Relationship between admission vitals and brain herniation in 32 cats: a retrospective study

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate whether any admission vitals correlated with the presence of brain herniation diagnosed via MRI in cats presenting with neurologic signs. Methods Medical records at two veterinary university referral centers were reviewed to identify cats that underwent brain MRI between 2010 and 2019. A control group of cats with intracranial lesions without concurrent brain herniation was analyzed for comparison. Data relating to signalment, vitals on admission, abnormalities observed on initial neurologic examination, underlying etiology, advanced imaging findings and outcome were reviewed. A Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score was determined retrospectively based on initial neurologic examination. Logistic regressions were performed to investigate the relationship between each risk factor and the odds of brain herniation as diagnosed on MRI. Results Thirty-two cats with brain herniation and 44 cats with abnormal brain MRI without evidence of herniation (as a control group) based on MRI findings were included. Cats with intracranial neoplasia vs other diagnoses were found to be at increased risk of herniation (odds ratio [OR] 4.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–13.8; P = 0.001). The odds of herniation increased with age (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01–1.2; P = 0.031). Cats with herniation had a significantly lower level of consciousness in their MGCS score ( P <0.0001) than cats without herniation. There was no significant difference in either motor activity or brainstem reflexes between the groups ( P >0.05). Conclusions and relevance Admission heart rate and blood pressure were not associated with brain herniation. Cats with herniation were presented with a significantly lower level of consciousness in their MGCS score; however, this clinical feature cannot be directly attributable to and predictive of herniation. Older cats with intracranial neoplasia are more likely to have brain herniation.

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Impaired atrial electromechanical coupling in lichen planus patients

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jeaa356.109 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

I Jafaripour ◽

Z Aryanian ◽

S Hosseinzadeh ◽

R Pourkia ◽

MM Ansari Ramandi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lichen Planus ◽

Electromechanical Coupling ◽

Wave Dispersion ◽

Tissue Doppler ◽

P Wave ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

P Wave Dispersion ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Lichen planus (LP) which is a chronic inflammatory disease can cause impaired atrial electromechanical coupling, leading to increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate atrial electromechanical coupling in LP patients by using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Methods Forty-six LP patients were investigated in this cross-sectional case-control study. The control group comprised healthy individuals selected in age and gender-matched manner. Echocardiography and ECG were done for all patients to show inter and intra-atrial electromechanical delays and P wave dispersion respectively. The electromechanical delays were calculated by using the difference between the delays from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler recordings of the different areas. Results The baseline characteristics of the case and control group were similar and did not differ significantly. The P wave dispersion was 45.63 ± 3.48 milliseconds in the LP group in comparison to 36.56 ± 2.87 milliseconds in the control group (p < 0.001). As shown in the table, the intra and inter-atrial electromechanical delays were also significantly prolonged in LP patients when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the left and right ventricular systolic function and diastolic function of the two groups. Conclusion The results of the study indicate the presence of significant impaired atrial electromechanical coupling in patients with LP confirmed by both electrocardiographic and echocardiographic tools. Electromechanical delays Case N = 46 (mean ± SD) Control N = 46 (mean ± SD) P value Septal - PA (msec) 59.71 ± 13.24 44.39 ± 11.07 0.002 Lateral - PA (msec) 55.71 ± 13.26 48.89 ± 11.21 0.009 Tricuspid - PA (msec) 52.37 ± 13.12 43.28 ± 10.58 0.002 Inter-atrial delay (msec) (lateral PA−RV PA) 8.47 ± 1.62 6.37 ± 1.36 <0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (LA) [lateral PA−septal PA] 4.80 ± 1.48 3.83 ± 0.82 <0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (RA) [septal PA−RV PA] 3.91 ± 0.96 2.02 ± 0.71 <0.001 PA Delay from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler, N: number, SD: Standard Deviation, LA: Left Atrium, RA: Right Atrium, RV: Right Ventricle

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MOLECULAR GENETIC STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF SNP C677T OF THE GENE MTHFR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONGENITAL ISOLATED CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

