scholarly journals Uptake of Screening Mammogram in West-central Illinois During COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned

Author(s):  
John Owoade Agboola ◽  
Oluwasola Stephen Ayosanmi ◽  
Maureen P. Bezold ◽  
Oluwatobi Mogbojuri

Abstract Objectives. The study aims to reveal the trend of mammogram uptake in seventeen rural counties in Illinois to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is influencing breast cancer screening in the area.Methods. Aggregated data on mammography screening for west central Illinois was provided by the Illinois Hospital Association. Data for 2018 and 2019 was used to determine the typical monthly and annual screenings for the two years before the onset of COVID-19. Then, the two years' data was compared to the 2020 data. The monthly mean values for the aggregated 2018 and 2019 data were generated as the base "year" to compare with the monthly value for 2020. Paired T-Test analysis was used to find if there were any statistically significant differences the years and between the base year and 2020.Results. January 2020 revealed an uptick to 2,921, which is more than the uptake for January 2018 (2700) and January 2019 (2488), and 13% greater than the mean value of 2,594 for the previous two years. This was followed by a gradual decrease in uptake in February 2020 by 4% compared to previous years at a mean of 2518 and a further decline in March (44%), with a drastic fall (98%) by April 2020 at 56 screening mammograms in all 17 counties. The lowest uptake in any three months occurred from March through May 2020. Compared to previous years, increase in uptake was noted across the region in 2020 June (8%) and July (4%) after the pandemic restrictions were relaxed. Overall, the total uptake in 2020 was 15% less than the average annual uptake for 2018-2019 with a deficit of 5,537. There was no statistically significant difference in mammogram uptake across the three years.Conclusion. The findings reveal that there was a significant reduction in uptake during the pandemic restriction period. However, increased uptake during the rest of the year effectively mitigated this reduction to such an extent that there was no statistically significant downturn compared to each of the previous two years. A rising trend in total annual uptake noted in preceding years could have continued without the COVID-19 event.

Author(s):  
Yuko Komuro ◽  
Yuji Ohta

Conventionally, the strength of toe plantar flexion (STPF) is measured in a seated position, in which not only the target toe joints but also the knee and particularly ankle joints, are usually restrained. We have developed an approach for the measurement of STPF which does not involve restraint and considers the interactions of adjacent joints of the lower extremities. This study aimed to evaluate this new approach and comparing with the seated approach. A thin, light-weight, rigid plate was attached to the sole of the foot in order to immobilize the toe area. Participants were 13 healthy young women (mean age: 24 ± 4 years). For measurement of STPF with the new approach, participants were instructed to stand, raise the device-wearing leg slightly, plantar flex the ankle, and push the sensor sheet with the toes to exert STPF. The sensor sheet of the F-scan II system was inserted between the foot sole and the plate. For measurement with the seated approach, participants were instructed to sit and push the sensor with the toes. They were required to maintain the hip, knee, and ankle joints at 90°. The mean values of maximum STPF of the 13 participants obtained with each approach were compared. There was no significant difference in mean value of maximum STPF when the two approaches were compared (new: 59 ± 23 N, seated: 47 ± 33 N). The coefficient of variation of maximum STPF was smaller for data obtained with the new approach (new: 39%, seated: 70%). Our simple approach enables measurement of STPF without the need for the restraints that are required for the conventional seated approach. These results suggest that the new approach is a valid method for measurement of STPF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-152
Author(s):  
Mosmi Lomi ◽  
Jonathan Daniel M

Determining gender is one of the most important procedure in forensics. Teeth are made of the most enduring mineralized tissues in the body, as such, they have an extraordinary resistance to putrefaction and the effects of external agents (physical, thermal, mechanical, chemical or biological) which makes them invaluable material for anthropological, genetic, odontologic and forensic examinations.i)To assess the degree of sexual dimorphism in maxillary canine using maxillary canine index, maxillary first molar and central incisor using mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual/buccopalatal (BL) dimensions of the crown. ii) To determine the accuracy of maxillary canine index, first molar and central incisor dimensions (mesiodistal and buccolingual/buccopalatal) in determining sex.This study consisted of total 30 participants (males=15, females=15) of age group ranging from 20 to 35 yrs. Measurement of dimensions of selected teeth were performed on maxillary cast using digital Vernier caliper, resolution 0.01mm. Data thus obtained were analyzed statistically.The mean values of all the measurements in males were greater than females. There was statistical significant difference in mean value of bucco-lingual width of molar, mesiodistal width of canine (on left side, right side and average) and the inter-canine distance between males and females. The buccolingual width of molar showed the highest % of sexual dimorphism (5.33%) and the mesiodistal width of molar showed the least % of dimorphism (0.7%). Bucco-lingual width of molar posed the highest prediction accuracy for gender determination. We conclude that buccolingual width of maxillary first molar can be used to predict the gender when only teeth of maxillary arch are available for forensic examination.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-86
Author(s):  
Mushtaq Hussain Lashari ◽  
Sumbel Sumera ◽  
Umer Farooq ◽  
Zia Ur Rehman ◽  
Nuzhat Sial ◽  
...  

