scholarly journals Pattern changes of cutaneous dermatoses among Iraqi women preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1165
Author(s):  
Galawish A. Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Acne Vulgaris ◽  
Seborrheic Dermatitis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Peak Period ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Iraqi Women ◽  
The Mean

Background: We compared the pattern of cutaneous dermatoses among Iraqi females of all ages between 4 months preceding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the same months 1 year later within the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, that targeted all female patients attending an outpatient clinic for dermatology and venereology in Al-Kindy teaching hospital, Baghdad between October 2019 to the end of January 2020, and the same 4-month duration 1 year later (October 2020 to the end of January 2021) after the COVID-19 peak period had passed and there was no or partial curfew to exclude seasonal impact. Results: A total of 2657 female-patients of all ages were enrolled in this study with 1314 females during the 4 months pre COVID-19, and 1343 females during the pandemic. The mean age of patients presented before the pandemic was 27.2±16.6 years, while the mean age of patients during the pandemic was 28.1±15.6 years with no statistically significant difference in mean ages (P >0.05). Hair loss in general with telogen effluvium specifically increased significantly. Cutaneous contagious viral infections were reduced significantly and specifically of these molluscum contagiosum and condylomata accuminata. Other forms of infections including bacterial and parasitic were also reduced while dermatophytosis was increased but not to a significant level. Acne vulgaris, rosacea, lichen planus, urticaria, pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis, and vitiligo were increased, but psoriasis, alopecia areata, other types of dermatitis, and melasma were reduced but none to a significant level. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes in the pattern of diseases presented to an out-patient clinic for dermatology and venereology. This could be either related to COVID-19 infection or stress associated with the pandemic, because of curfew, or wearing facemasks which may cause a decrease or increase in certain diseases.

scholarly journals Interleukin-37 as an anti-inflammatory cytokine: does its relation to disease activity suggest its potential role in rheumatoid arthritis therapy?

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman A. Baraka ◽  
Mona G. Balata ◽  
Shereen H. Ahmed ◽  
Afaf F. Khamis ◽  
Enas A. Elattar
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Tender Joint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background This study aimed to measure the serum and synovial interleukin (IL)-37 levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (PKOA) and healthy controls and to detect its relation to RA disease activity. Results This cross-sectional study included 50 RA patients with a mean age of 40.24 ± 8.62 years, 50 patients with PKOA with a mean age of 56.69 ± 4.21, and 40 healthy controls with a mean age of 41.75 ± 7.38 years. The mean serum IL-37 level in the RA patients (382.6 ± 73.97 pg/ml) was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) the highest among the studied groups; however, it showed a non-significant difference between the PKOA patients (70.38 ± 27.49 pg/ml) and the healthy controls (69.97 ± 25.12 pg/ml) (P > 0.94). Both serum and synovial IL-37 levels were significantly positively correlated with disease activity scores (r = 0.92, P< 0.001 and r = 0.85, P < 0.001), tender joint counts (r = 0.83, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001 ), swollen joint counts (r = 0.72, P < 0.001 and r = 0.60, P < 0.001), visual analog scale (r = 0.82, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.75, P < 0.001 and r = 0.65, P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (r = 0.93, P < 0.001 and r = 0.79, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion Serum and synovial IL-37 were significantly elevated in the RA patients, and they were closely correlated. Being less invasive, the serum IL-37 could be a marker of disease activity and could reflect the effective disease control by drugs. Having an anti-inflammatory effect could not suggest IL-37 as the key player to control inflammation alone, but its combination with other anti-proinflammatory cytokines could be investigated.

scholarly journals Differences in phosphatemia and frequency of consumption of dietary sources of phosphorus in hemodialysis patients in southern and northern Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Baggio Nerbass ◽  
Edcléia Regina Canzi ◽  
Renata dos Anjos Araujo ◽  
Dyane Corrêa ◽  
Rafaela Gonzaga dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Sample ◽  
Inorganic Phosphorus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The State ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Phosphorus Sources ◽  
Northern Brazil ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pork Sausages

