scholarly journals Neurological Soft Signs (NSS) in Census-Based, Decade-Adjusted Healthy Adults, 20 to >70 Years of Age

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silke Bachmann ◽  
Michaela Beck ◽  
Dai-Hua Tsai ◽  
Friederike Haupt
Keyword(s):  
Close Approach ◽  
Neurocognitive Functioning ◽  
Psychiatric Disease ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neurological Soft Signs ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Neurological Features ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Neurological soft signs (NSS) represent minor neurological features and have been widely studied in psychiatric disease. The assessment is easily performed. Quantity and quality may provide useful information concerning the disease course. Mostly, NSS scores differ significantly between patients and controls. However, literature does not give reference values. In this pilot study, we recruited 120 healthy women and men to build a cross-sectional, census-based sample of healthy individuals, aged 20 to >70 years, subdivided in 10-year blocks for a close approach to the human lifeline. Testing for NSS and neurocognitive functioning was performed following the exclusion of mental and severe physical illness. NSS scores increased significantly between ages 50+ and 60+, which was primarily accountable to motor signs. Gender and cognitive functioning were not related to changes of scores. Although the number of individuals is small, study results may lay a foundation for further validation of NSS in healthy individuals.

scholarly journals Indications of Persistent Glycocalyx Damage in Convalescent COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Study and Hypothesis

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2324
Author(s):  
Richard Vollenberg ◽  
Phil-Robin Tepasse ◽  
Kevin Ochs ◽  
Martin Floer ◽  
Markus Strauss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Progression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Endothelial Damage ◽  
Lung Damage ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Prospective Multicenter Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Severe Lung

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus and can lead to severe lung damage and hyperinflammation. In the context of COVID-19 infection, inflammation-induced degradation of the glycocalyx layer in endothelial cells has been demonstrated. Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) is an established parameter for measuring glycocalyx injury. This prospective, multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study analyzed SDC-1 levels in 24 convalescent patients that had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 with mild disease course without need of hospitalization. We included 13 age-matched healthy individuals and 10 age-matched hospitalized COVID-19 patients with acute mild disease course as controls. In convalescent COVID-19 patients, significantly elevated SDC-1 levels were detected after a median of 88 days after symptom onset compared to healthy controls, whereas no difference was found when compared to SDC-1 levels of hospitalized patients undergoing acute disease. This study is the first to demonstrate signs of endothelial damage in non-pre-diseased, convalescent COVID-19 patients after mild disease progression without hospitalization. The data are consistent with studies showing evidence of persistent endothelial damage after severe or critical disease progression. Further work to investigate endothelial damage in convalescent COVID-19 patients should follow.

ASSESSMENT OF SKILLED BIRTH ATTENDANTS REGARDING HELPING BABIES BREATH INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE NEWBORN CARE IN RURAL DISTRICT OF SINDH

1970 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-53
Author(s):  
Sheh Mureed ◽  
Muhammad Hassan Gandro ◽  
Walid Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Newborn Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Skilled Birth Attendants ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Birth Attendants ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Labour Room

Background: Globally, 3.1 million newborn deaths occur every year out of these estimated 400,000 neonatal deaths occur in Pakistan. All neonatal deaths 99% take place in poorest region and countries of the world, usually within hours of birth; mostly the cause of neonatal deaths is hypoxia. To access knowledge and practice of SBAs regarding HBB and to access the availability of equipments required for HBB. Methods: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on SBAs as trained in HBB. All 46 SBAs trained on HBB working in Labour room eight rural Health centers, four Taluka, One district Head Quarter Health Facilities and thirteen Mlbcs of the district, were included in the sample for study. All 41 SBAs were trained on HBB participated in the study. Results: Mean age of 30 years. Out of total 41 participants 25 were working in B-EmoNC (61%), 3in C-EmoNC (7.3%) and 13 in mid wife laid birth Centre (MLBC) or birth station (31.7%). About 92.7% of participants said that main purpose of HBB training is to decrease the NMR by improving newborn care. Drying of newborn is 82.7%, hand washing is 95.12% and 85.3% of the study participants said that they gave 30-40 breaths per minutes. Cord clamp and pair of ties was accessible to 85% of participants versus 14.3% who reported it's not accessible. Almost one quarter (34.1%) participants have low knowledge and practice. Knowledge and training had significant effect on the overall practices of the skilled birth attendants for skilled birth deliveries and reduce the neonatal deaths (P <0.001). Conclusion: Tools play a vital role for the implication of the knowledge into practices and tools were available almost to every participant. Although few barriers also identified for the less application of the helping hand babies trainings in the community.

