Higher Habitual Nuts Consumption Is Associated with Better Cognitive Function among Qatari Adults

The association between nuts intake and cognitive function is inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the association between habitual nuts consumption and cognition among Qatari adults. Data from 1000 participants aged >20 years who attended Qatar Biobank (QBB) were used. Nuts consumption was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples were measured for magnesium, lipids and glucose. Mean reaction time (MRT) was used as an indicator of cognitive function. Linear regression was used to assess the association. A total of 21.1% of the participants reported consuming nuts ≥4–6 times/week (high consumption) while 40.2% reported consuming ≤1 time/month (low consumption). The mean MRT was 715.6 milliseconds (SD 204.1). An inverse association was found between nuts consumption and MRT. Compared to those with a low consumption, high consumption of nuts had a regression coefficient of −36.9 (95% CI −68.1 to −5.8) after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The inverse association between nuts and MRT was mainly seen among those >50 years. There was an interaction between nuts consumption and hypertension. The association between nuts consumption and MRT was not mediated by hypertension, diabetes, or serum magnesium. Habitual higher consumption of nuts is positively associated with cognitive function, especially among old adults.     

Alinity hq platelet count is not impacted by severe microcytosis

BackgroundImpedance technology has been shown to overestimate platelet (PLT) count in samples with microcytes, while the optical‐fluorescence PLT count (PLT‐F) by Sysmex has been suggested to be unaffected by microcytosis. The Abbott Alinity hq analyzer employs multi‐dimensional optical PLT counting. Our goal was to assess the accuracy of this technology in microcytic samples.MethodsPlatelet measurements were performed by Alinity hq and the impedance (PLT‐I) and PLT‐F methods on a Sysmex XN‐3000 analyzer on 464 samples. PLT concentration range was 6.56–947 × 10⁹/L and mean cell volume (MCV) 40.9–123.0 fL. Samples were categorized into normocytic (MCV > 80 fL), microcytic (MCV 65–80 fL), and severely microcytic (MCV < 65 fL) groups.ResultsAlinity hq PLT count showed excellent agreement with PLT‐F (r = 1.00). Sysmex PLT‐I data showed somewhat weaker correlation with both PLT‐F and Alinity hq (r = 0.98). Increasing bias between Sysmex PLT‐I and PLT‐F was seen with decreasing MCV values, with mean bias of 35.2 × 10⁹/L in severe microcytosis. An inverse relationship was demonstrated between the PLT‐I versus PLT‐F bias and MCV (p < 0.0001). Consistent mean bias was observed between Alinity hq and PLT‐F across all MCV ranges.Mean platelet volume was suppressed or flagged by Sysmex XN in 50% of the samples in the severely microcytic group, and markedly higher red cell distribution width (RDW) was reported compared to Alinity hq (18.1% vs 13.7%, p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe Sysmex PLT‐I method overestimated the PLT count in samples with severe microcytosis. Alinity hq provided PLT counts and PLT and RBC indices that were not impacted by microcytosis.     

Factors associated with mortality and morbidity among pediatrics with burn injuries in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To describe characteristics, mechanism, and factors associated with morbidity and mortality of pediatrics with burn injuries.Methods:This cross-sectional retrospective study examined all pediatrics with burn injuries carried out at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2015-2020. Collected data included demographics, mechanism of burn, total body surface area (TBSA) burned, body region burned, incidence of infection, renal failure, scars, and respiratory events.Results:The study included 370 patients. Approximately 47.0% were aged ≤2 years, and 61.0% were males. The most common burn mechanism was scald burn (54%), 59.2% had a TBSA of 0-10%, and 60.3% had regional burns on the upper limbs. During follow-up, 5 patients died (incidence rate [IR]=1.60/100 patient/years [PYs]). Morbidity events included blood/sepsis infection (IR=2.87/100 PYs), urine infection (IR=8.30/100 PYs), wound infection (IR=21.72/100 PYs), renal failure (IR=0.96/100 PYs), and respiratory infections (IR=1.60/100 PYs). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, factors independently associated with combined hazard of morbidity and mortality were female gender (hazard ratio [HR]=1.64, 95% confidence intervel [CI]: [1.01-2.67], p=0.047), TBSA (HR=3.20, 95% CI: [1.828-5.585], p<0.0001), and length of hospital stay (HR=3.14, 95% CI: [1.91-5.17], p=0.000).Conclusion:This study identifies certain characteristics suggestive of poor outcomes of pediatric burn injuries that are relevant to clinical management and prevention programs. Larger multicenter studies are required to fully characterize pediatric patients with burn injuries and to identify factors that adversely affect their prognosis.     

