scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF ASTHMAAND ITS MEDICATIONS ON DENTAL CARIES STATUS AND STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS COUNT IN CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2020 ◽  
pp. 20-23
Author(s):  
Sneha Upadhyay ◽  
Jyoti Bhavthankar ◽  
Mandakini Mandale ◽  
Nivedita Kaorey

Background: Asthma and its medications have been linked to oral diseases in asthmatic children. Aim: Assessment of the dental caries status, salivary Streptococcus mutans count and S. mutans colony score in children receiving inhaled anti asthmatic medications and their comparison in healthy children Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on 40 asthmatic children and 40 healthy children in the age group of 6-14 years. DMFT/deft indices were calculated and saliva samples were collected. Diluted saliva was inoculated on MSB agar plates. S. mutans count and colony score were analysed after 24-48 hours of inoculation. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in the mean DMFT/deft index, salivary S. mutans load and S. mutans colony score in children of the asthmatic group and control group. Conclusion: Prevalence of dental caries and cariogenic bacteria is higher in asthmatic children.

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmaa Abdel Hamid ◽  
Hend Soliman ◽  
Rasha Abdelhalim

Abstract Background Obesity is considered a health problem that affects many systems of the body among which the respiration and voice. The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of obesity in children on quality of their voice. Thirty obese children were included in this cross-sectional study and compared to 30 age- and sex-matched healthy children as a control group. Voice of cases and controls were assessed subjectively by auditory perceptual assessment and objectively by studying acoustic parameters using Computerized Speech Lab. Flexible laryngoscopy was done for cases with dysphonia. Results Dysphonia perceived in 60% of cases, voice analysis revealed increased jitter and noise to harmonic ratio with significant difference than controls. Conclusion The voice of children with morbid obesity reveals significant modifications pertaining to vocal characteristics in comparison to non-obese persons, so voice hygiene and voice therapy could be added to their therapy program as prophylactic or therapeutic management of voice disorder.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-77
Author(s):  
Carla Cristina J. N. de Almeida ◽  
Paula de Oliveira Mora ◽  
Valmir Aparecido de Oliveira ◽  
Camila Aparecida Joao ◽  
Carolina Regina Joao ◽  
...  

Objective: To evaluate the presence of family breakdown factors among eutrophic and overweight/obese adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 242 students aged between 14 and 19 years old, from a public school. Each student was weighed, measured and answered a questionnaire with closed questions addressing the presence of family breakdown factors. The adolescents were divided in two groups: euthophic and overweight/obese. The answers of both groups were compared by Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of the studied factors between the two groups. Comparing the number of positive answers (presence of family breakdown factors) and negative ones (absence of family breakdown factors), no difference was observed between the groups. Conclusions: The inclusion of a control group showed that factors of family breakdown, usually identified as associated with obesity in adolescents, may also be present in eutrophic adolescents.


2010 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Magda Soares ◽  
César Cabello ◽  
Luis Alberto Magna ◽  
Eduardo Tinois ◽  
Cristina Laguna Benetti-Pinto

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Studies on postmenopausal women have reported increased risk of breast cancer relating to the type and duration of hormone therapy (HT) used. Women with premature ovarian failure (POF) represent a challenge, since they require prolonged HT. Little is known about the impact of prolonged HT use on these women's breasts. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of one type of HT on the breast density of women with POF, compared with postmenopausal women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp). METHODS: 31 women with POF and 31 postmenopausal women, all using HT consisting of conjugated equine estrogen combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate, and matched according to HT duration, were studied. Mammography was performed on all subjects and was analyzed by means of digitization or Wolfe's classification, stratified into two categories: non-dense (N1 and P1 patterns) and dense (P2 and Dy). RESULTS: No significant difference in breast density was found between the two groups through digitization or Wolfe's classification. From digitization, the mean breast density was 24.1% ± 14.6 and 18.1% ± 17.2 in the POF and postmenopausal groups, respectively (P = 0.15). Wolfe's classification identified dense breasts in 51.6% and 29.0%, respectively (P = 0.171). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in breast density between the women with POF and postmenopausal women, who had used HT for the same length of time. These results may help towards compliance with HT use among women with POF.


Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 142
Author(s):  
Osama Y. Al-Dirbashi ◽  
Charu Sharma ◽  
Nahid Al Dahouri ◽  
Anas Al Aidaros ◽  
Shamma Al-Muhairi ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is effective for obesity management, postoperative vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency is of major concern. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the levels of B12 and its related functional biomarkers, namely, total homocysteine (tHcy), methylmalonic acid (MMA), folate, methylcitric acid (MCA), and hemoglobin (Hb), in one-year postoperative LSG patients and matched controls. Materials and Methods: Plasma B12, tHcy, MMA, folate, and MCA were measured in matched controls (n = 66) and patients (n = 71) using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques and protocols in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Results: The median B12 concentration in patients (177 pmol/L) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the controls (334.7 pmol/L). The tHcy and MMA levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) and folate levels were significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in the LSG patients compared to the controls. Interestingly, no significant difference in MCA levels were observed between the two groups. The levels of tHcy and MMA were concomitantly increased with the decreased folate levels in postoperative LSG patients when compared with the controls. The Hb levels were significantly lower in males and females in the patient group compared with those in the control group, respectively (p = 0.005 and p = 0.043). Conclusions: This is the first report of serum levels of B12 and its functional biomarkers in postoperative LSG patients among a local population from the UAE. Our findings revealed significant alterations of the B12 biomarkers, total B12, MMA, and tHcy in one-year postoperative LSG patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 320-320
Author(s):  
Kenza Drareni ◽  
Moustafa Bensafi ◽  
Helene Lusson ◽  
Damien Vansteene ◽  
Agnès Giboreau ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Given the influence of sensory signals on food intake regulation and the subsequent nutritional status, it is important to reduce the impact of commonly observed smell and taste alterations on the pleasure of eating during chemotherapy. This study aimed to examine the effect of various types of flavor enhancement on the appreciation of an appetizer by a group of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods Five eggplant appetizers with no seasoning (REF) or enhanced with either salt, lemon, garlic or cumin were developed. In this cross-sectional study, 36 healthy female subjects (age 58 ± 7 y) (control group) and 84 breast cancer patients (age 56 ± 11 y) treated with chemotherapy were recruited. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on patients' self-reported smell and taste abilities classified the patients in two groups: the ‘unaltered, (high sensory abilities) n = 49’ and the ‘altered, (poor sensory abilities), n = 35’ group. Participants tasted and assessed the appreciation of the reference appetizer on a visual analog scale and performed a randomized comparative liking task, by rating the appreciation for each flavor-enhanced appetizer relative to the REF (one-sample t-test). Results There was no significant difference in the appreciation of the REF appetizer between the three groups (P &gt; 0.05). In the comparative liking task, the control group rated similarly the appreciation between the flavor-enhanced and the REF appetizers except for the cumin-enhanced appetizer, which was appreciated significantly more than the REF (P &lt; 0.001). Patients in both ‘altered’ and ‘unaltered’ groups appreciated similarly the cumin appetizer (P &gt; 0.05), more the salt and garlic-enhanced appetizers (P ≤ 0.001, P = 0.005, respectively) and significantly less the lemon-enhanced appetizer relative to the REF (P = 0.029), confirming a tendency for patients to reject acid-flavored foods. Conclusions The salt and garlic enhancements were appreciated by the patients independent of the stage of chemotherapy or the severity of smell and taste alterations. Flavor enhancement seems a good strategy to maintain the pleasure of eating in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further research is still needed on the appreciation and intake of a complete meal (starter, main course, dessert). Funding Sources APICIL and ELIOR groups.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 800-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuko Harding ◽  
Takuma Ooyama ◽  
Tomoko Nakamoto ◽  
Akihiko Wakayama ◽  
Wataru Kudaka ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the sexual function in cervical cancer survivors after radiotherapy (RT) or radical surgery (RS).MethodsThis was an observational and cross-sectional study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 175 patients after RT (RT group) or RS (RS group) and 521 healthy women (control) between 2011 and 2012. Sexual functions were compared among these 3 groups.ResultsEligible 92 patients (46 in RT group, 46 in RS group) and 148 control subjects were included for analysis. There was a significant difference in median (range) FSFI total score of 5.5 (3.6–34.7) in the RT group, 18.9 (3.4–31.2) in the RS group, and 22.1 (2–34.2) in the control group (P < 0.001). The median FSFI total score in the RT group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Six sexual domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain) were all significantly affected in the RT group, and no significant differences, except pain, were observed in the RS group as compared with the control group.ConclusionsInterventions involving counseling and rehabilitation for female sexual function should be provided in cervical cancer survivors, especially after RT.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nevena Ćorić ◽  
Anita Jurić ◽  
Andrea Karlovic

Abstract Background: Pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus brought tremendous changes in the lifestyle of adolescents, about which numerous studies have been published. Due to extended restrictions, long term impact should be investigated.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 953 voluntary participants aged 14 to 21, from different regions of B&H. Participants were asked to complete an online 37-item survey, regarding socio-demographics, geographic, social characteristics, dietary and lifestyle habits, physical activity, including their consumption of dietary, vitamin and mineral supplements. They also needed to provide information about their weight, height and weight change during the entire period of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 until the end of November when the study was completed. For data entry and analysis, SPSS (version 25) and Microsoft Excel were used.Results: At the time of completing the survey, a slightly lower BMI of participants was noticed compared to the time before the pandemic. A statistically significant difference was determined between males and females BMI, boys BMI was slightly higher. Females gained and men lost BW. Increased intake of unhealthy types of food was associated with weight change. Increased mental stress during the pandemic was associated with dietary changes, respectively with decreased as also increased food amount. High percent of participants (40.4%) who increased their physical activity did not alter their eating in the form of the food amount. This study reported use of some dietary supplements which have not been used before the pandemic by 63.5% participants.Conclusions: This paper presents a unique insight into the changing lifestyle and eating habits of adolescents in B&H during lockdown and post-lockdown period of research. Considering that pandemic is still ongoing, data from study like this may be useful to create further steps in battling the pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 516-526
Author(s):  
Mohsen Jabali ◽  
Carol Walker

