Study of serum albumin as a marker of severity in COVID-19 positive SARI and COVID-19 negative SARI patients

Background: COVID-19 a pandemic caused by SARS CoV-2 has caused a wide impact globally. Clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges widely including asymptomatic infection, mild upper respiratory tract infection, severe pneumonia, ARDS, MODS and even death. Hypoalbuminemia in COVID-19 indicates severe disease. The aim of the study was to determine incidence of hypoalbuminemia and correlation of severity of hypoalbuminemia with COVID-19 positive SARI and COVID negative SARI patients.Methods: A study was conducted on 265 SARI patients who were admitted in hospitals attached to BMCRI. History was taken, general physical examination and a detailed systemic examination was done. Patients were categorized into mild, moderate and severe illness. RT-PCR for COVID-19 patients done using throat and nasal swab. Total WBC counts and differential counts, platelet counts were estimated. Serum albumin levels were correlated with pneumonia severity and compared between COVID-19 positive and Negative SARI. And also, correlation with comorbities was done.Results: The study included 265 SARI patients, of which 135 were COVID-19 positive patients and 130 were COVID-19 negative. Patients categorized into moderate and severe SARI. Mean age of subjects with COVID-19 positive (severe) was higher- 58.70±15.598 followed by COVID-19 positive (moderate)- 55.13±14.480. About 30% (N=90) were belong to severe SARI group, Chi-square test showed statistical significant association with respect to age. Chi-square test showed no statistical significant association with respect to gender. Independent sample t test showed statistical difference with respect to S. albumin levels between COVID positive and COVID negative subjects. In COVID positive subjects, S. albumin levels showed statistical significant difference between moderate and severe sub groups whereas there was no statistical significant difference seen in COVID negative sub groups.Conclusions: The relationship between hypoalbuminemia and reduced survival in COVID-19 may have several explanations. First, acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protein, albumin may protect against cytokine storm. Second, albumin encompasses anticoagulant properties and inhibits oxidative stress-related clotting and platelet activation that occurs in severe COVID-19. Third, albumin is an inverse acute phase reactant. In our present study hypoalbuminemia was more significant in severe COVID-19 positive SARI patients compared to COVID-19 negative SARI patients hence, we could say that hypoalbuminemia is inversely related with COVID-19 severity and also more significant hypoalbuminemia in COVID-19 positive SARI.

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Palatal Rugae Pattern in Nepalese Subjects

Orthodontic Journal of Nepal ◽

10.3126/ojn.v3i2.10076 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 36-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dipshikha Bajracharya ◽

Anisha Vaidya ◽

Sunaina Thapa ◽

Sujita Shrestha

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Population Differentiation ◽

Forensic Odontology ◽

Chi Square ◽

Statistical Significant Difference ◽

Palatal Rugae ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

The Mean ◽

Gender Groups

Objective: To determine the number and pattern of palatal rugae in Nepalese subjects and to find the association of gender with the number and pattern of palatal rugae. Materials & Method: 200 Nepalese subjects comprising of 100 male and 100 female were randomly selected and their maxillary casts were examined for the palatal rugae length applying the classification proposed by Thomas and Kotze and palatal rugae pattern was recorded using the classification given by Kapali. Statistical analysis using Student t-test was applied for comparing the number of palatal rugae between right and left sides. Chi square test was used to find the association between gender and number of rugae as well as the pattern. Result: The study demonstrated that the mean number of primary palatal rugae on left side was predominant, similarly wavy pattern was the most predominant in Nepalese subjects. No statistical significant difference was noticed in the palatal rugae number and pattern between the gender groups. Conclusion: The study found predominant palatal form in Nepalese subjects which might have superior effectiveness in population differentiation and may be used as an effective tool in forensic odontology identification.

