scholarly journals The Use of Morning Urinary Gonadotropins and Sexual Hormones in the Management of Early Puberty in Chinese Girls

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shumin Zhan ◽  
Ke Huang ◽  
Wei Wu ◽  
Danni Zhang ◽  
Ana Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Precocious Puberty ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Gnrh Analogue ◽  
Sexual Hormones ◽  
Early Puberty ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Clinical Research Center ◽  
Multiple Blood

Abstract Context Although gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test (GnRHST) is the gold standard in diagnosing central precocious puberty (CPP), it is invasive, expensive, and time-consuming, requiring multiple blood samples to measure gonadotropin levels. Objective We evaluated whether urinary hormones could be potential biomarkers for pre- or post- puberty, aiming to simplify the current diagnosis and prognosis procedure. Design, Setting, and Participants We performed a cross-sectional study of a total of 355 girls with CPP in National Clinical Research Center for Child Health in China, including 258 girls with positive and 97 girls with negative results from GnRHST. Twenty patients received GnRH analogue (GnRHa) treatment and completed a six-month follow up. Main Outcome Measures We measured luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, prolactin, progesterone, testosterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin in the first morning voided urine samples. Results Their urinary LH levels and the ratios of LH: FSH increased significantly with the advancement in Tanner Stages. uLH levels were positively associated with basal and peak LH levels in the serum after GnRH stimulation. A cut-off value of 1.74 IU/L for uLH reached a sensitivity of 69.4% and a specificity of 75.3% in predicting a positive GnRHST result. For the combined threshold (uLH≥1.74+uLH: uFSH ratio >0.4), the specificity reached 86.6%. After 3 months of GnRHa therapy, the uLH and uFSH levels decreased accordingly. Conclusions uLH could be a reliable biomarker for the initial CPP diagnosis and screening; uLH also could be an effective marker for evaluating the efficacy of clinical treatment.

Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Sputum Samples by Real- Time PCR.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pegah Shakib ◽  
Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Laboratory Culture ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
False Negative Results ◽  
Pcr Method

Background: Conventional laboratory culture-based methods for diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae are time-consuming and yield false negative results. Molecular methods including real-time (RT)-PCR rapid methods and conventional PCR due to higher sensitivity and accuracy have been replaced instead traditional culture assay. The aim of the current study was to evaluate lytA gene for detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the cerebrospinal fluid of human patients with meningitis using real-time PCR assay. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 30 clinical specimens were collected from patients in a period from September to December 2018. In order to evaluate the presence of lytA gene, conventional and real-time PCR methods were used without culture. Results: From 30 sputum samples five (16.66%) isolates were identified as S. pneumoniae by lytA PCR and sequencing. Discussion: In this research, an accurate and rapid real-time PCR method was used, which is based on lytA gene for diagnosis of bacteria so that it can be diagnosed. Based on the sequencing results, the sensitivity for detection of lytA gene was 100% (5/5).

scholarly journals Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-based rapid diagnostic kits in Pakistan: formulation of COVID-19 national testing strategy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Saeed ◽  
Sara Rizwan Uppal ◽  
Zahra Zahid Piracha ◽  
Azhar Rasheed ◽  
Zubair Aftab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Standard ◽  
Injection Drug Users ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Results

AbstractRapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 during pandemic enables timely treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Evaluating the accuracy and reliability of rapid diagnostic testing kits is crucial for surveillance and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections in general population, injection drug users, multi-transfused populations, healthcare workers, prisoners, barbers and other high risk populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance and effectiveness of nasopharyngeal swab (NSP) and saliva based rapid antigen detection testing kits in comparison with USFDA approved triple target gold standard real-time polymerase chain reaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 33,000 COVID-19 suspected patients. From RT-PCR positive patients, nasopharyngeal swab (NSP) and saliva samples were obtained for evaluation of rapid COVID-19 testing kits (RDT). 100/33,000 (0.3%) of specimens were RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among RT-PCR positive, 62% were males, 34% were females, and 4% were children. The NSP-RDT (Lepu Medical China) analysis revealed 53% reactivity among males, 58% reactivity among females, and 25% reactivity among children. However saliva based RDT (Lepu Medical China) analysis showed 21% reactivity among males and 23% among females, and no reactivity in children. False negative results were significantly more pronounced in saliva based RDT as compared to NSP-RDT. The sensitivity of these NSP-RDT and saliva based RDT were 52% and 21% respectively. The RDTs evaluated in this study showed limited sensitivities in comparison to gold standard RT-PCR, indicating that there is a dire need in Pakistan for development of suitable testing to improve accurate COVID-19 diagnosis in line with national demands.

