scholarly journals Ischemic Index and Distribution of Retinal Capillary Non-perfusion in Neovascular Glaucoma: a Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles DeBoer ◽  
Brandon J. Wong ◽  
Hossein Ameri
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Neovascular Glaucoma ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Retinal Ischemia ◽  
Posterior Pole ◽  
Panretinal Photocoagulation ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Retinal Capillary

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the pattern of retinal ischemia in newly diagnosed neovascular glaucoma (NVG).Methods: This is a retrospective single-center cross-sectional study of patients seen at LAC+USC Medical Center from January 2015 to April 2020. Patients with newly diagnosed NVG and ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) without prior panretinal photocoagulation were included. A total of 11 eyes from 10 patients met inclusion criteria. Three zones centered on the fovea were defined: posterior pole (within 2 disc-fovea lengths), mid periphery (between 2 and 3 disc-fovea lengths), and far periphery (>3 disc-fovea lengths). Ischemic index was calculated in these zones using ImageJ software.Results: The etiology of NVG was from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n=9) and central retinal vein occlusion (n=2). Patients were aged between 48-74 years old. Ischemic index was found to be 91% in the far periphery, 77% in the mid periphery, and 42% at the posterior pole. The total average ischemic index was 76%. There was a statistically significant difference between the far periphery and posterior pole and mid periphery and posterior pole.Conclusions: High levels of retinal ischemia were found with newly diagnosed NVG. The pattern of ischemia was more pronounced in the far periphery than posterior pole.

scholarly journals Polymorphism in Vitamin D-Binding Protein as a Genetic Risk Factor in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 943-944
Author(s):  
Klaus Faserl ◽  
Georg Golderer ◽  
Leopold Kremser ◽  
Herbert Lindner ◽  
Bettina Sarg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Acute Phase Proteins ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vitamin D Binding Protein ◽  
Complement Components ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Context Previous studies have implicated a deficiency in the inflammatory response in women who develop endometriosis. The specific immunological deficits have not been completely elucidated. Objective Our objective was to identify differences in protein expression in serum that might shed light on the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Design and Setting This cross-sectional study of women undergoing laparoscopy between 2003 and 2005 took place at a university medical center. Patients Patients included consenting women age 18-49 yr undergoing surgery for pain and/or infertility or elective tubal ligation. Women with acute or chronic medical conditions were excluded. Intervention Blood was collected preoperatively. Main Outcome Measure Proteomic analysis of serum was done using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Results We found 25 protein spots with a significant difference in abundance between women with endometriosis and controls, including acute-phase proteins and complement components. The abundance of vitamin D-binding protein was higher in all endometriosis pools by a factor of approximately 3 compared with the control pool (P < 0.02). Analysis of specific allele products using nano-LC-ESI-MS indicated that it was the GC*2 allele product that was in greater concentration in serum pools, as well as in single validation samples, in women with endometriosis (P = 0.006). In contrast to the GC*1 allele product, which is readily converted to a potent macrophage factor (Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor), the GC*2 allele product undergoes practically no such conversion. Conclusions We speculate that the inability to sufficiently activate macrophages’ phagocytotic function in those carrying the GC*2 polymorphism (more prevalent in endometriosis) may allow endometriotic tissues to implant in the peritoneal cavity. Future studies evaluating specific vitamin D-binding protein polymorphisms as a risk factor for endometriosis in larger populations of women are warranted.

scholarly journals Comparison of Different Anthropometric Measurements and Inflammatory Biomarkers

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaron Arbel ◽  
Edo Y. Birati ◽  
Itzhak Shapira ◽  
Talya Finn ◽  
Shlomo Berliner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anthropometric Measurements ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Common

Introduction.Different anthropometric variables have been shown to be related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to compare the association between different anthropometric measurements and inflammatory status.Methods and results.A cross-sectional study design in which we analyzed the data collected during a five-year period in the Tel Aviv Medical Center Inflammation Survey (TAMCIS). Included in the study were 13,033 apparently healthy individuals at a mean (SD) age of 43. Of these, 8,292 were male and 4,741 female. A significant age-adjusted and multiple-adjusted partial correlation was noted between all anthropometric measurements and all inflammatory biomarkers. There was no significant difference in the correlation coefficients between different biomarkers and anthropometric variables.Conclusion.Most of the common used anthropometric variables are similarly correlated with inflammatory variables. The clinician can choose the variable that he/she finds easiest to use.

