scholarly journals Lower BAFF Levels in Myasthenic Patients Treated with Glucocorticoids

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Sobieszczuk ◽  
Piotr Szczudlik ◽  
Justyna Kubiszewska ◽  
Beata Szyluk ◽  
Marta Lipowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Potential Mechanism ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Necrosis Factor ◽  
Baff Level

AbstractB-cell activating factor (BAFF), a member of tumor necrosis factor family, activates B cells, promotes their survival and proliferation. BAFF is considered to have an influence on development of autoimmune diseases including myasthenia gravis (MG). We aimed to evaluate BAFF serum levels in MG patients, their potential connection with therapy and course of MG. Cross-sectional study. Two hundred eighteen adult patients with MG (67% women, age: 18–89 years, 82.6% AChR antibody seropositive (AChRAb(+)). Serum BAFF levels, their relationship with severity of clinical symptoms, therapy conducted, clinical and demographic features and other factors were analyzed. Patients with AChRAb(+) MG demonstrated significantly higher BAFF levels than MuSK-MG patients (831.2 ± 285.4 pg/ml vs. 745.6 ± 633.4 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.030). Serum BAFF levels in women were significantly higher than in men (855.9 ± 302.5 vs. 756.6 ± 289.4, respectively; p = 0.017). Mean serum BAFF level was significantly decreased in patients who were ever treated with corticosteroids (CS) (770.4 ± 327.8 pg/ml vs. 891.3 ± 246.1 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.001). Thymoma-MG patients demonstrated significantly lower BAFF levels (671.2 ± 244.9 vs. 833.5 ± 302.4, respectively; p = 0.044). Thymectomized patients did not differ in BAFF levels from the MG patients who had not undergone thymectomy. In multiple linear regression model, recent CS therapy and male sex were found to be independent predictors of lower BAFF levels. Serum BAFF level is decreased in patients treated with CS, which may suggest inhibiting influence of CS on BAFF—a potential mechanism contributing to the effectiveness of such therapy.

CLINICAL SYMPTOMS, BIOCHEMISTRY AND CYTOLOGY OF PLEURAL, PERITONEAL EFFUSIONS

2016 ◽  
pp. 66-71
Author(s):  
Van Mao Nguyen ◽  
Huyen Quynh Trang Pham
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Malignant Cells ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breath Sounds ◽  
Peritoneal Effusion ◽  
Neutrophil Leukocytes

Background: The cytology and the support of clinical symptoms, biochemistry for diagnosis of the cases of effusions are very important. Objectives: - To describe some of clinical symptoms and biochemistry of effusions. - To compare the results between cytology and biochemistry by the causes of pleural, peritoneal fluids. Material & Method: A cross-sectional study to describe all of 47 patients with pleural, peritoneal effusions examinated by cytology in the Hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy from April 2013 to January 2014. Results: In 47 cases with effusions, pleural effusion accounting for 55.32%, following peritoneal effusions 29.79% and 14.89% with both of them. The most common symptoms in patients with pleural effusions were diminished or absent tactile fremitus, dull percussion, diminished or absent breath sounds (100%), in patients with peritoneal effusions was ascites (95.24%). 100% cases with pleural effusions, 50% cases with peritoneal effusions and 80% cases with pleural and peritoneal effusions were exudates. The percentage of malignant cells in patients with pleural effusions was 26.92%, in peritoneal effusions was 28.57%, in pleural and peritoneal effusions was 42.86%. The percentage of detecting the malignant cells in patients with suspected cancer in the first test was 57.14%, in the second was 9.53% and 33.33% undetectable. Most of cases which had malignant cells and inflammatory were exudates, all of the cases which had a few cells were transudates. Besides, 7.5% cases which had high neutrophil leukocytes were transudates. Conclusion: Cytology should be carry out adding to the clinical examinations and biochemistry tests to have an exact diagnosis, especially for the malignant ones. For the case with suspected cancer, we should repeat cytology test one more time to increase the ability to detect malignant cells. Key words: Effusion, pleural effusion, peritoneal effusion, cytology, biochemistry

