Prevalence of Rubella Antibodies among Fertile Women in the West of Romania, 18 Years after the Implementation of Immunization

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.

Download Full-text

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-232650/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Run-ze Zhao ◽

Melba Márquez Fernández ◽

Maria Cáceres Toledo ◽

Teddy Osmin Tamargo Barbeito ◽

Guo-xun Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hypertensive Retinopathy ◽

Ganglion Cell Complex ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

Post Hoc ◽

Group 1

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.

Download Full-text

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EMOTIONAL-VOLITIONAL DYSFUNCTION AND FEATURES OF AGGRESSION OR HOSTILITY IN MENS WITH DIFFERENT FORMS OF SUBSTANCE ADDICTIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Wiadomości Lekarskie ◽

10.36740/wlek202006109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (6) ◽

pp. 1129-1133

Author(s):

Liliia V. Zhyvotovska ◽

Dmytro I. Boiko ◽

Nataliia V. Kadzhaia ◽

Anastasia D. Shkodina ◽

Iryna V. Demianenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Aggression ◽

Self Regulation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Control ◽

General Level ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Right ◽

Group 1

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.

Download Full-text

Triggering Factors for Breakthrough Seizures among Epileptic Patients. Cross Sectional Study in Epileptic Patients Attending Epilepsy Clinic Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt

International Neuropsychiatric Disease Journal ◽

10.9734/indj/2019/v13i130103 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Mohammed Gomaa ◽

Ahmed Esmael ◽

Mohammed Saad

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Precipitating Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Epileptiform Discharges ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Epileptic Patients ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

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.

Download Full-text

Frequency of endometriotic lesions in peritoneum samples from asymptomatic fertile women and correlation with CA125 values

Sao Paulo Medical Journal ◽

10.1590/s1516-31802009000600004 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 127 (6) ◽

pp. 342-345 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Caio Parente Barbosa ◽

Ângela Mara Bentes de Souza ◽

Bianca Bianco ◽

Denise Christofolini ◽

Fernanda Abani Mafra Bach ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Diagnostic Significance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Genetic Abnormalities ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Family ◽

Women's Lives ◽

Serum Ca125 ◽

De Medicina ◽

Fertile Women

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Serological testing for CA125 has been widely used to detect endometriosis and to monitor its progression. However, controversy still exists regarding the usefulness of the plasma CA125 assay for diagnosing endometriosis. Furthermore, some authors have described superficial endometriosis as a cyclical and normal phenomenon in women's lives, and have indicated that development and progression of this disease would only occur in some women as a result of immunological changes. This study aimed to determine the frequency of endometriosis and the correlation between serum CA125 levels and the presence of endometriotic lesions in the peritoneum of asymptomatic fertile patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at the Family Planning outpatient clinic of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. METHODS: Eighty asymptomatic fertile patients who underwent tubal sterilization surgery were studied. Blood and peritoneum samples were collected. CA125 levels were measured from blood samples, and peritoneum biopsies were studied using histopathological tests. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation of the peritoneum revealed that 16.25% of the patients had minimal or mild endometriosis. There was no statistically significant difference in CA125 levels between patients with and without endometriosis. CONCLUSION: The presence of endometriotic lesions in the peritoneum of fertile patients supports the hypothesis that incidental findings of minimal or mild endometriosis may not be of clinical significance, and that the progression of the disease probably occurs as a result of immunological and genetic abnormalities. Serum CA125 levels did not show any diagnostic significance with regard to detecting the disease.

Download Full-text

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LEUKOCYTES COUNT AND THE SEVERITY OF COVID-19 INFECTION

Wiadomości Lekarskie ◽

10.36740/wlek202110110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 74 (10) ◽

pp. 2417-2422

Author(s):

Ahmed Hamza Ajmi ◽

Wassan Abdul-Kareem Abbas ◽

Dalya Basil Hanna ◽

Maysaa Ali Abdul Khaleq

Keyword(s):

Clinical Investigation ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Severe Infection ◽

Laboratory Diagnosis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lymphocyte To Monocyte Ratio ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

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.

Download Full-text

Effect of the Cut-Off Level for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone on the Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism among Infertile Mexican Women

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11030417 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 417

Author(s):

Lidia Arce-Sánchez ◽

Salvatore Giovanni Vitale ◽

Claudia Montserrat Flores-Robles ◽

Myrna Souraye Godines-Enriquez ◽

Marco Noventa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽

Thyroid Autoimmunity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽

Mexican Women ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

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.