scholarly journals Polymorphism in Vitamin D-Binding Protein as a Genetic Risk Factor in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Endocrinology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 151 (12) ◽  
pp. 5971-5972
Author(s):  
Klaus Faserl ◽  
Georg Golderer ◽  
Leopold Kremser ◽  
Herbert Lindner ◽  
Bettina Sarg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Acute Phase Proteins ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vitamin D Binding Protein ◽  
Complement Components ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Context: Previous studies have implicated a deficiency in the inflammatory response in women who develop endometriosis. The specific immunological deficits have not been completely elucidated. Objective: Our objective was to identify differences in protein expression in serum that might shed light on the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Design and Setting: This cross-sectional study of women undergoing laparoscopy between 2003 and 2005 took place at a university medical center. Patients: Patients included consenting women age 18-49 yr undergoing surgery for pain and/or infertility or elective tubal ligation. Women with acute or chronic medical conditions were excluded. Intervention: Blood was collected preoperatively. Main Outcome Measure: Proteomic analysis of serum was done using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Results: We found 25 protein spots with a significant difference in abundance between women with endometriosis and controls, including acute-phase proteins and complement components. The abundance of vitamin D-binding protein was higher in all endometriosis pools by a factor of approximately 3 compared with the control pool (P < 0.02). Analysis of specific allele products using nano-LC-ESI-MS indicated that it was the GC*2 allele product that was in greater concentration in serum pools, as well as in single validation samples, in women with endometriosis (P = 0.006). In contrast to the GC*1 allele product, which is readily converted to a potent macrophage factor (Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor), the GC*2 allele product undergoes practically no such conversion. Conclusions: We speculate that the inability to sufficiently activate macrophages’ phagocytotic function in those carrying the GC*2 polymorphism (more prevalent in endometriosis) may allow endometriotic tissues to implant in the peritoneal cavity. Future studies evaluating specific vitamin D-binding protein polymorphisms as a risk factor for endometriosis in larger populations of women are warranted.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Experiences of New and Existing Teledermatology Patients post-Covid19 Implementation (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Hamad ◽  
Amy Fox ◽  
Maria Suzanne Kammire ◽  
Alison Nancy Hollis ◽  
Saif Khairat
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Willingness To Use

BACKGROUND With the rapid shift to remodel office-based dermatology into virtual clinics during the coronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) pandemic teledermatology received an upsurge of utilization. OBJECTIVE To assess the patient experience with teledermatology among new versus existing clinic patients in the context of the rapid practice shift to teledermatology during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS We report a cross-sectional study of 184 teledermatology patients seen during Covid-19 at a major Southeastern medical center from May 13th to June 5th 2020. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction levels among new and existing patients. The secondary outcome was future willingness to use teledermatology. RESULTS Of 288 teledermatology patients seen during the study period, 184 (64%) completed the survey. Patients reported high overall satisfaction with teledermatology (Figure 1), with 159 (86%) participants reporting positive overall satisfaction and experience with teledermatology. New patients had significantly higher overall satisfaction with teledermatology than follow-up patients (mean Likert 4.70 for new, 4.43 for existing; p=0.03). Overall, satisfaction with teledermatology did not significantly differ by age, race/ethnicity, education level, residence, or insurance status (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in overall satisfaction by prior telehealth experience (p=0.53), video versus telephone visit type (p=0.17), or platform type (0.22). Prior telehealth experience was associated with a higher odds of willingness to use telehealth in the future (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.31-4.35, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional survey-based study reports that the rapid expansion of teledermatology was met with high levels of patient satisfaction during the Covid-19 pandemic. Further studies are needed to identify ideal disease-specific scheduling algorithms to ensure the visit modality suits the dermatologic condition being addressed. As teledermatology experiences wider adoption with the Covid-19 pandemic, it is essential to examine patient experience and satisfaction with teledermatology.

