scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Macular Capillary Perfusion

Author(s):  
mine esen baris ◽  
Cumali Degirmenci ◽  
Suzan Guven Yilmaz ◽  
Filiz Afrashi ◽  
Husnu Pullukcu ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a prior non-severe COVID-19 infection on retinal microcirculation with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods:A total of 83 eyes of 43 patients with a history of non-severe COVID-19 infection confirmed with a positive PCR test (Group 1) and 30 age-matched healthy controls (Group 2) underwent detailed eye examination including Spectral-Domain OCT (Topcon-Triton Swept Source) and OCTA (RTVue-XR Avanti) scanning. OCTA images (6x6mm) images were used to assess vessel densities (VD) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Results:The mean duration between the COVID-19 positive PCR test and ocular examination was 144.6±82.2 days (range: 30-270). VD of SCP and DCP in the foveal and perifoveal regions were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p<0.05). Conclusion:Non-severe COVID-19 infection may cause a decrease in VD of retinal SCP and DCP.

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 656-664
Author(s):  
I.R. Volchkova ◽  
A.V. Yumashev ◽  
V.V. Borisov ◽  
V.I. Doroshina ◽  
E.A. Kristal ◽  
...  

Introduction: Removable dentures are used by 20% of the population. These may be accompanied by denture stomatitis in 15-70% of patients. The choice of the optimal cleansing agent for removable dental prostheses is of high significance. Aim: The aim of our research was to study the influence of removable denture cleansing products on the adhesion of microorganisms and yeast. Materials and Methods: We manufactured 144 specimens of standardized round shape with a diameter of 10 mm from 4 types of modern polymeric materials used by prosthetic dentistry to produce removable dentures, 12 specimens of each material were placed into suspensions of bacterial cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, then into “ClearaSept” (Test group 1), “Рrotefix active cleanser” (Test group 2), saline solution (Control group), followed by nutrient media. The adhesion index was calculated and analyzed. Results: There was no reliable lowering of adhesion index of Staphylococcus Aureus to all materials detected in Test group 1 (U=6, p>0.05 for Bio XS; U=8, p>0.05 for Dental D, Denotokeep Peek, Vertex Rapid Simplified). In Test group 2, the adhesion index of Staphylococcus Aureus reliably decreased to all materials compared to the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). The adhesion index of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli to all materials in Test group 1 had a minor to moderate reliable reduction compared to the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). Test group 2 showed a significant reliable decrease in Candida albicans and Escherichia coli adhesion index to all materials in comparison with the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). Conclusion: The research showed an unreliable or minor and moderate reliable decrease in microorganisms adhesion index depending on the microorganism species after treatment of denture material specimens by antibacterial soap “ClearaSept” and a reliable significant decrease in microbial and yeast adhesion after application of Protefix active cleaner solution, which demonstrates a more significant antimicrobial effect in comparison to “ClearaSept” against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.


Author(s):  
I Putu Eka Jaya ◽  
Nyoman Mangku Karmaya ◽  
Made Jawi ◽  
Wayan Weta ◽  
Ida Bagus Ngurah ◽  
...  

Physical fitness is ability to perform the activity or activities without feeling tired excessively. Physical fitness associated with a person`s organs to carry out its tasks properly every day without experiencing significant fatigue. In a child’s mental retardation with a les mobile lifestyle that will affect his physical fitness. The purpose of this study to determine which type of gymnastic exercise better to the physical fitness on the students in Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa Kuncup Bunga Denpasar.This research used experimental method using Randomized study Pre and Post Test Group Design. The subjects in this study were students in Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa Kuncup Bunga Denpasar. There were 18 students which is divided into two groups: group-1 is senam penguins and group-2 is senam ria anak Indonesia. Data were obtained after a six-week training analyzed by paired t-test and unpaired t-test.The results of physical fitness test before training with Senam Penguins was 23.39 ± 1.69 and the test results after the training was 27.87 ± 3.28. the physical fitness test in group-2 before training with Senam Ria anak Indonesia was 22.69 ± 1.76 and the results after training was 24.64 ± 2.11. Paired t-test in both group before and after training showed significant differences after training in group-1 and group-2 with a value of p > 0.05 with an increase in physical fitness test results of (19.15) in group-1 and (8.64) in group-2. The percentage increase physical fitness test results of group-1 with senam penguins is higher than those in group-2 with senam ria anak Indonesia.So we can conclude that the training of senam penguin in Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa Kuncup Bunga Denpasar improved the physical fitness test results higher than senam ria anak Indonesia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerzy Stanek

