tanjong R , Njukeng P , Shang J , Egbengu EP , Maruta T , Etheline A , Leke R , Leo A , Nsame D . Afr J Lab Med 2020 9 (1) 1193 BACKGROUND: In the era of evidence-based medicine, haematological reference intervals are essential for the interpretation of data for clinical decision-making, monitoring of treatment and research. It is not uncommon that reference intervals used in most African countries have been obtained from published scientific literature, textbooks, reagent/instrument manuals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine haematological reference intervals of healthy adults in Bamenda, Cameroon. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between June and November 2015. Participants were voluntary blood donors at the Blood Bank Service of the Regional Hospital Bamenda aged between 18 and 65 years. The mean, median and standard deviation of the mean were calculated for each haematological parameter. The 95th percentile reference intervals were determined using the 2.5th and 97.5th percentile. The differences between gender for all the parameters were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Significance was determined at the 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Out of a total of 340 participants, 202 (59.4%) were men and 138 (40.6%) were women. The median red blood cell, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were significantly higher in men than women (p < 0.001). The median white blood cell, absolute lymphocytes count, absolute granulocytes and platelet counts for men were significantly lower than those for women (p < 0.011). CONCLUSION: We propose that the present established haematological reference intervals in this study should be used for clinical management of patients and interpretation of laboratory data for research in Bamenda. |
Landscape disturbance impacts on Attalea butyracea palm distribution in central Panama
Mertzlufft CE , Madden M , Gottdenker NL , Velásquez Runk J , Saldaña A , Tanner S , Calzada JE , Yao X . Int J Health Geogr 2020 19 (1) 58 BACKGROUND: Increased Attalea butyracea palm propagation, notable for its role as key habitat for the primary Chagas disease vector in Panama, has been linked to landscape disturbance in single-palm observations in this region. Close proximity of these palms to human dwellings is proposed to increase risk of Chagas disease transmission from sylvatic transmission cycles to domestic transmission involving human populations. This study examines the relationship between landscape disturbance and mature A. butyracea spatial distribution, density, and proximity to human populations and vector and reservoir species' movement corridors at a regional scale in a 300 km(2) heterogeneous tropical landscape in central Panama. METHODS: We remotely identified the locations of over 50,000 mature A. butyracea palms using high-resolution WorldView2 satellite imagery. A local Getis-Ord Gi* spatial analysis identified significant clusters of aggregated palms. Associations between palm and cluster abundance and a landscape disturbance gradient, derived from official Panama land cover data, were tested using Chi-square tests for Homogeneity and Z-test for proportions. Kruskall-Wallis non-parametric analysis of variance tests were run to assess whether palm cluster area varied by disturbance level, or whether disturbance was associated with proximity of palms and palm clusters to susceptible populations or vector movement corridors. RESULTS: Our findings indicate a regional relationship between landscape disturbance and A. butyracea occurrence. We observe a significant increase in both individual and clustered A. butyracea in secondary forest, but a reduction of palms in agricultural settings. We do not detect evidence of any reduction in abundance of palms in residential settings. The majority of residential and commercial buildings in our study area are within vector flight distance of potential vector habitat in palm crowns. CONCLUSIONS: We observe probable anthropogenic elimination of A. butyracea palms in agricultural, but not residential, settings. Even in heavily deforested regions, significant concentrations of mature palms remain in close proximity to human establishments. |
Does peer-navigated linkage to care work A cross-sectional study of active linkage to care within an integrated non-communicable disease-HIV testing centre for adults in Soweto, South Africa