Background: Health problem are culturally associated with smoking in developing countries. Many hazardous chemicals are taken up by direct or passive smoking causing lipid peroxidation resulting in oxidative stress. Objectives: To estimate the occurrence of smoking and its effects on the lipid profile in populations of Hasilpur, Pakistan. Methodology: The current study was conducted from April - August 2014. Out of 247 apparently healthy subjects of both genders (male=220; female=27), 134 were smokers and 113 were non-smokers. In order to analyze lipid profile, blood samples were collected in early morning hours from the selected members who were asked to fast all night. By using Chem-100 chemistry analyzer, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and VLDL were analyzed. Results: The overall prevalence of smokers was 54.25%. The results showed 60.9% prevalence in males and 0% in females. The mean value of serum triglyceride in control, light smokers and heavy smokers was 147.4±11.7mg/dl, 190.8±41.4 and 205.3±29.7mg/dl, respectively. The results of cholesterol in control, light smokers and heavy smokers were 147.38±7.99mg/dl, 136.8 ±12. 8mg/dl and 173.44±8.63mg/dl, respectively. There was a considerable distinction in the mean level of serum triglyceride and cholesterol between the control group, light smokers and heavy smoker groups (P<00.5). The mean value of HDL of control, light smokers and heavy smokers was 30.93±1.30mg/dl, 31.10±2.45 and 34.58±1.55mg/dl, respectively. The mean values of LDL and VLDL of control, light smokers and heavy smokers were 110.46±3.63mg/dl, 106.00±4.52mg/dl, 117.19±3.48mg/dl and 33.54±3.11mg/dl, 49±9.02mg/dl, 41.06±5.34mg/dl, respectively. There was significant difference in the mean level of HDL, LDL and VLDL between the control group, light smokers and heavy smoker groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study concluded that smoking is the reasons of variation in the lipid profile. Elevated period of smoking and the number of smoked cigarettes/day reason the alteration in serum lipid levels and is probably related with increased danger for coronary artery disease.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fitri Anissa Syaimima Syaiful Azim ◽  
Arlette Suzy Puspa Pertiwi ◽  
Rosiliwati Wihardja

Every child will go through several stages in his or her life. They are different from each other as they are in the process of development of cognition, physics, emotion, and personality. For many children, a visit to the dentist can raise their anxiety. This anxiousness will lead to stress that influences the cardiovascular function in the body. The purpose of this research was to determine the difference in pediatric blood pressure between middle childhood and late childhood prior to dental treatment. This research was a clinical trial, pure experimental study. The sample consisted of 30 children within the range of 4-12 years old where they were divided into two groups of age; middle childhood (4-7 years old) and late childhood (8-12 years old). The blood pressures were measured before any dental treatment began and the values were recorded. The data were then analyzed using the One-Sample T-Test analysis. The results of blood pressure in middle childhood and late childhood were compared to the average mean values for each age group. It showed that there was a significant difference in the systolic pressure, which was found higher in the middle childhood group compared to the late childhood. From the result can be concluded that there was a difference in the pediatric blood pressure between middle childhood and late childhood prior to dental treatment.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 4717-4717
Author(s):  
Georgia Kaiafa ◽  
Vasiliki Tsavdaridou ◽  
Athanasios Papadopoulos ◽  
Christos Savopoulos ◽  
Apostolos Hatzitolios ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Blood cells are deficient in membrane-bound glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) because of an acquired disorder of the pluripotent stem cell. CD55 and CD59 antigens are the most common GPI-anchored proteins that are used for the diagnosis of the presence of PNH clone. The association of MDS with PNH is rather controversial. There are few published individual cases of PNH arrived from a previous MDS or MDS following PNH. Aim: Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of PNH clone in some MDS patients. These studies were performed mostly on erythrocytes and to the best of our knowledge they are only 4. Granulocytes appear to be more sensitive markers of PNH clone existence than erythrocytes and therefore we investigate the expression of PNH clone on granulocytes of patients with MDS. Material-Methods: A total number of 95 patients 25–80 yrs old with MDS {A:19 with refractory anaemia (RA), B:9 with refractory anaemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS), C:17 with refractory anaemia with excess blasts (RAEB), D: 12 with refractory anaemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-t) and E: 19 with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMLL)} and 19 healthy donors were included in our study. The presence of GPI-anchored proteins (CD55, CD59)-deficient granulocytes was examined by flow cytometry. For the detection of the PNH clone the commercial kit by Beckman Coulter (cellquant CD55/CD59) was used. Statistical analysis was made by ANOVA, while Robust test was performed because there was no homogeneity of variances by ANOVA. Results: Table 1 shows the percentages of CD55 and CD59 deficient granulocytes in the 5 groups of pts with MDS comparing with the control group. a) Although the mean values of CD55 deficient granulocytes in the groups RAEB, RAEB-t and CMLL were higher enough than those of the normal subjects, there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.10) in the comparison of the mean values of CD55 deficient granulocytes between each group of patients with the control group. b) On the contrary there was a very statistically significant difference in the comparison of the mean value of CD59 deficient granulocytes between the three last groups (C, D and E) of pts with the control group (p< 0.086, p< 0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). The percentages of CD55 and CD59 deficient granulocytes in the 5 groups of patients with MDS and in the control group CD55 CD55 CD59 CD59 Groups N Mean Value Std deviation Mean Value Std deviation A (RA) 19 2.89 2.79 2.91 2.85 B (RARS) 9 1.05 1.14 3.89 3.63 C (RAEB) 17 4.78 4.76 11.75 6.06 D (RAEB-t) 12 4.23 2.85 23.76 8.53 E (CMLL) 19 6.01 4.97 38.26 16.18 Control 19 3.67 2.89 3.67 2.89 Total 95 4.00 3.87 14.44 16.39 Conclusions: There are relatively large CD59 negative subpopulations (mean values 11.75–38.26%) of granulocytes in the last three groups (RAEB, RAEB-t, CMLL) of MDS patients. On the contrary the two low risk forms (RA, RARS) revealed no such populations. Non-expression of CD59 antigen on granulocytes is a more sensitive marker than that of CD55 antigen for the presence of a possible PNH clone in MDS patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebaa Ibrahim Alagha

