scholarly journals Association of Serum Complement Components (C3 and C4) with Disease Activity in Yemeni Bronchial Asthmatic Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Al-Azab ◽  
Mohammed Safi ◽  
Elina Idiiatullina ◽  
Mohammed Al Shaikh ◽  
Abdulbaki Al-Robasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Complement C3 ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Complement Components ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Objective: To assess the role of the complement components (C3 and C4) in the pathogenesis and severity of bronchial asthma (BA) among Yemeni patients. Methods: This cross-sectional, clinic-based study was conducted in Sana’a city, Yemen in the period from March to June 2012. It included 100 BA patients, where demographic and clinical data were collected using a pre-designed, structured questionnaire. Blood samples then collected by venipuncture, and sera were then separated and tested for the levels of C3 and C4 by immunoturbidimetry assay. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical tests using IBM SPSS Statistics, version Results: Of 100 patients, 53% were males and 29% were older than 40 years. The mean age of patients was 34.7± 17.5 years (range: 6–80). The majority of patients had active asthma (81.0%) and experienced asthma for more than two years (66.0%). Dyspnea (81.0%) and cough (65.0%) were the most frequent clinical features, while edema (11.0%) was the least frequent clinical feature among asthmatic patients. The mean level of serum C3 among BA patients was elevated (127.9 ± 21.3 mg/dL) and was significantly higher among females, patients aged 40 years or older and those with active BA, but there was no statistically significant difference with respect to the duration of asthma. In contrast, the mean level of serum C4 was normal (27.6 ± 8.8 mg/dL) but was significantly higher among patients aged 40 years or older and those having asthma for more than two years. Wheezing was significantly associated with the mean level of serum C3 among BA patients. Similarly, the mean level of serum C4 was significantly higher among patients having cough. Conclusions: The majority of Yemeni patients with BA have elevated levels of serum C3, which can be significantly higher in females, patients older than 40 years and those with active asthma. On the other hand, the levels of serum C4 are normal among the majority of Yemeni patients with BA, but these can be elevated among those with severe clinical features or long-term asthma. Keywords: Active asthma, Bronchial asthma, Complement, C3, C4, Yemen

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Results of Arthroscopic Release in Limits of Movement in Knees

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Sobhan ◽  
Seyed Hossein Saeed Banadaky ◽  
Mohammad Shafiee ◽  
Mohammad Gheisari
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Knee Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Arthroscopic Release ◽  
Lysholm Knee Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Limits of movement in knees is one of the most common complications following trauma and surgery. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment choices, knee replacement and performance improvement are expected in many patients. However, limits of movement in knees is unpleasant and should be corrected as soon as possible. In this study, we decided to evaluate the results of arthroscopic release in motion limits of knees. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.14 patients who referred to the Shahid Sadoughi Hospital of Yazd from 2014 to 2016 and diagnosed with knee limitation (flexion or extension restriction of more than 10 degrees) were selected. Patients were undergone arthroscopic release and followed-up for 6 months. Lysholm knee score, degrees of flexion and extension, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. The results were analyzed by SPSS-18 and statistical tests Paired T-test as well as Spearman correlation. Results: The mean age of the patients was 28.92±10.99 years. The most common type of trauma in the patients was femoral distal fracture (46.7%). The frequency of the patients' satisfaction with arthroscopy was as followed: 50% (7 patients), had moderate satisfaction, 28.6% (4 ones), high satisfaction, and 21.4% (3 ones) had low satisfaction.The mean difference in Lysholm Knee Score, improvement in degree of extension, improvement in degree of flexion and pain score before and after arthroscopy were 26.21±14.11,64.78±26.13,3.57±2.92 and 4.13±1.65,respectively.There was a significant difference between the mean values of these factors before and after arthroscopy. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, we can conclude that arthroscopic release is an effective and low-complication method in motion limits of knees.

scholarly journals Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence among Inmates of Orphanages: A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganga G Kaimal
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Emotional Intelligence Inventory