A case of spontaneous resolution of a scrotal ventriculoperitoneal shunt migration

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt catheter migration remains a rare but documented complication seen in one in 1000 patients who receive a VP shunt. Migration of the VP shunt into the scrotum is even more uncommon and requires surgical treatment. We report a unique case of a 6-month-old preterm male who developed right scrotal migration of his VP shunt. However, the tip of the VP shunt spontaneously reduced to its normal position, and repeated imaging months later showed no recurrence.     

Differences in automated depolarization patterns of Plasmodium faiciparum and P. vivax malaria infections defined by the Cell-Dyn® CD4000 haematology analyser

Of 1014 samples submitted for full blood count analysis and malaria screening, 854 were designated malaria-negative by blood film microscopy, 79 were unequivocally identified as Plasmodium vivax and 81 as P. falciparum. All samples were additionally analysed with the Abbott Cell-Dyn® CD4000 haematology instrument, and leucocyte differential plots of 90° polarized vs. 90° depolarized (NEU-EOS plot) and 90° depolarized vs. 0° light (EOS I plot) scatter were specifically examined for abnormal depolarization patterns. Depolarization pattern types were correlated with microscopy (species) results, and these correlations were consolidated by polymerase chain reaction analysis. All 854 microscopically-designated malaria-negative samples showed a type 1 (normal) CD4000 depolarization pattern. Abnormal pattern types 2, 3a and 3b were entirely restricted to one of the two malaria categories. Plasmodium falciparum malaria showed two CD4000 pattern types only; a ‘normal’ type 1 pattern was seen in 36/75 (48%) cases and the remaining 39 cases were all abnormal pattern type 3a. In contrast, most (79/85) P. vivax malaria cases showed a distinctive clustered EOS I population (types 2 and 3b patterns) that was not seen with P. falciparum. Automated depolarization analysis provides an effective means of detecting malaria-associated haemozoin, and the patterns of intracellular haemozoin further appear to provide species differentiation between P. falciparum and P. vivax.     

Is home delivery really preferred? a mixed-methods national study in Pakistan

Background

Pakistan has a high maternal mortality ratio and a low rate of skilled birth attendants (SBAs). To address these two important issues, the Pakistan Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) programme launched the community midwives (CMW) initiative in 2007. CMWs are supposed to conduct deliveries at community level outside health facilities. The purpose of the current study is to document perceptions about CMWs and preferences for birthing place.

Methods

A mixed-methods study was conducted covering four provinces. For the quantitative survey, households were selected through a multistage sampling technique from rural districts. In 1,450 rural households, preferences of respondents about CMW-conducted deliveries were recorded. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with women, community elders, CMWs, and MNCH programme personnel in the same areas where the quantitative study was carried out. In both studies, preferences and the reasons behind particular respondent preferences were recorded. Frequencies of responses were analysed for the quantitative study. Narration and quotes from various types of participants were used to present findings from FGDs and IDIs.

Results

In the quantitative study, 42% of respondents expressed a preference for birthing stations, i.e. a place where CMWs conduct deliveries; 22% preferred home deliveries. Birthing stations were favoured because of the availability of space and equipment and the proximity to women’s homes. These findings were largely supported by the qualitative component, although a range of views about where a CMW should conduct deliveries were expressed.

Conclusion

Insights into where CMWs might provide delivery services were obtained through this study. Birthing stations may be an option as a preferred location for delivery care and should be considered as part of Pakistan’s national CMW programme.

     

Health related quality of life assessment in Pakistani paediatric cancer patients using PedsQLTM 4.0 generic core scale and PedsQLTM cancer module

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the HRQOL of paediatric cancer in comparison to the healthy children across age groups, using PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales and the PedsQLTM Cancer Module. METHOD: The PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales and PedsQL Cancer Module 3.0 were administered on 56 children including 26 cancer patients and 30 healthy children while employing self and proxy report forms. Furthermore, the results were compared with their healthy comparison group. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant relationship between HRQOL reports of cancer patients and their parents. However, the mean of paediatric cancer patients is significantly lower as compare to their healthy comparison group. The mean of proxy report is lower overall on both PedsQL and PedsQL cancer module reports. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, overall HRQOL of cancer patients was lower than healthy children but it is quite similar to their parents' perception. Whereas, the parental mean on PedsQL and PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module are significantly low. The study indicated a marked difference between cancer patients and healthy children's HRQOL perception and unfortunately in country like Pakistan where cancer is on increase, no significant work has yet been done to explore this area of research. The present study highlighted the need to focus on the particular psychological health services required to serve the physically challenged population.