scholarly journals Epilepsy as a Comorbidity in Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis—A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3983
Author(s):  
Ella Nissan ◽  
Abdulla Watad ◽  
Arnon D. Cohen ◽  
Kassem Sharif ◽  
Johnatan Nissan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are autoimmune-mediated multisystemic myopathies, characterized mainly by proximal muscle weakness. A connection between epilepsy and PM/DM has not been reported previously. Our study aim is to evaluate this association. A case–control study was conducted, enrolling a total of 12,278 patients with 2085 cases (17.0%) and 10,193 subjects in the control group (83.0%). Student’s t-test was used to evaluate continuous variables, while the chi-square test was applied for the distribution of categorical variables. Log-rank test, Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards method were performed for the analysis regarding survival. Of the studied 2085 cases, 1475 subjects (70.7%) were diagnosed with DM, and 610 patients (29.3%) with PM. Participants enrolled as cases had a significantly higher rate of epilepsy (n = 48 [2.3%]) as compared to controls (n = 141 [1.4%], p < 0.0005). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, PM was found only to be significantly associated with epilepsy (OR 2.2 [95%CI 1.36 to 3.55], p = 0.0014), whereas a non-significant positive trend was noted in DM (OR 1.51 [95%CI 0.99 to 2.30], p = 0.0547). Our data suggest that PM is associated with a higher rate of epilepsy compared to controls. Physicians should be aware of this comorbidity in patients with immune-mediated myopathies.

scholarly journals RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS;

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khadija Kiran ◽  
Uzma Jamil ◽  
Amtul Huda Sobhi ◽  
Zuhair Bhatti
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College

Objectives: Objective of our study is to measure the concentration and role of Malondialdehydein determining the oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis patients in comparison with healthy individuals. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of physiology Gujranwala Medical College and Shalamar Medical College, Lahore. Period: From October 2016 to October 2017. Methodology: 180 patients of age 49 to 70 years of either gender. The approval for conducting experimental study was taken from ethical committee and consent information was taken from the patient on prescribed Performa. Data was analyzed on SPSS Version 23 related to study. Continuous variables were presented as mean and standard deviation like age and serum MDA concentration. Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages like gender. Post operative chi square test was applied and p- value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Total 180 person (n=180) of either genderwere included in this study. The study group was divided into two equal groups. Group A (RA group) consists of 90 patients (n=90) based on clinically and laboratory based criteria while group B (control group) consists of 90 (n=90) normal healthy individuals. The serum MDA levels in the RA patients were 3.97±1.03 nmoles/ml and it was 1.59±0.32 n moles/ml in control patients. The difference was statistically significant (t=20.87, p=0.001). Conclusion: The observations of our study showed statistically significant raised serum Malondialdehyde level as compared to control group which shows that raised serum MDA is an indicator of oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis patients.  

scholarly journals Association between Short Hours of Sleep and Overweight/Obesity in Mexican Adolescent Population: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 939
Author(s):  
Ana Fresan ◽  
Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza ◽  
María Lilia López-Narváez ◽  
Tania Guadalupe Gómez-Peralta ◽  
Daniela Georgina Aguilar-Velázquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Body ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obese Adolescent ◽  
School Based ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Mexican Adolescents

Background/Aim: Obesity in adolescents is increasing; as such, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in Mexican adolescents and examine its possible association with hours of sleep. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was carried out. This study included 863 adolescents aged between 11 and 16 years. The prevalence of obesity was estimated using the body mass index (BMI). The duration of sleep (and other information) was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. The Cochran–Mantel–Hansel test for categorical variables and a general linear model for continuous variables were used to evaluate the interaction effect of BMI and sex with respect to sleeping and assessed activity conditions. Results: It was found that 47.6% of the adolescents were overweight/obese. Men were more frequently overweight/obese than women (52.6% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.002). Moreover, overweight/obese adolescents were younger and spent fewer daily hours watching television (p < 0.05). Men practiced sports more hours per week than women (p = 0.04). However, women spent more daily time on the internet (p = 0.05), and overweight/obese adolescent women slept fewer hours than overweight/obese men and adolescents with normal weight (p = 0.008). Conclusions: The development of strategies for the prevention of overweight/obesity and the improvement of sleep duration should include a gender perspective to improve health habits in Mexican adolescents.