Kuban Scientific Medical Bulletin ◽

10.25207/1608-6228-2018-25-5-104-110 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (5) ◽

pp. 104-110

Author(s):

V. S. Uchaeva ◽

Yu. A. Vasiliev ◽

A. S. Gracheva ◽

O. V. Gulenko ◽

I. G. Udina

Keyword(s):

Genetic Study ◽

Cleft Lip ◽

Cleft Lip And Palate ◽

Control Group ◽

Population Genetic Study ◽

Molecular Genetic Study ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Congenital Cleft ◽

The Impact

Aim. This research was designed to conduct an associative population genetic study for the consideration of the impact of SNP C677T of the gene MTHFR in the congenital maxillofacial developmental anomalies (CMDA): congenital cleft lip (CCL), congenital cleft palate (CCP), congenital cleft lip and palate (CCLP) in the Krasnodar territory. The aim of the study is to establish the associations between SNP C677T of the gene MTHFR and the development of congenital cleft lip and/ or palate.Materials and methods. In this research, the peculiarities of distribution of SNP C667T of the gene MTHFR in children with congenital cleft lip and/or palate (n=223) and their mothers (n=78) in comparison with the control group (n=124) were studied in the Krasnodar territory. The genetic demographic questionnaires were gathered for children with CMDA, the information about diagnosis was obtained from the medical records. The biological samples, including blood or scrapings of oral mucosa, were collected from children with the pathology and their mothers. The DNA was extracted from the samples by the standard method. The study of the peculiarities of distribution of alleles of SNP C677T of the gene MTHFR was performed by PCR-PFLP with endonuclease Hinf I or by tetra-primer ARMS-PCR method in children with CCL, CCP, CCLP, their mothers and the control group. Statistical processing of the obtained data was performed by the algorithms of the “Statistica” program.Results. While comparing the profiles of frequencies of SNP C677T in children with CCL, CCP and CCLP with the control group, there were identified no significant differences in the frequency of this SNP and no peculiarities of genotypes distribution. There was identified a significant difference in the peculiarities of genotypes distribution with the control group (G=19,5232, d.f.=1, p<0,001) as well as united genotypes (С/C и С/T) in accordance to T/T (G=10,4657, d.f.=1; p<0,001) and united genotypes (C/T и T/T) in accordance to C/C (G=15,1896, d.f.=1, p<0,001) for the mothers of children with CCL, CCP and CCLP.Conclusion. As a result of the study, we established the association of SNP C677T of the MTHFR gene with the development of congenital cleft lip and/or palate: mothers’ T/T genotype is associated with the increased risk of giving birth to a child with CCL, CCP and CCLP (in comparison with mothers with C/C+C/T genotype): odds ratio [OR]=16,63, 95% CI: 3,86-71,71; p=0,0003 and also for mothers with genotypes (C/T+T/T) in comparison with mothers with genotypes C/C: OR=3,22, CI:1,71-6,08; p=0,0002. The amount of risk is not significant in children with CMDA for T/T genotype. So it is possible to make a conclusion about the impact of C677T of the gene MTHFR in the development of CCL, CCP and CCLP only in mother’s genotype.

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Evaluation of balance, fall risk, and related factors in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.5606/tftrd.2021.6273 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 67 (4) ◽

pp. 409-415

Author(s):

Köksal Sarıhan ◽

Hülya Uzkeser ◽

Akın Erdal

Keyword(s):

Social Isolation ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Nottingham Health Profile ◽