Introduction: Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence are the two psychological faculties that are closely related, both neurobiologically and conceptually and has significant influence in life outcome. Children living in orphanages are a group of unprivileged children with insufficient opportunities for both physical and psychological developments. Aim: To find out the intelligence, emotional intelligence and relationship between them among inmates of orphanages. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study which included 100 children living in orphanages. Personal data sheet developed by the investigator, Binet Kamat test of intelligence and Mangal Emotional Intelligence Inventory were the tools used for the study. Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank-order correlation was the statistical tests used. Results: The study subjects consisted of 58 girls and 42 boys. The mean score of intelligence in girls was 100.40 and the mean score of intelligence in boys was 99.12. The mean score emotional intelligence in girls was 61.45 and the mean score in boys was 59.95. No significant difference was found between girls and boys in intelligence and emotional intelligence. A positive correlation was found between intelligence and all the sub-scores and total score of emotional intelligence. Conclusion: Both nature and nurture are important in the development of psychological faculties like intelligence and emotional intelligence. There should be policies and programmes that focus on enhancing the intelligence and emotional intelligence of the underprivileged children living in child care institutions which in turn can decrease the deviant behaviours and increase the positive life outcomes.

scholarly journals Frequency of Various Causes of Hospitalization and Its Other Related Factors in Patients with Heart Failure

2021 ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Hamid Reza Jafarie ◽  
Elahe Zare ◽  
Mohammad Shafiee
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
The Mean

Background: Heart failure has the highest rate of Rehospitalization with 20-33% readmissions within 1 to 3 months of discharge from the hospital. we decided to find out the frequency of different causes of hospitalization in patients with heart failure during 2017 to 2019. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 120 patients with heart failure who were referred to Afshar Hospital of Yazd during 2017 to 2019 were enrolled. The random sampling method was used.The required information was collected from heart failure patients’ registry project. datum were collected and were analyzed by statistical tests and SPSS version 18. Results: The mean age of patients was 53.53±12.36 years. Of the 120 patients under study,41.7% were women and 58.3% were male. The results showed that, 14.2% did not follow the recommended diet,14.2% had not regular use of drugs,14.2% had renal dysfunction,9.2% had miscellaneous causes,8.3% had pulmonary disease and 40% had idiopathic cause(where the cause of the condition is not known). There was no significant difference among the distribution of various causes of hospitalization in terms of the variables in the study. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the most common reason for hospitalization of patients with heart failure is idiopathic cause.

Toxocara sero-prevalence and its relationship with allergic asthma in asthmatic patients in north-eastern Iran

2018 ◽  
Vol 93 (6) ◽  
pp. 677-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Khozime ◽  
M. Mirsadraee ◽  
H. Borji
Keyword(s):  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Domestic Dog ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Asthma Risk Factors ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Blood Eosinophils

AbstractToxocariasis is an important neglected tropical disease that has been suggested as a possible etiologic agent of asthma. The objective of the present study was to investigate possible significant association between Toxocara seroprevalence and asthma in a clinic-based case-control study. Blood samples were collected from human subjects aged 5–70 years, 50 of whom had signs of asthma and 50 of whom had no signs of asthma. Risk factors for asthma and Toxocara spp. infection were assessed by a questionnaire given to each patient. Blood samples were analysed to measure levels of anti-Toxocara spp. immunoglobulin G (IgG). Patients with bronchial asthma were observed to have higher Toxocara spp. seropositivity than that of the non-asthmatic controls (6 vs 2%, P = 0.47). The mean anti-Toxocara spp. antibody titre was not significantly higher in patients with bronchial asthma than in individuals without asthma (P = 0.395, 95% CI = 0.579–1.45). There was no significant difference in the mean age, sex, social class, exposure to smoking and presence of domestic dog or cat at home between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05). The presence of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG was statistically associated with higher blood eosinophils, but it was not associated with asthma (P ≥ 0.05). The observed relationship between exposure to Toxocara spp. infection and bronchial asthma in Iranian patients warrants further evaluation. An understanding of any potential influence on the pathogenesis of human asthma provides a potential avenue for prevention.

Rice tablet (Aluminum Phosphide) poisoning

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 5041
Author(s):  
Farkhondeh Jamshidi ◽  
Ahmad Ghorbani ◽  
Sina Darvishi*
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Patient Records ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Aluminum Phosphide ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning ◽  
Commit Suicide

