Correlation of Corneal Thickness Measurements Between Tono-pachymeter and Scheimpflug- Placido Topography

Central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements are important for diagnosis, treatment, and surgery planning in ophthalmology. The purpose of this study was to see whether CCT measurements taken with Tono-pachymeter and Scheimpflug- Placido Topography had any significant differences. Tono-pachymeter and topography CCT measurements were taken (n=400). Inter-measurement agreement between them was determined using Bland-Altman Plot analysis. Age groups were also formed as group 1 (aged 18-50 years, 94 males, 106 females) and group 2 (age >51 years, 100 males, 100 females). Mean CCTs measured by Tonopachymeter and topography were 563.77 +±26.43 and 560.88 + 26.341 microns. Bland-Altman Plot analysis showed in total, 13 were above the upper limit and 5 were under the minimum limit of agreement with regression analysis showing no significant relationships (p=0.213). Group 1 had 7 above and 2 below from the limits of agreement. Group two had 9 above and 2 below from the limits of agreement. Both groups showed insignificant differences between devices (p=0.07 and p=0.86). Tono-pachymeter and Scheimpflug-Placido Topography give reliable CCT results within each other. However, since the limit of agreement ranges can still affect one-to-one patient evaluations, we recommend clinics that use these devices to not interchange measurements in practice.

Download Full-text

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PECULIARITIES OF WHOOPING COUGH IN CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

PEDIATRIA Journal named after G N SPERANSKY ◽

10.24110/0031-403x-2020-99-6-98-104 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 99 (6) ◽

pp. 98-104

Author(s):

I.V. Babachenko ◽

◽

Y.V. Nesterova ◽

N.V. Skripchenko ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Whooping Cough ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Respiratory Rhythm ◽

Age Groups ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Pertussis Infection ◽

Group 2 ◽

Sick Children ◽

Hematological Changes ◽

Group 1

Objective of the research: to present the clinical and laboratory peculiarities of modern whooping cough in hospitalized children of different ages. Materials and methods: сlinical and laboratory characteristics of whooping cough were analyzed in 88 hospitalized sick children aged 1 month to 18 years in groups of children: group 1 – children under 1 year old; group 2 – children 1–6 years old; group 3 – children 7–17 years old. DNA of causative agents of pertussis infection was isolated by PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs using a commercial kit AmpliSens®Bordetella multi-FL (Moscow). Results: children of group 1 in 90% (n=43) of cases were not vaccinated against whooping cough, severe forms were recorded in 17% (n=8) of children of the 1st year of life, and in 15% (n=7) – due to respiratory rhythm disturbances. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR in 94% (n=45) of children, leukocytosis with lymphocytosis was detected in 81,5% (n=101). Along with hematological changes typical for whooping cough, 79% (n=38) of patients in the first year of life had thrombocytosis (>400×109/l), which was most pronounced in severe disease course 511,5 [425; 568,5]×109/l vs 421 [347; 505,5]×109/l; p<0,05, which has no tendency to decrease throughout the entire observation period and correlates with the level of leukocytes (rs=0,69; p<0,001). Patients over 7 years old in 88% (n=21) of cases were vaccinated against whooping cough, but 79% (n=27) hemograms had no characteristic changes, which, along with a low frequency of confirmation of the diagnosis by PCR 22% (n=4), made it difficult to diagnose whooping cough. Conclusion: children over 7 years of age may not have characteristic hematological changes and PCR diagnostics are insufficiently effective, which contributes to the spread of whooping cough in family foci.

Download Full-text

Ethnic Specific body fat percent prediction equation as surrogate marker of obesity in Ethiopian adults

Journal of Health Population and Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s41043-021-00224-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Makeda Sinaga ◽

Melese Sinaga Teshome ◽

Tilhun Yemane ◽

Elsah Tegene ◽

David Lindtsrom ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Fat ◽

Age Groups ◽

Surrogate Marker ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Prediction Equation ◽

Prediction Equations ◽

Altman Plot ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bland Altman Plot ◽