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Determinants of Developing Symptomatic Disease in Ethiopian COVID-19 Patients

10.1101/2020.10.09.20209734 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tigist W. Leulseged ◽

Degu G. Alemahu ◽

Ishmael S. Hassen ◽

Endalkachew H. Maru ◽

Wuletaw C. Zewde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Management Practice ◽

Care Center ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

P Value ◽

Chi Square ◽

Symptomatic Disease ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test

ABSTRACTBackgroundStudies show that having some symptoms seems to be associated with more severe disease and poor prognosis. Therefore, knowing who is more susceptible to symptomatic COVID-19 disease is important to provide targeted preventive and management practice. The aim of the study was to assess the determinants of having symptomatic disease among COVID-19 patients admitted to Millennium COVID-19 Care Center in Ethiopia.MethodsA case-control study was conducted from August to September 2020 among a randomly selected 765 COVID-19 patients (372 Asymptomatic and 393 Symptomatic patients). Chi-square test and independent t-test were used to detect the presence of a statistically significant difference in the characteristics of the cases (symptomatic) and controls (asymptomatic), where p-value of <0.05 considered as having a statistically significant difference. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to assess a statistically significant association between the independent variables and developing symptomatic COVID-19 where Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR), 95% CIs for AOR, and P-values were used for testing significance and interpretation of results.ResultsThe result of the multivariable binary logistic regression shows that age group (AOR= 1.818, 95% CI= 1.210, 2.731, p-value=0.004 for 30-39 years; AOR= 1.611, 95% CI= 1.016, 2.554, p-value=0.043 for 40-49 years and AOR= 4.076, 95% CI= 2.582, 6.435, p-value=0.0001 for years and above), sex (AOR= 1.672, 95% CI= 1.216, 2.299, p-value=0.002) and history of diabetes mellitus (AOR= 2.406, 95% CI= 1.384, 4.181, p-value=0.002) were found to be significant factors that determine the development of symptomatic disease in COVID-19 patients.ConclusionsDeveloping a symptomatic COVID-19 disease was found to be determined by exposures of old age, male sex, and being diabetic. Therefore, patients with the above factors should be given enough attention in the prevention and management process, including inpatient management, to pick symptoms earlier and to manage accordingly so that these patients can have a favorable treatment outcome.

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Comparison of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio among severe acute respiratory illness COVID-19 positive and negative patients and to correlate with disease severity

International Journal of Advances in Medicine ◽

10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20212756 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Guruprasad C. Shenoy ◽

Madhumathi Ramaiah ◽

Shreedevi Kamaraddi ◽

Pallavi Somashekar ◽

Sachin Katte Subramanya

Keyword(s):

Disease Severity ◽

Severe Pneumonia ◽

Respiratory Illness ◽

Asymptomatic Infection ◽

Severe Illness ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Acute Respiratory Illness ◽

Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Illness

Background: COVID-19, a pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused a wide impact globally. Clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges widely including asymptomatic infection, mild upper respiratory tract infection, severe pneumonia, ARDS, MODS and even death. Neutrophil-lymphocyte (NL) ratio is an indicator of systemic inflammatory response. Many previous studies have shown NL ratio to be good prognostic marker for COVID-19 pneumonia.Methods: A study was conducted on 265 SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) patients who were admitted in hospitals attached to BMCRI between May 2020 and September 2020. History was taken, general and systemic examination was done. Patients were categorized into moderate and severe illness. RT-PCR for all patients was done using throat and nasal swab. Total WBC counts and differential counts were estimated. NL ratio was correlated with pneumonia severity and compared between COVID-19 positive and negative SARI.Results: The study included 265 SARI patients, of which 135 were COVID-19 positive patients and 130 were COVID-19 negative. The patients were further sub-categorised into moderate and severe SARI. Mean age for COVID-19 positive severe SARI was higher than the moderate SARI. Males were majority of the subjects. Out of 265, 99 patients (37.4%) had diabetes. Out of this, 34 (42%) were COVID-19 positive (severe) followed by 28 (51.9%) COVID-19 positive (moderate). Mean NL ratio was higher in COVID-19 positive (severe) subjects 15.95±10.31 followed by COVID-19 positive (moderate) subjects 8.99±6.22. There was significant difference with respect to NL ratio between COVID-19 positive and negative subjects. NL ratio levels were high in subjects having diabetes in COVID-19 positive severe sub group and COVID-19 positive severe hypertension sub group as compared to other sub groups.Conclusions: NL ratio was higher in patients with COVID-19 positive SARI as compared to COVID-19 negative SARI. There was significant correlation between increase in NL ratio and disease severity of COVID-19 positive pneumonia. We found that increase in NL ratio was associated with co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

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The Influence of Age and Gender on Mandibular Indices among the Libyan Population

Journal of Oral & Dental Health ◽

10.33140/jodh.03.02.2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Keyword(s):