scholarly journals Reduced Oxygenation in Human Obese Adipose Tissue Is Associated with Impaired Insulin Suppression of Lipolysis

2010 ◽  
Vol 95 (8) ◽  
pp. 4052-4055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Pasarica ◽  
Jennifer Rood ◽  
Eric Ravussin ◽  
Jean-Marc Schwarz ◽  
Steven R. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Capillary Density ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fat Cell ◽  
Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemic Clamp ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Research Center ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Context: Adipose tissue in obese individuals is characterized by reduced capillary density and reduced oxygenation. Objective: Our objective was to test whether hypoxia is associated with reduced antilipolytic effect of insulin. Participants, Design, and Setting: Twenty-one lean and obese individuals participated in this cross-sectional study at a university-based clinical research center. Intervention: In all subjects, in situ adipose tissue (AT) oxygenation [AT oxygen partial pressure (ATpO2)] was measured with a Clark electrode, insulin sensitivity as well as basal and insulin-suppressed lipolysis (continuous infusion of (2H5)glycerol) were measured during a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, and abdominal sc AT biopsies were collected to assess fat cell size (Coulter counting of osmium-fixed cells), capillary density (by staining of histological sections), and gene expression (by quantitative RT-PCR). Main Outcome Measure: In situ ATpO2 was evaluated. Results: The ability of insulin to suppress lipolysis (percent) was positively correlated with insulin sensitivity (r = 0.43; P < 0.05), ATpO2 (r = 0.44; P < 0.05), vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA (r = 0.73; P < 0.01), and capillary density (r = 0.75; P < 0.01). Conclusion: These results indicate that low capillary density and ATpO2 in AT are potentially upstream causes of AT dysfunction.

scholarly journals Agreement between patients’ and radiation oncologists’ cancer diagnosis and prognosis perceptions: A cross sectional study in Japan

PLoS ONE ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. e0198437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Jane Mackenzie ◽  
Mariko Leanne Carey ◽  
Eiji Suzuki ◽  
Robert William Sanson-Fisher ◽  
Hiromi Asada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Radiation Oncologists ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis And Prognosis

scholarly journals Death due to Poisoning - a Medicolegal Study at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mushtaq Ahmad ◽  
Farial Naima Rahman ◽  
Md Mozaharul Islam ◽  
Md Rakib Uddin Majumder
Keyword(s):  
Social Factors ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Accidental Poisoning ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Manner Of Death ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Negative Results

Self destruction or suicide by pesticide poisoning is a burning problem of Bangladesh. Rapid development in science and rapid growth in agricultural activities has led to the increase in the incidences of poisoning. The objective of this study was to find out the incidences and pattern of poisoning in an urban area, different aspects of poisoning along with demographic pattern, social factors related and other related perimeter, and modality to prevent loss of precious life due to poisoning. This retrospective cross sectional study was conducted among victims of poisoning at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka Morgue during the period of January 2008-December 2009. Specific identification of poisons was made from Chemical Examiner's report. All the data were later on analyzed. A total of 5114 medico legal post mortems were performed during this study period. Among these 300 (5.87%) cases were suspected poisoning. Out of these cases specific poisons were identified in 131 (43.66%) cases. Among the detected poisoning cases OPC was the commonest agent 103 (78.63%) followed by alcohol/rectified spirit 12 (9.16%) and barbiturate 7 (5.34%). No poison was detected (Negative results) in 116 (38.66%) cases and no reports from chemical examiner were received in 53 (17.66%) cases during the study period. Out of 300 victims 174 (58%) were male and 126 (42%) were female. Highest incidence of poisoning was observed in 21-30 years age group 117 (39%) followed by age group of 31-40 years 84 (28%). Most of the victims were agricultural workers/ farmers 108 (36%) followed by housewives 51 (17%). Among the study subjects 178 (59.33%) were illiterate and 198 (66%) were married. Considering manner of death 274 (91.33%) victims committed suicide by poisoning and rests 26 (8.67%) were due to accidental poisoning. To reduce poisoning cases proper emphasis should be given for safe use of pesticides and consciousness should be created among the population about poisonous compounds. Detail study regarding death due to poisoning is required to be carried out in this country.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(2): 76-79

