scholarly journals OCT-Angiography Findings in Patients with Amblyopia: Comparison between Healthy Controls, Treatment-Responsive, and Treatment-Unresponsive Amblyopic Patients

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1751
Author(s):  
Annabella Salerni ◽  
Gloria Gambini ◽  
Chiara Fedeli ◽  
Ludovica Paris ◽  
Emanuele Crincoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Vascular Density ◽  
Ocular Motility ◽  
Ophthalmological Examination ◽  
Light Stimulation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vascular Plexus ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Normal Controls ◽  
Expert Physician

There is no consensus on whether amblyopia affects the retinal vascular plexus and morphology. Previous studies focused on the differences between amblyopic patients and normal controls without evaluating amblyopic eyes after patching. To evaluate differences in the superficial vascular density of amblyopic eyes, normal eyes, and amblyopic eyes reaching normal BCVA after patch therapy, OCTA was used. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity, refraction, ocular motility tests, and anterior and posterior segment examination. OCTA was performed by an expert physician using the Zeiss Cirrus 5000-HD-OCT Angioplex (Carl Zeiss, Meditec, Inc., Dublin, OH, USA). OCTA scans were performed using a 3 × 3 mm2 and 6 × 6 mm2 fovea-centered image setting. The mean outer macular vessel density in the previously amblyopic group was 19.15 ± 0.51%. This was statistically significantly higher than in both the amblyopic group (18.70 ± 1.14%) and the normal controls (18.18 ± 1.40%) (p = 0.014). The previously amblyopic group also significantly differed from both normal controls and amblyopic eyes with regards to the inner (p = 0.011), outer (p = 0.006), and full (p = 0.003) macular perfusion. Finally, linear regression analysis revealed that BCVA was linearly correlated to outer perfusion in amblyopic (p = 0.003) and ex amblyopic eyes (p < 0.001). Considering the cross-sectional nature of our study, from our results, we can only hypothesize a possible correlation between light stimulation and retinal vasculature development. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to support this hypothesis.

Elevated Complement (C) and IgG Bound Microparticles (MP) in Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and Hemolytic Anemia (HA).

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1313-1313
Author(s):  
Wenche Jy ◽  
Lawrence L Horstman ◽  
Andrew Lin ◽  
Carlos Bidot ◽  
Yeon-Soong Ahn
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Red Cell ◽  
Major Mechanism ◽  
Cell Destruction ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Normal Controls