Body Fat Percent

Abstract Background Application of advanced body composition measurement methods is not practical in developing countries context due to cost and unavailability of facilities. This study generated ethnic specific body fat percent prediction equation for Ethiopian adults using appropriate data. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried ifrom February to April 2015 among 704 randomly selected adult employees of Jimma University. Ethnic specific Ethiopian body fat percent (BF%) prediction equation was developed using a multivariable linear regression model with measured BF% as dependent variable and age, sex, and body mass index as predictor variables. Agreement between fat percent measured using air displacement plethysmography and body fat percent estimated using Caucasian prediction equations was determined using Bland Altman plot. Results Comparison of ADP measured and predicted BF% showed that Caucasian prediction equation underestimated body fat percent among Ethiopian adults by 6.78% (P < 0.0001). This finding is consistent across all age groups and ethnicities in both sexes. Bland Altman plot did not show agreement between ADP and Caucasian prediction equation (mean difference = 6.7825) and some of the points are outside 95% confidence interval. The caucasian prediction equation significantly underestimates body fat percent in Ethiopian adults, which is consistent across all ethnic groups in the sample. The study developed Ethnic specific BF% prediction equations for Ethiopian adults. Conclusion The Caucasian prediction equation significantly underestimates body fat percent among Ethiopian adults regardless of ethnicity. Ethiopian ethnic-specific prediction equation can be used as a very simple, cheap, and cost-effective alternative for estimating body fat percent among Ethiopian adults for health care provision in the prevention of obesity and related morbidities and for research purposes.

Download Full-text

Optimal Propofol Plasma Concentration during Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Young, Middle-aged, and Elderly Patients

Anesthesiology ◽

10.1097/00000542-200009000-00014 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 93 (3) ◽

pp. 662-669 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Tomiei Kazama ◽

Ken Takeuchi ◽

Kazuyuki Ikeda ◽

Takehiko Ikeda ◽

Mutsuhito Kikura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Age Groups ◽

Young Patients ◽

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ◽

Hemodynamic Responses ◽

Verbal Command ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Somatic Response ◽

Group 1

Background Suitable propofol plasma concentrations during gastroscopy have not been determined for suppressing somatic and hemodynamic responses in different age groups. Methods Propofol sedation at target plasma concentrations from 0.5 to 4.0 microgram/ml were performed randomly in three groups of patients (23 per group) who were undergoing elective outpatient gastroscopy: ages 17-49 yr (group 1), 50-69 yr (group 2), and 70-89 yr (group 3). Plasma propofol concentration in which 50% of patients do not respond to these different stimuli were determined by logistic regression: verbal command (Cp50ls), somatic response to gastroscopy (Cp50endo), and gag response to gastroscopy (Cp50gag). Hemodynamic responses were also investigated in the different age groups. Results Cp50ls concentrations were 2.23 microgram/ml (group 1), 1.75 microgram/ml (group 2), and 1.40 microgram/ml (group 3). The Cp50endo values in groups 1 and 2 were 2.87 and 2.34 microgram/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than their respective Cp50ls values. Cp50endo value in group 3 was 1.64 microgram/ml, which was close to its Cp50ls value. Because of a high degree of interpatient variability, Cp50gag could not be defined. Systolic blood pressure response decreased with increasing propofol concentrations. Conclusions The authors determined the propofol concentration necessary for gastroscopy and showed that increasing age reduces it. Propofol concentration that suppresses somatic response induces loss of consciousness in almost all young patients.

Download Full-text

A Comparative Study Between Preoperative Subconjunctival Bevacizumab Injection And Postoperative Topical Application In Prevention Of Recurrence After Excision Of Primary Pterygium In Egyptian Patients

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcab109.004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Basma Helal Mohamed ◽

Othman Ali Othman Ziko ◽

Hisham M Khairy Abd El Dayem ◽

Nancy Ezzelregal Khamis Ahmed

Keyword(s):

