scholarly journals Mean platelet component in nonproliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-209
Author(s):  
Arya Pradipta ◽  
Angela Nurini Agni ◽  
Wasisdi Gunawan ◽  
Muhammad Bayu Sasongko ◽  
Tri Ratnaningsih ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Medication History ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Fundus Photographs

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains a visually debilitating disease and is commonly classified according to its severity as non-proliferative DR (NPDR) or proliferative DR (PDR). Those suffering from PDR tend to have worse vascular complications and prognosis. Platelets exposed by vasculopathy caused by DR maybe activated to try to maintain haemostasis. This activity can be illustrated by the mean platelet component (MPC). Therefore, by MPC monitoring we may be able to predict the progression from NPDR into PDR.Purpose: To investigate the difference of MPC in patients with NPDR and PDR.Study design: Cross-sectional.Materials and methods: This study involved 71 DR patients. Preliminary data regarding the patients’ demographic characteristics, diabetes history, related diseases, medication history, and general eye examination were recorded. Fundus photographs were taken after dilating eyedrops and DR was graded by an ophthalmologist. The patients were grouped into NPDR and PDR. Mean platelet component was analyzed using the automatic hematology analyzer ADVIA 120.Results: Mean platelet component (MPC) was 26.69 g/dl (± 1.79) and 25.52 g/dl (± 1.20) in the NPDR and PDR group, respectively (p = 0.002), but was not clinically significant. In depth analysis into the DR grades differed significantly between mild NPDR and high-risk PDR (p = 0.015), and moderate NPDR and high-risk PDR (p = 0.024). Using our definition of mild DR (mild and moderate NPDR) and severe DR (high-risk and advanced PDR), there was a significant difference with mean MPC of 27.01 g/dl (± 1.64) and 25.31 g/dl (± 1.22), respectively (p = 0.001). The proportion of activated platelets was also higher in severe DR. Negative correlations were found between MPC with duration of DM (r = -0.333; p = 0.004) and MPC with systolic blood pressure (r = -0.241; p = 0.043).Conclusion: There was a significant difference in MPC between NPDR and PDR, but the results should be interpreted carefully. Further analysis between the mild and severe form of DR strengthened this finding.

4971Blood viscosity and its relevance to the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension: a new elephant in the cathlab

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Kempny ◽  
K Dimopoulos ◽  
A E Fraisse ◽  
G P Diller ◽  
L C Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Cardiac Catheterization ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Pulmonary Vasculature ◽  
Pulmonary Vascular Disease ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is an essential parameter assessed during cardiac catheterization. It is used to confirm pulmonary vascular disease, to assess response to targeted pulmonary hypertension (PH) therapy and to determine the possibility of surgery, such as closure of intra-cardiac shunt or transplantation. While PVR is believed to mainly reflect the properties of the pulmonary vasculature, it is also related to blood viscosity (BV). Objectives We aimed to assess the relationship between measured (mPVR) and viscosity-corrected PVR (cPVR) and its impact on clinical decision-making. Methods We assessed consecutive PH patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. BV was assessed using the Hutton method. Results We included 465 patients (56.6% female, median age 63y). The difference between mPVR and cPVR was highest in patients with abnormal Hb levels (anemic patients: 5.6 [3.4–8.0] vs 7.8Wood Units (WU) [5.1–11.9], P<0.001; patients with raised Hb: 10.8 [6.9–15.4] vs. 7.6WU [4.6–10.8], P<0.001, respectively). Overall, 33.3% patients had a clinically significant (>2.0WU) difference between mPVR and cPVR, and this was more pronounced in those with anemia (52.9%) or raised Hb (77.6%). In patients in the upper quartile for this difference, mPVR and cPVR differed by 4.0WU [3.4–5.2]. Adjustment of PVR required Conclusions We report, herewith, a clinically significant difference between mPVR and cPVR in a third of contemporary patients assessed for PH. This difference is most pronounced in patients with anemia, in whom mPVR significantly underestimates PVR, whereas in most patients with raised Hb, mPVR overestimates it. Our data suggest that routine adjustment for BV is necessary.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, and the Effects of Methylphenidate

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 816-819
Author(s):  
Jeanne B. Funk ◽  
John B. Chessare ◽  
Michael T. Weaver ◽  
Anita R. Exley
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Clinically Significant