Risk Index ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Risk Of Falls

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether fibromyalgia patients had a higher fall risk compared to healthy individuals and to identify its relationship, if there was an increase, with clinical features. Patients and methods: Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 50 consecutive female patients with fibromyalgia (median age: 35 years; interquantile range [IQR], 27 to 40 years) and 50 healthy female volunteers (median age: 30 years; IQR, 23 to 40 years) were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), life quality with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), balance functions with the Berg Balance Test (BBT), and the risk of falls with a posturography device. Disease activity of fibromyalgia patients was evaluated with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results: The mean fall risk index of the fibromyalgia patients was 45%. The fall risk index was significantly higher (p=0.010) and the BBT scores were significantly lower in the patient group (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in terms of fall risk between the control group and drug-free fibromyalgia patients; however, no significant difference was found between the balance scores of the two groups. In the fibromyalgia group, a weak positive relationship was determined between the fall risk index and the social isolation subscale of the NHP. Conclusion: Our study results showed an increased risk of loss of balance and falls in fibromyalgia patients, compared to healthy individuals. This fall risk increase was also detected in fibromyalgia patients who did not use drugs. These findings suggest a possible relationship between social isolation and an increased risk of falls.

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The Connection of the Level of Estradiol in Serum and Obesity with the Endometrial Bleeding in Postmenopausal Women

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2019.079 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 88-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Valentina Tofiloska ◽

Maria Krstevska ◽

Ana Daneva-Markova ◽

Viktorija Jovanovska

Keyword(s):

Endometrial Cancer ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding ◽

Control Group ◽

Prospective Clinical Study ◽

Study Group ◽

Gynecology And Obstetrics ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Post Menopausal

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausis is a period that begins one year after the last menstrual period. Abnormal uterine bleeding could be of different origins. AIM: This study aimed to determine the association of serum estrogen hormone levels and obesity with the occurrence of endometrial bleeding in post-menopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective clinical study involving 120 postmenopausal patients treated at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics-Skopje, divided into two groups: control and study. The control group consisted of 40 postmenopausal patients without endometrial bleeding, hospitalised and operated due to urogenital pathology. The study group consisted of 80 patients with endometrial bleeding who were divided into three subgroups according to the thickness of the endometrium: from 5-8 mm, 8-11 mm and above 11 mm. In all subjects, estradiol and BMI was determined. RESULTS: Estradiol levels were statistically higher in the study group compared to control while statistically significant difference among the three subgroups according to the thickness of the endometrium about the levels of estradiol in blood is not found. About BMI, the results showed that there was no statistical significance between the two examined groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with endometrial bleeding have increased levels of estradiol and are at increased risk of endometrial cancer about controls, the likelihood of endometrial cancer significantly increases by 1,108 times.

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An Interdependence between Estrogen Receptor 1 Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Breast Cancer

Trends in Medical Sciences ◽

10.5812/tms.117221 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol In Press (In Press) ◽

Author(s):

Maryam Saneipour ◽

Abdolkarim Sheikhi ◽

Abbas Moridnia

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Estrogen Receptor ◽

Allele Frequency ◽

Genetic Alterations ◽

Recessive Model ◽

Control Group ◽

Genotype Distribution ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Estrogen Receptor 1

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in women around the world. Genetic factors do play a vital role in the development and progression of BC. Genetic alterations in the ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1) gene can lead to estrogen dysfunction and increased risk for BC. Nevertheless, due to genetic diversity, the information from different studies is contradictory and controversial. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between the rs1801132 and rs2234693 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of the ESR1 gene with susceptibility to BC in the Iranian population. Methods: The genotyping of the rs2234693 and rs1801132 SNPs was assessed in 63 BC patients referred to Imam Hasan Mojtaba Center, which is a charity-based foundation for cancer care in Dezful, Iran, from March 2018 to November 2019. Also, 65 healthy women were selected as a control group. The genotyping of the SNPs was performed using the high-resolution melting (HRM) technique and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results: The genotype distribution and allele frequency of the rs2234693 SNP were significantly different in BC patients compared to the control group (genotype frequency with P = 0.018 and allele frequency with P = 0.004, OR = 2.085, 95% CI = 1.253 -3.468). In genetic models, rs2234693 increased BC risk in recessive model (P = 0.005, OR = 2.813, 95% CI = 1.363 - 5.802). However, there was no significant difference regarding genotype distribution of the rs1801132 SNP between the BC patients and controls. Conclusions: Our results showed that the CC genotype of the rs2234693 SNP is significantly associated with BC. Accordingly, it can be suggested that the rs2234693 SNP be considered for susceptibility to BC.