Corneal Thickness ◽

Anterior Segment ◽

P Value ◽

Eye Drops ◽

Subconjunctival Injection ◽

Fibrovascular Tissue ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1 ◽

Primary Pterygium

Abstract Purpose to compare between recurrence incidence after primary pterygium excision when using preoperative subconjunctival injection of Bevacizumab (Avastin) and using it as a postoperative eye drops. Methods thirty two eyes of thirty patients (two patients had bilateral pterygium) with primary pterygia were clinically examined, classified into 3 groups and operated by simple excision with bare sclera technique. Group 1 included 10 patients received Bevacizumab (Avastin) in the form of eye drops (10 mg/ml) 3 times daily for 6 days postoperative. Group 2 included 10 patients received preoperative Bevacizumab in the form of subconjunctival injection (1.25 mg/0.05ml) single dose 1 week preoperative. Group 3 included 10 patients (12 eyes) 2 patients with bilateral Pterygium didn’t receive any form of Bevacizumab. Postoperative follow up was done clinically and by serial photography at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months searching for signs of recurrence and/or complications. Results The results showed different grades of recurrence in 18 eyes of 32.True recurrence was seen in 7 patients of 18 (1 patient in group 1, 2 in group 2 and 4 in group3).Recurrence grades in group 1and 2 who used the Bevacizumab (20%grade II, 50% grade III, and 30% grade IV). Recurrence could be predicted by 100% depending on fibrovascular tissue appearing in the surgical bed at 3 months postoperative (P value 0.038).Preoperative fleshy pterygium has high statistical significance in realation to recurrence(P value = 0.006).Patient’s sex, residence and occupation had no statistically significant value in the process of recurrence (P value > 0.05). Patients with recurrent Pterygia (in group 1&2) had statistically significant changes in the corneal K- readings at 3 months and 6 months.No significant difference in the limbal or central corneal thickness in the operated eye and the other eye (Pvalue > 0.05). Conclusion Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a well tolerated drug with multiple drug delivery methods.The eye drops give better results than the subconjunctival injection.Appearance of fibrovascular tissue in the surgical bed at 3 months predict the recurrence by 100%. Preoperative fleshy pterygia will mostly recur again whatever Bevacizumab form was used .The corneal thickness by anterior segment OCT has no role in prediction or detection of early pterygium recurrence.

Download Full-text

Reproducibility of Blood Lactate Concentration Rate under Isokinetic Force Loads

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports6040150 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 150

Author(s):

Nico Nitzsche ◽

Lutz Baumgärtel ◽

Christian Maiwald ◽

Henry Schulz

Keyword(s):

Blood Lactate ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Repeated Measurements ◽

Systematic Bias ◽

Limits Of Agreement ◽

Load Duration ◽

Minute Post ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

(1) Background: Maximum isokinetic force loads show strongly increased post-load lactate concentrations and an increase in the maximum blood lactate concentration rate ( V ˙ Lamax), depending on load duration. The reproducibility of V ˙ Lamax must be known to be able to better assess training-related adjustments of anaerobic performance using isokinetic force tests. (2) Methods: 32 subjects were assigned to two groups and completed two unilateral isokinetic force tests (210° s−1, Range of Motion 90°) within seven days. Group 1 (n = 16; age 24.0 ± 2.8 years, BMI 23.5 ± 2.6 kg m−2, training duration: 4.5 ± 2.4 h week−1) completed eight repetitions and group 2 (n = 16; age 23.7 ± 1.9 years, BMI 24.6 ± 2.4 kg m−2, training duration: 5.5 ± 2.1 h week−1) completed 16 repetitions. To determine V ˙ Lamax, capillary blood (20 µL) was taken before and immediately after loading, and up to the 9th minute post-load. Reproducibility and variability was determined using Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses, and variability were determined using within-subject standard deviation (Sw) and Limits of Agreement (LoA) using Bland Altman plots. (3) Results: The correlation of V ˙ Lamax in group 1 was r = 0.721, and in group 2 r = 0.677. The Sw of V ˙ Lamax was 0.04 mmol L−1 s−1 in both groups. In group 1, V ˙ Lamax showed a systematic bias due to measurement repetition of 0.02 mmol L−1 s−1 in an interval (LoA) of ±0.11 mmol L−1 s−1. In group 2, a systematic bias of −0.008 mmol L−1 s−1 at an interval (LoA) of ±0.11 mmol L−1 s−1 was observed for repeated measurements of V ˙ Lamax. (4) Conclusions: Based on the existing variability, a reliable calculation of V ˙ Lamax seems to be possible with both short and longer isokinetic force loads. Changes in V ˙ Lamax above 0.11 mmol L−1 s−1 due to training can be described as a non-random increase or decrease in V ˙ Lamax.

Download Full-text

THE DYNAMICS OF BLOOD PRESSURE OF DIFFERENT AGE PATIENTS GROUPS WITH HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES TYPE II AFTER CORRECTION OF CAROTID STENOSIS

Wiadomości Lekarskie ◽

10.36740/wlek201905210 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 72 (5) ◽

pp. 1007-1011

Author(s):