Prevalence of COVID-19-like Symptoms among People Living with HIV, and Using Antiretroviral Therapy for Prevention and Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 373-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi ◽  
Maryam Ghadimi ◽  
Mahboubeh Hajiabdolbaghi ◽  
Mehrnaz Rasoolinejad ◽  
Ladan Abbasian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background: COVID-19 has spread globally with remarkable speed, and currently, there is limited data available exploring any aspect of the intersection between HIV and SARSCoV- 2 co-infection. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19 among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Tehran, Iran. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 200 PLWH were recruited through the positive club via sampling, and completed the symptom-based questionnaire for COVID-19, which was delivered by trained peers. Results: Of 200 participants, respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum, and shortness of breath, were the most prevalent among participants, but only one person developed symptoms collectively suggested COVID-19 and sought treatments. Conclusions: It appears that existing infection with HIV or receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) might reduce the susceptibility to the infection with SARS-CoV-2 or decrease the severity of the infection acquired. Further research is needed to understand causal mechanisms.

scholarly journals Iranian midwives’ attitudes and beliefs toward physiological childbirth: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narges Sadeghzadeh ◽  
Leila Amiri-Farahani ◽  
Shima Haghani ◽  
Syedeh Batool Hasanpoor-Azghady
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Labor And Delivery ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Physiological Childbirth

Abstract Background The significant role of midwives in providing labor and delivery care underscores the necessity of the identification of attitudes and beliefs of these groups of maternity care providers toward physiological childbirth. The purpose of the current study was to describe midwives’ attitudes and beliefs toward physiological childbirth and identify its related factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 midwives working in the labor and delivery wards of selected hospitals in an urban area of Tehran, Iran, through the continuous sampling method from May to July 2018. The data were collected using a two-part demographic characteristic form and Midwives’ Attitudes and Beliefs Questionnaire-Revised toward physiological childbirth. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 25). The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results The mean score of midwives’ attitudes and beliefs toward physiological childbirth were 119.90 with a standard deviation of 9.30. Moreover, of the different domains of Midwives’ Attitudes and Beliefs Questionnaire-Revised, the women’s experience of birth (78.53) and the medical model conflict (51.05) obtained the highest and lowest scores, respectively. According to the multiple linear regression model analysis, the total mean score of midwives’ attitudes and beliefs toward physiological childbirth was significantly correlated with the level of education and interest in the profession (P < 0.05). Midwives with a master degree obtained higher scores (4.32) in terms of attitudes and beliefs toward physiologic childbirth, compared to those with an associate or bachelor degree. Also, there were 0.09 increases in the attitude and belief score of midwives per one score increase in their interest in the profession. It can be concluded that these two variables explained 16% of the variation in the scores of midwives’ attitudes and beliefs to physiological childbirth. Conclusion The results of this study showed that midwives with higher levels of education and more interest in their profession had more positive attitudes and beliefs toward physiological childbirth. Therefore, it is necessary to motivate midwives to obtain higher levels of education and increase their interest in the profession to promote physiological childbirth.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Blood Level of Adiponectin in Pregnant Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (06) ◽  
pp. 429-435
Author(s):  
Elaine Cristina Rocha Pádua ◽  
Silvia Daher ◽  
Isa de Pádua Cintra Sampaio ◽  
Edward Araujo Júnior ◽  
Cristina Falbo Guazzelli
Keyword(s):  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Adiponectin ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Pregnant Adolescents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adolescent Group ◽  
Gestational Weight ◽  
Intergroup Comparison