COMPARISION OF DENTAL SCORING SYSTEM WITH RADIOGRAPHIC SKELETAL SYSTEM IN AGE ESTIMATION

JKCD ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-11
Author(s):  
Sadaf Ambreen
Keyword(s):  
Age Estimation ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Skeletal Age ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Dental Age ◽  
Scoring Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Male Subjects

Objectives: To compare Demirjian Dental scoring method with Greulich-Pyle (GP) Skeletal method of age estimation in pubertal children. Materials and Methods: Sample of the study included 267 male healthy subjects of 11-16 years of age group.. Demirjian Scoring system was utilized to evaluate the orthopantomograms to assess their Dental age and the Hand-Wrist radiographs were analyzed to calculate the skeletal age by utilizing GP atlas. Chronological age was obtained from the date of birth of the subject .Both methods were compared with one another and with the chronological age. It was a cross-sectional study and only healthy male subjects without any clinical abnormalities were included in the study. Results: A total of 267 male subjects of 11-16 years of age group were assessed by Demirjian and Greulich Pyle Methods. Both were compared with Chronological Age. Data obtained was statistically analyzed and the Student “t” test was applied in the study population. The mean difference between Chronolgical age and dental age was 0.69years and that of chronological age and skeletal age was 0.87 years. It was observed from dental age assessment that it does not differ much from the skeletal age. Conclusion: It was concluded that Demirjian method of Age Estimation is more precise than Greulich Pyle method of Age Estimation. Furthermore both methods can be used selectively in Medicolegal cases to access bone age which can be easily correlated to chronological age.

Blood Analysis Requests of Patients’ and Clinical Reflections in Primary Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-102
Author(s):  
Zerrin Gamsizkan ◽  
Mehmet Ali Sungur ◽  
Yasemin Çayır
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Blood Test ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Blood Analysis ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Blood Tests ◽  
Study Results

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the factors that may affect the demands of patients who come with the request to have a blood test without any chronic disease or a planned examination check. Methods: The data of this descriptive, cross-sectional study, were collected with a questionnaire that was prepared to examine the opinions of the patients who claim to have a blood test by coming to the family health center without any complaints. Patients over 18 years of age, who did not have any chronic disease and had no scheduled examination appointments were included in the study. Results: A total of 278 patients who wanted to have a blood test within the 6-months period were included in the study. Female patients who wanted to have a blood test were significantly more than male patients. When we look at the causes of patients who wanted to have a blood test; 61.2% (n=170) patients stated that they are concerned about their health and 6.1% (n=17) stated that they were affected by media warnings. There was no significant relationship between the frequency of blood test requests of patients and their age, gender, education, and general health status. Conclusion: Patients with high expectations and anxiety may be more willing to perform blood tests at inappropriate intervals. Family physicians, whose primary role is preventive medicine, have consultancy and information duties in order to protect their patients from the risk of over-examination and diagnosis. Keywords: blood tests, patient, screening, routine diagnostic tests

HIV INFECTION AND SOME RELATED FACTORS IN FEMALE MASSAGE THERAPISTS IN QUANG NGAI PROVINCE

2015 ◽  
pp. 57-60
Author(s):  
Xuan Chuong Tran ◽  
Thi Thanh Hoa Le ◽  
Ngoc Van Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Keywords Hiv ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Massage Therapists

Background: HIV/AIDS is still a dangerous infection in Vietnam and in the world. Studying of HIV infection and related factors in high risk groups, including female massage therapists is therefore very important. Aims: 1. To study the HIV infection in female massage therapists in Quang Ngai province. 2. To fine some related factors to HIV infection. Patients and methods: Female massage therapists working in Quang Ngai province. Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Results: The rate of HIV infection was 0.99%. Group older than 22 years old had higher rate of infection than group under 22 years old (1.80% vs 0.69%). The girls from urban areas or not using condom had higher rate of infection than group from rural or not using condom (1.57% vs 0.47% and 7.32% vs. 0.57%). Most of HIV infected belong to single or divorce groups. Conclusions: The rate of HIV infection in female massage therapists in Quang Ngai province was 0.99%. The HIV infection related factor was not using condom in sexual contact. Keywords: HIV, female massage therapists, Quang Ngai

STUDYING OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL RETARDATION IN HUE CITY IN 2011