Personal Audio System: Hearing Symptoms, Habits, and Sound Pressure Levels Measured in Real Ear and a Manikin

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 2016-2026
Author(s):  
Tamara R. Almeida ◽  
Clayton H. Rocha ◽  
Camila M. Rabelo ◽  
Raquel F. Gomes ◽  
Ivone F. Neves-Lobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Real ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels ◽  
Audio System

Purpose The aims of this study were to characterize hearing symptoms, habits, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) of personal audio system (PAS) used by young adults; estimate the risk of developing hearing loss and assess whether instructions given to users led to behavioral changes; and propose recommendations for PAS users. Method A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 subjects with normal hearing. Procedures included questionnaire and measurement of PAS SPLs (real ear and manikin) through the users' own headphones and devices while they listened to four songs. After 1 year, 30 subjects answered questions about their usage habits. For the statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, Lin and Spearman coefficients, the chi-square test, and logistic regression were used. Results Most subjects listened to music every day, usually in noisy environments. Sixty percent of the subjects reported hearing symptoms after using a PAS. Substantial variability in the equivalent music listening level (Leq) was noted ( M = 84.7 dBA; min = 65.1 dBA, max = 97.5 dBA). A significant difference was found only in the 4-kHz band when comparing the real-ear and manikin techniques. Based on the Leq, 38% of the individuals exceeded the maximum daily time allowance. Comparison of the subjects according to the maximum allowed daily exposure time revealed a higher number of hearing complaints from people with greater exposure. After 1 year, 43% of the subjects reduced their usage time, and 70% reduced the volume. A volume not exceeding 80% was recommended, and at this volume, the maximum usage time should be 160 min. Conclusions The habit of listening to music at high intensities on a daily basis seems to cause hearing symptoms, even in individuals with normal hearing. The real-ear and manikin techniques produced similar results. Providing instructions on this topic combined with measuring PAS SPLs may be an appropriate strategy for raising the awareness of people who are at risk. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12431435

Estimation of Trace Elements in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Serum-Comparative Study in Healthy and Periodontitis

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhagavathami Meenaksh ◽  
Chitraa R. Chandran ◽  
Aravindhan Thathchari Ranganathan ◽  
Kavindapadi Venkateswaran Rama ◽  
Valarmathy Srinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Gingival Crevicular Fluid ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Copper ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Copper Zinc

Background: This study aims to determine and compare the levels of trace elements copper, zinc, selenium and chromium in GCF and serum of patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals. Methods: This cross sectional study includes 24 study subjects recruited from the patients reporting to the Department of Periodontics , Tagore Dental College Chennai. All the selected patients were subjected to a clinical examination done by a single examiner. The estimation of trace elements Copper, Zinc, Selenium and Chromium in GCF and serum is performed using Perkin Elmer optima 5300 Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer (ICPOES). Results: GCF and serum copper levels showed no significant difference in both periodontitis and healthy groups . Selenium levels tend to be the same in both groups. Serum zinc levels are more in periodontitis patients than healthy subjects (p less than 0.01). GCF chromium levels are found to be more in patients with periodontitis than healthy. Conclusions : More research is therefore needed to monitor the role of these trace elements C with an increased sample size to ascertain whether they are associated with a reduced risk of periodontitis.

Postpartum Depression and Its Associated Factors among Women in Bandar Abbas City

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arefeh Shahi
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancy ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bandar Abbas

Background: Postpartum depression with a different incidence of 40- 45% in different societies, which it has adverse effects on the health of mothers and their child, given the negative effects of maternal depression and its harmful effects on the baby and the quality of family life. So, this study was performed with the aim to determine postpartum depression and its associated factors in Bandar Abbas city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 after obtaining consent from mothers by the census. A total of 343 mothers was examined for depression who referred to Bandar Abbas health centers in the 2nd and 4th months after childbirth. The data collection tools included demographic information and Postpartum Depression Edinburgh questionnaires. Finally, the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 22.0) software and data were analyzed using the Independent t-test, Mann Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests.Result: Totally, 68 (19.8%) of samples were in the second month and 54 (15.7%) in the fourth month after delivery had postpartum depression. The incidence of depression in the four months was 6.6%. There was a significant difference between depression and income, parental education, father’s use of cigarette and abnormalities of the infant (P <0.001). There was no significant difference between other factors such as gestational age, infant sex, birth weight, unwanted pregnancy, and type of delivery. Conclusion: Regarding the prevalence of this disorder, it seems that postpartum depression screening planning should be considered during child routine care as an essential component, especially for vulnerable groups.