Negative Correlation ◽

Bone Mineralization ◽

Age Groups ◽

T Test ◽

Chi Square ◽

Age And Gender ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

And Gender ◽

Libyan Population

Radiographic Mandibular Indices serve as easy and relatively cheap tools for evaluating bone mineralization. Objectives: To examine the effect of age and gender on three mandibular indices: the panoramic mandibular index (PMI), the mandibular ratio (MR) and the mandibular cortical index (MCI), among Libyan population. Methods: The three indices were measured on 317 digital (OPGs) of adult humans (155 males, 162 females). The sample was divided into six age groups (from 18-25 years through 56-65 years). The measurements were analyzed for interactions with age and sex, using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Studies) software version no. 22. The tests employed were two way ANOVA, the unpaired T-test and chi-square test. Results: The mean PMI fluctuated between 0.37 s.d. 0.012 and 0.38 s.d. 0.012. among the sixth age groups. One-way ANOVA statistical test revealed no significant of age on PMI. On the other hand gender variation has effect on PMI, since independent sample t-test disclosed that the difference between the male and female PMI means statistically significant. ANOVA test showed that the means of MR among age groups showed a negative correlation i.e. MR mean declined from 3.01 in 18-25 age groups to 2.7 in 55-65 age groups. In contrary, the gender showed no effect on MR according two sample t-test at p> 0.05. In regards with MCI, statistical analysis showed that it affected by age that is C1 was decreasing by age while C2 and C3 were increased by age. Using chi square test the result indicated that there is a significant difference among the different age group and the two genders in MCI readings. Conclusion: PMI was influenced significantly by age but minimally by the gender. MR is not affected by gender but has a negative correlation with age. MCI is affected by both age and gender

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Prognostic significance of peritoneal cytology in low-risk endometrial cancer: comparison of laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy

International Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1007/s10147-020-01854-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Satoe Fujiwara ◽

Ruri Nishie ◽

Shoko Ueda ◽

Syunsuke Miyamoto ◽

Shinichi Terada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endometrial Cancer ◽

Laparoscopic Surgery ◽

Retrospective Study ◽

Prognostic Significance ◽

Low Risk ◽

Peritoneal Cytology ◽

Chi Square ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Positive Peritoneal Cytology

Abstract Background There is uncertainty surrounding the prognostic value of peritoneal cytology in low-risk endometrial cancer, especially in laparoscopic surgery. The objective of this retrospective study is to determine the prognostic significance of positive peritoneal cytology among patients with low-risk endometrial cancer and to compare it between laparoscopic surgery and conventional laparotomy. Methods From August 2008 to December 2019, all cases of pathologically confirmed stage IA grade 1 or 2 endometrial cancer were reviewed at Osaka Medical College. Statistical analyses used the Chi-square test and the Kaplan–Meier log rank. Results A total of 478 patients were identified: 438 with negative peritoneal cytology (232 who underwent laparotomy and 206 who undertook laparoscopic surgery) and 40 with positive peritoneal cytology (20 who underwent laparotomy and 20 who received laparoscopic surgery). Survival was significantly worse among patients with positive peritoneal cytology compared to patients with negative peritoneal cytology. However, there was no significant difference among patients with negative or positive peritoneal cytology between laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy. Conclusion This retrospective study suggests that, while peritoneal cytology is an independent risk factor in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer, laparoscopic surgery does not influence the survival outcome when compared to laparotomy.

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Effect of corneal refractive surgery on accommodative and binocular dysfunctions among civilian pilots in Southwest China

BMC Ophthalmology ◽

10.1186/s12886-021-01855-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ye Wu ◽

Zhen Zhang ◽

Meng Liao ◽

Qi Li ◽

Xue Lin Tang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Binocular Vision ◽

Refractive Surgery ◽

Visual Symptom ◽

Chi Square ◽

Visual Symptoms ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Symptom Scores ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Corneal Refractive Surgery ◽

