scholarly journals Changes in retina's vascular and nervous structures in patients with hypertension

Author(s):  
Run-ze Zhao ◽  
Melba Márquez Fernández ◽  
Maria Cáceres Toledo ◽  
Teddy Osmin Tamargo Barbeito ◽  
Guo-xun Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: This study aims to analyze the correlation between hypertension (HTN) and changes in the retina's vascular and nervous structures in patients with hypertension.Method: This was a cross-sectional study, which included a group of 45 subjects who did not suffer from hypertension (HTN) (Group 1), other two groups of 51 patients with controlled (Group 2) and not controlled (Group 3) HTN. Changes in vascular and nervous structures were identified and evaluated by ophthalmoscopy and OCT, respectively. Parametric and non-parametric tests, Post-hoc, Pearson, and Spearman correlation were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: We observed hypertensive retinopathy (HTNR G I and II) in both groups with HTN, with a significant difference (p=0.023). We found a lower average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), the average and minimum ganglion cell complex (GCC) in the patients of groups 2 and 3 than those of group 1. We found a negative and slight correlation between systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and HTNR with superior GCC thickness in hypertensive patients.Conclusions: hypertension correlated to changes in the retina's vascular and nervous structures, and the nervous structure alterations were not visible by ophthalmoscopy but detected by OCT.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Muhammad Azeem ◽  
Ali Raza ◽  
Rashid Mahmood ◽  
Erum Behroz

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: To find out the optimal ranges of smile attractiveness on basis of different amounts of buccal corridor widths, as judged by Pakistani orthodontists, prosthodontists and conservative dentistry specialists (CDS). METHODOLOGY: Present cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to June 2017. The anterior smiling image of a female model was edited to be converted to 10 images displaying different amounts of buccal corridor width. After informed consent from the subject, different buccal corridors widths images were created at following widths: 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, and 18%. This was followed by measurement of smile attractiveness of these 10 images on a visual analogue scale by 30 evaluators in three groups. Group 1 consisted of 10 CDS, group 2 consisted of 10 prosthodontists and group 3 consisted of 10 orthodontists. The data was collected and scores of smile attractiveness were presented in form of mean and standard deviation for each group. The differences in the three groups regarding perception of smile attractiveness were found out using ANOVA test and Turkey’s post-hoc test was used for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: For group 1, the highest scoring was obtained by image showing 10% buccal corridor width. In group 2, the highest score was by image showing 14% buccal corridor width, whereas in group 3, the highest scoring was showing 12% buccal corridor width. The differences found were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Dental specialty does not affect perception of smile attractiveness. Buccal corridor width greater than 14% should be avoided.


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 1129-1133
Author(s):  
Liliia V. Zhyvotovska ◽  
Dmytro I. Boiko ◽  
Nataliia V. Kadzhaia ◽  
Anastasia D. Shkodina ◽  
Iryna V. Demianenko ◽  
...  

The aim: The research aim was to study features of emotional-volitional sphere and its association in mens with different forms of Substance Addictions. Materials and methods: We examined 146 patients with alcohol and drug addictions using Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Zverkov-Eidmann`s questionnaire and Buss-Durkee questionnaire. Results: The study showed an increase in the overall level of alexithymia, a moderate level of aggressiveness and a sufficient level of volitional self-regulation without a significant difference between the groups. The indirect correlation of “persistence” with the “general level of alexithymia”, “difficulty identifying feelings” and “physical aggression” in group 1 and at the same time the indirect correlation between “self-control” and “verbal aggression” and “volitional self-regulation” with “difficulty describing feelings” can be explained by the opposite meaning of these concepts and phenomena themselves.However, it is interesting that the indicators “physical aggression” and “difficulty describing feelings” in group 2 were significantly lower, but at the same time correlated with “general level of alexithymia” and “irritability”, respectively. On other hand in group 1 the indicator “suspiciousness” is directly related to the “general level of alexithymia”, but its level is significantly lower in comparison with group 2. Conclusions: The phenomenon of alexithymia is not only recorded in the clinical picture of patients with various forms of addiction, but can also induce the development of manifestations of aggressiveness and hostility in them. Correction of alexithymia is necessary to understand the emotional state of these patients and choose the right approach to their treatment and rehabilitation.


