scholarly journals Evaluation of Podocalyxin level in pre-eclampsia with severe features' patients: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 3255
Author(s):  
Ahmed F. Amin ◽  
Hisham Abou-Taleb ◽  
Mustafa Gamal ◽  
Marwa M. Thabet ◽  
Nashwa Azoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Women Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Background: This study aims to evaluate the level of podocalyxin (PCX) in preeclampsia with severe features patients and correlate it with the results of laboratory tests.Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study conducted in Assiut Women Health Hospital between April and October 2018.  The study included 60 patients divided into two groups; Group (A): 30 patients diagnosed to have preeclampsia with severe features and Group (B): 30 patients as normal control group. Complete laboratory investigations with measurements of the PCX level was performed for all study participants.Results: No statistically significant difference between the study group and control group according to blood urea (p= 0.339) and serum creatinine (p= 0.801).There was statistically significant difference between the study group and control group according to PCX level (p= 0.001); the mean PCX was 3340.0 ± 2394.6 in the study group versus 1083.5±1400.2 in the control group. Univariate analysis revealed podocalyxin was not correlated with clinical data or laboratory investigations.Conclusions: Podocalyxin levels were significantly elevated in preeclampsia.

scholarly journals Can the Pessary Use Modify the Vaginal Microbiological Flora? A Cross-sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (04) ◽  
pp. 169-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suelene Coelho ◽  
Paulo Giraldo ◽  
Juliana Florentino ◽  
Edilson Castro ◽  
Luiz Brito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaginal Discharge ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Pelvic Organ ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaginal Pessary ◽  
Genital Ulcers

Introduction Vaginal pessary is used as a conservative treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Some studies have shown that common complaints of its use may include vaginal discomfort and increased vaginal discharge. Scant information is available about the microflora status after using this device. Objective To determine if the usage of vaginal pessary can interfere with the vaginal environment. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from March of 2014 to July of 2015 including 90 women with POP. The study group was composed of 45 women users of vaginal pessary and 45 nom-users. All enrolled women answered a standardized questionnaire and were subjected to a gynecological exam to collect vaginal samples for microbiological evaluation under optic microscopy. Clinical and microbiological data were compared between study and control groups. Results Vaginal discharge was confirmed in 84% of the study group versus 62.2% in the control group (p < 0.01); itching was reported in 20 and 2.2%, respectively (p < .05); genital ulcers were only found in the pessary group (20%). There was no difference with regard to the type of vaginal flora. Bacterial vaginosis was prevalent in the study group (31.1% study group versus 22.2% control group), (p =.34). Conclusion Women using vaginal pessaries for POP treatment presented more vaginal discharge, itching and genital ulcers than non-users.

Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Frontline Healthcare Workers in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quratul-Ain Zafar
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers in Pakistan in terms of psychological factors emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at different hospitals across Pakistan and data collection was carried out from 15th June 2020 till 15th August 2020. Material and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study aiming to compare the levels of burnout and emotional distress between frontline COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 healthcare workers. Any physician, nurse, and other healthcare workers were recruited from emergency care units and Covid-19 care units (target group), and non-COVID-19 care units (control group). Participation was voluntary and participants had to complete self-reported questionnaires and scales. A mixed-mode data collection was carried out, either in paper or web-based form to ensure maximum participation. Results: The independent t-test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding depression, stress, and insomnia. The study group showed higher scores for these factors than the control group. Chi-square test of association revealed significant scores of burnout and professional fulfillment in both groups. There was a higher prevalence of burnout in the study group than in the control group. Conclusion: This study concludes that there was a significant psychosocial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the frontline healthcare workers measured in terms of emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout.

scholarly journals Anolunula in Fingernails among Patients Infected with HIV

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pratik Gahalaut ◽  
Nitin Mishra ◽  
Sandhya Chauhan ◽  
Mir Mubashir Ali ◽  
Madhur Kant Rastogi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
And Control ◽  
Hiv Negative

Lunula is the white, half-moon shaped area seen in proximal ends of some nails. Though a few studies have described the nail changes that can occur in association with HIV infection, none of these paid much attention to lunula. Aims and Objectives. To study the lunula in fingernails among HIV infected patients. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study to record presence of lunula in 168 HIV-positive patients and compare it with age and sex matched 168 healthy HIV-negative control. Anolunula (absence of lunula) in HIV-positive patients was correlated with CD4 counts, stages of HIV infection, time since patient was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and status of antiretroviral therapy. Results. Anolunula was present in significantly more fingernails in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. There was a highly significant difference for total anolunula (anolunula in all fingernails) in study and control group. Incidence of total anolunula was directly proportional to the stage of HIV infection, increasing progressively as the HIV infection advances from stage 1 to stage 4. Conclusion. Absence of lunula is related to not only HIV infection per se but also the stages of HIV infection.

scholarly journals Variables associated with family breakdown in healthy and obese/ overweigh adolescents