2012 ◽  
pp. 83-87
Author(s):  
Thi Minh Xuan Doan ◽  
Xuan Chuong Tran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Retardation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Learning Ability ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Slow Development ◽  
Study Results

Children with mental retardation have low intelligence, slow thinking, low learning ability in comparison with the same age children. Objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of children with mental retardation in Hue City. 2. To study some characteristics of children with mental retardation. Materials and methodes: All children with mental retardation in Hue city. Cross sectional study. Results: The prevalence of children with mental retardation (CMR) among children under 15 yrs is 0.23%, among disable children 38.16%. The highest prevalences ware in Phu Binh, Xuan Phu quarters (0.79 and 0.66%), lowest in Thuan Loc, Thuan Thanh quarters (0.03 and 0.06%). Children over 5 yrs old were 75.95%. Most of children have slow development in movement and daily activities. More than 78% have late walking, 84% have late speaking. Conclusions: The prevalence of children with mental retardation among children under 15 yrs is 0.23%, among disable children 38.16%. Most of children have slow development in movement and daily activities.

Validation of mathematical model of electrothermal calculation of DC catenary on the basis of scale model

2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 222-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Paranin ◽  
A. B. Batrashov
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Scaled Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Current Collection ◽  
Topological Features ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Real Physical Process

The article compares the results of calculation of the finite element simulation of current and temperature distribution in the scale model of the DC catenary with the data of laboratory tests. Researches were carried on various versions of the structural design of catenary model, reflecting the topological features of the wire connection, characteristic of the DC contact network. The proportions of the cross-sectional area of the scaled model wires are comparable to each other with the corresponding values for real DC catenary. The article deals with the operating conditions of the catenary model in the modes of transit and current collection. When studying the operation of the scale catenary model in the transit mode, the effect of the structural elements on the current distribution and heating of the wires was obtained. Within the framework of the scale model, theoretical assumptions about the current overload of the supporting cable near the middle anchoring have been confirmed. In the current collection mode, the experimental dependences of the current in the transverse wires of the scale model are obtained from the coordinate of the current collection point. Using the model it was experimentally confirmed that in the section of the contact wire with local wear, not only the temperature rise occurs but also the current redistribution due to the smaller cross section. Thus, the current share in other longitudinal wires of the scale model increases and their temperature rises. Scale and mathematical models are constructed with allowance for laboratory clamps and supporting elements that participate in the removal of heat from the investigated wires. Obtained study results of the scale model allow to draw a conclusion about the adequacy of the mathematical model and its correspondence to the real physical process. These conclusions indicate the possibility of applying mathematical model for calculating real catenary, taking into account the uneven contact wear wire and the armature of the contact network.

scholarly journals Indirect Health Effects of COVID-19: Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors during the Lockdown in the United Arab Emirates

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1964
Author(s):  
Hadia Radwan ◽  
Mahra Al Kitbi ◽  
Hayder Hasan ◽  
Marwa Al Hilali ◽  
Nada Abbas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
Change Score ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results

Background: Lockdown measures were implemented in many countries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, such restrictions could precipitate unintended negative consequences on lifestyle behaviors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy behavior changes during the COVID-19 lockdown among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of adults residing in the UAE was carried out during lockdown (n = 2060). Using a multi-component questionnaire, the collected data included questions regarding the following lifestyle changes: Increased dietary intake, increased weight, decreased physical activity, decreased sleep, and increased smoking. An unhealthy lifestyle change score was calculated based on the number of unhealthy lifestyle changes each participant reported. In addition, sociodemographic and living conditions information was collected. Descriptive statistics as well as simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence and determinants of the unhealthy lifestyle changes considered in this study. Results: Among the unhealthy lifestyle changes examined, increased food intake was the most common (31.8%), followed by decreased physical activity (30%), increased weight (29.4%), decreased sleep (20.8%), and increased smoking (21%). In addition to identifying the correlates of each of the aforementioned lifestyle changes, the results of the multiple regression linear analyses revealed the following correlates for the overall unhealthy lifestyle change score: females (β = 0.32, CI: 0.22; 0.42), living in an apartment (β = 0.12, CI: 0.003; 0.23) and being overweight/obese (β = 0.24, CI: 0.15; 0.32) had higher scores, while older adults (>40 years) had lower scores (β = −0.23, CI: −0.34; −0.12). Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and practices among UAE residents. The findings of this study provided the evidence base for officials to design interventions targeting high-risk groups and aiming to improve healthy lifestyle factors among residents during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Differential Diagnosis of Chorea—HIV Infection Delays Diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease by Years