Abstract Objective To evaluate serum levels of adiponectin in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 67 normal pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and eutrophic (body mass index [BMI]: 18.5–25 kg/m2), of which 36 were adolescents (< 20 years old) and 31 adults (≥ 20 years old). Serum adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The t-student or Mann-Whitney tests were used for intergroup comparison. Results Pregnant adolescents showed significantly higher serum adiponectin concentrations compared with pregnant adults (p = 0.04). No differences were observed in adiponectin levels in younger pregnant adolescents (< 16 years old) compared with older pregnant adolescents (≥ 16 years old). Adiponectin values were divided into 3 subgroups: < 3,000 ng/mL, between 3,000 and 5,000 ng/mL, and > 5,000 ng/mL. Birthweight was significantly higher in women > 5,000 ng/mL when compared with < 3,000 ng/mL in the adolescent group. No association between pregestational adiponectin levels and BMI, gestational weight gain, and gestational age was observed; however, there was a positive relation with birthweight (p = 0.0239). Conclusion Serum adiponectin values in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation were higher compared with pregnant adults; however, no differences between younger and older pregnant adolescents were observed.

scholarly journals Assessment of alcohol use disorder and its associated factors among alcohol users of medical and surgical outpatients attending a specialized hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Demeke Demilew ◽  
Berhanu Boru ◽  
Getachew Tesfaw ◽  
Habtamu Kerebih ◽  
Endalamaw Salelew
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of ◽  
Male Sex

Abstract Background Alcohol use disorder increase the risk of physical harm, mental or social consequences for patients and others in the community. Studies on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among medical and surgical outpatients in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study is meant to provide essential data on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among alcohol user medical and surgical outpatients to intervene in the future. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using the systematic random sampling technique. Alcohol use disorders were assessed using the World Health Organization’s 10-item Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, a P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the multivariate analysis and the strength of association was measured at a 95% confidence interval. Results The prevalence of alcohol use disorder was 34.5% with a 95% CI (29.20, 39.80) among study participants. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex (AOR = 3.33, 95%CI: 1.40, 7.93), history of mental illness (AOR = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.12, 6.38), drinking for relaxation (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI: 1.02, 3.48) and history of lifetime tobacco use (AOR = 5.64, 95%CI: 1.95, 16.29) were factors significantly associated with alcohol use disorder. Conclusion The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among medical and surgical outpatients was found to be high. Male sex, history of mental illness, alcohol use for relaxation and lifetime cigarette smoking need more attention during the assessment of patients in the medical and surgical outpatient departments.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Dioxin-Like Polychlorobiphenyls and IGF-I Serum Levels in Healthy Adults: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. e38213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavio P. Luzardo ◽  
Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández ◽  
Pilar F. Valerón ◽  
Pedro C. Lara ◽  
Maira Almeida-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Igf I ◽  
The Relationship

scholarly journals Sex-Gender Differences in Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Sara Cherchi ◽  
Alfonso Gigante ◽  
Maria Anna Spanu ◽  
Pierpaolo Contini ◽  
Gisella Meloni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Large Sample ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main causes of visual loss in individuals aged 20–64 years old. The aim of this study was to investigate, in a multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study, sex-gender difference in DR in a large sample of type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM). 20,611 T2DM regularly attending the units for the last three years were classified as having: (a) No DR (NDR), (b) nonproliferative DR (NPDR), or (c) preproliferative/proliferative DR (PPDR). DR of all grades was present in 4294 T2DM (20.8%), with a significant higher prevalence in men as compared to women (22.0% vs. 19.3% p < 0.0001). Among DR patients, both NPDR and PPDR were significantly more prevalent in men vs. women (p = 0.001 and p = 0.0016, respectively). Women had similar age and BMI, but longer diabetes duration, worse glycemic metabolic control, and more prevalence of hypertension and chronic renal failure (CRF) of any grade vs. men. No significant differences between sexes were evident in term of drug therapy for diabetes and associate pathologies. Conclusions: In this large sample of T2DM, men show higher prevalence of DR vs. women, in spite of less represented risk factors, suggesting that male sex per se might be a risk factor for DR development.

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