Normal Binocular Vision

Abstract Background To analyze whether corneal refractive surgery (CRS) is associated with the distribution of different accommodative dysfunctions (ADs) and binocular dysfunctions (BDs) in civilian pilots. A further aim was to analyze the percentages and visual symptoms associated with ADs and/or BDs in this population. Methods One hundred and eight civilian pilots who underwent CRS from January 2001 to July 2012 (age: 30.33 ± 4.60 years) were enrolled, the mean preoperative SE was − 1.51 ± 1.15 D (range: − 1.00- − 5.00 D). Ninety-nine emmetropic civilian pilots (age: 29.64 ± 3.77 years) who were age- and sex-matched to the CRS group were also enrolled. Refractive status, accommodative and binocular tests of each subject were performed. Visually related symptoms were quantified using the 19-item College of Optometrists in Vision Development Quality of Life (COVD-QOL) questionnaire. The 19 items were summed to obtain visual symptom scores that might indicate visual dysfunctions. The chi-square test was used to analyze differences in percentages of ADs and/or BDs between the CRS and emmetropic groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare visual symptom scores between pilots with ADs and/or BDs and pilots with normal binocular vision. Results No significant difference was observed between the CRS and emmetropic groups in the overall prevalence of ADs and BDs (15.7% and 15.2% in the CRS and emmetropic groups, respectively; P = 0.185). ADs were present in 4.63% and 3.03% of the CRS and emmetropic group, respectively. BDs were observed in 11.1% and 12.1% of the CRS and emmetropic group, respectively, yielding no significant differences between the groups in the prevalence of ADs or BDs (AD: P = 0.094; BD: P = 0.105). Pilots with ADs and/or BDs had significantly more visual symptoms than pilots with normal binocular vision (p < 0.001). Conclusions CRS for civilian pilots with low-moderate myopia might not impact binocular functions. ADs and/or BDs commonly occur in both emmetropia pilots and pilots who undergo CRS, and pilots with ADs and/or BDs are associated with increased symptoms. This study confirms the importance of a full assessment of binocular visual functions in detecting and remedying these dysfunctions in this specific population.

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Antimicrobial Efficacy of Propolis in Comparison to Chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11083469 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 3469

Author(s):

Khalid H. Almadi ◽

Muhammad Adeel Ahmed ◽

Tuba Ghazal ◽

Rizwan Jouhar ◽

Mazen F. Alkahtany ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Enterococcus Faecalis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Permanent Teeth ◽

Antibacterial Efficacy ◽

Chi Square ◽

Reporting Standard ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test

Propolis is proposed to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used in endodontic applications. However, evidence on its efficacy in comparison to chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is controversial. The aim of the current study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of Propolis and chlorhexidine as an intracanal medicament against E. faecalis in extracted human permanent teeth. The focused question was, “Does Propolis show better antibacterial efficacy than Chlorhexidine (CHX) as an intracanal medicament against E. faecalis in extracted human permanent teeth?”. Databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, ISI-Web of Science were searched from 1990 to August 2020 using different combinations of the following keywords: “Propolis”, “Intracanal medicament”, “E. faecalis”, “Antibacterial activity” and “Chlorhexidine”. Ten studies fulfilling inclusion criteria were considered for qualitative analysis, followed by quantitative analysis of eight studies. Heterogeneity was calculated for colony forming units (CFU) of E. Faecalis using the Chi-square test and I2 statistics. Forest plots were computed reporting standard mean difference (SMD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals. The overall mean difference for CFU of E. faecalis showed a statistically significant difference between the antibacterial efficacy of Propolis and CHX (SMD = 3.20 [1.70, 4.69] Z = 4.20; p < 0.001). CHX showed superior antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis compared to Propolis.

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Rheumatologist perspective of the Brazilian consensus for detection of auto antibodies in HEp-2 CELLS

Advances in Rheumatology ◽

10.1186/s42358-021-00190-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 61 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Isadora Carvalho Medeiros Francescantonio ◽

Leandro Augusto Rodrigues dos Santos ◽

Paulo Luiz Carvalho Francescantonio ◽

Luiz Eduardo Coelho Andrade ◽

Wilson de Melo Cruvinel

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Immunofluorescence Assay ◽

Chi Square ◽

Dichotomous Data ◽

Level Of Satisfaction ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Geographic Regions ◽

