scholarly journals IDENTIFICATION OF TORCH PATHOGENS IN CONGENITAL CATARACT PATIENTS VISITING ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF OPHTHALMOLOGY

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1515-18
Author(s):  
Mamoona Javaid ◽  
Hannan Masud ◽  
Hassan Sajjad Rathore ◽  
Dilshad Ali ◽  
Haroon Javaid
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Congenital Cataract ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bilateral Cataract ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
And Control

Objective: To assess the rate of positivity of Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex (TORCH) pathogens in patients suffering from congenital cataract in Pakistan. Study Design: Cross sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, from Jun 2017 to Mar 2018. Methodology: Cataract group included sixty children already diagnosed with congenital cataract and control group included 60 children not suffering from congenital cataract. Serum samples of all children were collected to test against IgG and IgM antibodies of Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalo, Herpes simplex pathogens using enzyme linked immune essay (ELISA) technique. Data were analyzed observe in difference between unilateral and bilateral cataract and between cataract and control group. Results: Out of 60 children in cataract group, 29 were tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalo (CMV), Herpes simplex infections. CMV IgG antibodies were identified in 21 (35%) children followed by Rubella IgG 13 (21.7%), Toxoplasmosis IgG 8 (13.3%), CMV IgM 7 (11.7%), HSV I IgG 5 (8.3%), HSV II IgG 2 (3.3%) and HSV I IgM 1 (1.7%) antibodies. None of the children was positive for Toxoplasmosis, Rubella and HSV II IgM antibodies. There was no statistical difference in rate of positivity of Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex pathogens between unilateral and bilateral cataract and between cataract and control group. Conclusion: Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex pathogens are an important cause of congenital cataract with Cytomegalovirus and Rubella virus being most common respectively. In order to prevent paediatric complications, we need........

scholarly journals Fascioliasis and COVID-19: A Case-Control Study in Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Balazadeh ◽  
Mohammad Zibaei ◽  
Aliehsan Heidari ◽  
Hadis Rastad ◽  
Farzaneh Firoozeh
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
And Gender ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: Human Fascioliasis is a zoonotic infection caused by the adult stage of Fasciola species. Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that, following living in its vertebrate host, reduces the host's inflammatory immune responses to infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Therefore, because of the completely unproven and limited data on this issue, we decided to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies against this parasite in patients admitted to the hospital due to relatively severe symptoms of COVID-19.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the serum samples of 182 patients with COVID-19 disease who were diagnosed by PCR test and 210 healthy subjects in Alborz Province, Iran between March and June 2020. Anti-Fasciola antibodies status was determined in all serum samples, using ELISA technique. A self-developed questionnaire was used to measure demographic information.Results: The frequency of Fasciola infection was found to be significantly higher in COVID-19 patients as compared to healthy control (n = 4, 2.2%, n = 9, 4.3%; respectively) (P = 0.041). There was no significant difference between COVID-19 patients and control group in age, education, and gender (P > 0.05).Conclusions: This study indicates that a significant association between Fasciola hepatica seropositivity and COVID-19 disease. Our finding suggests that Fasciola infection may be able to lead to decreased immune responses, thereby reducing the severity and symptoms of COVID-19 disease.

Cut off value of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration for predicting metabolic syndrome

2019 ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
Trong Nghia Nguyen ◽  
Thi Nhan Nguyen ◽  
Thi Dua Dao
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Key Words Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
And Control

Background: The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors that tend to cluster together in affected individuals more often than predicted by chance. The presence of the metabolic syndrome substantially increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and is associated with a range of adverse clinical outcomes, many of which are closely associated with aging. Current estimates suggest that approximately 20 - 25% of the world’s population is affected by the metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome rises with age and more than 45% of people aged over 60 years have the metabolic syndrome. Recent studies show that low vitamin D status is very common in the world and this is a risk factor of metabolic syndrome. Objective: (1) Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in subjects with metabolic syndrome. (2) Cut off value of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration for predicting metabolic syndrome. Material and method: A cross-sectional study with control group on 318 adult subjects for health examinations at International Medical Center at Hue Central Hospital, including 139 subjects with metabolic syndrome and control group of 179 healthy subjects. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO (2009). Plasma hydroxyvitamin D concentration was measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Reciever operating characteristic (ROC) curve were generated to assess sensitivity and specificity for different cut off value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration for predicting metabolic syndrome. Results: Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in subjects with metabolic syndrome was 26.4 ng/ml, incidence of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency (59.7%) was significantly higher than in control group (23.5%) (p < 0.001). The optimal cut off point for 25-OH-D concentration for predictor of metabolic syndrome as 26.4 ng/ml (AUC=0.657, sensitivity=53.4%, specificity=71.6%). Conclusion: In 139 subjects with metabolic syndrome, the plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 26.4 ng/ml and the incidence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the metabolic syndrome group was 59.7%. The optimal cut off point for plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration for predictor of metabolic syndrome as 26.4 ng/ml. Key words: Metabolic syndrome, 25-hydroxyvitamin D

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in domestic pigs raised from Cuba

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Weaning Pigs ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.