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-77
Author(s):  
Carla Cristina J. N. de Almeida ◽  
Paula de Oliveira Mora ◽  
Valmir Aparecido de Oliveira ◽  
Camila Aparecida Joao ◽  
Carolina Regina Joao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public School ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obese Adolescents ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Family Breakdown

Objective: To evaluate the presence of family breakdown factors among eutrophic and overweight/obese adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 242 students aged between 14 and 19 years old, from a public school. Each student was weighed, measured and answered a questionnaire with closed questions addressing the presence of family breakdown factors. The adolescents were divided in two groups: euthophic and overweight/obese. The answers of both groups were compared by Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of the studied factors between the two groups. Comparing the number of positive answers (presence of family breakdown factors) and negative ones (absence of family breakdown factors), no difference was observed between the groups. Conclusions: The inclusion of a control group showed that factors of family breakdown, usually identified as associated with obesity in adolescents, may also be present in eutrophic adolescents.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF ASTHMAAND ITS MEDICATIONS ON DENTAL CARIES STATUS AND STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS COUNT IN CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2020 ◽  
pp. 20-23
Author(s):  
Sneha Upadhyay ◽  
Jyoti Bhavthankar ◽  
Mandakini Mandale ◽  
Nivedita Kaorey
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Asthmatic Children ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Background: Asthma and its medications have been linked to oral diseases in asthmatic children. Aim: Assessment of the dental caries status, salivary Streptococcus mutans count and S. mutans colony score in children receiving inhaled anti asthmatic medications and their comparison in healthy children Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on 40 asthmatic children and 40 healthy children in the age group of 6-14 years. DMFT/deft indices were calculated and saliva samples were collected. Diluted saliva was inoculated on MSB agar plates. S. mutans count and colony score were analysed after 24-48 hours of inoculation. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in the mean DMFT/deft index, salivary S. mutans load and S. mutans colony score in children of the asthmatic group and control group. Conclusion: Prevalence of dental caries and cariogenic bacteria is higher in asthmatic children.

scholarly journals Role of Functional Biomarkers to Identify Early Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients with Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 142
Author(s):  
Osama Y. Al-Dirbashi ◽  
Charu Sharma ◽  
Nahid Al Dahouri ◽  
Anas Al Aidaros ◽  
Shamma Al-Muhairi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleeve Gastrectomy ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
One Year ◽  
Functional Biomarkers

Background and objectives: Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is effective for obesity management, postoperative vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency is of major concern. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the levels of B12 and its related functional biomarkers, namely, total homocysteine (tHcy), methylmalonic acid (MMA), folate, methylcitric acid (MCA), and hemoglobin (Hb), in one-year postoperative LSG patients and matched controls. Materials and Methods: Plasma B12, tHcy, MMA, folate, and MCA were measured in matched controls (n = 66) and patients (n = 71) using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques and protocols in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Results: The median B12 concentration in patients (177 pmol/L) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the controls (334.7 pmol/L). The tHcy and MMA levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) and folate levels were significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in the LSG patients compared to the controls. Interestingly, no significant difference in MCA levels were observed between the two groups. The levels of tHcy and MMA were concomitantly increased with the decreased folate levels in postoperative LSG patients when compared with the controls. The Hb levels were significantly lower in males and females in the patient group compared with those in the control group, respectively (p = 0.005 and p = 0.043). Conclusions: This is the first report of serum levels of B12 and its functional biomarkers in postoperative LSG patients among a local population from the UAE. Our findings revealed significant alterations of the B12 biomarkers, total B12, MMA, and tHcy in one-year postoperative LSG patients.

Radiotherapy- or Radical Surgery–Induced Female Sexual Morbidity in Stages IB and II Cervical Cancer

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 800-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuko Harding ◽  
Takuma Ooyama ◽  
Tomoko Nakamoto ◽  
Akihiko Wakayama ◽  
Wataru Kudaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Radical Surgery ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Female Sexual Function ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the sexual function in cervical cancer survivors after radiotherapy (RT) or radical surgery (RS).MethodsThis was an observational and cross-sectional study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 175 patients after RT (RT group) or RS (RS group) and 521 healthy women (control) between 2011 and 2012. Sexual functions were compared among these 3 groups.ResultsEligible 92 patients (46 in RT group, 46 in RS group) and 148 control subjects were included for analysis. There was a significant difference in median (range) FSFI total score of 5.5 (3.6–34.7) in the RT group, 18.9 (3.4–31.2) in the RS group, and 22.1 (2–34.2) in the control group (P < 0.001). The median FSFI total score in the RT group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Six sexual domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain) were all significantly affected in the RT group, and no significant differences, except pain, were observed in the RS group as compared with the control group.ConclusionsInterventions involving counseling and rehabilitation for female sexual function should be provided in cervical cancer survivors, especially after RT.