Given that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more impulsive than peers, this study explored whether they are correspondingly more creative, and whether creativity declines when impulsivity is decreased through methylphenidate (Ritalin) therapy. A repeated-measures quasi-experimental design was used to compare the performance of 19 boys with previously diagnosed ADHD and 21 comparison boys aged 8 through 11 on two administrations of alternate forms of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking-Figural (nonverbal). Boys with ADHD received prescribed methylphenidate only for the first session. Overall, mean Torrance summary scores for comparison boys (mean = 115.1, SD = 16.1) were higher than for boys with ADHD (mean = 107.6, SD = 12.7). However, the difference between means was small (7%) and did not meet the 25% criterion for a clinically significant difference. No changes in performance over time (comparison group) or medication state (ADHD group) were observed. These data suggest that, when measured nonverbally, the creative thinking performance of boys with ADHD is not superior to that of peers who do not have ADHD. Regarding the effects of methylphenidate, prescribed therapy did not influence performance on this measure of creative thinking.

scholarly journals A Comparison Between Two Types of Radiographic Film for Accuracy of Measurements of Approximal Osseous Defects

2006 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
Farah Masood ◽  
Christos Angelopoulos ◽  
Alan Glaros
Keyword(s):  
Bone Loss ◽  
Ground Truth ◽  
Radiographic Film ◽  
Radiographic Images ◽  
Accuracy Of Measurements ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Molar Teeth ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Osseous Defects

Abstract Aim The purpose of this study was to compare two types of conventional radiographic film: Ekta-speed plus and Insight (Eastman Kodak Co, Rochester NY, USA) for accuracy of measurements of approximal bone loss. Methods and Materials Four dried human mandibles with complete dentition were selected. Radiographic images were made with a standardized technique. Mesial and distal bone levels on the mandibular premolar and molar teeth were measured on the two types of radiographs (Ekta-speed plus and Insight) by nine observers. The data obtained by the observers were compared with the primary investigators’ corresponding measurements, which served as “the ground truth” for this study. Results The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated a significant difference for the Ektaspeed plus film (p = .001), but the difference was not clinically significant. The level of intra-rater reliability was high for the observers (0.969 to 0.990). Conclusion Performance of Ekta-speed plus and Insight films was found to be similar. Citation Masood F, Angelopoulos C, Glaros A. A Comparison Between Two Types of Radiographic Film for Accuracy of Measurements of Approximal Osseous Defects. J Contemp Dent Pract 2006 July;(7)3:022-029.

scholarly journals Characterization of a Novel Polymorphism in PPARG Regulatory Region Associated with Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in Italy

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerio Costa ◽  
Amelia Casamassimi ◽  
Katherine Esposito ◽  
Angela Villani ◽  
Mariaelena Capone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Direct Sequencing ◽  
Regulatory Region ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Proliferative Retinopathy ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Significant Difference

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma polymorphisms have been widely associated with type 2 diabetes, although their role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications is not yet demonstrated. In this study, a cohort of 211 type 2 diabetes, 205 obese, and 254 control individuals was genotyped for Pro12Ala, C1431T, C-2821T polymorphisms, and for a newly identified polymorphism (A-2819G). The above-mentioned polymorphisms were analyzed by gene-specific PCR and direct sequencing of all samples. A significant difference was found for -2819G frequency when patients with type 2 diabetes—particularly diabetic women with the proliferative retinopathy—were compared with healthy control individuals. In conclusion, we identified a novel polymorphism, A-2819G, inPPARGgene, and we found it to be associated with type 2 diabetes and proliferative retinopathy in diabetic females. In the analyzed population, this variant represents a genetic risk factor for developing the diabetic retinopathy, whereas Pro12Ala and C1431T do not.