Relevant Pattern ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Objective To evaluate the perception of rheumatologists regarding the recommendations of the Brazilian Consensus for detection of Autoantibodies (BCA) on HEp-2 Cells by Indirect Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and how BCA recommendations help in clinical practice. Methodology A structured questionnaire regarding the BCA recommendations for detection and interpretations of autoantibodies in HEp-2 cells was applied to randomly selected rheumatologists. The results were tabulated using the Microsoft® Excel program, expressed as a simple percentage and the dichotomous data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and the Epi Info® program. Results Four hundred fuorteen rheumatologists participated in the study: 70% of them considered their knowledge of the HEp-2 IFA test satisfactory or excellent, and 43% said they knew the BCA recommendations in general, without distinguishing the edition of the BCA to which they refer. The Revista Brasileira de Rheumatologia/Advances in Rheumatology was the means of dissemination most consulted by specialists (50%). According to the rheumatologists’ opinion, the most relevant pattern was the homogeneous nuclear (78%) and 65% stated they were satisfied with the BCA recommendations at a level of satisfaction greater than or equal to 80%. There was no significant difference in the perception of rheumatologists from the several Brazilian geographic regions. Conclusion Brazilian rheumatologists are aware of the BCA guidelines and most are satisfied with the content published, considering that the BCA recommendations assist positively in the clinical practice. Most rheumatologists recognize the patterns associated with rheumatic autoimmune diseases and have used BCA recommendations to interpret the results of the HEp-2 IFA test.

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The Pilot Study of the Hazard Perception Test for Evaluation of the Driver’s Skill Using Virtual Reality

Electronics ◽

10.3390/electronics10091114 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1114

Author(s):

Tatsunori Sawada ◽

Hiroki Uda ◽

Akira Suzuki ◽

Kounosuke Tomori ◽

Kanta Ohno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Limited Range ◽

Chi Square ◽

Hazard Perception ◽

Novice Drivers ◽

Head Mounted Display ◽

Road Users ◽

Driving Skill ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Gender Groups

Background: Although various technologies are used to evaluate driving skill, there are some limitations such as the limited range of the monitor and the possible risk of causing cybersickness. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in the hazard perception and cybersickness experienced between novice and experienced drivers measured in a VR hazard perception test with a head-mounted display (HMD). Methods: The novice (n = 32) and the experienced drivers (n = 36) participated in the hazard perception test through the VR of an HMD. Results: The total number of identified hazards was 1071 in the novice drivers and 1376 in the experienced drivers. Two of the hazards appeared to be only identifiable through the HMD. A chi-square test revealed that experienced drivers were more likely to identify the hazards than the novice drivers (p < 0.05). The novice drivers appeared to identify “hazard prediction of the current behavior of other road users” more than other hazard types, unlike the experienced group. The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire scores indicated no significant difference in the different age or gender groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the VR hazard perception test may be useful for evaluating patients’ driving skills.

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Facial Profile Shape, Malocclusion and Palatal Morphology in Malay Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

The Angle Orthodontist ◽

10.2319/011509-26.1 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 80 (1) ◽

pp. 37-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

S. M. Banabilh ◽

A. R. Samsudin ◽

A. H. Suzina ◽

Sidek Dinsuhaimi

Keyword(s):

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽

Null Hypothesis ◽

Control Group ◽

Class Ii Malocclusion ◽

Chi Square ◽

Facial Profile ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

The Mean

Abstract Objective: To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in facial profile shape, malocclusion class, or palatal morphology in Malay adults with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and Methods: Subjects were 120 adult Malays aged 18 to 65 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 33.2 ± 13.31) divided into two groups of 60. Both groups underwent clinical examination and limited channel polysomnography (PSG). The mean OSA and control values were subjected to t-test and the chi square test. Results: Physical examination showed that 61.7% of the OSA patients were obese, and 41.7% of those obese patients had severe OSA. The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly greater for the OSA group (33.2 kg/m2 ± 6.5) than for the control group (22.7 kg/m2 ± 3.5; P < .001). The mean neck size and systolic blood pressure were greater for the OSA group (43.6 cm ± 6.02; 129.1 mm Hg ± 17.55) than for the control group (35.6 cm ± 3.52; 114.1 mm Hg ± 13.67; P < .001). Clinical examination showed that the most frequent findings among OSA groups when compared with the control group were convex profiles (71.7%), Class II malocclusion (51.7%), and V palatal shape (53.3%), respectively; the chi square test revealed a significant difference in terms of facial profile and malocclusion class (P < .05), but no significant difference in palatal shape was found. Conclusion: The null hypothesis is rejected. A convex facial profile and Class II malocclusion were significantly more common in the OSA group. The V palatal shape was a frequent finding in the OSA group.

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