Prevalence and factors related to second hand smoking exposure, knowledge and response among adolescents in rural Puducherry

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalaiselvy Arikrishnan ◽  
Gokul Sarveswaran ◽  
Yuvaraj Krishnamoorthy ◽  
Manikandanesan Sakthivel ◽  
Marie Gilbert Majella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Public Place ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Second Hand Smoking

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of Second Hand Smoking (SHS) and assess the factors related to exposure, knowledge and response to SHS among adolescents in rural Puducherry, South India.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents during March and April 2018. Two out of four villages were selected randomly and all the adolescents were contacted through household visit and questionnaire was administered. Semi structured questionnaire contained three sections: sociodemographic details, environmental assessment and third section contained knowledge about SHS, COTPA and response towards being exposed to SHS, as well as exposure history. Continuous variables like age were summarized as mean (SD). Categorical variables such as awareness, attitude and practise towards SHS were summarized as proportions with 95% confidence interval.ResultsTotal number of adolescents interviewed was 789. The mean age of the study participants were 14.1 (2.4) years and majority, 440 (55.8%) were boys and 684 (86.7%) belonged to nuclear family. More than one fourth, 210 (26.6%) belonged to middle class of socio-economic status. Environmental assessment of household showed more than half, 456 (57.8%) were staying in pucca house and majority 642 (81.4%) had adequate cross ventilation. It was found that about 70.1% had adequate knowledge about SHS and its harmful effects. Prevalence of exposure to SHS was 49%. Majority (40.5%) told that they will scold or advice the family member to stop smoking if they are exposed to SHS in the living place. However, almost 80% of adolescents mentioned that they will no’t react if they see someone smoking in a public place.ConclusionsCurrent study found that almost half of the adolescents were exposed to SHS. Even though, almost three fourth had adequate knowledge, attitude towards preventing SHS in public place was found to be poor. Hence, adolescents need to be motivated enough to address the problem in the public place through motivational counselling in adolescent clinics by health care workers.

scholarly journals Leptospira spp. seroprevalence in humans involved in a cross-sectional study in Garissa and Tana River Counties, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arithi Mutembei ◽  
Festus K. Mutai ◽  
Damaris Mwololo ◽  
John Muriuki ◽  
Mark Obonyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Fatality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
P Value ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Test Statistic ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tana River

AbstractIntroductionLeptospirosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic infection caused by spirochetes of Leptospira genus. Humans get infected through direct or indirect contact with urine of infected animals or environment. It accounts for more than 300,000 severe cases annually worldwide with case fatality rates of over 30%. Costs of diagnosis and treatment for human and animals, disruption of international trade of animals and products, reduced productivity and reproductivity in animals constitute economic importance. In Kenya, leptospirosis burden is significant but under-diagnosis and under-reporting affects the awareness of the disease. This study aimed to determine and compare the sero-prevalence and factors associated with Leptospira spp. in the two counties.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study that involved apparently healthy people of at least 5 years of age in randomly selected households in Garissa and Tana River Counties. Blood samples were collected and tested for Leptospira spp antibodies using IgM ELISA. Standardized structured questionnaires were administered to collect socio-demographic and exposure information. We calculated frequencies and proportions for categorical variables and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate association between sero-positivity and exposure factors. We used Wilcoxon test to evaluate statistical difference in sero-positivity for continuous variables and calculated test statistic (H) and p-value.ResultsA total of 952 subjects were recruited into the study – these included 482 persons from Garissa and 470 from Tana River. The overall sero-prevalence was 26% [(244/952); (CI: 23% to 29%)]. Garissa County had significantly higher Leptospira spp. seroprevalence (31%, n = 147; CI: 27% to 35%) compared to Tana River County (21 %, n = 97; CI: 17% to 25%). Being a female (OR=1.6, CI: 1.2-2.2) and engaging in pastoralism (OR=2.7, CI: 1.8-3.9) were significantly associated with higher odds of Leptospira spp. seropositivity compared to being a male or working in irrigated areas. The mean altitude of residence of sero-positive patients was 73m ± 21 SD (standard deviation) above sea level and that for sero-negative was 80m ± 22 SD (H=35, p-value = 0.00).ConclusionThis study determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for Leptospira spp. exposure in Garissa and Tana River Counties, Kenya. Females in pastoral communities experience high burden of the disease. Enhanced surveillance in humans and animals and further research is required to understand the complex and multifactorial drivers of leptospirosis transmission in the two Counties.