Hopkins KL , Hlongwane KE , Otwombe K , Dietrich J , Jaffer M , Cheyip M , Olivier J , van Rooyen H , Wade AN , Doherty T , Gray GE . PLoS One 2020 15 (10) e0241014 INTRODUCTION: South Africa is the HIV epidemic epicentre; however, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will be the most common cause of death by 2030. To improve identification and initiation of care for HIV and NCDs, we assessed proportion of clients referred and linked to care (LTC) for abnormal/positive screening results and time to LTC and treatment initiation from a HIV Testing Services (HTS) Centre before and after integrated testing for NCDs with optional peer-navigated linkage to care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This two-phase prospective study was conducted at an adult HTS Centre in Soweto, South Africa. Phase 1 (February-June 2018) utilised standard of care (SOC) HTS services (blood pressure [BP], HIV rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), sexually transmitted infections [STI]/Tuberculosis [TB] symptom screening) with passive referral for abnormal/positive results. Phase 2 (June 2018-March 2019) further integrated blood glucose/cholesterol/chlamydia RDT, with optional peer-navigated referral. Enrolled referred clients completed telephonic follow-up surveys confirming LTC/treatment initiation ≤3 months post-screening. Socio-demographics, screening results, time to LTC/treatment initiation, peer-navigated referral uptake were reported. Analysis included Fisher's exact, chi-squared, Kruskal Wallis, and Student's T-tests. Thematic analysis was conducted for open-ended survey responses. RESULTS: Of all 320 referrals, 40.0% were HIV-infections, 11.9% STIs, 6.6% TB, and 28.8% high/low BP. Of Phase 2-only referrals, 29.4% were for glucose and 23.5% cholesterol. Integrated NCD-HTS had significantly more clients LTC for HIV (76.7%[n = 66/86] vs 52.4%[n = 22/42], p = 0.0052) and within a shorter average time (6-8 days [Interquartile range (IQR):1-18.5] vs 8-13 days [IQR:2-32]) as compared to SOC HTS. Integrated NCD-HTS clients initiated HIV/STIs/BP treatment on average more quickly as compared to SOC HTS (5 days for STIs [IQR:1-21], 8 days for HIV/BP [IQR:5-17 and 2-13, respectively] vs 10 days for STIs [IQR: 4-32], 19.5 days for HIV [IQR:6.5-26.5], 8 days for BP [IQR:2-29)]. Participants chose passive over active referral (89.1% vs 10.9%; p<0.0001). Participants rejecting peer-navigated referral preferred to go alone (55.7% [n = 39/70]). Non-LTC was due to being busy (41.1% [n = 39/95]) and not being ready/refusing treatment (31.6% [n = 30/95]). Normalised results assessed at referral clinic (49.7% [n = 98/196]), prescribed lifestyle modification/monitoring (30.9% [n = 61/196]), and poor clinic flow/congestion and/or further testing required (10.7% [n = 21/196]) were associated with non-treatment initiation. CONCLUSION: Same-day treatment initiation is not achieved across diseases, despite peer-navigated referral. There are psychosocial and health systems barriers at entry to care/treatment initiation. Additional research may identify best strategies for rapid treatment initiation. |
Level of adult client satisfaction with clinic flow time and services of an integrated non-communicable disease-HIV testing services clinic in Soweto, South Africa: a cross-sectional study
Hopkins KL , Hlongwane KE , Otwombe K , Dietrich J , Cheyip M , Khanyile N , Doherty T , Gray GE . BMC Health Serv Res 2020 20 (1) 404 BACKGROUND: While HIV Testing Services (HTS) have increased, many South Africans have not been tested. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the top cause of death worldwide. Integrated NCD-HTS could be a strategy to control both epidemics. Healthcare service strategies depends partially on positive user experience. We investigated client satisfaction of services and clinic flow time of an integrated NCD-HTS clinic. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study evaluated HTS client satisfaction with an HTS clinic at two phases. Phase 1 (February-June 2018) utilised standard HTS services: counsellor-led height/weight/blood pressure measurements, HIV rapid testing, and symptoms screening for sexually transmitted infections/Tuberculosis. Phase 2 (June 2018-March 2019) further integrated counsellor-led obesity screening (body mass index/abdominal circumference measurements), rapid cholesterol/glucose testing; and nurse-led Chlamydia and human papilloma virus (HPV)/cervical cancer screening. Socio-demographics, proportion of repeat clients, clinic flow time, and client survey data (open/closed-ended questions using five-point Likert scale) are reported. Fisher's exact test, chi-square analysis, and Kruskal Wallis test conducted comparisons. Multiple linear regression determined predictors associated with clinic time. Content thematic analysis was conducted for free response data. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-four and three hundred thirty-three participants were from Phase 1 and 2, respectively (N = 617). Phase 1 participants were significantly older (median age 36.5 (28.0-43.0) years vs. 31.0 (25.0-40.0) years; p = 0.0003), divorced/widowed (6.7%, [n = 19/282] vs. 2.4%, [n = 8/332]; p = 0.0091); had tertiary education (27.9%, [n = 79/283] vs. 20.1%, [n = 67/333]; p = 0.0234); and less female (53.9%, [n = 153/284] vs 67.6%, [n = 225/333]; p = 0.0005), compared to Phase 2. Phase 2 had 10.2% repeat clients (n = 34/333), and 97.9% (n = 320/327) were 'very satisfied' with integrated NCD-HTS, despite standard HTS having significantly shorter median time for counsellor-led HTS (36.5, interquartile range [IQR]: 31.0-45.0 vs. 41.5, IQR: 35.0-51.0; p < 0.0001). Phase 2 associations with longer clinic time were clients living together/married (est = 6.548; p = 0.0467), more tests conducted (est = 3.922; p < 0.0001), higher overall satisfaction score (est = 1.210; p = 0.0201). Those who matriculated experienced less clinic time (est = - 7.250; p = 0.0253). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to integrate counsellor-led NCD rapid testing into standard HTS within historical HTS timeframes, yielding client satisfaction. Rapid cholesterol/glucose testing should be integrated into standard HTS. Research is required on the impact of cervical cancer/HPV screenings to HTS clinic flow to determine if it could be scaled up within the public sector. |
Baseline urinary tract imaging in infants enrolled in the UMPIRE Protocol for Children with Spina Bifida
Tanaka ST , Paramsothy P , Thibadeau J , Wiener JS , Joseph DB , Cheng EY , Tu D , Austin C , Koh CJ , Wallis MC , Walker WO , Smith KA , Routh JC , Baum MA . J Urol 2019 201 (6) 1193-1198 PURPOSE: The lifetime risk of renal damage in children with spina bifida is high but only limited baseline imaging data are available for this population. We evaluated a large prospective cohort of infants with spina bifida to define their baseline imaging characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The UMPIRE Protocol for Young Children with Spina Bifida is an iterative quality improvement protocol that follows a cohort of newborns at 9 United States centers. Using descriptive statistics, we report the initial baseline imaging characteristics, specifically regarding renal bladder ultrasound, cystogram and dimercaptosuccinic acid nuclear medicine scan. RESULTS: Data on 193 infants from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed. Renal-bladder ultrasound was normal in 55.9% of infants, while 40.4% had Society for Fetal Urology grade 1 to 2 hydronephrosis in at least 1 kidney, 3.7% had grade 3 to 4 hydronephrosis in either kidney and 21.8% had grade 1 or higher bilateral hydronephrosis. There was no vesicoureteral reflux in 84.6% of infants. A third of enrolled infants underwent dimercaptosuccinic acid nuclear medicine renal scan, of whom 92.4% had no renal defects and 93.9% had a difference in differential function of less than 15%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of infants born with spina bifida have normal baseline imaging characteristics and normal urinary tract anatomy at birth. This proactive protocol offers careful scheduled surveillance of the urinary tract with the goal of lifelong maintenance of normal renal function and healthy genitourinary development. |
Who interacts with whom Social mixing insights from a rural population in India
Kumar S , Gosain M , Sharma H , Swetts E , Amarchand R , Kumar R , Lafond KE , Dawood FS , Jain S , Widdowson MA , Read JM , Krishnan A . PLoS One 2018 13 (12) e0209039 Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with most ALRI deaths occurring in children in developing countries. Computational models can be used to test the efficacy of respiratory infection prevention interventions, but require data on social mixing patterns, which are sparse in developing countries. We describe social mixing patterns among a rural community in northern India. During October 2015-February 2016, trained field workers conducted cross-sectional face-to-face standardized surveys in a convenience sample of 330 households in Faridabad District, Haryana State, India. Respondents were asked about the number, duration, and setting of social interactions during the previous 24 hours. Responses were compared by age and gender. Among the 3083 residents who were approached, 2943 (96%) participated, of whom 51% were male and the median age was 22 years (interquartile range (IQR) 9-37). Respondents reported contact (defined as having had a face-to-face conversation within 3 feet, which may or may not have included physical contact) with a median of 17 (IQR 12-25) people during the preceding 24 hours. Median total contact time per person was 36 person-hours (IQR 26-52). Female older children and adults had significantly fewer contacts than males of similar age (Kruskal-Wallis chi2 = 226.59, p<0.001), but spent a longer duration in contact with young children (Kruskal-Wallis chi2 = 27.26, p<0.001), suggesting a potentially complex pattern of differential risk of infection between genders. After controlling for household size and day of the week, respondent age was significantly associated with number and duration of contacts. These findings can be used to model the impact of interventions to reduce lower respiratory tract infections in India. |