scholarly journals Normal levels of inflammatory markers in treated patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia: a cross-sectional study

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Seed ◽  
D John Betteridge ◽  
Jackie Cooper ◽  
Muriel Caslake ◽  
Paul N Durrington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Risk Markers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lipoprotein A ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia ◽  
Relationship Of

Objective To assess the relationship of levels of inflammatory risk markers to presence of clinical coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with treated heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Design A cross-sectional study of patients on the Simon Broome Familial Hyperlipidaemia Register. Setting Six hospital outpatient clinics in the UK. Participants A total of 211 men and 199 women with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Main outcome measures Analysis of conventional risk factors and concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipoprotein (a), serum intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), interIeukin-6 (IL-6) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) mass. Results CAD was present in 104 men and in 55 women; the mean ages of onset were 43.1 and 46.5 years, respectively. On univariate analysis there was a positive relationship of CAD with age, male sex, smoking, IL-6 and sICAM, and an inverse relationship with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and LpPLA2. On multivariate analysis, age, smoking, low LDL and low LpPLA2 were associated with CAD. When LpPLA2 values were adjusted for apoB and aspirin usage, there was no significant difference between those with and without CAD. Only age and smoking were independently associated with CAD in men, and IL-6 and lipoprotein(a) in women. Conclusions Although on univariate analysis inflammatory marker levels were associated with CAD in these patients, the majority of the associations, including that for hsCRP, disappeared when corrected for smoking and apoB. This may be because atherosclerotic plaques in these statin-treated patients were quiescent or an effect of aspirin usage. In this observational study newer risk markers were not usefully associated with the presence or absence of symptomatic CAD.

scholarly journals Comparison of ox-LDL Levels in Diabetic Patients with Normo-, Micro-, and Macroalbuminuria with Their First Degree Relatives and the Healthy Control Group

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Behzadi ◽  
Firouzeh Torabi ◽  
Massoud Amini ◽  
Ashraf Aminorroaya
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Degree Relatives ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
And Control

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is a product of oxidative stress. In this cross-sectional study, we compared the ox-LDL concentrations in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (n=28), microalbuminuria (n=28), and macroalbuminuria (n=28) with their first degree relatives (n=28) and healthy control people (n=31). They were selected by consecutive patient selection method. The ox-LDL level was assayed using ELISA. We measured blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HbA1c in all groups. There was no significant difference in ox-LDL concentrations among normoalbuminuric, microalbuminuric, and macroalbuminuric diabetic groups. In diabetic patients with micro- and macroalbuminuria, ox-LDL concentration was higher than their first degree relatives (P=0.04andP=0.03) and control group (P=0.001andP=0.03, resp.). In normoalbuminuric diabetic persons, ox-LDL concentration was just higher than that of healthy people (P=0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in ox-LDL levels between normoalbuminuric diabetic patients and their first degree relatives. In conclusion, the presence and progression of albuminuria in diabetic patients are not related to ox-LDL concentration and genetic predisposition influences the plasma OX-LDL level. Larger sample size is needed to confirm this conclusion in future studies.

scholarly journals Harm Perception and Attitudes towards E-cigarette Use Among Qatar University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rana Kurdi ◽  
Hanan Abdul Rahim ◽  
Ghadir Al-Jayyousi ◽  
Manar Yaseen ◽  
Aetefeh Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Smoking Prevention ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is becoming popular worldwide especially among youth. Research reported that university students have poor knowledge and misconceptions about the health risks of e-cigarettes, which may lead students to use them even in populations where prevalence of cigarette smoking is relatively low. At this age, the influence of peers is also significant. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of e-cigarette use among university students as well as their knowledge and attitudes towards e-cigarettes. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study among Qatar University students using a self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive univariate analysis of all variables was conducted as well as a bivariate analysis to check the association of e-cigarette use with selected variables. A binary logistic regression was conducted to assess predictors of e-cigarette use. Results: The prevalence of e-cigarette use among students was found to be 14% where 32% of them were daily users. Approximately 42% of the participants agreed that ‘e-cigarettes are less harmful to health compared to traditional cigarettes, and 45.7% of them agreed that ‘e-cigarettes can prevent smoking traditional cigarettes. The prevalence of e-cigarettes use was 16.2% among males and 12.8% among females, which showed no significant difference between the two genders. Females were more likely to use e-cigarettes because they “don’t smell” (P-value=0.023). The study showed a significant association between e-cigarette use and knowledge items (P-value < 0.05) and having a smoker among siblings or friends. At the multivariate analysis level, only the friends’ effect remained significant after controlling for the other variables (OR= 7.3, P-value=0.000). Conclusion: Our research found that university students have inadequate knowledge and misconceptions in regards to e-cigarettes use, especially among users. Effective smoking prevention policy and educational interventions are needed to enhance awareness among university students about the health effects associated with e-cigarettes use.

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