The study was carried out to investigate the impact of a digital review tool had on students’ grades, learning motivation, and engagement. An exploratory cross-sectional study was accomplished with two groups of students. The Experimental Group was taught using the digital tool FlipQuiz while the Control Group was taught with the conventional method. Pretests, posttests, and surveys on the students’ learning motivation and engagement toward gamification in language learning were the instruments used in this study. The data of Posttests of both groups were analyzed using Paired Sample t test. The results revealed no statistically significant differences with regard to FlipQuiz on English vocabulary exam scores. The data of two surveys were analyzed using descriptive analysis, parametric data analysis, and nonparametric data analysis. Findings indicated that there was a strong relationship among students in both groups regarding the importance of including technology in the classroom as well as the overall experience of utilizing FlipQuiz in learning English vocabulary.


2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 681-687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed A Farhan ◽  
Ahmed M Moharram ◽  
Tareq Salah ◽  
Omar M Shaaban

AbstractThe current study aims to compare between the types of yeasts that cause vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in women using corticosteroid medication compared to nonusers and estimate their sensitivity to available commercial antifungal agents. In a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study, we recruited 41 chronic corticosteroid users diagnosed clinically to have VVC from Women's Health Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt. Forty-seven age-matched women with VVC were recruited as a control group. Full history and clinical examination were performed. Vaginal sterile swab obtained from the vagina of each participant was subjected to direct Gram-stained smear examination as well as a culture on Sabouraud's glucose agar and HiCrome Candida agar. Further identification of the isolates was done using traditional methods. Fifty out of 88 samples (56.8%) were positive in culture including 25 samples (61%) from corticosteroid users group and 25 (53.2%) from noncorticosteroid users with no statistically significant difference (P = .302). The chronic corticosteroid users had more incidence of recurrent VVC as compared to nonusers (65.9% vs 40.4%, respectively) (P = .015). There was a significantly higher rate of non-Candida albicans (NCA) infections in corticosteroid users compared with nonusers (48% vs 20%, respectively) (P = .036). A higher significant difference in resistance of the isolates against clotrimazole (P = .003) and ketoconazole (P = .017) was demonstrated in corticosteroid users compared to nonusers. Thus, chronic corticosteroid use causes frequent attacks of VVC and increases the frequency of infection by NCA strains. Also, it increases resistance to common antifungal agents especially azole group.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038572
Author(s):  
Qin-wei Qiu ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Jia-yu Li ◽  
Yong Xu

ObjectivesFew data on the association between housing structure and depression among rural elders in China are available. We examined the impact of built forms on depression.DesignThis is a cross-sectional study.SettingA representative sample of rural residents aged 60 years or older in China.ParticipantsA total of 5090 older adults in 2019 in rural Suzhou, China.Outcome measuresAssociations of built form with odds of probable and possible depression.ResultsThere was significant difference among elders living in varied sizes of house. Older age (vs 60–64 years: 75–79 years AdjOR, 1.737; 95% CI, 1.309 to 2.305; ≥80 years AdjOR, 2.072; 95% CI, 1.439 to 2.981), male sex (AdjOR, 0.719; 95% CI, 0.593 to 0.871), single (AdjOR, 1.303; 95% CI, 1.032 to 1.646), self-care disability (AdjOR, 4.761; 95% CI, 3.960 to 5.724), three or more chronic diseases (AdjOR, 2.200; 95% CI, 1.657 to 2.920), living alone (AdjOR, 1.443; 95% CI, 1.059 to 1.966), living in cottage (AdjOR, 1.426; 95% CI, 1.033 to 1.967), living space (vs <50 m2: 201–250 m2 AdjOR, 0.566; 95% CI, 0.359 to 0.893; >250 m2 AdjOR, 0.337; 95% CI, 0.223 to 0.511) and space per person (vs <30 m2: 30- m2 AdjOR, 0.502; 95% CI, 0.362 to 0.697; 40- m2 AdjOR, 0.473; 95% CI, 0.347 to 0.646; 50- m2 AdjOR, 0.418; 95% CI, 0.339 to 0.515) were associated with risk of depression among Chinese rural elders.ConclusionThe built form was significantly and meaningfully associated with depression among Chinese rural elders. More attention should be paid to preventing mental illness among the rural elderly living in the small housing area and cottages in China.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document