Cut off value of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration for predicting metabolic syndrome

2019 ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
Trong Nghia Nguyen ◽  
Thi Nhan Nguyen ◽  
Thi Dua Dao
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Key Words Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
And Control

Background: The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors that tend to cluster together in affected individuals more often than predicted by chance. The presence of the metabolic syndrome substantially increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and is associated with a range of adverse clinical outcomes, many of which are closely associated with aging. Current estimates suggest that approximately 20 - 25% of the world’s population is affected by the metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome rises with age and more than 45% of people aged over 60 years have the metabolic syndrome. Recent studies show that low vitamin D status is very common in the world and this is a risk factor of metabolic syndrome. Objective: (1) Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in subjects with metabolic syndrome. (2) Cut off value of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration for predicting metabolic syndrome. Material and method: A cross-sectional study with control group on 318 adult subjects for health examinations at International Medical Center at Hue Central Hospital, including 139 subjects with metabolic syndrome and control group of 179 healthy subjects. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO (2009). Plasma hydroxyvitamin D concentration was measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Reciever operating characteristic (ROC) curve were generated to assess sensitivity and specificity for different cut off value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration for predicting metabolic syndrome. Results: Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in subjects with metabolic syndrome was 26.4 ng/ml, incidence of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency (59.7%) was significantly higher than in control group (23.5%) (p < 0.001). The optimal cut off point for 25-OH-D concentration for predictor of metabolic syndrome as 26.4 ng/ml (AUC=0.657, sensitivity=53.4%, specificity=71.6%). Conclusion: In 139 subjects with metabolic syndrome, the plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 26.4 ng/ml and the incidence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the metabolic syndrome group was 59.7%. The optimal cut off point for plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration for predictor of metabolic syndrome as 26.4 ng/ml. Key words: Metabolic syndrome, 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Assessment of COVID-19 Related Misinformation among the Community in Basrah, Iraq

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (CSI) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Rubaye ◽  
Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽  
Aymen Albadran ◽  
Abbas Ejbary ◽  
Laith Alrubaiy
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
The Public ◽  
First Case ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Central District

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq

Characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke subtypes among adult patients admitted to stroke unit of JUMC

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bekalu Getachew Gebreegziabher ◽  
Tesema Etefa Birhanu ◽  
Diriba Dereje Olana ◽  
Behailu Terefe Tesfaye
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Stroke Unit ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Stroke Subtypes

Background: Stroke is a great public health problem in Ethiopia. According to reports, in-hospital stroke mortality was estimated to be 14.7% in Ethiopia. Despite this, in this country researches done on factors associated with stroke sub-types were inadequate. Objective: To assess the Characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke sub-types among patients admitted to JUMC. Methods and materials: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to May 2018 in stroke unit of Jimma University Medical Center. A total of 106 medical charts of patients diagnosed with stroke were reviewed. Checklist comprising of relevant variables was used to collect data. SPSS version 21 was employed for data entry and analysis. Chi-square test was used to point-out association and difference among stroke sub-types. The data was presented using text, tables and figures. Result: From a total of 106 patients, 67(63.2%) were men. The mean ± SD of age was 52.67±12.46 years, and no significant association was found. Of all the patients, 59(55.6%) had ischemic strokes and 47(44.4%) had hemorrhagic strokes. The most common risk factor in the patients was alcohol use with a prevalence of 69.9%. Of all the risk factors, only sex, cigarettes smoking and dyslipidemia were significantly associated to sub-types of stroke. Conclusion: Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype of stroke. Sex of patient, cigarette smoking and dyslipidemia are significantly associated with the two stroke subtypes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document