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Sleep-Related Leg Movements in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and Controls

European Neurology ◽

10.1159/000487666 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 79 (3-4) ◽

pp. 171-176 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mirjam H. Schipper ◽

Korné Jellema ◽

Diego Alvarez-Estevez ◽

Johan Verbraecken ◽

Roselyne M. Rijsman

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Transient Ischemic Attack ◽

Sleep Apnea Syndrome ◽

Control Group ◽

Periodic Leg Movements ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ischemic Attack ◽

Leg Movements

Background: Periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and there is a high prevalence of PLMS found in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We evaluated patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) for PLMS and respiratory related leg movements (RRLM), versus a control group without TIA. Methods: Twenty-five patients with TIA and 34 patients with no vascular diagnosis were referred for polysomnography. Diagnosis of PLMS was made if the periodic leg movement index (PLMI) was ≥5 and clinical significant as PLMI ≥15. Results: There was no significant difference in PLMI ≥5 and ≥15 between patients with and without TIA. In the absence of OSAS, 2 out of 5 TIA patients (40%) had a PLMI ≥15 compared to 1 of the 19 patients without TIA (5%; p = 0.037). There was no increase in RRLMs when OSAS was present. Conclusions: TIA patients did not have higher PLMI compared to controls, and in the presence of OSAS, there was no increase in RRLMs compared to patients without TIA. In selective patients, PLMS could be associated with cardiovascular diseases, since PLMS was clinically more often found in the TIA group without OSAS.

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Effectiveness of Supplementary Materials in Teaching the Veterinary Neurologic Examination

Journal of Veterinary Medical Education ◽

10.3138/jvme-2021-0014 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. e20210014

Author(s):

Kari D. Foss ◽

Christopher D.A. Seals ◽

Devon W. Hague ◽

Ashley E. Mitek

Keyword(s):

Procedural Knowledge ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Learning Activities ◽

Learning Activity ◽

Control Group ◽

Clinical Neurology ◽

Neurologic Examination ◽

Veterinary Students ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Supplemental Learning

Clinical neurology can be difficult for veterinary students to comprehend, and part of understanding the clinical aspect is performing a proper neurologic examination. In this study, first-year veterinary students in a Small Animal Physical Exam and Anatomy rotation were given supplemental learning activities to determine their effect on student procedural knowledge and motivation in performing a neurologic examination. Students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the first watched a video of a clinician performing the neurologic examination, the second read a handout about the neurologic exam, and the third was the control group, where students were not provided any supplemental activities. At the start and end of the rotation, students participated in a survey assessing their overall procedural knowledge and motivation to learn about the neurologic exam. No notable improvement occurred in overall student knowledge from the beginning to end of the rotation, nor when using supplemental material ( p > .05). However, there was a significant difference in quiz scores between the three condition groups ( p < .01), suggesting the type of learning activity did influence student learning. Additionally, students in the video and reading groups showed a significant increase in motivational scores compared with those in the control group ( p < .05), demonstrating providing supplemental learning activities do improve student motivation in learning about the neurologic examination. This study provides evidence that while supplemental materials may not immediately help veterinary students learn to perform the neurologic examination, they do have a positive impact on students’ learning motivation.

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Effect of a School-Based Anxiety Prevention Program among Primary School Children

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16244913 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (24) ◽

pp. 4913 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Siti Fatimah Ab Ghaffar ◽

Sherina Mohd Sidik ◽

Normala Ibrahim ◽

Hamidin Awang ◽

Lekhraj Rampal Gyanchand Rampal

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

Prevention Program ◽

Coping Skills ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Control Group ◽