Antimicrobial resistance and substandard and falsified medicines: The case of HIV/AIDS
Suthar AB , Coggin W , Raizes E . J Infect Dis 2018 219 (4) 672-673 Wallis et al recently reviewed key determinants of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug resistance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1]. In addition to the determinants that were reviewed, we believe the quality of antiretrovirals (ARVs) available in antiretroviral therapy regimens also merits attention. | | The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report on the burden of substandard and falsified antimicrobials. Based on their global analysis, 11% of antimicrobials contained subtherapeutic concentrations of active pharmaceutical ingredients [2]. The proportion for ARVs was 4.2% [2]. People with HIV exposed to subtherapeutic ARVs are at increased risk of developing HIV drug resistance [3, 4]. Continued vigilance to ensure use of quality ARVs is critical for three reasons. First, in many countries procurement is transitioning to domestic mechanisms that may not have the same stringent requirements for quality as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Global Fund (GF). Second, there may not be enough supply from qualified manufacturers to supply all countries with newly recommended ARVs, such as dolutegravir-containing regimens, increasing the risk of a possible influx of nonquality-assured ARVs in some countries. Finally, in countries moving toward national and privatized health insurance schemes as part of universal health coverage, different pharmacies may procure ARVs through different manufacturers (some of which may not adhere to stringent quality standards). |
Predictors of latent tuberculosis infection treatment completion in the US private sector: an analysis of administrative claims data
Stockbridge EL , Miller TL , Carlson EK , Ho C . BMC Public Health 2018 18 (1) 662 BACKGROUND: Factors that affect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment completion in the US have not been well studied beyond public health settings. This gap was highlighted by recent health insurance-related regulatory changes that are likely to increase LTBI treatment by private sector healthcare providers. We analyzed LTBI treatment completion in the private healthcare setting to facilitate planning around this important opportunity for tuberculosis (TB) control in the US. METHODS: We analyzed a national sample of commercial insurance medical and pharmacy claims data for people ages 0 to 64 years who initiated daily dose isoniazid treatment between July 2011 and March 2014 and who had complete data. All individuals resided in the US. Factors associated with treatment completion were examined using multivariable generalized ordered logit models and bivariate Kruskal-Wallis tests or Spearman correlations. RESULTS: We identified 1072 individuals with complete data who initiated isoniazid LTBI treatment. Treatment completion was significantly associated with less restrictive health insurance, age < 15 years, patient location, use of interferon-gamma release assays, non-poverty, HIV diagnosis, immunosuppressive drug therapy, and higher cumulative counts of clinical risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Private sector healthcare claims data provide insights into LTBI treatment completion patterns and patient/provider behaviors. Such information is critical to understanding the opportunities and limitations of private healthcare in the US to support treatment completion as this sector's role in protecting against and eliminating TB grows. |
Variation in surgical management of neurogenic bowel among centers participating in National Spina Bifida Patient Registry
Routh JC , Joseph DB , Liu T , Schechter MS , Thibadeau JK , Chad Wallis M , Ward EA , Wiener JS . J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2017 10 303-312 PURPOSE: Optimal management of neurogenic bowel in patients with spina bifida (SB) remains controversial. Surgical interventions may be utilized to treat constipation and provide fecal continence, but their use may vary among SB treatment centers. METHODS: We queried the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) to identify patients who underwent surgical interventions for neurogenic bowel. We abstracted demographic characteristics, SB type, functional level, concurrent bladder surgery, mobility, and NSBPR clinics to determine whether any of these factors were associated with interventions for management of neurogenic bowel. Multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for selection bias was performed. RESULTS: We identified 5,528 patients with SB enrolled in the 2009-14 NSBPR. Of these, 1,088 (19.7%) underwent procedures for neurogenic