Abstract Introduction: Hyperphosphatemia is associated with unfavorable outcomes, and the percentage of patients presenting with this condition in hemodialysis (HD) in kidney foundation units in the state of Santa Catarina (SC) is historically higher than that of patients in the state of Tocantins (TO). Objective: To assess the frequency of consumption of the main dietary sources of phosphorus and to compare them between the two states. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 123 patients, 66 of SC and 57 of TO: 52% were men, average age was 46.9 ± 15.7 years, and mean HD time 48 (57-71) months. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 33 items that are dietary sources of phosphorus was applied. A consumption score was calculated for sources of organic, inorganic, and total phosphorus, and the six-month average of phosphatemia was obtained. Results: The mean phosphatemia of SC patients was higher (6.2 ± 1.5 vs 4.7 ± 1.3 mg/dL, p <0001) than TO patients, as well as the prevalence of hyperphosphatemia (62% vs 28%; p <10001). In the total sample, the foods most frequently consumed were milk and beans. Comparing the frequency of consumption between the two states, a significant difference was found in 17 items. In TO, beef and beans were the foods most frequently consumed, and in SC, fourteen other items of the FFQ (pork, sausages, dairy products, etc.) were the most frequently consumed. Phosphatemia correlated with the frequency of consumption of inorganic phosphorus sources. Conclusion: the frequency of consumption of several items was different between the states, and this explains the differences in phosphatemia between the two regions.

A Study on Bolton Anterior Tooth Size Discrepancies among Different Malocclusion Groups

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
AW Ali ◽  
MZ Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Group ◽  
Anterior Tooth ◽  
Tooth Size ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Normal Occlusion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Bangladeshi Population

Aim: To investigate the correlation between anterior tooth size discrepancies among Angle's Class l, ll, lll malocclusions and corresponding normal occlusion, as well as their prevalence in Bangladeshi population. This study would act as a reference for diagnosis, treatment planning and assessment of prognosis in some orthodontic cases. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dhaka Dental College & Hospital. A total number of 200 subjects were selected in Angle's Class l, ll, lll and corresponding normal group. Each group had 50 subjects with males and females. A chi-square test was performed to statistically compare the prevalence of anterior tooth size discrepancies among Angle's Class l, ll, lll malocclusions and corresponding normal occlusion and two genders. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean Bolton anterior tooth size ratios as a function of angle classification and gender. Statistical differences were determined at the 95% confidence level (p< 0.05). Results: No significant difference was observed in the mean Bolton anterior ratio between normal group and class-I malocclusion group (p = 0.343). Significant differences were observed between Class-II malocclusion and normal group (p=0.001), and also between Class-III malocclusion and normal group (p = 0.001). Individuals with Angle Class lll and Class ll malocclusions showed significantly greater prevalence of tooth size discrepancy than Class l malocclusion and corresponding normal group. Conclusion: The great diversity and ethnic mix of Bangladeshi population should alert our orthodontist to use Bolton analysis as an important diagnostic tool and become aware of the moderate variations that may be present and treated. It may somehow guide planning of this type of study in future. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjodfo.v1i2.15982 Ban J Orthod & Dentofac Orthop, April 2011; Vol-1, No.2, 1-4

scholarly journals Usefulness of the Non-Contact Tonometry in Out-Patient Screening

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satheesh Solomon T Selvin ◽  
Chris Elsa Samson Jacob ◽  
Thomas Kuriakose
Keyword(s):  
Central Corneal Thickness ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Corneal Thickness ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Applanation Tonometry ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Iop Measurement ◽  
The Mean

Purpose: Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is considered the gold standard for Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurement. It has the disadvantages of being a contact device, need for a slit-lamp, non-portability and need of a skilled examiner. Many hospitals are using a Non Contact Tonometry (NCT) as a screening device to save clinician time, however the usefulness is not proved in terms of reliability. This study was aimed to determine the usefulness of the Air-puff tonometer (TONOREF NIDEK II, NIDEK CO., LTD., JAPAN) over a GAT in a tertiary care center. Design: Cross-sectional Study Methods: This was a cross-sectional, non interventional observational study conducted on 224 eyes (right eye) from 224 patients. All patients underwent the IOP measurement with both methods and a central corneal thickness (CCT) measured. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software. Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.3±11.29 years. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between the mean NCT and GAT readings which persisted even after correction for central corneal thickness. The correlation between NCT and GAT using Pearson’s correlation coefficient was strong irrespective of the corrections for their corneal thickness (r = 0.751 and 0.718 for uncorrected and corrected values respectively). The correlation of the individual clinicians for the readings varied from moderate to strong. The ROC curve showed the best sensitivity and specificity to occur at around 13 to 14 mmHg. Conclusion: NCT seems to overestimate the IOP at low ranges as compared to the GAT and underestimate at higher ranges. The crossover of the values is seen between 12 to 13 mmHg.  The clinician should do an individualized analysis of his/her GAT measurements to the readings of the NCT machine at the clinic to obtain clinician specific nomogram. 