AbstractShort CommunicationsEXIT (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) procedure is a fetal survival-increasing modification of cesarean section. Previously we found an increase incidence of fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) in placentas from EXIT procedures which indicates the underlying stasis of fetal blood flow in such cases. This retrospective analysis analyzes the impact of the recently introduced CD34 immunostain for the FVM diagnosis in placentas from EXIT procedures.Objectives and MethodsA total of 105 placentas from EXIT procedures (48 to airway, 43 to ECMO and 14 to resection) were studied. In 73 older cases, the placental histological diagnosis of segmental FVM was made on H&E stained placental sections only (segmental villous avascularity) (Group 1), while in 32 most recent cases, the CD34 component of a double E-cadherin/CD34 immunostain slides was also routinely used to detect the early FVM (endothelial fragmentation, villous hypovascularity) (Group 2). 23 clinical and 47 independent placental phenotypes were compared by χ2 or ANOVA, where appropriate.ResultsThere was no statistical significance between the groups in rates of segmental villous avascularity (29 vs. 34%), but performing CD34 immunostain resulted in adding and/or upgrading 12 more cases of segmental FVM in Group 2, thus increasing the sensitivity of placental examination for FVM by 37%. There were no other statistically significantly differences in clinical (except for congenital diaphragmatic hernias statistically significantly more common in Group 2, 34 vs 56%, p=0.03) and placental phenotypes, proving the otherwise comparability of the groups.ConclusionsThe use of CD34 immunostain increases the sensitivity of placental examination for FVM by 1/3, which may improve the neonatal management by revealing the increased likelihood of the potentially life-threatening neonatal complications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco A. Ciarleglio ◽  
Marta Rigoni ◽  
Liliana Mereu ◽  
Cai Tommaso ◽  
Alessandro Carrara ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The aim of this retrospective comparative study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 and delayed emergency department access on emergency surgery outcomes, by comparing the main clinical outcomes in the period March–May 2019 (group 1) with the same period during the national COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (March–May 2020, group 2). Methods A comparison (groups 1 versus 2) and subgroup analysis were performed between patients’ demographic, medical history, surgical, clinical and management characteristics. Results Two-hundred forty-six patients were included, 137 in group 1 and 109 in group 2 (p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in the peri-operative characteristics of the two groups. A declared delay in access to hospital and preoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were 15.5% and 5.8%, respectively in group 2. The overall morbidity (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.08–4.55, p = 0.03) and 30-day mortality (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 0.33–5.50, =0.68) were significantly higher in group 2. The delayed access cohort showed a close correlation with increased morbidity (OR = 3.19, 95% CI 0.89–11.44, p = 0.07), blood transfusion (OR = 5.13, 95% CI 1.05–25.15, p = 0.04) and 30-day mortality risk (OR = 8.00, 95% CI 1.01–63.23, p = 0.05). SARS-CoV-2-positive patients had higher risk of blood transfusion (20% vs 7.8%, p = 0.37) and ICU admissions (20% vs 2.6%, p = 0.17) and a longer median LOS (9 days vs 4 days, p = 0.11). Conclusions This article provides enhanced understanding of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient access to emergency surgical care. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 changed the quality of surgical care with poorer prognosis and higher morbidity rates. Delayed emergency department access and a “filter effect” induced by a fear of COVID-19 infection in the population resulted in only the most severe cases reaching the emergency department in time.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii440-iii440
Author(s):  
Harriet Dulson ◽  
Rachel McAndrew ◽  
Mark Brougham