bowel, including 957 (17.3%) ACE/cecostomy tube and 155 (2.8%) ileostomy/colostomy patients. Procedures were more likely in patients who were older, white, non-ambulatory, with higher-level lesion, with myelomeningocele lesion, with private health insurance (all p< 0.001), and female (p= 0.006). On multivariable analysis, NSBPR clinic, older age (both p< 0.001), race (p= 0.002), mobility status (p= 0.011), higher lesion level (p< 0.001), private insurance (p= 0.002) and female sex (p= 0.015) were associated with increased odds of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in rates of procedures to manage neurogenic bowel among NSBPR clinics. In addition to SB-related factors such as mobility status and lesion type/level, non-SB-related factors such as patient age, sex, race and treating center are also associated with the likelihood of undergoing neurogenic bowel intervention. |
HIV drug resistance in adults receiving early versus delayed antiretroviral therapy: HPTN 052
Palumbo PJ , Fogel JM , Hudelson SE , Wilson EA , Hart S , Hovind L , Piwowar-Manning E , Wallis C , Papathanasopoulos MA , Morgado MG , Saravanan S , Tripathy S , Eron JJ , Gallant JE , Mph , McCauley M , Gamble T , Hosseinipour MC , Kumarasamy N , Hakim JG , Pilotto JH , Kumwenda J , Akelo V , Godbole SV , Santos BR , Grinsztejn B , Panchia R , Chariyalertsak S , Makhema J , Badal-Faesen S , Chen YQ , Cohen MS , Eshleman SH . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017 77 (5) 484-491 INTRODUCTION: We evaluated HIV drug resistance in adults who received early versus delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a multi-national trial (HPTN 052, enrollment 2005-2010). In HPTN 052, 1,763 index participants were randomized to start ART at a CD4 cell count of 350-550 cells/mm3 (early ART arm) or <250 cells/mm3 (delayed ART arm). In May 2011, interim study results showed benefit of early ART, and all participants were offered ART regardless of CD4 cell count; the study ended in 2015. METHODS: Virologic failure was defined as two consecutive viral loads >1,000 copies/mL >24 weeks after ART initiation. Drug resistance testing was performed for pre-treatment (baseline) and failure samples from participants with virologic failure. RESULTS: HIV genotyping results were obtained for 211/249 participants (128 early ART arm; 83 delayed ART arm) with virologic failure. Drug resistance was detected in 4.7% of participants at baseline; 35.5% had new resistance at failure. In univariate analysis, the frequency of new resistance at failure was lower among participants in the early ART arm (compared to delayed ART arm, p=0.06; compared to delayed ART arm with ART initiation before May 2011, p=0.032). In multivariate analysis, higher baseline viral load (p=0.0008) and ART regimen (efavirenz/lamivudine/zidovudine compared to other regimens, p=0.024) were independently associated with higher risk of new resistance at failure. CONCLUSIONS: In HPTN 052, the frequency of new drug resistance at virologic failure was lower in adults with early ART initiation. The main factor associated with reduced drug resistance with early ART was lower baseline viral load. |
Bladder reconstruction rates differ among centers participating in National Spina Bifida Patient Registry
Routh JC , Joseph DB , Liu T , Schechter MS , Thibadeau JK , Wallis MC , Ward EA , Wiener JS . J Urol 2017 199 (1) 268-273 PURPOSE: We performed an exploratory analysis of data from the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) to assess variation in the frequency of bladder reconstruction surgeries among NSBPR centers. METHODS: We queried the 2009-2014 NSBPR to identify patients who had ever undergone bladder reconstruction surgeries. We evaluated demographic characteristics, SB type, functional level, mobility, and NSBPR center to determine whether any of these factors were associated with reconstructive surgery rates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to simultaneously adjust for the impact of these factors. RESULTS: We identified 5,528 patients with SB enrolled in the NSBPR. Of these, 1,129 (20.4%) underwent bladder reconstruction (703 augmentation, 382 continent catheterizable channel, 189 bladder outlet procedure). Surgery patients were more likely to be older, female, non-Hispanic white, higher lesion level, myelomeningocele diagnosis, non-ambulators (all p<0.001) and non-privately insured (p=0.018). Bladder reconstruction surgery rates varied among NSBPR centers (range 12.1-37.9%, p<0.001). After correcting for known confounders, NSBPR center, SB type, mobility, gender and age (all p<0.001) were significant predictors of surgical intervention. Race (p=0.19) and insurance status (p=0.11) were not associated with surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in rates of bladder reconstruction surgery among NSBPR centers. In addition to clinical factors such as mobility status, lesion type, and lesion level, non-clinical factors such as patient age, gender and treating center are also associated with the likelihood of an individual undergoing bladder reconstruction. |