Abstract Abstract 1313 Poster Board I-337 Background Cell derived microparticles (MP) are shed during cell activation and apotosis and MP profiles reflect the status of cell disturbances in various forms of pancytopenias. It was demonstrated that when antibodies fix complement (C) on the membrane, red cells evade C mediated lysis by shedding MP with bound C. We analyzed C and IgG bound to MP to gain insight on the underlying mechanisms of cell destruction. We measured C1q fragment and IgG on cell-derived (MP) in plasmas of patients with ITP, hemolytic anemias (HA) and thrombosis (TBS). Methods (1) Patient population. Consenting patients consisted of 18 TBS, 14 ITP and 6 HA (5 AIHA and 1 TTP), as well as 20 normal controls (NC). (2) Flow cytometry. MP were centrifuged from 1 mL fresh (not frozen) platelet-poor plasma (PPP), washed twice with saline, resuspended in 100 μL, then incubated with fluorescent mAb to C1q and IgG, then analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, MP in the PPP were analyzed for MP from RBC (RMP) using marker glycophorin A, and MP from platelets (PMP) by CD42b. Values were considered elevated if >2SD above the mean of NC. Control values were (mean ±SD per μL): C1q+ MP = 536 ±151; IgG+ MP = 5,542 ±2,081; RMP = 823 ±246; PMP = 7,520 ±2,084. Results We observed significant elevation of C1q+ and IgG+ MP in patients with ITP (2-3 fold) and hemolytic anemias (6-10 fold) but not in those with thrombosis. These findings indicate that complement mediated cell destruction or disturbance in these disorders is frequent. (1). The ITP group consisted of 2 subgroups, one of which had elevated C1q+ and IgG+ MP, the other not, and these subgroups also differed in RMP. Specifically, six ITP with high C1q+ MP also had high RMP (1,899 ±682 /μL) and PMP (16,602 ±4,216 /μL) while those with normal C1q+ MP had normal RMP (504 ±186 /μL) and PMP (3,472 ±1196 /μL). This suggests that platelet destruction in ITP can proceed via C in some but not all cases, probably depending on the autoantibodies. We have previously reported high RMP in ITP. These findings suggest subclinical C mediated hemolysis in a subset of ITP. (2) In HA patients, all 6 had elevated C1q+ MP (3,934 ±1,419 /μL, p<0.001) as compared to normal controls (536 ±151 /μL). The mean in HA was nearly 6-fold greater than NC. The HA group also had higher IgG+ MP, with mean counts about 10-fold higher than NC (61,531 ±20,733 vs. 5,542 ±2,081 /μL, p<0.001). Furthermore, the HA patients also had elevated RMP (2,191 ±635 /μL, p<0.01). This suggests that C-mediated destruction of RBC is a major mechanism in HA. (3) Linear regression analysis showed that C1q+ MP is well correlated with IgG+ MP (R = 0.84, p<0.0001) and RMP (R = 0.79, p<0.001). (4) The TBS group did not show higher levels of any of the measures assayed. It is widely believed that phagocytosis is the mechanism of cell destruction in ITP and AIHA. Our findings support the concept that complement (C) -mediated platelet or red cell destruction play an important role and is common in these disorders. Assay of C and IgG on MP can provide new insight to underlying mechanisms of immune mediated platelet and red cell destruction. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Evaluating Central Serous Chorioretinopathy with Multifocal Electroretinogram

2009 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Marilita M Moschos ◽  
Michael Moschos ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Fluorescein Angiography ◽  
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy ◽  
Multifocal Electroretinogram ◽  
Ophthalmological Examination ◽  
Corrected Visual Acuity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Retinal Response ◽  
Normal Controls ◽  
Best Corrected Visual Acuity

Purpose: To evaluate central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) by multifocal electroretinogram (mf-ERG). Patients and methods: Twenty-one patients (21 eyes) with unilateral CSCR were examined. Both eyes of each patient underwent complete ophthalmological examination, including measurement of best corrected visual acuity, fluorescein angiography and mf-ERG recording. Our results were compared with the corresponding findings of 33 age-matched normal volunteers. Results: At presentation, the mean retinal response density (RRD) of the affected eyes in area 1 was 50.8% lower compared with normal controls (p<0.001). After CSCR regression, the mean RRD of the affected eyes was 30.1% lower compared with normal controls (p<0.001). Six fellow unaffected eyes showed a mean RRD in area 1 equal to 12nV/deg2. Conclusion: During the acute phase of CSCR, the mean RRD of the fovea was significantly abnormal. After its regression, mf-ERG values ameliorate, but they remain significantly abnormal. Abnormal values in area 1 were also found in the unaffected eyes.

scholarly journals Reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise test in healthy adults in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Pereira Lima ◽  
Marcelo Velloso ◽  
Bruno Porto Pessoa ◽  
Fabiana Damasceno Almeida ◽  
Giane Amorim Ribeiro-Samora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Values ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Completion Time ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Completion ◽  
Limb Exercise