Abstract INTRODUCTION Children treated for CNS tumours experience a very high burden of adverse effects. Platinum-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy can cause ototoxicity, which may be particularly problematic in patients who have impaired vision and cognition as a result of their tumour and associated treatment. This study assessed the prevalence of impaired hearing and vision and how this may impact upon education. METHODS 53 patients diagnosed with solid tumours in Edinburgh, UK between August 2013–2018 were included in the study. Patients were split into three groups according to treatment received: Group 1 – cisplatin-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy; Group 2 - platinum-based chemotherapy, no cranial radiotherapy; Group 3 – benign brain tumours treated with surgery only. Data was collected retrospectively from patient notes. RESULTS Overall 69.5% of those treated with platinum-based chemotherapy experienced ototoxicity as assessed by Brock grading and 5.9% of patients had reduced visual acuity. Patients in Group 1 had the highest prevalence of both. 44.4% of patients in Group 1 needed increased educational support following treatment, either with extra support in the classroom or being unable to continue in mainstream school. 12.5% of Group 2 patients required such support and 31.3% in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS Children with CNS tumours frequently require support for future education but those treated with both platinum-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy are at particular risk, which may be compounded by co-existent ototoxicity and visual impairment. It is essential to provide appropriate support for this patient cohort in order to maximise their educational potential.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Wanyu Zhang ◽  
Yihong Guo

AbstractOestradiol, an important hormone in follicular development and endometrial receptivity, is closely related to clinical outcomes of fresh in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A supraphysiologic E2 level is inevitable during controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation (COH), and its effect on the outcome of IVF-ET is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the association between elevated serum oestradiol (E2) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET cycles. The data of 3659 infertile patients with fresh IVF-ET cycles were analysed retrospectively between August 2009 and February 2017 in First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patients were categorized by serum E2 levels on the day of hCG administration into six groups: group 1 (serum E2 levels ≤ 1000 pg/mL, n = 230), group 2 (serum E2 levels between 1001 and 2000 pg/mL, n = 524), group 3 (serum E2 levels between 2001 and 3000 pg/mL, n = 783), group 4 (serum E2 levels between 3001 and 4000 pg/mL, n = 721), group 5 (serum E2 levels between 4001 and 5000 pg/mL, n = 548 ), and group 6 (serum E2 levels > 5000 pg/mL, n = 852). Univariate linear regression was used to evaluate the independent correlation between each factor and outcome index. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors. The LBW rates were as follows: 3.0% (group 1), 2.9% (group 2), 1.9% (group 3), 2.9% (group 4), 2.9% (group 5), and 2.0% (group 6) (P = 0.629), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of neonatal LBW among the six groups. We did not detect an association between peak serum E2 level during ovarian stimulation and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET. The results of this retrospective cohort study showed that serum E2 peak levels during ovarian stimulation were not associated with birth weight during IVF cycles. In addition, no association was found between higher E2 levels and increased LBW risk. Our observations suggest that the hyper-oestrogenic milieu during COS does not seem to have adverse effects on the birthweight of offspring after IVF. Although this study provides some reference, the obstetric-related factors were not included due to historical reasons. The impact of the high estrogen environment during COS on the birth weight of IVF offspring still needs future research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 340.2-341
Author(s):  
V. Orefice ◽  
F. Ceccarelli ◽  
C. Barbati ◽  
R. Lucchetti ◽  
G. Olivieri ◽  
...  