The abuse of some pesticides especially to suicide is one of the current problems of pesticides. Aluminum phosphide induced poisoning usually happens to suicide and sometimes it is due to accidental occupational exposure and in a few cases it has some criminal intensions. This study is conducted to evaluate patients poisoned with aluminum phosphide. In the present study the medical records of cases of poisoning with rice tablets (aluminum phosphide) hospitalized in Ahvaz Razi hospital is studied. Accordingly, a checklist is prepared that included demographic information of patients (age, gender) and information on patient records (information on poisoning) are completed using the patients’ medical records. The analysis of data is done by SPSS V22. 18 patients poisoned with rice tablet (aluminum phosphide) are studied. Results of the study show that 11 patients are male and seven are female. The mean patient age is 27.06 ±8.04 years that is 28 ±9 and 25 ±6.02 in men and women respectively. Statistical tests show no statistically significant difference in mean age in both genders (P> 0.05). Among patients, 11 subjects took aluminum phosphide to attempt suicide and 3 cases took it unintentionally and of course the reason is not mentioned in four cases. Among the patients who tried to commit suicide by taking aluminum phosphide, 6 cases are male and 5 cases are female that no statistically significant difference is observed between the genders in this respect (P> 0.05). In addition to the study of the complications caused by this poisoning and its mortality, it is recommended to responsible authorities to provide the necessary educations and treatments to prevent this type of poisoning.

scholarly journals Gender-wise Comparative Assessment of Lifestyle Patterns and Well-being Status among Healthcare Employees at a Tertiary Care Hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanajakshamma Velam ◽  
Vyshnavi Kancherla ◽  
Latheef Kasala ◽  
Anusha Kancherla ◽  
Mounica Reddy Pillaram
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Female Employees ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lifestyle Patterns ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Abstract Background This study was an attempt to assess and compare the gender-wise lifestyle patterns and well-being status among the employees of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and Methods This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted at a tertiary care hospital between May and August 2019. A total of 777 employees belonging to both genders (male and female) and working at different professional levels were assessed. All the enrolled employees were subjected to a comprehensive study tool consisting of various dimensions of their health, which included physical, mental, social, spiritual and intellectual health dimensions. Results Among the participants, 327 (42.1%) were male and 450 (57.9%) were female. There was no significant difference in the mean age of male (37.91 ± 7.52) and female (36.85 ± 8.16) employees (p = 0.07). A significantly higher proportion of diabetes and hypertension were seen in male employees (9.8% and 14.4%, respectively) than in female (5.6% and 6.2% respectively). The overall well-being was better in male employees than in females and was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). We found that male employees had statistically significant better well-being in terms of physical, mental and social health whereas female employees had intellectual health. Conclusion The overall well-being in healthcare staff was good at our tertiary care hospital, and the outstanding/good well-being rate was higher in male employees than in female employees. Female employees experienced risks with regard to their physical health.

scholarly journals THU0517 THE ROLE OF ULTRASOUND-DEFINED SYNOVITIS GRADE I IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRALGIA, A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 497.2-497
Author(s):  
J. Arroyo Palomo ◽  
M. Arce Benavente ◽  
C. Pijoan Moratalla ◽  
B. A. Blanco Cáceres ◽  
A. Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Painful Joint ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Specialized Unit