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise (UULEX) test, which measures peak arm exercise capacity, in healthy adults in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, involving presumably healthy individuals ≥ 30 years of age who completed questionnaires and underwent spirometry. All of the individuals underwent two UULEX tests 30-min apart. The outcome measure was the maximum time (in min) to completion of the test. Results: We included 100 individuals between 30 and 80 years of age. The mean test completion time was 11.99 ± 1.90 min among the women and 12.89 ± 2.15 min among the men (p = 0.03). The test completion time showed statistically significant correlations with age (r = −0.48; p < 0.001), gender (r = 0.28; p = 0.004), body mass index (BMI, r = −0.20; p = 0.05), and height (r = 0.28; p = 0.005). Linear regression analysis showed that the predictors of UULEX completion time were age (p = 0.000), BMI (p = 0.003), and gender (p = 0.019), which collectively explained 30% of the total variability. The mean UULEX completion time was 6% lower for the women than for the men. Conclusions: The present study was able to establish reference values for the UULEX test in healthy adults in Brazil. The values were influenced by age, gender, and BMI.

scholarly journals Stigma Among Patients with HIV/AIDS: A Cross Sectional Study in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Azreen Abdullah ◽  
Adibah Hanim Ismail ◽  
Ching Siew Mooi
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction:HIV stigma refers to negative beliefs, feelings and attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLWH), groups associated with PLWH and other key populations at higher risk of HIV infection, such as people who inject drugs, sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender people. Despite the advancement made in the knowledge and treatment of HIV, PLWH continues to be stigmatized.Objective: To determine the level of HIV stigma and its predictors among people living with HIV/AIDS in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among HIV/AIDS patients aged 18 and above at infectious disease clinic in Hospital Sungai Buloh, Gombak, Malaysia. HIV stigma was assessed using Berger’s HIV stigma scale, which is available in Bahasa Malaysia and English.A self-administered questionnaire was used to determine their demographic and clinical characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors.Results: 526 subjects participated in this study. The mean age of the study population was 33.5± 8.4 years. The majority of the participants were male (90.9%) and contracted HIV through sexual activities (87.8%). The mean score of HIV stigma was 104.7 ± 19.5. Based on multiple linear regression analysis, patients who were unemployed (B = -8.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -12.12,-3.88, p = < 0.001) and being on antiretroviral treatment (B = 4.95, 95% (CI) = 0.30, 9.60, p = < 0.037) had higher level of HIV stigma.Conclusions: The level of HIV stigma was high (mean score =104.7 ± 19.5). HIV/AIDS patients who are unemployed and on antiretroviral agents were at risks of having higher level of HIV stigma. Future study is needed urgently to implement intervention that can minimize the stigmatization among patients with HIV/AIDS.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 04 No. 01 January’20 Page : 26-35

scholarly journals Children and digital devices: a survey on risk perception and use

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Covolo ◽  
J Roncali ◽  
D Zaniboni ◽  
V Mapelli ◽  
E Ceretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time

Abstract Background Paediatrics associations in different international contexts recommended avoiding the use of screen media in children ages 0-2 years and limiting the use to one hour per day for children ages 2-5 years. In the light of these guidelines, the aim of this study was to investigate risk perception in the general population and use of digital devices (DD) in preschool children. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study on 3115 Italian subjects including parents and non-parents, using an online survey. Parents answered questions about their children’s DD use. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the potential predictors of devices’ use in preschool children. Results Overall 74% of sample think that the use of DD by preschool children is a risk for health. They perceive risks, such as having eye irritation (83%), having sleep disorders (65%) more than benefits, e.g. communicating with distant relatives (47%), and learning new words (40%). Parents of preschool children represent the 74% of all parents (N = 1869). The 56% of parents with only 0-2 years children think that is not correct the use of DDs in toddlers, however the 25% of them allow their children to use them. The mean time use reported is 63±57 minutes. Among parents who have also children from 2 to 5 years, the 89% think it is correct the use of DD up to a maximum of one hour a day for children aged 2-5 years. However, the 58% of them allow their children to use it more than one hour. The mean time use reported is 61±52 minutes. Parents without a job, having low education level, with more than one child and having children ages 3 and older, are more prone to allow the use of DD to their children. Conclusions There is a discrepancy between risk perception and real attitude on DD use in children by parents. Public health actions must aim to increase awareness about a conscious use of DD in children considering the spread of DD in the society and younger people. Key messages The discrepancy between risk perception and actual behaviour means an underestimation of health impact of digital devices use in children. Health professionals are very concerned about the health risk of digital devices use in children. Considering the large use of digital devices, public health actors must pay attention to this matter.