Self-medication Pattern and Prevalence Among Iranian Medical Sciences Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nastaran Niroomand ◽  
Mohsen Bayati ◽  
Mozhgan Seif ◽  
Somayeh Delavari ◽  
Sajad Delavari
Keyword(s):  
Medical Science ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Medication Usage ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Negative Results

Background: Self-medication could be risky behavior and has negative effects. While Over the Counter (OTC) drugs are available at drugstores, the behavior has become prevalent among the general population. Objective: This study aimed at surveying self-medication behavior among medical sciences students of Shiraz, Iran. Methods: A sample of 396 students from medical, paramedical, and health sciences disciplines were included in this cross-sectional study. They were asked to fill a questionnaire about their demographics and socioeconomic status, medication usage and self-medication in the last six months, information about the correct use of medication, and information about negative results of selfmedication. Data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test and logistic regression model using R statistical software. Results: Almost 72% of participants reported self-medication in the past sixth months. The main reasons included trust in their own diagnosis (59.9%), mildness of the disease (56.6%), and having previous experience about the disease (56%). Cough or cold (84.5%), headache (66.3%), and body pain (60.2%) were the most frequent diseases that led to self-medication. The majority of the participants (77.7%) reported they select their medicine on their own decision. Furthermore, self-medication was highly related to having medicine stock at home (OR=2.692), having less information about negative results of self-medication (OR=0.835), and more non-syllabus study time (OR=1.041). Conclusions: Although, medical science students have information about the treatment of illnesses, they should be more informed about negative results and side-effects of self-medication. They should also share their knowledge with society to decrease self-medication.

Differential associations between depression and cognitive function in MCI and AD: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (08) ◽  
pp. 1151-1158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Hyun Lee ◽  
Do Hoon Kim ◽  
Yoo Sun Moon
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neuropsychological Screening ◽  
Screening Battery ◽  
Clinical Research Center ◽  
Sectional Analysis

ABSTRACTObjective:Despite the possibility that cognitive deficits associated with depression may have different patterns depending on the level of neurocognitive impairment, there remains no clear evidence of this. This study aimed to investigate the differential association between depression and cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:A cross-sectional analysis was performed of data from 1,724 patients with MCI and 1,247 patients with AD from the Clinical Research Center for Dementia in Korea. Depression was assessed using the Korean form of the Geriatric Depression Scale, and cognition was measured using the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery, which includes five domains (attention, language and related function, visuospatial function, memory, and frontal/executive function).Results:Significant differences were found between the two groups (non-depressed vs. depressed) in visuospatial, memory, and executive function domains in the MCI group, as well as in the attention domain in the AD group. The association between depressive symptoms and cognitive function was significantly greater in patients with MCI than in those with AD. These associations were more pronounced in memory and executive function.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that the association between depression and decreased cognitive function is more pronounced in MCI than AD.

Sexual Activity and Sex Hormone Levels in Aging Men

1993 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moshe Sadowsky ◽  
Helen Antonovsky ◽  
Reuven Sobel ◽  
Benyamin Maoz
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Primary Care Clinic ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Hormones ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Aging Men ◽  
The Impact

A cross-sectional study of 60 men aged 65–80 was carried out to test the impact of the aging process on sexual hormones (testoterone, FSH, LH, prolactin), sexual activity, and the relations between them. Blood samples for hormone assays were taken between 8–9 A.M. in the primary care clinic at which the participants were registered. Data on sexual activity (coitus), sexual desire (libido), marital status, and age were obtained from the respondents by means of a structured interview. No relationship was found between testosterone (T) or prolactin (PL) and sexual activity. Nevertheless, a statistically significant relationship between FSH and LH versus age, and an inverse relationship between sexual activity and age were found. Hypogonadism (T level less than 3ng/ml) with normal levels of FSH and LH was observed in 11 respondents.