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting women of childbearing age. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors may contribute to disease pathogenesis1. At today, no robust data are available about the possible contribute of diet in SLE. Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor2.In vitrodose-dependent treatment with caffeine seems to down-regulate mRNA levels of key inflammation-related genes and similarly reduce levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines3.Objectives:We evaluated the impact of caffeine consumption on SLE-related disease phenotype and activity, in terms of clinimetric assessment and cytokines levels.Methods:We performed a cross-sectional study, enrolling consecutive patients and reporting their clinical and laboratory data. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2k)4. Caffeine intake was evaluated by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, including all the main sources of caffeine. As previously reported, patients were divided in four groups according to the daily caffeine intake: <29.1 mg/day (group 1), 29.2-153.7 mg/day (group 2), 153.8-376.5 mg/day (group 3) and >376.6 mg/day (group 4)5. At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected from each patient to assess cytokines levels. These were assessed by using a panel by Bio-Plex assays to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-27, IFN-γ, IFN-α and Blys.Results:We enrolled 89 SLE patients (F/M 87/2, median age 46 years, IQR 14; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 150). The median intake of caffeine was 195 mg/day (IQR 160.5). At the time of the enrollment, 8 patients (8.9%) referred a caffeine intake < 29.1 mg/day (group 1), 27 patients (30.3%) between 29.2 and 153.7 mg/day (group 2), 45 patients (51%) between 153.8 and 376.5 mg/day (group 3) and 9 patients (10.1%) >376.6 mg/day (group 4). A negative correlation between the levels of caffeine and disease activity, evaluated with SLEDAI-2K, was observed (p=0.01, r=-0.26). By comparing the four groups, a significant higher prevalence of lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, haematological manifestations, hypocomplementemia and anti-dsDNA positivity was observed in patients with less intake of caffeine (figure 1 A-E). Furthermore, patients with less intake of caffeine showed a significant more frequent use of glucocorticoids [group 4: 22.2%,versusgroup 1 (50.0%, p=0.0001), group 2 (55.5%, p=0.0001), group 3 (40.0%, p=0.009)]. Moving on cytokines analysis, a negative correlation between daily caffeine consumption and serum level of IFNγ was found (p=0.03, r=-0.2) (figure 2A); furthermore, patients with more caffeine intake showed significant lower levels of IFNα (p=0.02, figure 2B), IL-17 (p=0.01, figure 2C) and IL-6 (p=0.003, figure 2D).Conclusion:This is the first report demonstrating the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity status, as demonstrated by the inverse correlation between its intake and both SLEDAI-2k values and cytokines levels. Moreover, in our cohort, patients with less caffeine consumption seems to have a more severe disease phenotype, especially in terms of renal and neuropsychiatric involvement. Our results seem to suggest a possible immunoregulatory dose-dependent effect of caffeine, through the modulation of serum cytokine levels, as already suggested byin vitroanalysis.References:[1]Kaul et alNat. Rev. Dis. Prim.2016; 2. Aronsen et alEurop Joul of Pharm2014; 3. Iris et alClin Immun.2018; 4. Gladman et al J Rheumatol. 2002; 5. Mikuls et alArth Rheum2002Disclosure of Interests:Valeria Orefice: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, cristiana barbati: None declared, Ramona Lucchetti: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi


2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
Pierre Koskas ◽  
Mouna Romdhani ◽  
Olivier Drunat

As commonly happens in epidemiological research, none of the reported studies were totally free of methodological problems. Studies have considered the influence of social relationships on dementia, but the mechanisms underlying these associations are not perfectly understood. We look at the possible impact of selection bias. For their first memory consultation, patients may come alone or accompanied by a relative. Our objective is to better understand the impact of this factor by retrospective follow-up of geriatric memory outpatients over several years. All patients over 70 who were referred to Bretonneau Memory Clinic for the first time, between January 2006 and 2018, were included in the study. The patients who came alone formed group 1, the others, whatever type of relative accompanied them, formed group 2. We compared the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of patients; and for all patients who came twice for consultation with at least a 60-day interval, we compared their first MMSE with the MMSE performed at the second consultation. In total, 2,935 patients were included, aged 79.7 ± 8.4 years. Six hundred and twenty-five formed group 1 and 2,310 group 2. We found a significant difference in MMSE scores between the 2 groups of patients; and upon second consultation in group 2, but that difference was minor in group 1. Our finding of a possible confounding factor underlines the complexity of choosing comparison groups in order to minimize selection bias while maintaining clinical relevance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215145932110096
Author(s):  
Christina Polan ◽  
Heinz-Lothar Meyer ◽  
Manuel Burggraf ◽  
Monika Herten ◽  
Paula Beck ◽  
...  