Author(s):  
Mohammed Gomaa ◽  
Ahmed Esmael ◽  
Mohammed Saad

Background: The prevalence of breakthrough seizures in persons with epilepsy is very high in developing countries. Consequently, patients and physicians should be aware of the possible factors that may cause breakthrough seizures. Objective: The aim of our study is to determine the possible factors that may be a precipitating cause for breakthrough seizures in patients with epilepsy. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 persons with epilepsy with idiopathic epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). They were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 50 persons with epilepsy with a history of recent breakthrough seizures. Group 2 included 50 persons with epilepsy who had not experienced any recent breakthrough seizures. Patients were subjected to a thorough questionnaire addressing precipitating factors. All participants were subjected to an electroencephalogram (EEG) and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Results: There was no significant differences between group 1 and group 2 regarding age, sex, age of onset of epilepsy, occupation and marital status (P value range 0.5 – 0.2). The patients in group 1 were found to have longer durations of epilepsy, lower adherence to AEDs (P = 0.001), more missed doses of AEDs (P = 0.0001), more side effects of AEDs (P = 0.0005), more sleep deprivation, lower level of AEDs (P = 0.0006), more frequently on AED polytherapy (P = 0.0002), and more flickering lights (P = 0.04) than the participants in group 2. In terms of the EEG, group 1 showed a higher percentage of abnormal EEGs and more frequent focal epileptiform discharges (P = 0.003). Also, pathological findings in MRI brain were associated with higher breakthrough seizures (P = 0.005). No significant difference was found in both group1 and group 2 regarding emotional stress (P = 0.55), substitution of brand AEDs by generic one (P = 0.83), concurrent illness (P = 1), or the use of non AEDs (P = 0.79). Conclusion: The precipitating factors of breakthrough seizures are multifactorial and it is very important to educate patients about these precipitating factors to achieve better control of epilepsy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 2417-2422
Author(s):  
Ahmed Hamza Ajmi ◽  
Wassan Abdul-Kareem Abbas ◽  
Dalya Basil Hanna ◽  
Maysaa Ali Abdul Khaleq

The aim: To find an association of COVID-19 on different types of leukocytes either count increasing or decreasing. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study conducted from October /2020 to January /2021. Eighty patients out of 170 were enrolled in this study, who were attended a private clinic for clinical investigation and a private laboratory for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 who were divided into two groups, asymptomatic or mild (group 1), and moderate or severe (group 2). Five milliliter of blood samples were collected from patients with COVD-19 by venipuncture using a syringe for evaluation of different cells. Results: The current study revealed a significant difference in white blood cells count, neutrophils count, monocytes count, basophils count, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio between group 1 and group 2. While lymphocytes, and eosinophil showed no significant difference. Conclusion: The current study concluded that COVID-19 may affect the count of some leukocytes in patient with severe infection.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Florin Gorun ◽  
Daniel Malita ◽  
Ioana Ciohat ◽  
Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek ◽  
Horea Feier ◽  
...  

Seronegative women are susceptible to primary rubella virus (RV) infection during pregnancy, which can cause fetal damage. Vaccination represents the main strategy in rubella prevention. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the rubella seroprevalence and identify populations with a high susceptibility to RV. A cross-sectional study was performed on 6914 Caucasian fertile women who had Toxoplasma gondii, other viruses, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and the herpes simplex virus (TORCH) screening in two distinct periods—1452 at the Timișoara Municipal Hospital, Romania (Group 1: 2008–2010) and 5462 at the laboratory Bioclinica S.A., Timișoara, Romania (Group 2: 2015–2018). The RV seroprevalence decreased (Group 1 versus Group 2; 94.1% (92.7–95.2) versus 91.4% (90.6–92.1), OR = 0.76 (p = 0.0007)). According to the year of birth and eligibility to vaccination program, RV seroprevalence rates were 82.4% (76.8–86.8)/1997–2004, 85.4% (80.5–89.3)/1995–1996, 90.1% (89.0–91.1)/<1989, and 95.8% (94.7–96.6)/1989–1994. No significant difference in the RV seropositivity according to the place of residence was found. The overall RV susceptibility increased from 2008–2010 to 2015–2018. The highest susceptibility was found in women born between 1997–2004 eligible for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine through the family practice system and the lowest in women born between 1989–1994 eligible for monovalent rubella vaccine conducted in schools.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 417
Author(s):  
Lidia Arce-Sánchez ◽  
Salvatore Giovanni Vitale ◽  
Claudia Montserrat Flores-Robles ◽  
Myrna Souraye Godines-Enriquez ◽  
Marco Noventa ◽  
...  