scholarly journals Assessment of the current practice of antibiotic skin testing in a tertiary Hospital in United Arab Emirates

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 759-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shemeena AbdulAzeez ◽  
Ghada Khalil Al Tajir ◽  
Hana Sulieman
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Skin Testing ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Skin Tests ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Results

Introduction: Skin testing can be a useful diagnostic tool to identify patients who are allergic to penicillin. Procedures for skin testing in the United Arab Emirates have not been standardized. The aim of this study was to examine the current practice of antibiotic skin testing in a tertiary hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in Al Qassimi Hospital, in which the medical records of all patients who were prescribed antibiotics over an eight-week period were screened to evaluate patients' history, indication for performing the test, results, and documentation of findings. Results: During the study period 357 patients received parenteral antibiotics, of which 238 had one skin test, 21 had two skin tests, and one patient had four skin tests. Skin testing was performed without regard for patient history. Documentation of both positive and negative results was poor. There was no standard technique for skin testing used within the institution, and significant variations were noted between wards. In most cases the techniques used deviated from recommended procedures in the medical literature. Conclusions: Standardized guidelines for antibiotic skin testing should be established and implemented as soon as possible using recommended international guidelines.

scholarly journals Bad Bugs and No Drugs: Activity of Colistin as Waging War against Emerging Metallo-β-Lactamases Producing Pathogens

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 625-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Naz ◽  
Farhan Rasheed ◽  
Muhammad Saeed ◽  
Shagufta Iram ◽  
Ambereen Anwar Imran
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Resistant Isolate ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Klebsiella Species ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Acinetobacter Species ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant

Inter-hospital and intra-hospital dissemination of metallo-β-lactamase (MβL) producing strains possess significant therapeutic challenges. Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Colistin against MβL producers. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Microbiology Laboratory, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan from 1stJuly 2016 to 25th February 2017. A total of 12126 clinical samples were collected from patients presenting to Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Every sample was processed for bacterial culture. Bacterial identification was performed according to standard guidelines. Every gram-negative isolate was further processed for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by modified Kirby Baur disc diffusion method. Zone sizes were interpreted according to CLSI 2016 guidelines. Next day every carbapenem-resistant isolate were further processed for MβL detection by EDTA method, zone size of Carbapenem disc only and Carbapenem disc impregnated with EDTA was compared ( >7 mm increase MβL positive, 0-5 mm increase MβL-negative). Results: Out of total 12126 samples, 35.9% (n=4361) were culture positive and only 40.5% (n=1770) were Gram negative rods. Of these 9.6% (n=170) were Carbapenem-resistant isolates with 47% (n=80) MβL producers. Briefly 51.7% (n=30) Acinetobacter species were MβL positive, Pseudomonas species 38.5% (n=22), Escherichia coli 69.5% (n=16), Klebsiella species 37.0% (n=10), Proteus 66.6% (n=2) and 0% Citrobacter sppwere MβL positive. 32.5% MβL positive isolates were from ICU, 21.2% were from OPD, 12.5%were from Surgical Units, 12.5% were from Medical Unit, 17.5% were from Orthopedic Unit, and 3.7% were from Pulmonology ward. Almost 100% resistant was observed in MβL positive isolates for Imipenem,Piperacillin+ Tazobactum, Ceftriaxone, Co-amoxyclav, Cefoperazone+Sulbactam, Ciprofloxacin, and Amikacin, Doxycycline, and Gentamicin showed 91.2%, 94.0%, and 97.5% resistant rate respectively. No resistance was observed against Colistin. Conclusion: MβL producing Gram negative rods are rising in clinical setups. They are becoming a nightmare for clinicians to treat such infections. Colistin remains the only choice of drug for MβL positive and Negative isolates with 0% resistant rate except for Proteus species, to which it is intrinsically resistant.

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