scholarly journals TO STUDY THE ONSET AND PROGRESSION OF AIRWAY ABNORMALITY IN TERMS OF ALTERATION IN PFT IN ASYMPTOMATIC SMOKERS.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Hitesh Kumar Solanki ◽  
Dr. Omnath P Yadav ◽  
Dr. Anita J Gojiya
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
Young Smokers ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group Ii

The study was conducted in department of physiology, B J Medical College, Ahmedabad from Mar. 2012 to Feb. 2013. This was a cross-sectional study to evaluate the effect of smoking on lung   function and serum lipids in asymptomatic smokers   and comparable non   smokers. The mean of the various spirometric parameters were calculated of the subjects for both the groups. The mean FVC in group I and group II was 2.60 ± 0.62 L and 4.10 ± 0.64L respectively. The mean FEV1 in group I was 1.91 ± 0.57L and     3.19 ± 0.77L in group II Group I had mean FEF25% - 75% and PEFR of 1.98 ± 0.67L/sec and 4.50 ± 1.57L/sec respectively. Group II had mean FEF25 – 75% of 4.22 ± 1.23L/sec and a mean PEFR of 7.22 ± 1.42L/sec. In young smokers and asymptomatic, still the spirometric values were significantly deranged as compared to controls. Even smokers with history of less pack years of smoking also had significant abnormalities of lung function. All he spirometric values in the two groups had statistically highly significant difference and were higher in non-smokers as compared to smokers. The spirometric values were reduced in smokers with history of smoking for as low as two pack years. Keywords: Progression, PFT, Asymptomatic & Smokers

scholarly journals Superior versus Inferior Conjunctival Limbal Autograft with Sutures in the Management of Primary Pterygium in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dakshina Kannada - A Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 603-607
Author(s):  
Madhuri Upadhyaya ◽  
Sheetal Savur
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bulbar Conjunctiva ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Surgical Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pterygium Excision ◽  
Primary Pterygium

BACKGROUND Pterygium excision with conjunctival limbal autograft (CAU) is one of the most frequently used modalities in the treatment of pterygium. The graft has traditionally been harvested from the superior bulbar conjunctiva, but this may not be possible in all patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the intraoperative difficulties and early postoperative outcomes between superior and inferior CAU in the management of primary pterygium. METHODS This hospital based cross sectional study evaluated 58 eyes of 50 patients with primary pterygium who underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival limbal autograft secured with the help of sutures over a period of 2 years from March 2018 to March 2020. In 28 eyes, the superior bulbar conjunctiva was used for grafting whereas in 30 eyes, the inferior conjunctiva was used for the same. The outcome measured was in terms of the mean surgical time, clinical symptoms and signs in the early postoperative period and recurrence rate. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 44.14 ± 12.71 years in the superior CAU group and 45.76 ± 14.51 years in the inferior CAU group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean surgical time (68.39 ± 31.51 in superior group, 2.60 ± 0.79 in inferior group; P value 0.712). The duration of follow-up after surgery was significantly more (P = 0.048) in the inferior CAU group (42.60 ± 11.71 days) as compared to the superior CAU group (37.39 ± 7.52 days). Postoperative symptoms were comparable, and no recurrence was observed in either of the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Pterygium excision with inferior conjunctival limbal autograft is safe and effective in the management of primary pterygia and may be considered as an alternative to superior graft in cases where harvesting the superior conjunctiva is not possible or not advisable. KEYWORDS Primary Pterygium, Conjunctival Limbal Autograft, Inferior Graft

scholarly journals Genetic homozygosity as a marker of smoking dependency

Genetika ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 1009-1019
Author(s):  
Slavko Brankovic ◽  
Dejan Nikolic ◽  
Dragoslav Marinkovic ◽  
Suzana Cvjeticanin
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Individual Variations ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual

The aim of our study was to evaluate the morphogenetic variability as a marker of smoking dependency in adult smokers versus controls and to investigate the presence and the degree of morphogenetic variability difference between male and female smokers versus same gender controls. The cross-sectional study evaluated 241 smokers and 185 nonsmoker individuals as controls. We analyzed 17 homozygous recessive characteristics (HRC). There was a significant difference in the individual variations of 17 HRCs between the controls and smokers (??2=61.400, p<0.001; for females ??2=79.440, p<0.001; for males ??2=84.972, p<0.001). The mean values of HRCs significantly differed between smokers and controls (MV?SEM(Controls) -4.79?0.13, MV?SEM(Smokers) -5.70?0.12; p<0.001). For males, presence of 6/17 (35.29% genetic homozygosity) HRCs (OR=6.12) was to the certain degree predictor for smoking dependency. Higher degree of genetic homozygosity, changed variability and male gender, might be some among potential numerous factors that could have impact on smoking development and dependence.