The primary aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) using two different cut-off levels for TSH values (≥2.5 mIU/L versus ≥4.1 mIU/L). The secondary objective was to analyze the clinical-biochemical characteristics in women with and without SCH. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. In total, 1496 Mexican women with infertility were included: Group 1, women with TSH levels ranging between 0.3 and 2.49 mIU/L, n = 886; Group 2, women with TSH between 2.5 and 4.09 mIU/L, n = 390; and Group 3, women with TSH ≥4.1 mIU/L n = 220. SCH prevalence was 40.7% (CI 95%: 38.3–43.3%) with TSH cut-off ≥ 2.5 mIU/L, and 14.7% (CI 95%: 12.7–16.5%) with TSH cut-off ≥ 4.1 mIU/L, (p = 0.0001). The prevalence of overweight was higher in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 3. Thyroid autoimmunity, obesity and insulin resistance were higher in Group 3 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). No other differences were observed between groups. Conclusions: The prevalence of SCH in our selected patients increased almost three times using a TSH cut-off ≥ 2.5 mIU/L compared with a TSH cut-off ≥ 4.1 mIU/L. Women with TSH ≥4.1 mIU/L compared with TSH cut-off ≤ 2.5 mIU/L more often presented with obesity, thyroid autoimmunity and insulin resistance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Mahmoud Shawky ◽  
Reeham Abdel Aziz Abdel Hamid ◽  
Lina Essam Khedr

Abstract Background Pruritus is a common and often distressing symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease. Though the pathogenesis of uremic pruritus remains poorly understood, systemic inflammation has presented itself as one of the possible explanations. High blood lead levels (BLLs) have been noted to be associated with inflammation and poor nutritional status in hemodialysis patients. Our aim is to study the relation between blood lead levels and uremic pruritus. This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled 50 patients; all were on regular hemodialysis 3 times per week for at least 6 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups, group 1 (n =10) with no pruritus and group 2 (n=40) with varying degrees of pruritus. Group 2 was further divided according to intensity of pruritus by visual analog score (VAS) into mild (n=10), moderate (n=20), and severe pruritus (n=10). Results There was a significant difference in serum lead levels and ferritin levels between groups 1 and 2 (p value < 0.01 and < 0.05, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in serum lead levels in the groups with varying intensity of pruritus, having higher serum lead levels in patients who exhibited severe pruritus (p value < 0.005) Moreover, a statistically significant relation between elevated blood lead levels and the duration of dialysis was observed in this study. Conclusion Uremic pruritus is a multi-factorial phenomenon, and our study showed that blood lead levels in hemodialysis patients might be associated with increased intensity of pruritus.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-226
Author(s):  
Marcia Regina da Silva ◽  
Lucimare Ferraz ◽  
Fátima Ferretti ◽  
Cristiane Sfredo