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging healthcare systems worldwide. This study examines geriatric patients with proximal femur fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in secondary disease profile, the impact of the pandemic on hospitalization and further treatment. Methods: In a retrospective monocentric study, geriatric proximal femur fractures treated in the first six months of 2020 were analyzed and compared with the same period of 2019. Pre-traumatic status (living in a care home, under supervision of a legal guardian), type of trauma, accident mechanism, geriatric risk factors, associated comorbidities, time between hospitalization and surgery, inpatient time and post-operative further treatment of 2 groups of patients, aged 65-80 years (Group 1) and 80+ years (Group 2) were investigated. Results: The total number of patients decreased (70 in 2019 vs. 58 in 2020), mostly in Group 1 (25 vs. 16) while the numbers in Group 2 remained almost constant (45 vs. 42). The percentage of patients with pre-existing neurological conditions rose in 2020. This corresponded to an increase in patients under legal supervision (29.3%) and receiving pre-traumatic care in a nursing home (14.7%). Fractures were mostly caused by minor trauma in a home environment. In 2020, total number of inpatient days for Group 2 was lower compared to Group 1 (p = 0.008). Further care differed between the years: fewer Group 1 patients were discharged to geriatric therapy (69.6% vs. 25.0%), whereas in Group 2 the number of patients discharged to a nursing home increased. Conclusions: Falling by elderly patients is correlated to geriatric comorbidities, consequently there was no change in the case numbers in this age group. Strategic measures to avoid COVID-19 infection in hospital setting could include reducing the length of hospital stays by transferring elderly patients to a nursing home as soon as possible and discharging independent, mobile patients to return home.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Horan ◽  
L Glover ◽  
P Downey ◽  
M Wingfield

Abstract Study question Do women undergoing surgery for endometrioma due to pain, a cyst and/or subfertility understand the impact of the disease and its treatment on ovarian reserve and fertility. Summary answer The majority of women treated in a fertility setting are well informed compared to those in a general medical setting. What is known already: Infertility affects 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis. Ovarian endometriomas are reported in 17–44% of infertile women with endometriosis and are typically associated with more severe disease. Endometriomas are associated with diminished ovarian reserve, due to the endometrioma per se or due to surgical interventions required to treat and excise the disease. ESHRE guidelines recommend that women should be informed pre-operatively of the potential reduction in ovarian reserve associated with surgery and that ovarian reserve tests should be performed when future fertility is a concern. Study design, size, duration In conjunction with our histopathology colleagues we identified a cohort of women with a histological diagnosis of one or more ovarian endometriomas who underwent surgery in our unit between 2010 and 2019. We developed a scoping questionnaire, targeted at women currently over the age of 40, who had previously undergone surgery for endometrioma under the age of 35. Patients were contacted by telephone and consent obtained to send an email with a survey link. Participants/materials, setting, methods We identified 47 women who had a histological diagnosis of endometrioma. Of these, 30 were contactable by telephone, of whom 29 consented to being sent information regarding the study and a link to the questionnaire. 21 women completed the survey. Respondents were divided into 2 groups for analysis. Group 1 cited ‘fertility’ or ‘both pain and fertility’ as an indication for their surgery while group 2 had ‘pain’ or ‘ovarian cysts’ but no fertility concerns. Main results and the role of chance: The majority (62%) of patients were diagnosed with endometriosis while aged 25–34. The indication for surgery was evenly divided between pain (32%), fertility (37%) and ovarian cysts (37%). 60% of women reported having endometriomas diagnosed preoperatively. Striking differences were noted between groups 1 and 2. Of the women who cited ‘fertility’ or ‘both pain and fertility’ (n = 9) as an indication for their surgery, 78% (n = 7) reported being aware of any possible negative impact of endometriosis on their fertility, with 78% also being aware of the possible negative impact of surgery for endometriosis on their fertility. This compared to only 36% (n = 4) and 27% (n = 3) respectively in Group 2. In group 1, 56% (n = 5) remembered having an AMH level checked pre operatively while 78% (n = 7) also had an ultrasound pre-operatively. In contrast, only 33% (n = 3) of Group 2 remember having an AMH level checked pre operatively though 64% (n = 7) had an ultrasound pre-operatively. Of those whose surgery was performed by a fertility specialist, 75% (n = 6) reported being aware of the impact of endometriosis and also the impact of surgery on ovarian reserve, compared to 44% (n = 4) of those who surgery was performed by a non-fertility specialist. Limitations, reasons for caution This is a retrospective study and the numbers are small. We were only able to identify women with an endometrioma via pathology records, so those with no excision of disease (eg those who had ablation of an endometrioma) were excluded from this analysis. Wider implications of the findings: This suggests the majority of patients treated in a fertility setting are counselled regarding the benefit of surgery but also the risk to ovarian reserve. This is not the case in other settings. It is time to disseminate guidelines such as those produced by ESHRE to our general gynaecology colleagues. Trial registration number Not applicable


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