scholarly journals Knowledge of medical students about perioperative nutritional care in Bahia, Brazil: a transversal study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-70
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Fernandes Weyll Pimentel ◽  
Leonardo Castro Dantas Macêdo ◽  
Sérgio Diniz Gonçalves Queiroz Filho ◽  
Pedro Carlos Muniz de Figueiredo ◽  
Magno Conceição das Merces
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Nutritional Therapy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Surgical Patient ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutritional Care ◽  
Exact Test

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the medical students’ knowledge about perioperative nutritional care. These students are from public and private academic institutions in the state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study to analyze medical students based on an online instrument regarding topics related to perioperative care. For data analysis, absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation were calculated for continuous variables. Fisher's Exact Test and G Test were used to analyze the association. Results: 209 responses were obtained. Regarding the learning on nutritional preparation of the patient submitted to a surgery, 25 (64.9%) students of public institutions and 90 (52.3%) students of private ones reported not knowing or not having been exposed to such knowledge. Regarding the importance of addressing topics related to nutritional therapy (NT), 37 (100%) students from public institutions and 168 (97.7%) from private ones recognize the importance of spreading this knowledge. Unnecessary absolute preoperative fasting, shortening techniques of fasting and bronchoaspiration prevention and reintroduction time of a diet in the postoperative period are unknown to most of the population studied. CONCLUSION: Most students included in this study do not have satisfactory knowledge in NT and for preparing the surgical patient.

scholarly journals Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Screening among Young Female Adults in the Kintampo Municipal Hospital, Bono East Ghana.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 64-81
Author(s):  
Mustapha Hallidu ◽  
Stephen Tawiah Odonkor ◽  
Issah Sumaila
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cancer Knowledge ◽  
Municipal Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose: This study sought to determine the cervical cancer knowledge and screening among young female adults in Kintampo North Municipality. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was employed using a quantitative approach. Data was collected from 341 participants using a consecutive sampling with structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse continuous variables like age and expressed as means and standard deviations, whilst categorical variables were summarized into frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to determine the associations between the independent and dependent variables. Findings: More than half (58%) of the respondents had knowledge of cervical cancer. The two major sources of cervical cancer knowledge to respondents were the health workers (45.6%) and radio/television/internet (45.1%). Most (70.5%) had no idea about the causes of cervical cancer. Again, more than half (55.5%) of the respondents had no idea on the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer while less than half (48.4%) also had no idea about prevention of cervical cancer. Almost all (94.6%) the respondents had never been screened. Recommendations: Cervical cancer knowledge and screening is low among young female adults attending the Kintampo North Municipal Hospital. As such, there is the need to put strategies in place to increase cervical cancer knowledge and screening in the Kintampo North and its environs.

scholarly journals PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION;

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (08) ◽  
pp. 1168-1172
Author(s):  
Uzma Jamil ◽  
Anam Mukhtar ◽  
Shaista Hussain ◽  
Farida Munawar
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Serum Uric Acid ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Fetal Distress ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
P Value ◽  
Age Difference ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional

Objectives: To investigate serum uric as an indicator of fetomaternal complicationsin women with late pregnancy. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Shalamar Medicaland Dental College Lahore ethical committee. Period: One year from October 2016 to October2017. Methodology: Continuous variables were presented as mean and standard deviationlike age and Serum malonaladehyde concentration; categorical variables were presented asnumbers and percentages like intra uterine growth restriction, Mild to moderate and sever preeclampsia and fetal distress. One way ANOVA, independent sample t test and chi square testwere applied to check significance of results, p value less than or equal to 0.05 was consideredas significant. Results: Overall, 100% (n=400) patients were included in this study. The meanage of the patients was 25.81±4.33 years. The age difference was not statistically significant,in groups (p=0.383). The mean serum uric acid levels of the patients for maturity (weeks)36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 was 247.96±2.52 (nmol/l), 253.95±2.04 (nmol/l), 261.19±3.15 (nmol/l),263.95±2.75 (nmol/l) and 296.19±2.55 (nmol/l) respectively. The differences were statisticallysignificant (p=0.000). Fetal distress, number with rising levels were (n=23) 71.8%, number withno change in levels were (n=3) 9.4% and number with falling levels were (n=6) 18.8%. Thedifferences were statistically significant. (p=0.000). Conclusion: The observations of our studyconcluded that serial increase of serum uric acid from 36th week to 40th week was observedin pregnancy induced hypertion patients, and raised serum level of uric acid had significantrelation with fetomaternal complications. like Fetal distress, preeclampsia, and intrauterinegrowth retardation. So serum uric acid can be used an indicator for fetometernal complicationsin late pregnancy.