Cost effectiveness of a targeted age-based West Nile virus vaccination program
Shankar MB , Staples JE , Meltzer MI , Fischer M . Vaccine 2017 35 (23) 3143-3151 BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of domestically-acquired arboviral disease in the United States. Several WNV vaccines are in various stages of development. We estimate the cost-effectiveness of WNV vaccination programs targeting groups at increased risk for severe WNV disease. METHODS: We used a mathematical model to estimate costs and health outcomes of vaccination with WNV vaccine compared to no vaccination among seven cohorts, spaced at 10year intervals from ages 10 to 70years, each followed until 90-years-old. U.S. surveillance data were used to estimate WNV neuroinvasive disease incidence. Data for WNV seroprevalence, acute and long-term care costs of WNV disease patients, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and vaccine characteristics were obtained from published reports. We assumed vaccine efficacy to either last lifelong or for 10years with booster doses given every 10years. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in cost-effectiveness ratios across cohorts in both models and all outcomes assessed (Kruskal-Wallis test p<0.0001). The 60-year-cohort had a mean cost per neuroinvasive disease case prevented of $664,000 and disability averted of $1,421,000 in lifelong model and $882,000 and $1,887,000, respectively in 10-year immunity model; these costs were statistically significantly lower than costs for other cohorts (p<0.0001). Vaccinating 70-year-olds had the lowest cost per death averted in both models at around $4.7 million (95%CI $2-$8 million). Cost per disease case averted was lowest among 40- and 50-year-old cohorts and cost per QALY saved lowest among 60-year cohorts in lifelong immunity model. The models were most sensitive to disease incidence, vaccine cost, and proportion of persons developing disease among infected. CONCLUSIONS: Age-based WNV vaccination program targeting those at higher risk for severe disease is more cost-effective than universal vaccination. Annual variation in WNV disease incidence, QALY weights, and vaccine costs impact the cost effectiveness ratios. |
Performance of Celera RUO integrase resistance assay across multiple HIV-1 subtypes
Wallis CL , Viana RV , Saravanan S , de Jesus CS , Zeh C , Halvas EK , Mellors JW . J Virol Methods 2016 241 41-45 BACKGROUND: HIV-1 sequence variation is a major obstacle to developing molecular based assays for multiple subtypes. This study sought to independently assess performance characteristics of the ViroSeq HIV-1 Integrase RUO Genotyping Kit (Celera, US) for samples of multiple different HIV-1 subtypes. METHODS: 264 samples were tested in the validation, 106 from integrase inhibitor naive patients' sent for routine HIV-1 drug resistance testing after failing a 1st- or 2nd-line regimen, and 158 samples from an external virology quality assurance program (VQA). For the latter, 53 unique VQA samples were tested in two to five different laboratories to assess assay reproducibility. For all assays, viral RNA was extracted using the ViroSeq extraction module, reverse transcribed, and amplified in a one-step reaction. Four sequencing primers were used to span codons 1-288 of integrase. The Rega subtyping tool was used for subtype assignment. Integrase polymorphisms and mutations were determined as differences from the HXB2 sequence and by the Stanford database, respectively. Sequences obtained from the different laboratories were aligned and sequence homology determined. RESULTS: HIV-1 RNA in the 264 samples ranged from 3.15 to 6.74logcopies/ml. Successful amplification was obtained for 97% of samples (n=256). The 8 samples that failed to amplify were subtype D (n=3), subtype C (n=1), CRF01_AE (n=1), subtype A1 (n=2), and an unassigned subtype (n=1). Of the 256 that successfully amplified samples, 203 (79%) were successfully sequenced with bidirectional coverage. Of the 53 unsuccessful samples, 13 (5%) failed sequencing and 40 (16%) did not have full bidirectional sequence, as a result of failure of sequencing primers: Primer A (n=1); Primer B (n=18); Primer C (n=1); Primer D (n=7) or short sequences (n=16). For the 135 VQA samples (30 unique samples) that were assayed by different laboratories, homology of the sequences obtained ranged from 92.1% to 100%. However, Laboratory 2 detected more mixtures (74%) compared to the other four laboratories, whereas Laboratory 1 detected the least number of mixtures (35%), likely due to differences between the labs in the methods of sequence analysis. Mutations associated with integrase resistance were observed in seven of the 106 (7%) clinical samples [one sample: Q148K; E138K; G140A; two samples: T97A and four samples: L74I]. Of the four samples with L74I, 3 were subtype G. CONCLUSION: Of the total 264 samples tested, 243 (92%) of samples were able to be amplified and sequenced to generate an integrase genotype. Sequencing results were similar between the testing laboratories with the exception of mixture detection. Mutations associated with integrase inhibitor resistance were observed in only 7% of integrase inhibitor naive samples, and some of these mutations are likely to be due to subtype-specific polymorphisms rather than selection by an integrase inhibitor. |