Abstract Introduction: Flexibility is an essential component of physical aptitude that reduces the incidence of muscle distention and improves movement efficiency and posture. Objective: To analyze posterior chain flexibility and lower back pain (LBP) in farm workers from a city in western Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Methods: Quantitative and cross-sectional study conducted with 185 rural workers, average age of 44.24 (±10.83) years. The Rural Worker Health Questionnaire, containing individual issues related to work; sit and reach box, goniometer, visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry and Roland-Morris questionnaires were used to evaluate posterior chain flexibility, hamstring muscle length, pain and lumbar spine dysfunction, respectively. Flexibility was compared with the degree of dysfunction using one-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: 181 (97.8%) workers reported LBP symptoms: 100% of the women and 95.2% of the men. The average Oswestry score was 7.09 (±8.25), Roland-Morris 1.22 (±1.63), and VAS 5.81 (±2.5). Average flexibility by the sit and reach test (SRT) was 23.91cm (±18.81); straight leg raise (SLR), 66° (±11.77) and popliteal angle 123.21° (±12.45). There was a significant difference in the popliteal angle (p = 0.003) and SLR (0.001) when compared with the degree of dysfunction. Women showed significant differences in all tests; however, the post hoc test showed a significant difference only in the SRT (p = 0.013), and women with minimal dysfunction had greater flexibility in relation to those with severe dysfunction. Conclusion: Self-reported LBP was severe and women with higher levels of dysfunction exhibited less posterior chain flexibility.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e022233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Jane Blatch-Jones ◽  
Wei Pek ◽  
Emma Kirkpatrick ◽  
Martin Ashton-Key

ObjectivesTo assess the value of pilot and feasibility studies to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme. To explore the methodological components of pilot/feasibility studies and how they inform full RCTs.Study designCross-sectional study.SettingBoth groups included NIHR HTA programme funded studies in the period 1 January 2010–31 December 2014 (decision date). Group 1: stand-alone pilot/feasibility studies published in the HTA Journal or accepted for publication. Group 2: all funded RCT applications funded by the HTA programme, including reference to an internal and/or external pilot/feasibility study. The methodological components were assessed using an adapted framework from a previous study.Main outcome measuresThe proportion of stand-alone pilot and feasibility studies which recommended proceeding to full trial and what study elements were assessed. The proportion of ‘HTA funded’ trials which used internal and external pilot and feasibility studies to inform the design of the trial.ResultsGroup 1 identified 15 stand-alone pilot/feasibility studies. Study elements most commonly assessed weretesting recruitment(100% in both groups),feasibility(83%, 100%) andsuggestions for further study/investigation(83%, 100%). Group 2 identified 161 ‘HTA funded’ applications: 59 cited an external pilot/feasibility study wheretesting recruitment(50%, 73%) andfeasibility(42%, 73%) were the most commonly reported study elements: 92 reported an internal pilot/feasibility study wheretesting recruitment(93%, 100%) andfeasibility(44%, 92%) were the most common study elements reported.Conclusions‘HTA funded’ research which includes pilot and feasibility studies assesses a variety of study elements. Pilot and feasibility studies serve an important role when determining the most appropriate trial design. However, how they are reported and in what context requires caution when interpreting the findings and delivering a definitive trial.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 220-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emre Bayram ◽  
Huda Melike Bayram

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate fracture resistance of teeth with immature apices treated with coronal placement of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), bioaggregate (BA), and Biodentine. Materials and Methods: Forty-one freshly extracted, single-rooted human premolar teeth were used for the study. At first, the root length was standardized to 9 mm. The crown-down technique was used for the preparation of the root canals using the rotary ProTaper system (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) of F3 (30). Peeso reamer no. 6 was stepped out from the apex to simulate an incompletely formed root. The prepared roots were randomly assigned to one control (n = 5) and three experimental (n = 12) groups, as described below. Group 1: White MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) was prepared as per the manufacturer's instructions and compacted into the root canal using MAP system (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and condensed by pluggers (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). Group 2: The canals were filled with DiaRoot-BA (DiaDent Group International, Canada). Group 3: Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France) solution was mixed with the capsule powder and condensed using pluggers. Instron was used to determine the maximum horizontal load to fracture the tooth, placing the tip 3 mm incisal to the cementoenamel junction. Mean values of the fracture strength were compared by ANOVA followed by a post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No significant difference was observed among the MTA, BA, and biodentine experimental groups. Conclusion: All the three materials tested, may be used as effective strengthening agents for immature teeth.


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