Abstract Aim of the study: This study evaluated the impact of two remineralizing agents containing casein phosphopeptideamorphous calcium phosphate (CPPACP), and Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on white spot lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of ninety freshly extracted upper premolars were divided in three equal groups (30 each). Group A: Control group. Group B: Varnish containing CPP–ACP. Group C: Varnish containing TCP. The teeth were subjected to Diagnodent test after inducing white spot lesions to assess any surface changes present on the teeth. The readings were repeated post demineralization and post-remineralization. Results: Statistically significant difference was present in the mean values between the tested groups. CPP-ACP group recorded higher mean value at demineralization when compared to TCP group. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was present between the baseline and the demineralization values. CPP-ACP group presented higher remineralization results when compared to TCP group. T-test proved a significant difference between the tested groups. Conclusion: CPP-ACP containing varnish had higher remineralizing effect when compared to TCP containing varnish. Clinical Significance: Recently, the focus of restorative dentistry has been directed toward a conservative approach. Prevention and non-restorative treatment of initial enamel caries is the main concern. Remineralization procedures are the most preferred way of regeneration of lost tooth structure.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Minov ◽  
Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska ◽  
Tatjana Petrova ◽  
Kristin Vasilevska ◽  
Saso Stoleski ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The recent epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest possible antioxidant effect of carbocysteine in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).AIM: To assess efficacy and tolerability of carbocysteine in the management of stable COPD.METHODS: We performed an observational, non-randomized, open study (a real life study) including 87 patients with stable COPD (group B and D by combined COPD assessment) divided in two groups, examined group (EG) and control group (CG). All participants were treated with the regular treatment of the stable disease, but in the participants of the EG carbocysteine 1,500 mg daily was added to their regular treatment during the period of two months. The study protocol included completion of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and spirometric measurements at initial visit and at the end of the mentioned period.RESULTS: We found significantly lower mean value of the overall CAT score in the EG at the end of the study as compared to its mean value registered at initial visit (26.9 vs. 24.3; P = 0.007). In regard to certain CAT items, we found significantly lower values of the mean scores related to cough phlegm and sleep disturbances as compared to their mean scores at initial visit. In addition, the mean values of the overall CAT scores at initial visit and at the end of the study in controls were similar. In EG we found significantly higher mean value of the MEF 25-75 at the end of the study as compared to its mean value registered at initial visit (59.3% vs. 67.2%; P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the mean values of other spirometric parameters at the end of the study as compared to their mean values at initial visit. In controls we registered similar values of all measured spirometric parameters at the end of the study as compared to their values registered at initial visit. Mild gastrointestinal manifestations were registered in 13.3% of the participants of the EG during the examined period.CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate positive effects of carbocysteine regarding the symptoms and lung function, as well as its good tolerability in the patients with stable COPD.