Design and Methodological Considerations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Urologic and Renal Protocol for the Newborn and Young Child with Spina Bifida
Routh JC , Cheng EY , Austin JC , Baum MA , Gargollo PC , Grady RW , Herron AR , Kim SS , King SJ , Koh CJ , Paramsothy P , Raman L , Schechter MS , Smith KA , Tanaka ST , Thibadeau JK , Walker WO , Wallis MC , Wiener JS , Joseph DB . J Urol 2016 196 (6) 1728-1734 INTRODUCTION: Care of children with spina bifida (SB) has significantly advanced over the last half-century, resulting in gains in longevity and quality of life for affected children and caregivers. Bladder dysfunction is the norm in SB patients and may result in infection, renal scarring, and chronic kidney disease. However, the optimal urologic management for SB-related bladder dysfunction is unknown. METHODS: In 2012, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened a working group composed of pediatric urologists, nephrologists, epidemiologists, methodologists, community advocates, and CDC personnel to develop a protocol to optimize urologic care of children with SB from the newborn period through 5 years of age. RESULTS: An iterative quality-improvement protocol was selected; in this model, participating institutions agree to prospectively treat all newborns with SB using a single consensus-based protocol. Over the course of the 5-year study period, study outcomes are routinely assessed and the protocol adjusted as needed in order to optimize patient and process outcomes. Primary study outcomes include urinary tract infections (UTI), renal scarring, renal function, and bladder characteristics. The protocol specifies the timing and use of testing (e.g., ultrasonography, urodynamics) and interventions (e.g., intermittent catheterization, prophylactic antibiotics, antimuscarinic medications). Starting in 2014, the CDC began funding nine study sites to implement and evaluate the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The CDC Urologic and Renal Protocol for the Newborn and Young Child with Spina Bifida began accruing patients in 2015. Assessment in the first 5 years will focus on UTIs, renal function, renal scarring, and clinical process improvements. |
Influenza activity - United States, 2015-16 season and composition of the 2016-17 influenza vaccine
Davlin SL , Blanton L , Kniss K , Mustaquim D , Smith S , Kramer N , Cohen J , Cummings CN , Garg S , Flannery B , Fry AM , Grohskopf LA , Bresee J , Wallis T , Sessions W , Garten R , Xu X , Elal AI , Gubareva L , Barnes J , Wentworth DE , Burns E , Katz J , Jernigan D , Brammer L . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (22) 567-575 During the 2015-16 influenza season (October 4, 2015-May 21, 2016) in the United States, influenza activity was lower and peaked later compared with the previous three seasons (2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15). Activity remained low from October 2015 until late December 2015 and peaked in mid-March 2016. During the most recent 18 influenza seasons (including this season), only two other seasons have peaked in March (2011-12 and 2005-06). Overall influenza activity was moderate this season, with a lower percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI), lower hospitalization rates, and a lower percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) compared with the preceding three seasons. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominated overall, but influenza A(H3N2) viruses were more commonly identified from October to early December, and influenza B viruses were more commonly identified from mid-April through mid-May. The majority of viruses characterized this season were antigenically similar to the reference viruses representing the recommended components of the 2015-16 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. This report summarizes influenza activity in the United States during the 2015-16 influenza season (October 4, 2015-May 21, 2016) section sign and reports the vaccine virus components recommended for the 2016-17 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccines. |
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