Background:Musculoeskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is frequently used in several rheumatology units to detect subclinical inflammation in patients with joint symptoms suspected for progression to inflammatory arthritis (IA). Synovitis grade I (EULAR-OMERACT combined score) is known to be a casual finding in healthy individuals, but studies headed to unravel its possible role on rheumatic diseases are sparse.Objectives:To investigate the correlation between synovitis grade I, and the diagnosis of IA made after a year follow-up period since MSUS findings, in patients of an MSUS-specialized unit of a Rheumatology Department.Methods:We conducted a descriptive, retrospective and unicentric study. 30 patients were selected from the MSUS-specialized unit of our Rheumatology Department from July-18 to January-19. Patients presenting synovitis grade 0 (exclusively), 2 and/or 3 on combined score were excluded. Data collection at baseline included age, sex, immunological profile and previous physical examination to the MSUS findings, as well as the diagnosis made by the rheumatologist in 1-year visit follow-up: dividing the patient sample into two groups: those who were diagnosed with IA and those not. Non-parametric statistical tests for comparing means were used.Results:The mean age was 51,6 years and 70% were females. 6 (20%) patients were diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis after a year follow-up: 2 (4,8%) psoriatic arthritis, 1 (3,3%) undifferentiated arthritis, 1 (3,3%) rheumatoid arthritis, 1 (3,3%) Sjögren’s syndrome. Non-inflammatory arthropathies were also found 24 (80%), of which, 12 (40%) were non-specific arthralgias and 8 (19%) osteoarthritis.In the group of patients who did not developed an IA the mean C-reactive protein (CPR) value was 3,12 mg/L and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 8,2 mm; all of them were rheumatoid factor (RF) positive and ACPA-negative except one patient. 5 (31,3%) patients presented low antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) levels. In those who HLA B-27 and Cw6 were tested (4,25%); both were negative except for one that was HLA B-27 positive. The median number of swollen and painful joint count was 0, and the mean of joints with MSUS involvement was 3,5; the mean involved metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints was 1,83; proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints was 1,48 and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints 0,21.Among the group of patients that developed an IA the mean of CPR and ESR was 9,27 mg/L and 14,17 mm respectively; 2 (33%) patients were RF- positive, and 1 ACPA-positive. ANAs were positive in 3 cases (50%). The median of swollen joint count was 2 and for painful joint count was 0, the median of joints with MSUS involvement was 4,5. The mean of MSUS involvement was for MCP, PIP and DIP joints: 1,67, 2 and 0. Comparing the means of CPR values in the two groups with Student’s t-test we obtained a statistically significant difference (p=0,023). No other significant differences were found.Conclusion:Despite the limitations and possible statistical bias, the presence of MSUS-defined synovitis grade I and elevated CRP levels could be related to further diagnoses of inflammatory arthropathy. Besides, the absence of synovitis in DIP joints might have a diagnostic role. Normal physical exploration and normal levels of CRP might suggest low MSUS value. However, further research is needed to clarify the role of MSUS-defined synovitis grade I.References:[1]D’Agostino MA et al. Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforce-Part 1: definition and development of a standardized, consensus-based scoring system. RMD Open. 2017;3(1):e000428.[2]Van den Berg R et al. What is the value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients presenting with arthralgia to predict inflammatory arthritis development? A systematic literature review. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2018) 20:228.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Emotional Bonding and Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 263183182110274
Author(s):  
Deblina Roy ◽  
Sujita Kumar Kar ◽  
SM Yasir Arafat ◽  
Pawan Sharma ◽  
Russell Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emotional Bonding ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Study Participants

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have affected the sexuality and emotional bonding among the couple across the world. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the married people’s emotional bonding and sexual relationships in 3 south Asian counties (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Bangladesh, India, and Nepal residents from April 3 to April 15, 2020. The survey was designed in English. The participants were selected through convenience sampling technique, the link of the online questionnaire was shared with the participants. Only participants older than 18 years and above, married, and living with their spouses were included in the study. Results: A total number of 120 respondents were included finally for analysis from the participating countries (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh). The mean age of the participants was 35.42 (±5.73) years; the majority were males under the age of 40 years and had completed postgraduation as their qualification. Among the study participants, more than half (53.8%) of the women reported being sexually active during the lockdown, whereas 41% of the men reported being sexually active. Among the sexually active participants, most women (57.7%) reported that they perceived positive emotional bonding with their partners. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference observed when compared with men. There are variations in responses. However, no significant association was identified. Conclusion: There are a few insights from the study, that is, there was no significant difference found in almost 3 countries in emotional intimacy. There had been a trend that there is improved emotional bonding with their partners, although no significant difference was observed.

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.

The relationship between workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics among a sample of Iranian nurses

2021 ◽  
pp. 147775092110401
Author(s):  
Mahsa Dadkhah-Tehrani ◽  
Mohsen Adib-Hajbaghery
Keyword(s):  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
Spearman Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perceived Workload ◽  
Professional Codes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Professional Codes Of Ethics ◽  
The Relationship

Background Many studies have investigated the adherence to professional codes of ethics by nurses. However, no study has explicitly examined the relationship between workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics among Iranian nurses. Objective This study aimed to explore the relationships between workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics among a sample of Iranian nurses. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 213 nurses who were randomly selected from the different wards of Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan, Iran. Data collection instruments included a personal characteristics questionnaire, the Nursing Ethics Questionnaire, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index. The Chi-square, the Spearman correlation coefficient, the Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. Results A majority of nurses were females (77.5%), married (79.3%), and permanently employed (55.4%). The mean of the overall perceived workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics were 76.36 ± 13.64 and 13.98 ± 2.58, that were at high and moderated level, respectively. Spearman correlation test showed no significant correlation between perceived workload and adherence to professional codes of ethics ( r = 0.03, P = 0.6). A significant difference was found between the mean scores of adherence to professional codes of ethics in nurses working in different departments ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Participating nurses perceived high levels of workload but their mean adherence to professional codes of ethics was at a moderate level. The perceived workload was indirectly correlated with adherence to professional codes of ethics.

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