Anxiety Prevention ◽

School Based ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in childhood, and children with anxiety have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders during adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based anxiety prevention program for reducing anxiety among primary school students relative to a school-as-usual control group. Secondary to this, the current study aimed to examine the effect of a school-based prevention program on worry coping skills and self-esteem. A two-group parallel cluster randomized controlled trial of a single-blinded study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, with schools as the unit of allocation and individual participants as the unit of analysis. The intervention program was conducted between May 2016 and December 2017. The primary outcome was anxiety, whereas the secondary outcomes were worry coping skills and self-esteem measured at three months post-intervention. Data were analyzed by using a generalized linear mixed model, accounting for the clustering effect. Subgroup analyses were performed for children with anxiety. A total of 461 students participated in this study. At baseline, there was no significant difference between groups for anxiety score, worry coping skills score, and self-esteem score (p > 0.05). The intervention was effective in reducing anxiety for the whole sample (p = 0.001) and the anxiety subgroup (p = 0.001). However, it was not effective in improving worry coping skills and self-esteem. These findings suggest that the program could be effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety when delivered in schools and provide some support for delivering this type of program in primary school settings.

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Prediction of the Outcome of Cochlear Implantation in the Patients with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm8020136 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 136

Author(s):

Jae Han ◽

Yun Bae ◽

Seul Song ◽

Jae-Jin Song ◽

Ja-Won Koo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Cochlear Implantation ◽

Brain Mri ◽

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Control Group ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Mri Findings ◽

Congenital Cytomegalovirus ◽

Imaging Characteristics

The goal of this study was to elucidate radiologic biomarker that can predict the outcome of cochlear implantation (CI) in congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) related deafness. A retrospective survey of speech perception after CI and an evaluation of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were performed in 10 cochlear implantees with cCMV-related prelingual deafness. Specifically, a special attention was paid to the degree of white matter (WM) abnormality shown in brain MRI, which was used to divide our cohort into two groups: The mild and severe pathology groups. Age-matched prelingual deaf patients with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss were selected as controls. Subjects in mild pathology groups showed higher a Category of Auditory Performance (CAP) score (5.2 ± 0.8) than those with severe pathologies (3.4 ± 1.5) (P = 0.041). Importantly, speech performance from subjects with mild pathology was comparable to that of the control group (mean CAP score of 5.2 ± 0.8 vs. 5.1 ± 1.2) (P = 0.898). Mild pathologies related to the limited WM lesion in MRI not accompanied by severe MRI pathologies, such as diffuse WM abnormality, myelination delay, ventriculomegaly, migration abnormality, and cerebellar hypoplasia, can be tolerated and do not adversely affect the CI outcome in cCMV deafness.

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Association of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Insertion/287 bp Deletion Polymorphisms and Proliferative Prostatic Diseases among Lebanese Men

Prostate Cancer ◽

10.1155/2020/5959134 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Asmahan A. El Ezzi ◽

Jordan M. Clawson ◽

Mohammed A. El-Saidi ◽

Wissam R. Zaidan ◽

Abigail Kovash ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Allele Frequencies ◽

Control Group ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Angiotensin I ◽

Prostate Hyperplasia ◽

Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Alu Repeat ◽

Prostatic Diseases

Background. Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I) and 287 bp Alu repeat DNA fragment deletion (D) polymorphisms have been indicated in various cancers. Here, we investigated I/D polymorphisms in prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) among Lebanese men. Methods. Blood DNA extracted from 69 control subjects, 69 subjects with clinically confirmed PCa, and 69 subjects with clinical BPH, all the subjects were aged 50 years or older, was subjected to the polymerase chain reaction. The PCR products were resolved in polyacrylamide gels to determine II, ID, and DD genotypes. The odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p values of the allele frequencies and genotype ratios were calculated for establishing possible association of the alleles and/or genotypes and PCa and/or BPH. Results. The proportions of II, ID, and DD genotypes were significantly different from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for BPH and PCa groups (but not the control group), mostly due to overabundance of the ID genotypes. There was no significant difference in the I and D allele frequencies between the control groups and the affected groups. The ratio of (DD + ID)/II is significantly lower among the control group compared to the BPH group (RR = 8.92, p=0.042), and the ratio of ID/(DD + II) is significantly lower among the control group compared to the affected groups (RR = 1.99, p=0.021). Conclusions. Our data indicate that the D allele of the I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene is associated with increased risk of BPH, and the ID genotype is a risk factor for both BPH and PCa among Lebanese males.

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