Association of skipping breakfast and different domains of cognitive function among undergraduate medical students: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 ◽  
pp. 137-141
Author(s):  
Twinkle Kerwani ◽  
Sandhya Gupta ◽  
Venkatarao Epari ◽  
Jyotiranjan Sahoo
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Skipping Breakfast

Objectives: To find out the prevalence of skipping breakfast and its association with different domains of cognitive function. Materials and Methods: Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, a representative sample of 184 under graduate students were included. Cognitive function was assessed using previously validated scales of measurement like FDS (Forward Digit Span) and BDS (Backward Digit Span) for assessing short-term and working memory respectively and MMSE (Mini Mental Scale Examination) for assessing global cognitive function. Categorical variables were expressed as a percentage and continuous variables were expressed in terms of mean and median. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the medians. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Almost three-quarter of the study participants were found to have skipped breakfast either once or more than once in a week. All the three scores (FDS, BDS and MMSE) were higher among those who took breakfast. However; only the differences in BDS and MMSE scores were statistically significant. Conclusion: It was observed that those who took breakfast had higher BDS and MMSE scores indicating positive association between having breakfast and certain domains of cognitive function. Further, studies with robust study designs are needed to elicit the association of skipping breakfast and cognitive function, which would contribute further to our existing knowledge.

scholarly journals Characterization of self-reported communication disorders in elderly women living in Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla Geovanna Moraes Crispim ◽  
Aldo Pacheco Ferreira ◽  
Terezinha Lima Silva ◽  
Euler Esteves Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Frequency Distributions

OBJECTIVES: Characterize self-reported communication disorders highlighting the association between variables of health conditions, socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, hearing loss and diseases in an elderly group. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted from August to December 2012, with 159 women aged 60 or more, recruited at UnATI/UEA (University of the Third Age, University of the State of Amazonas), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. The subjects were interviewed and asked for self-reported communications disorders. Descriptive analysis was performed using central tendency and dispersion measures for continuous variables and frequency distributions for categorical variables and the prevalence of self-reported language disorders was estimated. To verify the presence of statistically significant differences it was used χ2, considering the significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). RESULTS: Communication disorders were reported by 8.18% of elderly women. The following deficits were reported: intelligibility (6.92%), oral comprehension (10.69%), lexical access (10.69%), and recent memory (38.36%). Reading and writing difficulties were informed by 5.66% and 6.92%, respectively. Among the illiterate group, 20% declared communication disorders, while the literate group, 8.44%. Statistical association was verified between communication disorders and self-reported hearing loss (p=0.03). Association was not detected between communication disorders and diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the diversity of communication disorders within this population, further studies are needed to assess if changes occur at the aging process and how they work so that possibilities for prevention can be discussed.

scholarly journals Dietary Acrylamide Intake and the Risk of Hematological Malignancies: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 590
Author(s):  
Ling Zha ◽  
Rong Liu ◽  
Tomotaka Sobue ◽  
Tetsuhisa Kitamura ◽  
Junko Ishihara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Hematological Malignancies ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Public Health Center ◽  
Dietary Acrylamide

Acrylamide, which is present in many daily foods, is a probable human carcinogen. In 2002, it was identified in several common foods. Subsequently, western epidemiologists began to explore the relationship between dietary acrylamide exposure and cancer risk; however, limited suggestive associations were found. This prospective study aimed to examine the association between dietary acrylamide intake and the risk of hematological malignancies, including malignant lymphoma (ML), multiple myeloma (MM), and leukemia. We enrolled 85,303 participants in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective study on diet and cancer as from 1995. A food frequency questionnaire that included data on acrylamide in all Japanese foods was used to assess dietary acrylamide intake. We applied multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to reckon hazard ratios (HRs) for acrylamide intake for both categorical variables (tertiles) and continuous variables. After 16.0 median years of follow-up, 326 confirmed cases of ML, 126 cases of MM, and 224 cases of leukemia were available for final multivariable-adjusted analysis. HRs were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–1.18) for ML, 0.64 (95% CI: 0.38–1.05) for MM, and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.71–1.45) for leukemia. Our results implied that acrylamide may not be related to the risk of hematological malignancies.

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