1973 ◽  
Vol 30 (02) ◽  
pp. 327-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
June M. Whaun

SummaryIt is well recognized that some newborn infants experience unexplainable bruising, petechiae, and occasionally, intraventricular hemorrhage.Total endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 14C-5-HT uptake and release Aver e studied as part of a comprehensive survey.Total endogenous 5-HT levels were assayed in platelets of normal adult subjects, parturient mothers, and full-term normal newborn infants. Mean values expressed as micromoles per 1011 platelets were 0.186 ±0.018 (S.E.), 0.138 ±0.02, and 0.069 ± 0.008 respectively. Mean values expressed as nanomoles per milligram platelet protein were 0.417±0.03 (S.E.), 0.371 ±0.04, 0.161 ±0.02, respectively. No significant difference was noted between samples from adult controls and those from mothers. Newborn platelets were significantly different from either adult control platelets or maternal platelets. 14C-5-HT binding was measured in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the three groups. No significant difference between the three groups was noted. 14C-5-HT release following addition of solubilized collagen to PRP was measured in each of the three groups. No significant difference was noted in samples from adult normal controls (mean value 53.2 ±2.5%) and samples from mothers who had not ingested aspirin or other drugs (mean value 53.7 ±3.4%). Newborn platelet samples in contrast did not release as completely as platelet samples of the other two groups (mean value 37.2±2.4%).Newborn platelets have both low serotonin stores, which may reflect immaturity of intestinal secretory function or block in amine synthesis, and an intrinsically defective reíase reaction which may reflect immaturity of membrane structure. Both these findings may provide further insight into altered hemostasis in the newborn.


2015 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. 135-139
Author(s):  
Manisha Sharma ◽  
Sameer Gupta ◽  
Avdesh Sharma ◽  
Vandana Bhardwaj ◽  
Pooja Sharma ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective : Forensic odontology is a lineage that deals in relation to jaws and teeth as evidence to law and justice. Tooth serves as a prime importance in the context of sex identification. (1) To investigate whether there exists any correlation between odontometric measures and sexual dimorphism. (2) To compare the inter-canine arch width of mandible. (3) To evaluate the mean value of standard mandibular canine index. Method: This study is an odontometric analysis performed intra-orally with a sample of 150 teeth (75male:75 female) on students of Kanti Devi Dental college, Mathura. Mesiodistal dimensions of mandibular right and left canine with a caliper device and statistical analysis for significance of sexual dimorphism was done with student’s t test. Result: The result showed that sexual dimorphism is significant in relation to mesiodistal diameter of canine. Furthermore, there was statistical significant difference in tooth crown dimension between males and females where the males showed higher mean values. Conclusion: The study show definite statistically significant sexual dimorphism hence they can play significant role in providing expertise in civil & criminal proceedings to ensure that forensic dentistry will remain viable component of forensic medicine.


2009 ◽  
Vol 03 (04) ◽  
pp. 304-313
Author(s):  
Alev Aksoy Dogan ◽  
Pinar Bolpaca

ABSTRACTObjectives: High intake of fluoride (>1.5 mg/L) for a prolonged period may lead to skeletal fluorosis as well as dental fluorosis. The aim of this study was to compare the craniofacial characteristics of children with dental fluorosis in early permanent dentition period to those without fluorosis.Methods: Two hundred and sixteen children in early permanent dentition (girls:121, boys:95) were included in the study. Study group was composed of 124 children with dental fluorosis who was born and grew up in Isparta (girls:75, boys:49) whereas control group of children (n=92: 46 girls and 46 boys) had no dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis was classified using Thylstrup Fejerskov Fluorosis Index. Radiological evaluation was performed by cephalometric tracing using Björk analysis. Statistical evaluation in between study and control groups was done by Independent Samples T test and comparison with Björk’s standards was done by One Sample T test analysis. The association between two quantitative variables was evaluated with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (rho).Results: The mean dental fluorosis level was 4.6±1.8 for children with fluorosis. Systemic fluorosis affect girls no different than boys in the early permanent dentition period because none of the angular measurements show significant difference between boys and girls in the fluoridated group. Comparison of craniofacial angular values of boys with fluorosis show greater diversity compared to boys without fluorosis against Björk’s mean values for boys.Conclusions: Craniofacial morphology of children with fluorosis did not show great diversity than the ones without fluorosis in the early permanent dentition period. None of the angular measurements were significantly different between boys and girls in the fluoridated group which might imply that systemic fluorosis did not show gender difference in the early permanent dentition. (Eur J Dent 2009;3:304-313)


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document