Revalidation of the Flipi Score in the Era of Immunotherapy.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4437-4437
Author(s):  
German Stemmelin ◽  
Carlos Doti ◽  
Claudia Shanley ◽  
Jose Ceresetto ◽  
Oscar Rabinovich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Marrow Transplant ◽  
Intermediate Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The FLIPI prognosis score for follicular lymphoma (FL) was developed based on cases diagnosed between 1985 and 1992, and treated with different schemes that did not include rituximab (R). In the present study, we report the evolution of all FL treated in a single institution through the last decade and analize whether FLIPI mantains its effectiveness to identify different risk groups within patients treated with the new therapeutic alternatives available. Material and Methods: We identified sixty two patients with diagnosis of grade I-II-IIIa FL. Patients characteristics: median age 57.5 yr (r, 30–80); 36 males; 63% stages III–IV, and 37% with bone marrow infiltration at the time of diagnosis. Thirty eight percent had a low risk by FLIPI, 34% had an intermediate risk and 27.4% had a high risk. In 19 pts (30.6%) the initial decision was “watch and wait” but 82% received a form of treatment at some point. R was used in 36 pts (58%) with some of the following regimes: chemotherapy (chemo) + R and/or R as consolidation therapy and/or R as monotherapy and/or R as maintenance therapy. Of all prescribed treatments (excluding R as monotherapy and/or maintenance treatment), 52.8% were chemo alone, 20.2% chemo + R, 21.3% radiotherapy and 5.6% received a bone marrow transplant. Results: we considered the analysis of overall survival (OS) the most appropiate approach, since most treatments were seeking the control of the FL, and not the complete remission or cure. The follow up median time was 53.2 months ± 34.8 1SD. The 5-yr OS for the 62 pts was 81.8% ± 11.3 CI 95%. The 5-yr OS for those with a low, intermediate and high risk FLIPI was 100% −5, 84.2% ± 21 and 52% ±26.2, respectively. The difference in 5-yr OS was statistically significant between low and high risk, intermediate and high risk, but failed to prove a significant difference between low and intermediate risk. Among the different risk factors tested in a univariate analysis only age ≥ < 60 yr old demonstrated a significant difference, 60.7% vs 90%, respectively. Conclusions: The 5-yr OS in our series is higher than the one described in the original FLIPI study (Blood2004; 104:1258–65) which was 81.8% vs 71% for the whole group; 90% vs 78.1% for pts <60 yr old; 60.7% vs 57.7% for ≥ 60 yr old; 100% vs 90.6% for low FLIPI and 84.2% vs 77.6% for intermediate FLIPI. The only group that failed to prove an improvement was the high risk FLIPI with 52% vs 52.5%. The impact of novel therapies was more evident in patients with a low or intermediate FLIPI and was even more evident in patients younger than 60 yr old. According to our results, FLIPI maintains its effectiveness in differentiating two risk groups, i.e., low-intermediate vs high. We believe that the OS curves will probably continue to improve as the treatments that are considered today as the most effective ones, were just included in our series in the last three years.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Results of Gastrin-17 and its Related Influencing Factors in Health Check-Up Population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Shen ◽  
Junchao Zeng ◽  
Sanping Xu ◽  
Rui Yang
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Amyloid A ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Risk Factor ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Background: To analyze the difference of serum gastrin-17 levels in different sexs, ages, and body mass index (BMI) of healthy people, and to explore the correlation between gastrin 17 and pepsinogen, in addition to study the influence of Helicobacter pylori infection and various inflammatory factors on the secretion level of gastrin-17. Methods: 531 subjects who received physical examination in our center from April 2019 to December 2019 were enrolled in the study. All the staff were tested for gastrin 17 (G17), pepsinogen I (PGI), pepsinogen II (PGII), PGI / PGII (PGR), Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory factors. To compare the difference of G17 secretion in different populations and its correlation with PG, then to understand the HP infection and the influence of inflammatory indicators on G17. Results: There was no significant difference in the secretion level of G17 in different sex, age and BMI (P > 0.05); G17 was positively correlated with PGI and PGII, but negatively correlated with PGR; the level of G17 in Helicobacter pylori positive patients was 10.16±12.84, which was significantly higher than that in negative patients(3.27±6.65), P =0.017, 95% CI: 1.713 (1.100, 2.668); the increase of serum amyloid A(SAA) in different inflammatory indicators was the high-risk factor of G17 abnormality, P=0.016, 95% CI: 2.692 (1.202, 6.028), obviously CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) had no effect on G17 abnormalities. Conclusions: The secretion of G17 is closely related to PG and HP. Combined screening is helpful for early screening of gastrointestinal diseases in healthy or high-risk groups of gastric cancer, but the influence of inflammatory indicators on G17 should be excluded to improve the reliability of the results.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Pupils’ Knowledge about Kidney Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12811
Author(s):  
Theodore Vassilikopoulos ◽  
Athena Kalokairinou ◽  
Georgia Kourlaba ◽  
Eirini Grapsa
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
General Education ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Clinically Significant