scholarly journals Evaluation of aqueous humor and serum clusterin levels in patients with glaucoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuat Yavrum ◽  
Ufuk Elgin ◽  
Zeynep Adiyaman Kocer ◽  
Vildan Fidanci ◽  
Emine Sen
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Chamber ◽  
Aqueous Humor ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Posterior Chamber ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
New Finding ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background To compare the aqueous humor (AH) and the serum clusterin levels of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG), and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with each other and with an age- and sex-matched control group. Methods This prospective, cross-sectionalstudy evaluated 92 eyes from 92 adult cases of uncomplicated phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The cases were divided into PEX, PEXG, POAG, and control groups. Serum samples were taken from the antecubital vein just before the surgery, and the AH samples were aspirated at the beginning of the surgery. Kruskal-Wallis H, One-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U with Bonferroni correction and Chi-Square tests were used for statistical analysis. Results The serum clusterin levels were the highest in the PEXG group, but no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups (p=0.633). The mean AH clusterin levels were 286.79±29.64 μg/mL in the PEXG group, 263.92±31.70 μg/mL in the PEX group, 272.59±49.71 μg/mL in the POAG group, and 193.50±62.38 μg/mL in the control group (p< 0.001). This came out to be 1.48 times increase for the PEXG group, 1.36 for the PEX group, and 1.41 for the POAG group when compared with the control subjects. Conclusions A higher level of clusterin in the anterior chamber was found to be associated with PEX and PEXG. In addition, a high level of anterior chamber clusterin in POAG, which is a new finding, showed that this molecule might be important not only in pseudoexfoliation, but also other types of glaucoma like POAG.

scholarly journals Is suicidal ideation associated with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis?

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martín Bedolla-Barajas ◽  
Norma Angélica Pulido-Guillén ◽  
Bolívar Vivar-Aburto ◽  
Jaime Morales-Romero ◽  
José Raúl Ortiz-Peregrina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Allergic Asthma ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate whether there is an association between suicidal ideation (SI) and allergic diseases in adults. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study involving individuals ranging from 20 to 50 years of age recruited from a university hospital in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. We included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic asthma, those with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, and healthy controls. All subjects completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), which includes an item that evaluates the presence of suicidal thoughts or desires within the last two weeks, in order to identify SI. Results: The sample comprised 115 patients with allergic asthma, 111 patients with allergic rhinitis, and 96 healthy controls. The number of individuals identified with SI in the three groups were, respectively, 17 (14.8%), 13 (11.7%), and 8 (8.3%). Regarding the presence of SI, no statistically significant association was found in the allergic asthma group (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 0.78-4.64; p = 0.154) or in the allergic rhinitis group (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.58-3.68; p = 0.424) when they were compared with the control group. However, the presence of depression was associated with SI in the three groups: allergic asthma (OR = 12.36; 95% CI: 2.67-57.15; p = 0.001); allergic rhinitis (OR = 6.20; 95% CI: 1.66-23.14; p = 0.006); and control (OR = 21.0; 95% CI: 3.75-117.36; p < 0,001). Conclusions: In comparison with the control group, no association was found between SI and the groups with allergic diseases. In contrast, there was association between SI and depression in the three groups.

scholarly journals Anolunula in Fingernails among Patients Infected with HIV

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pratik Gahalaut ◽  
Nitin Mishra ◽  
Sandhya Chauhan ◽  
Mir Mubashir Ali ◽  
Madhur Kant Rastogi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
And Control ◽  
Hiv Negative

Lunula is the white, half-moon shaped area seen in proximal ends of some nails. Though a few studies have described the nail changes that can occur in association with HIV infection, none of these paid much attention to lunula. Aims and Objectives. To study the lunula in fingernails among HIV infected patients. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study to record presence of lunula in 168 HIV-positive patients and compare it with age and sex matched 168 healthy HIV-negative control. Anolunula (absence of lunula) in HIV-positive patients was correlated with CD4 counts, stages of HIV infection, time since patient was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and status of antiretroviral therapy. Results. Anolunula was present in significantly more fingernails in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. There was a highly significant difference for total anolunula (anolunula in all fingernails) in study and control group. Incidence of total anolunula was directly proportional to the stage of HIV infection, increasing progressively as the HIV infection advances from stage 1 to stage 4. Conclusion. Absence of lunula is related to not only HIV infection per se but also the stages of HIV infection.

scholarly journals Studying the Role of C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Sleeve Gastrectomy in Baghdad

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abbas Fadil ◽  
Raya Ezat Maroof ◽  
Moayed Abbas Fadil
Keyword(s):  
Sleeve Gastrectomy ◽  
Healthy Person ◽  
Control Group ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Medical City ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
And Control

Obesity and severe obesity are increasing serious health problems with an epidemic percentage in most countries. In Sleeve gastrectomy, a part of the stomach structure is removed, limiting its capacity by about two to three. A total of thirty blood samples were collected from patients with obesity and the result was compared with healthy person throughout the time from November 2019 to September 2020. Before sleeve gastrectomy and after more than 6 months of sleeve surgery, the sample was collected from the Medical City/Baghdad Teaching Hospital, the withdrawal was again taken at home to have pre and post sleeve gastrectomy, Patient age ranged between [20-46] years for obese patients and healthy control. Then the serum samples were obtained from patients and control group to screen for C-reactive protein by agglutination method. The result of the present study found that the positivity of CRP in pre-operation is higher than that of post-operative with high significance [P<0.005].