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 710
Author(s):  
Jannis Achenbach ◽  
Simon Faissner ◽  
Carsten Saft
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Huntington's Disease ◽  
Huntington’S Disease ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cag Repeat ◽  
Psychiatric Disease ◽  
Disease Manifestation ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: There is a broad range of potential differential diagnoses for chorea. Besides rare, inherited neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease (HD) chorea can accompany basal ganglia disorders due to vasculitis or infections, e.g., with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The clinical picture is complicated by the rare occurrence of HIV infection and HD. Methods: First, we present a case suffering simultaneously from HIV and HD (HIV/HD) focusing on clinical manifestation and disease onset. We investigated cross-sectional data regarding molecular genetic, motoric, cognitive, functional, and psychiatric disease manifestation of HIV/HD in comparison to motor-manifest HD patients without HIV infection (nonHIV/HD) in the largest cohort of HD patients worldwide using the registry study ENROLL-HD. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA analyses controlling for covariates of age and CAG repeat length between groups in IBM SPSS Statistics V.25. Results: The HD diagnosis in our case report was delayed by approximately nine years due to the false assumption that the HIV infection might have been the cause of chorea. Out of n = 21,116 participants in ENROLL-HD, we identified n = 10,125 motor-manifest HD patients. n = 23 male participants were classified as suffering from HIV infection as a comorbidity, compared to n = 4898 male non-HIV/HD patients. Except for age, with HIV/HD being significantly younger (p < 0.050), we observed no group differences regarding sociodemographic, genetic, educational, motoric, functional, and cognitive parameters. Male HIV/HD patients reported about a 5.3-year-earlier onset of HD symptoms noticed by themselves compared to non-HIV/HD (p < 0.050). Moreover, patients in the HIV/HD group had a longer diagnostic delay of 1.8 years between onset of symptoms and HD diagnosis and a longer time regarding assessment of first symptoms by the rater and judgement of the patient (all p < 0.050). Unexpectedly, HIV/HD patients showed less irritability in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The HD diagnosis in HIV-infected male patients is secured with a diagnostic delay between first symptoms noticed by the patient and final diagnosis. Treating physicians therefore should be sensitized to think of potential alternative diagnoses in HIV-infected patients also afflicted by movement disorders, especially if there is evidence of subcortical atrophy and a history of hyperkinesia, even without a clear HD-family history. Those patients should be transferred for early genetic testing to avoid further unnecessary diagnostics and improve sociomedical care.

scholarly journals Sarcopenia and Malnutrition Screening in Female Osteoporosis Patients—A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2344
Author(s):  
Franca Genest ◽  
Dominik Rak ◽  
Elisa Bätz ◽  
Kerstin Ott ◽  
Lothar Seefried
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Functional Deficits ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Not At Risk

Sarcopenia and malnutrition are important determinants of increased fracture risk in osteoporosis. SARC-F and MNA-SF are well-established questionnaires for identifying patients at risk for these conditions. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and potential added benefit of such assessments as well as the actual prevalence of these conditions in osteoporosis patients. We conducted a cross-sectional, single-center study in female osteoporosis patients ≥ 65 years (SaNSiBaR-study). Results of the sarcopenia (SARC-F) and malnutrition (MNA-SF) screening questionnaires were matched with a functional assessment for sarcopenia and data from patients’ medical records. Out of 107 patients included in the analysis, a risk for sarcopenia (SARC-F ≥ 4 points) and a risk for malnutrition (MNA-SF ≤ 11 points) was found in 33 (30.8%) and 38 (35.5%) patients, respectively. Diagnostic overlap with coincident indicative findings in both questionnaires was observed in 17 patients (16%). As compared to the respective not-at-risk groups, the mean short physical performance battery (SPPB) score was significantly reduced in both patients at risk for sarcopenia (7.0 vs. 10.9 points, p < 0.001) and patients at risk for malnutrition (8.7 vs. 10.5 points, p = 0.005). Still, confirmed sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2 criteria was present in only 6 (6%) of all 107 patients, with only 3 of them having an indicative SARC-F score. Bone mineral density was not significantly different in any of the at-risk groups at any site. In summary, applying SARC-F and MNA-SF in osteoporosis patients appears to be a complementary approach to identify individuals with functional deficits.

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