Igor I. Kobza ◽

Oksana Z. Didenko ◽

Ostap G. Yavorskyi ◽

Тaras I. Kobza

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Carotid Stenosis ◽

Blood Pressure Monitoring ◽

Age Groups ◽

Diabetes Type ◽

Type Ii ◽

Diabetes Type Ii ◽

Group 2 ◽

Two Age Groups ◽

Group 1

Introduction: hypertension and diabetes remain the main risk factors for stroke, which leads to premature disability and mortality. The aim: To study the dynamics of blood pressure (BP) in patients of different age groups with hypertension and diabetes type II before and after carotid endarterectomy. Materials and methods: 90 patients with hypertension and diabetes type II were selected for CE. Patients are divided into two age groups: up to 65 years (group 1) and after 65 years (group 2). We assessed the dynamics of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The examination was carried out 2 days before and 6 months after surgery. CE was conducted under local anaesthesia. Results: Before operation in patients in group 2, there was a significantly higher level of average systolic BP per 24 hours (p <0.02), per day (p <0.01), per night (p <0.01) and diastolic BP per night (p <0,01). At the preoperative stage, there was a significant increase in the parameters of the variability of BP, but the increase in the variability of BP with age was not fixed. After surgery, patients with Group 1 observed a more significant positive dynamics of ABPM indices than patients in Group 2. In two age groups, the percentage of patients with an insufficient reduction of BP at night was prevalent. Conclusions: Surgical treatment of carotid stenosis is associated with a steady decrease in BP in the distant period after CE. Significant regression of BP is characteristic for patients of the younger age group.

Download Full-text

National Surveillance of Injury in Children and Adolescents in the Republic of Korea: 2011–2017

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17239132 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 9132

Author(s):

Soo Hyun Park ◽

Ji Young Min ◽

Won Cul Cha ◽

Ik Joon Jo ◽

Taerim Kim

Keyword(s):

Brain Injuries ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 3 ◽

The Republic ◽

Group 2 ◽

Prevention Potential ◽

Group 1

Understanding age-specific injury patterns allows the continued improvement of prevention strategies. This is a retrospective study analyzing the Korea Emergency Department-Based Injury In-depth Surveillance data, including those aged ≤19 years old between January 2011 and December 2017. In this study, we focused on changes in the modes of injury and severity, and prevention potential by dividing the patients into four age groups: group 1 (0–4 years), group 2 (5–9 years), group 3 (10–14 years), and group 4 (15–19 years). The most common mode of injury in younger age groups 1 and 2 was a fall or slip. Most injuries in older age groups 3 and 4 were unintentional and intentional collisions combined. Traumatic brain injuries (2.1%), intensive care unit admissions (1.8%), and overall death (0.4%) were the highest in group 4. The proportions of severe and critical injury (EMR-ISS ≥ 25) were 7.5% in group 4, 3.2% in group 3, 2.5% in group 1, and 1% in group 2. This study presents a comprehensive trend of injuries in the pediatric population in South Korea. Our results suggest the importance of designing specific injury-prevention strategies for targeted groups, circumstances, and situations.

Download Full-text

Interaction Between Age and Change in Velocity During a Baseball Training Program

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120927939 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 232596712092793

Author(s):

Christopher Antonacci ◽

Thomas R. Atlee ◽

Peter N. Chalmers ◽

Christopher Hadley ◽

Meghan E. Bishop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Age Groups ◽

Maximum Velocity ◽

Age Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

Baseball Pitchers ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Relationship ◽

Group 1

Background: Pitching velocity is one of the most important metrics used to evaluate a baseball pitcher’s effectiveness. The relationship between age and pitching velocity after a lighter ball baseball training program has not been determined. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between age and pitching velocity after a lighter ball baseball training program. We hypothesized that pitching velocity would significantly increase in all adolescent age groups after a lighter baseball training program, without a significant difference in magnitude of increase based on age. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Baseball pitchers aged 10 to 17 years who completed a 15-week training program focused on pitching mechanics and velocity improvement were included in this study. Pitchers were split into 3 groups based on age (group 1, 10-12 years; group 2, 13-14 years; group 3, 15-17 years), and each group trained independently. Pitch velocity was assessed at 4 time points (sessions 3, 10, 17, and 25). Mean, maximum, and mean change in pitch velocity between sessions were compared by age group. Results: A total of 32 male baseball pitchers were included in the analysis. Mean/maximum velocity increased in all 3 age groups: 3.4/4.8 mph in group 1, 5.3/5.5 mph in group 2, and 5.3/5.2 mph in group 3. While mean percentage change in pitch velocity increased in all 3 age groups (group 1, 6.5%; group 2, 8.3%; group 3, 7.6%), the magnitude of change was not significantly different among age groups. Program session number had a significant effect on mean and maximum velocity, with higher mean and maximum velocity seen at later sessions in the training program ( P = .018). There was no interaction between age and program session within either mean or maximum velocity ( P = .316 and .572, respectively). Conclusion: Age had no significant effect on the magnitude of increase in maximum or mean baseball pitch velocity during a velocity and mechanics training program in adolescent males.