scholarly journals Insight and Associated Factors among Patients with Schizophrenia in Mental Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandaras Tariku ◽  
Demeke Demilew ◽  
Tolesa Fanta ◽  
Meskerem Mekonnen ◽  
Dessie Abebaw Angaw
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Prognostic Indicator ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specialized Hospital ◽  
First Onset ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Negative Syndrome

Background. Insight is the degree of the patient’s awareness and understanding of their attributions, feelings, behavior and disturbing symptoms. Majority of the patients with schizophrenia have poor insight and insight is an important prognostic indicator in schizophrenia to enhance treatment compliances and reducing the risks of clinical deterioration. The main objective of this study was to assess insight and its associated factors among patients with schizophrenia at mental specialized hospital in Ethiopia. Methods. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2018 Mental Specialized Hospital among 455 patients with schizophrenia. Insight was measured by an abridged version of Scale to assess unawareness of mental disorder. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Calgary depressive scale, Oslo social support scale was used to identify factors associated with insight. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess associated factors of insight in the participants. Results. The mean score of insight was 13.66 (95% CI 13.27, 14.04). Age at first onset of illness, duration of treatments, depressive symptoms were inversely associated with mean insight score; whereas unemployed, positive and negative syndrome, previous hospitalization, >=2 episodes were positively associated with mean insight score. Conclusion. Nearly half of the study participants were scored above the mean insight score so, the clinicians and psychotherapists should have to work together to improve insight among patients with schizophrenia.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Resilience and Academic Burnout among Nursing and Midwifery Students in Kermanshah, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Maryam Janatolmakan ◽  
Yousef Torabi ◽  
Shahab Rezaeian ◽  
Bahare Andayeshgar ◽  
Amirabbas Dabiry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Academic Burnout ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

Background. Nursing and midwifery students have relatively high levels of academic burnout. One of the mechanisms to combat this issue is resilience. The results related to the association between academic burnout and resilience indicate a negative association, but various studies have reported different correlation coefficients. Therefore, the current study was aimed to investigate the association between resilience and academic burnout among nursing and midwifery students. Methods. A total of 240 nursing and midwifery students were recruited in this cross-sectional study using stratified random sampling. Data were collected by a demographic information questionnaire, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS). Data were analyzed by SPSS-16 using t-test, ANOVA, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis. Results. The mean scores of academic burnout for nursing and midwifery students were 41.4 ± 14.8 and 41.2 ± 12.3, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant ( p  = 0.368). The mean scores of resilience for nursing and midwifery students were 58.1 ± 13.3 and 52.9 ± 13.9, respectively, which showed a statistically significant difference ( p  = 0.004). Resilience was significantly inversely correlated with academic burnout in nursing and midwifery students (r = −0.04, p  < 0.001; r = −0.39, p  < 0.001). Increased resilience in students decreased academic burnout ( p  < 0.001). Conclusion. Academic burnout was moderate in nursing and midwifery students, but resilience was relatively high. Given the negative correlation between resilience and academic burnout, it is necessary to strengthen resilience skills and reduce factors that cause academic burnout.

scholarly journals Accuracy of the Corvis Biomechanical Index in Keratoconus Screening

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazle Hanan ◽  
Zulfiqar Ali ◽  
Muhammad Naeem
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Cross Linkage ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Normal Controls