Abstract 150: Association Between Serum Ghrelin Levels and Coronary Artery Disease: a Meta-analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradyumna Agasthi ◽  
Sivakanth Aloor ◽  
Avantika Chenna ◽  
Anekwe Onwuanyi
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Median Serum ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Differentiation And Proliferation ◽  
And Control ◽  
Serum Gh

Background: Ghrelin (GH) is a gastrointestinal endocrine peptide regulating multiple biological processes including adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, cell differentiation and proliferation. Recent studies demonstrated that GH inhibits pro-atherogenic changes in vessel wall via inhibition of nuclear factor - B activity, a transcriptional factor mediating production pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecule expression in the endothelium. The aim of the current study is to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between serum GH levels and coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We searched MEDLINE, CINHAL and COCHRANE databases for studies reporting serum GH levels in the CAD and non CAD study population. We included case controls, cohort and cross-sectional studies. We calculated the weighted standardized mean difference (SMD) in serum GH levels between the CAD and control groups. Results: Our search strategy yielded 285 articles and we included 10 studies enrolling 1855 participants. The median age of the CAD group was 62 yrs. (IQR 60 - 63) compared to 61 yrs. (IQR 58 - 65) in the control group. The median body mass index in the CAD group was 28 kg/m2 (IQR 27.9 - 28) compared to 27 kg/m2 (IQR 26 - 27) in the control group. The unweighted median serum GH levels in the CAD group were 0.66 ng/ml (IQR 0.3 - 1.6) compared to 0.76 ng/ml (IQR 0.38 - 4.9) in the control group. The SMD of GH level was -0.44 (95% CI -0.56,-0.31) p<0.001 comparing those in the CAD group and control group. Conclusion: Serum GH levels are significantly and inversely associated with CAD. Current findings warrant the need to further investigate the role of GH in the pathogenesis of CAD.

Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated risk factors in women in selected districts of Punjab province, Pakistan

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (10) ◽  
pp. 1133-1139
Author(s):  
Shahzad Ali ◽  
Zona Amjad ◽  
Tahir Mahmood Khan ◽  
Abdul Maalik ◽  
Anam Iftikhar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Sampling Location ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Binomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Punjab Province

AbstractToxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma (T.) gondii. Limited data are available on the occurrence of T. gondii in women especially pregnant women in Pakistan. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Punjab Province, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 593 samples were collected from pregnant (n = 293) and non-pregnant (n = 300) women of District Headquarter Hospitals of Chiniot, Faisalabad, Jhang and Okara, Pakistan. Data related to demographic parameters and risk factors were collected using a pretested questionnaire on blood sampling day. Serum samples were screened for antibodies (IgG) against T. gondii using ELISA. A univariant and binomial logistic regression was applied to estimate the association between seropositive and explanatory variables considering the 95% confidence interval. P value ⩽0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analysis. Out of 593, 44 (7.42%) women were seropositive for T. gondii IgG antibodies. Occupation, age, sampling location, socioeconomic status, contact with cat, pregnancy status and trimester of pregnancy were significantly associated with seropositivity for T. gondii antibodies. Location and trimester of pregnancy were identified as potential risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity based on binomial logistic regression. Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Therefore, now a necessitated awareness is required to instruct the individuals about these infectious diseases (toxoplasmosis) and their control strategies to maintain the health of human population. Moreover, health awareness among public can help the minimization of T. gondii infection during pregnancy and subsequent risk of congenital toxoplasmosis.

scholarly journals Biomonitoring Data for Assessing Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A Exposure by Italian Feedstuffs Workers

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara De Santis ◽  
Francesca Debegnach ◽  
Elisa Sonego ◽  
Gianmarco Mazzilli ◽  
Francesca Buiarelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ochratoxin A ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
High Resolution Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Limit Of Quantification ◽  
Liquid Liquid Extraction ◽  
And Control

Mycotoxins exposure by inhalation and/or dermal contact is possible in different branches of industry especially where heavily dusty settings are present and the handling of dusty commodities is performed. This study aims to explore the validity of the biomonitoring as a tool to investigate the intake of mycotoxins in a population of workers operating in an Italian feed plant. Serum samples were collected for the determination of aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), AFB1-Lysine adduct and ochratoxin A (OTA). A method based on liquid–liquid extraction coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry determination was developed and fully validated. For AFB1, a high number of non-detected samples (90%) was found and no statistical difference was observed comparing workers and control group. None of the analyzed samples showed the presence of AFB1-Lysine adduct. For OTA, the 100% of the analyzed samples was positive with a 33% of the samples showing a concentration higher than the limit of quantification (LOQ), but no statistical difference was highlighted between the average levels of exposed and control groups. In conclusion, the presence of AFB1 and OTA in serum cannot be attributable to occupational exposure.

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