Exposure Assessment of Artificial Sweeteners among Type 2 Diabetic, Overweight and Obese Individuals

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
A. Bhagyasri ◽  
R. Naveen Kumar ◽  
N. Balakrishna ◽  
V. Sudershan Rao
Keyword(s):  
Exposure Assessment ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Consumption Pattern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Overweight Group ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

In recent years consumption of artificially sweetened foods and beverages became popular in India, with the regulatory formulations to use them in selected foods; their inclusion especially in sweets, biscuits and beverages has increased. There are many concerns rising regarding their safety and is becoming an area of controversy. So an exposure assessment has been carried out to evaluate intake levels among type II diabetic, overweight and obese individuals. A cross-sectional study design was applied and a food frequency questionnaire was used to obtain the information on consumption pattern. Range, standard deviation and mean daily intake levels were calculated and the values were compared with an appropriate Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Results indicated that, the mean daily intake levels of aspartame (0.85±0.75) were found to be high among type 2 diabetic individuals whereas sucralose (0.41±0.41) and acesulfame-k (0.07±0.02) were high among overweight group. There was a significant difference (p&lt;0.0001) observed in intake levels among both groups and all the sweeteners were found to be well within the ADI levels.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING IMAM HUSSEIN MEDICAL CITY IN KARBALA 2018

2019 ◽  
pp. 39-43
Author(s):  
SARAH JAFAR AL-GHRAIBAWI ◽  
SAAD IBRAHIM AL-GHABBAN ◽  
RIYADH DHEYHOOD AL-ZUBAIDY
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medical City ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem. It is significantly associated with skeletal and non-skeletal problems. Prevention can be maintained mainly by effective sun exposure or supplementation and to lesser extent by dietary intake. To determine the magnitude of knowledge and practice of women towards vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A cross-sectional study, purposive sample of 442 women were approached who attended consultants’ clinics of Imam Hussein Medical City in Karbala. Data collection done between March 2 and June 30, 2018 through direct interviews using a special questionnaire prepared for the purpose of the study. Results: Less than half (45.2%) of the women had heard about vitamin D; their source of information was from relatives and friends then from health care provider. The mean score for the participants’ knowledge about VDD was 4.25 out of 9.0 (47%). It has a significant association with higher educational levels and urban residence. There is no significant difference regarding age, marital status or occupation. The mean score for the participants’ practice about vitamin D deficiency was 2.53 out of 5 (50.71%). There is no influence of practice score by socio-demographic factors. Conclusion: Overall knowledge towards vitamin D deficiency was suboptimal. Improving practices towards VD is directly related to increase knowledge about it that indicates the need to increase public awareness about the problem, encourage appropriate way of sun exposure, consumption of vitamin D rich food and taking supplementation when sun exposure is difficult.

scholarly journals Orthodontic Treatment Knowledge among General Dentists and Non-orthodontic Specialists

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44
Author(s):  
Asal Acharya ◽  
Praveen Mishra ◽  
Rabindra Man Shrestha ◽  
Pooja Shah
Keyword(s):  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Treatment Knowledge ◽  
Treatment Concepts ◽  
The Mean ◽  
General Dentists

Introduction: General dentists and specialists other than orthodontist may encounter patient requiring orthodontic treatment. For proper counseling and referral, it is important that general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists have adequate level of orthodontic knowledge. Objective: To assess the knowledge of orthodontic treatment among general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists and to compare the knowledge between the two groups. Materials & Method: A descriptive cross sectional study using questionnaire was performed among 185 actively practicing general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists of Nepal. The questionnaire comprised of three parts. The first part included demographic details, second part contained 5 multiple choice questions regarding orthodontic counseling and third part integrated 18 questions for evaluating knowledge of orthodontic treatment. Each correct answer was given score 1 and every incorrect answer was scored zero in the third part of the questionnaire. Result: Among total participants, 60.5% think first orthodontic evaluation of a child should be carried out within 7 to 8 years of age and 44.3% think orthodontic treatment can even be started after 40 years of age. Around 66% of the participants think that orthodontic treatment cannot be performed in periodontally compromised cases. No significant difference was found between the mean scores of knowledge among general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists (p=0.891), or among dentists with different years of experience (p=0.644). Conclusion: There is a need for more education of orthodontic treatment concepts to the dentists who do not belong to orthodontic field for proper counseling and referral.

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