Purpose:  To evaluate the accuracy of the Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI) in screening of patients with Keratoconus. Study Design:  Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study:  Amanat Eye Hospital Peshawar from July 2018 to June 2019. Material and Methods:  One thousand eyes were included in this study. Patients who came for keratorefractive laser procedure or collagen cross linkage were included in the study by convenient sampling technique. Six hundred and eleven patients had early Keratoconus and 389 were normal controls. Control group included those individuals who had visual acuity of 6/6 with no clinical feature of Keratoconus and normal TBI. All individuals included in the study underwent a thorough ocular examination, CBI and TBI tests. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis of collected data. Results: The mean CBI value was 0.3186 ± 0.407 standard deviation (SD), the standard error (SE) of the mean was 0.0129 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.293 to 0.343. The minimum CBI value was 0.00 and the maximum value was 1.00. The mean Tomographic Biomechanical Index (TBI) value was 0.465 ± 0.392 SD, SE was 0.124 with a 95% CI of 0.222 to 0.708. The range of TBI values was 0.00 to 1.00. For CBI, sensitivity was 58.2%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value was 61.2%. Conclusion:  Although CBI is accurate in terms of specificity and sensitivity, the result should be interpreted in combination with clinical data and other topographic and tomographic parameters.

Serum elevated gamma glutamyltransferase levels may be a marker for oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 815-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burcu Balam Yavuz ◽  
Bunyamin Yavuz ◽  
Meltem Halil ◽  
Mustafa Cankurtaran ◽  
Zekeriya Ulger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gamma Glutamyltransferase ◽  
Normal Controls

ABSTRACTBackground: Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) plays a role in cellular glutathione uptake, which is an important element of antioxidant mechanisms. An increase in serum GGT is thought to be an early and sensitive marker of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to investigate the GGT levels in AD.Method: In this cross-sectional study, 132 patients with AD (mean age: 74.1 ± 7.4, female 62.9%) and 158 age- and gender-matched normal controls (mean age: 74.5 ± 6.3, female 67.1%) were evaluated. For cognitive assessment, MMSE and clock drawing tests were performed; DSM-IV and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria were used. Serum GGT, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were determined.Results: Median (min-max) GGT levels were 18 (9–70) in AD group and 17 (5–32) in normal controls. Mann-Whitney U test showed that GGT levels were significantly higher in AD patients (p = 0.012). Linear regression analysis revealed AD was an independent correlate of elevated GGT levels. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were not associated with GGT levels.Conclusion: GGT levels were increased significantly in AD patients. To evaluate the role of GGT as a marker of oxidative stress in AD, further studies are needed.

scholarly journals A Survey of Iranian Primiparous Women’s Perceptions of Vaginal Examination During Labor

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272094051
Author(s):  
Samaneh Dabagh-Fekri ◽  
Leila Amiri-Farahani ◽  
Leila Amini ◽  
Sally Pezaro
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Women’S Perceptions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
Primiparous Women

Objective: To assess perceptions about vaginal examinations (VEs) during labor among women referred to the Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2015 to May 2016. It included 200 primiparous women. Convenience sampling was used to select participants. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that collected both demographic and obstetric data from participants, as well as data in relation to women’s experiences according to a designated and validated scale, 24 hours after childbirth. Higher scores were indicative of a more positive perception in relation to a participant’s experience of VE. Results: The mean ± SD score for the perception of the VE and number of examinations in the active phase of labor was 62.9 ± 26.2 and 7.4 ± 2.44, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between perceived duration of examination (short, average [B = −1.03], long [B = 3.84]), feeling of comfort with the examiner (B = 2.73), and number of examiners (B = −0.81) with the mean scores of their perceptions ( P < .05). These 3 variables accounted for 8% of the changes in the women’s perceptions score of VE. Conclusion: The majority of participants in this study underwent excessive VEs during labor. If obstetrically safe, a reduction in the number of examinations during labor along with decreased duration based on women’s perceptions could improve women’s perceptions of VE overall. Additionally, should each VE be performed by the same clinician, women’s perceptions in relation to VEs may also improve.

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