Download Full-text

Estimation of radiographic angles and distances in coronal part of mandibular molars: A study of panoramic radiographs using EMAGO software

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.4103/1305-7456.126254 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 08 (01) ◽

pp. 090-094 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ioannis N. Tsatsoulis ◽

Christos G. Filippatos ◽

Spyros G. Floratos ◽

Evangelos G. Kontakiotis

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Pulp Chamber ◽

Panoramic Radiographs ◽

Dimensional Changes ◽

Mandibular Molars ◽

Group 5 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Dentin Formation ◽

Chamber Floor ◽

Group 1

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was designed to investigate radiographically the effects of age and external irritating stimuli on the morphology and thickness of the pulp chamber ceiling and floor in mandibular molars. Materials and Methods: A total of 234 panoramic radiographs were recruited and 494 mandibular molars were examined in this study. The sample was divided into six age groups: Group 1, <20 years; Group 2, 20-29 years; Group 3, 30-39 years; Group 4, 40-49 years; Group 5, 50-59 years and Group 6, >60 years. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups with regard to the tooth condition (intact or non-intact teeth). Four distances, two angles and two ratios were measured, in order to estimate the dimensions of the pulp chamber and the thickness of the pulp chamber ceiling and floor. Results: The thickness of the pulp chamber ceiling and floor increased significantly from Group 1 to 6. The pulp chamber floor angle presented progressive sharpness from Group 1 to 6 whereas the pulp chamber ceiling angle presented progressive bluntness from Group 1 to 5 and sharpness from Group 5 to 6. Significant differences were identified in the thickness of the pulp chamber ceiling, the thickness of the pulp chamber floor and the ceiling-floor distance between intact and non-intact teeth. Conclusion: Based on those results, there are differences in the location of secondary dentin formation between the two pulp chamber walls. Age is related to diminished pulp chamber size. The increase rate of the pulp chamber ceiling thickness is similar to that of the pulp chamber floor thickness. Furthermore, external irritating stimuli have an effect on the pulp chamber dimensional changes.

Download Full-text

Lumbar Plexus in Children

Anesthesiology ◽

10.1097/00000542-200408000-00026 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 101 (2) ◽

pp. 445-450 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Lukas Kirchmair ◽

Birgit Enna ◽

Gottfried Mitterschiffthaler ◽

Bernhard Moriggl ◽

Manfred Greher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Patients ◽

Age Groups ◽

Posterior Part ◽

Lumbar Plexus ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

Psoas Major Muscle ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Paravertebral Region ◽

Group 1

Background Pediatric regional anesthesia has gained increasing interest over the past decades. The current study was conducted to investigate the lumbar paravertebral region and the lumbar plexus at L3-L4 and L4-L5 by means of sonography to obtain fundamentals for the performance of ultrasound-guided posterior lumbar plexus blocks. Methods Thirty-two children (12 boys, 20 girls) with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were enrolled in the current study. The lumbar paravertebral region was visualized at L3-L4 and L4-L5 on two corresponding posterior sonograms (longitudinal, transverse). The lumbar plexus had to be delineated, and skin-plexus distances were measured. In a series of five pediatric patients undergoing inguinal herniotomy, ultrasound-guided posterior lumbar plexus blocks at L4-L5 were performed. Results The children were stratified into three age groups (group 1: > 3 yr and </= 5 yr; group 2: > 5 yr and </= 8 yr; group 3: > 8 yr and </= 12 yr). The lumbar plexus could be delineated at L3-L4 and L4-L5 in 19 of 20 cases in group 1, in 17 of 20 cases in group 2, in 22 of 24 cases at L3-L4 in group 3, and in 16 of 24 cases at L4-L5 in group 3. In all patients, the lumbar plexus was situated within the posterior part of the psoas major muscle. Skin-plexus distances showed statistical significant differences between groups 1 and 3 and between groups 2 and 3. The strongest positive correlation existed between skin-plexus distances and the children's weight. Ultrasound guidance enabled safe und successful posterior approaches to the lumbar plexus, thus resulting in effective anesthesia and analgesia of the inguinal region. Conclusions Sonography of the lumbar plexus in children proved to be feasible. Skin-plexus distances correlated with the children's weight rather than with their age. The sonographic findings were fundamental for the performance of successful ultrasound-guided posterior approaches in a small group of pediatric patients.

Download Full-text