Download Full-text

The correlation between uremic pruritus and blood lead levels in prevalent hemodialysis patients and its relation to the severity of pruritus using visual analog score

The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine ◽

10.1186/s43162-021-00045-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sahar Mahmoud Shawky ◽

Reeham Abdel Aziz Abdel Hamid ◽

Lina Essam Khedr

Keyword(s):

Blood Lead ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Visual Analog Score ◽

Blood Lead Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Uremic Pruritus ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Lead Levels ◽

Group 2

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.

Download Full-text

Role of feasibility and pilot studies in randomised controlled trials: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022233 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. e022233 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Amanda Jane Blatch-Jones ◽

Wei Pek ◽

Emma Kirkpatrick ◽

Martin Ashton-Key

Keyword(s):

Feasibility Study ◽

Randomised Controlled Trials ◽

Feasibility Studies ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Group 2 ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Pilot Feasibility Study ◽

Group 1

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.

Download Full-text

Pre-teens, Audio Analgesia and Dental Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Healthcare Research Journal ◽

10.26440/ihrj/0404.07099 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 98-101

Author(s):

Akshaye Kumar ◽

Priyanka Sharma ◽

Arjun Malhotra

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Pain Tolerance ◽

Control Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Group 2 ◽

Fear And Anxiety ◽

Group 1

INTRODUCTION: Research has proven that music plays an important role in alleviating fear and anxiety among patients.AIM: To assess the effect of audio analgesia in pre-teen children aged 8-12 years undergoing dental restorations. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Data was collected using a pre-tested and pre-validated proforma filled by the child prior to start of the treatment by circling the number corresponding to the expected pain during the procedure [Ranged 0 (No pain) -10 (Maximum pain)]. Children who reported their expected pain above 5, were enrolled in group 1 (The ones receiving audio analgesia) while the remaining were assigned group 2 (controls). Children in group 1 were asked to put on their favourite song using noise cancellation headphones and the procedure was commenced. After completion of the treatment, the VAS scale was re-introduced and the children were asked to re-circle the actual pain experienced during the procedure. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 using the chi-squared test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A significant value was obtained when p was≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Of the total 80 children enrolled in the present study, there were an equal number of males and females (40 each). It was observed that 70.3% of children in group 1 had an increased pain tolerance as compared to only 37.2% of children in the control group(p=0.01). Pearson’s Correlation revealed a positive and linear association (r: +0.721) and a significant relationship (p = 0.03) between both groups. CONCLUSION: Audio analgesia has been proven to a promising alternative to distract the patient from the anxiety faced in the dental setting and is recommended for nervous and anxious patients.

Download Full-text

Possibilities of pulse oscillometry in the diagnosis of small airway dysfunction in patients with bronchial asthma

MedAlliance ◽

10.36422/23076348-2020-8-2-72-78 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 72-78

Keyword(s):

Vital Capacity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Functional Method ◽

Small Airway ◽

Entire Group ◽

Body Plethysmography ◽

Air Trapping ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Small airway dysfunction (SAD) is associated with poorly controlled asthma and frequent exacerbations. Objective: To assess the prevalence of SAD in asthmatics using spirometry, body plethysmography, and impulse oscillometry (IOS). Materials and methods: The observational cross-sectional study of 61 patients with asthma was performed. Conclusion available SAD was made on the basis of identifying one of the criteria or their combination: 1) slow vital capacity (SVC) - forced vital capacity (FVC) >10% according spirometry; 2) "air trapping" according body plethysmography; 3) presence of pathological frequency dependence of the resistance (R) at 5 and 20 Hz (R5-R20 > 0,07 kPa•sec/l) according IOS. Results: The analysis was performed for the entire group as well as for patients with FEV1 > 80 %pred. and FEV1/SVC < 0,7 (group 1) and patients with FEV1 > 80 %pred. and normal FEV1/SVC (group 2). SAD was most often diagnosed using IOS and the selected criterion R5-R20>0,07 kPa •sec/l since 75% of patients had this deviation in the entire group, 65% of patients in group 1 and 55% of patients in group 2 whereas only in 48% and 24% of cases in the entire group according body plethysmography and spirometry, respectively. Conclusion: SAD is definitely observed in patients with asthma. IOS is a more effective method of diagnosing SAD compared to spirometry and body plethysmography and can serve as a supplement functional method, especially in cases of normal parameters of spirometry and body plethysmography in asthmatics.

Download Full-text