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of renal function knowledge of primary school pupils in Greece. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 220 pupils, coming from the 5th and 6th grades of general education schools. A questionnaire consisting of 11 questions was developed from scratch. However, based on an analysis of Cronbach’s alpha values obtained when individual questions were deleted, two questions were removed from the analysis, and only nine remained for analysis and participated in the calculation of the knowledge score. Moreover, the gender and daily habits of pupils regarding water consumption and frequency of urination were recorded. Pupils had a high percentage of correct knowledge about the number of kidneys (95.2%), whether a child may have problems with the kidneys (85.5%) and whether a person can survive with one kidney (68.5%). Low levels of knowledge were observed in the function and role of the kidneys (36.4%), as well as the part of the body where the kidneys are located (30.9%). The median (interquartile range (IQR)) total knowledge score was 6 (5–7), with no difference detected between genders (p = 0.135). A statistically significant difference between pupils of 5th and 6th grades was found but the difference did not seem to be clinically significant (p = 0.035). The present research demonstrates that pupils’ knowledge of renal function and the protection of their kidneys needs improvement.

scholarly journals Health literacy and health-promoting behaviors among adults at risk for diabetes in a remote Filipino community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Sandor B. Ydirin
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
The Difference

Background: Diabetes risk assessment is an essential preboarding tool before implementing health literacy programs to change an adult’s health behavior positively. Research has shown an association between health literacy and health behaviors, but there is a dearth of literature that delineates the difference between the health literacy and health behaviors of adults according to their diabetes risks; high risk vs. low risk.Objective: This study aimed to determine the difference between the health literacy and health behaviors of adults and establish the relationship between the two variables when classified according to their diabetes risks.Methods: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design with 400 adults in a remote Filipino community in November 2019. Data were gathered using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) and Health Literacy Survey-Short Form 12 (HLS-SF12) questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and Pearson’s r were used to analyze the data.  Results: There is a significant difference between the health literacy index scores (p < .05); but no significant difference between the health behavior mean scores (p > .05) of adults when grouped according to their diabetes risks. Health literacy is significantly (p < .05) correlated with health behaviors of adults, with a moderate positive correlation in the high-risk group (r = .43), and both weak positive correlation in the low-risk group (r = .13) and entire group (r = .17).Conclusion: All adult inclusion efforts in promoting health literacy, with emphasis on the high-risk group, are needed to improve awareness of the degree of diabetes risks. Nurses should take an active role in the assessment of diabetes risks, evaluation of results, and implementation of interventions that could increase health literacy to facilitate the development of healthy behaviors. Stakeholders are urged to advance the availability of evidence-based lifestyle interventions to reduce the growth in new cases of diabetes.

Comparison of Intravascular Ultrasound Virtual Histology Parameters in Diabetes versus Non-Diabetes with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Cardiology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 145 (9) ◽  
pp. 570-577
Author(s):  
Sreenivas Reddy ◽  
Vikas Kadiyala ◽  
Jeet Ram Kashyap ◽  
Raghavendra Rao ◽  
Hithesh Reddy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Intravascular Ultrasound ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Necrotic Core ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Virtual Histology ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Minimal Lumen Area ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: The progression and pattern of coronary atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus (DM) is different from non-DM, leading to a higher rate of vascular complications in DM. Objective: This study aims to assess and compare the high-risk plaque characteristics in the culprit artery of DM and non-DM patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS). Methods: A total of 158 ACS patients were included, 63 of whom were known to have DM. IVUS analysis was done in the de novo target vessel and culprit lesion for which percutaneous coronary intervention was planned. Culprit lesions with a visual-estimate angiographic stenosis of <70% were excluded. Results: The mean age of patients was 52.4 ± 11.6 years. The study group comprised 82% men, 31% with hypertension, and 39.87% with DM. No significant difference was observed between the DM and non-DM groups in relation to quantitative IVUS parameters like lesion length, minimal lumen area, and plaque area. However, there was a significant difference in VH-IVUS parameters like higher necrotic core and dense calcium in the DM patients than in the non-DM patients (p < 0.01). The occurrence of VH-derived thin-cap fibroatheroma (VH-TCFA) in the culprit vessel was significantly higher in the DM group than in the non-DM group (25.3 vs. 5.2%; p < 0.01). Positive vessel-wall remodeling was noted in both groups without any significant difference (p = 0.74). Conclusion: The DM patients had high-risk plaque composition features like a higher necrotic core, which is a marker of plaque vulnerability. Thus, aggressive medical therapy targeting vascular inflammation using high-dose statins would help in the stabilization of unstable plaque morphology and the reduction of major cardiovascular events.

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