scholarly journals Comparative analyses of thoracic radiographs and bronchoalveolar lavage of dogs and cats with chronic bronchial diseases

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 1403
Author(s):  
Mariana Pavelski ◽  
Daniele Von Kruger Amaral ◽  
Giovana Paladino Vieira ◽  
José Francisco Warth ◽  
Rosangela Locatelli Dittrich ◽  
...  

There is a high incidence of bronchitis and asthma cases in veterinary medicine. Thoracic radiographs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are commonly performed for definitive diagnosis in dogs and cats with suspected bronchitis and asthma. It is believed that a combination of diagnostic tools is the best choice to achieve a diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of thoracic radiographs and BAL in the diagnosis of chronic bronchial disease (CBD) in dogs and cats and whether there is any specific radiographic finding that could influence the indication for bronchoalveolar lavage. It was performed a cross-sectional, prospective, observational study including forty client-owned dogs and cats with lower respiratory tract signs and positive radiographic opacities that were evaluated with BAL followed by cytology and culture. The radiographic results compared with BAL culture showed a sensitivity of 38%, specificity of 95% and accuracy of 65% in detecting patients with pneumonia associated with chronic bronchial disease. Thoracic radiographs were effective in diagnosing 65% of the patients, radiographs plus BAL cytology diagnosed 75% of patients and the combination of radiographs, BAL cytology and culture diagnosed 95% of the patients with chronic bronchial disease. In conclusion, the combination of radiographic examination with BAL followed by cytological and microbiological analyses increases diagnostic success in CBD.

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 255-60
Author(s):  
Novaira Waseem ◽  
Muhammad Adil Asim ◽  
Ayesha Maqsood ◽  
Muhammad Wajahat Ghafoor ◽  
Noor-Ul-Ain Mirza ◽  
...  

Objective: To assess the patterns of impacted 3rd molars and their proximity with adjacent vital structures. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Oral & maxillofacial department of Rawalpindi Dental Hospital, from Oct 2016 toFeb 2018. Methodology: Patient sample size was 956. Orthopantomograms (OPGs) were assessed to determine the presence, patterns of impacted third molars and their relation to maxillary sinus and inferior alveolar canal (IAC) in maxilla and mandible respectively. Results: Out of 956 Orthopantomograms with 3499 3rd molars examined, 808 (23.09%) were impacted. Frequency of impaction was much higher in mandible than maxilla. Out of 527 impacted mandibular 3rd molars 238 (45.16%) were mesio-angular, 370 (70.21%) had class 1 relation to mandibular ramus & 266 (50.47%) had level B depth, while among 281 impacted maxillary third molars 134 (47.69%) had vertical angulation and 162 (57.65%) had level B depth. Two hundred and eighty four (53.89%) impacted mandibular 3rd molars showed relationship with the inferior alveolar canal, out of which 187 (35.48%) impacted mandibular 3rd molars showed interruption of white line as the most common radiographic finding. Conclusion: Frequency of impacted third molars was more common in mandible and among females whereasthere is significant difference in patterns of impaction among mandible and maxilla. While most impacted teethhave approximation with IAC and maxillary sinus.


Author(s):  
L. Gelda ◽  
L. Nesterovich

The problem of adequate diagnostic tools use for suicide risk assessment т medical research and practice is of extreme importance because of the high incidence of suicide in the population of psychotic patients and the high vulnerability of the latter to the known risk factors. The article provides ап overview of the existing psychometric instruments (scales) used to assess the risk of suicide in psychiatry as well as in general medicine.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-69
Author(s):  
Mao Nguyen Van ◽  
Dong Tran Nam

Background: Pigmented tumour of the skin is one of the common tumour in human including the benign pigmented tumours (more common) called Nevi tumours and the malignant one called melanoma which was less frequent but the most poor in prognosis. In addition, the others not belonging to these group had the same clinical appearance, so the application of histopathology and immunohistochemistry for the definitive diagnosis was indespensible. Objectives: 1. To describe the macroscopic features of the pigmented tumoral-like lesions; 2. To classify the histopathologic types of the pigmented cell tumours and the other pigmented tumours of the skin. Materials and Method: Cross-sectional research on 55 patients diagnosed as pigmented tumoral lesions by clinician, then all definitively diagnosed by histopathology combining the immunohistochemistry in difficult cases. Results: There was no difference in gender, the disease was discovered most common in adult, especially with the age over 51 years old (58.1%). the most region located was in the face accounting for 60%, following the trunk and limbs (14.6%, 12.8% respectively). All 3 malignant melanomas happened in foot. The most common color of the lesions was black (65.4%), the other ones were rose, grey and blue. Histopathology and immunohisthochemistry showed that the true pigmented cell tumours were 52.6% encompassing benign ones (Nevi tumour) (41.8%), melanoma (5.4%) and lentigo (5.4%). 47.4% was not the true pigmented cell tumour including pigmented basocellular carcinoma (36.4%) and the others less common as histiofibromas, acanthoma and papilloma. Conclusion: the pigmented tumoral-like lesions of the skin could be the true pigmented cell tumours and the others, so the application of the histopathology and the immunohistochemistry after the clinical discovery helps to determine and classify the disease definitely and for the best orientation of treatment as well. Key words: skin tumour, benign pigmented tumour (Nevi), malignant pigmented tumour (melanoma), pigmented basocellular carcinoma


Author(s):  
Karla Liliana Pérez-Sosa ◽  
Edgar Felipe Lares-Bayona

Alcohol is a toxic substance associated with acute and chronic disorders affecting the Central Nervous System and significantly altering brain function. Objective: To determine the relationship between cognitive impairment and alcohol consumption in university students of the Juárez University of the State of Durango. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative, non-probabilistic study, for convenience. A database was designed on the results obtained in a clinical interview on alcohol consumption and the application of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Contribution: The evaluation of cognitive functions show similar results, the male sex presented a better score in Attention and the female one in Orientation. More involvement was identified in the Deferred Memory functions in both groups. In relation to alcohol consumption, the cognitive functions evaluated show lower levels. The female gender was more evident cognitive impairment in relation to alcohol consumption being statistically significant (p <0.025). Alcohol consumption is a risky behavior that deserves to be recognized by the main actors about neurocognitive effects. Alcohol consumption prevention programs and cognitive diagnostic tools are appropriate strategies to reduce risk behaviors in mental health.


Author(s):  
Hari Shankar ◽  
Sobhan Phookan ◽  
Mrigendra Pal Singh ◽  
Ram Suresh Bharti ◽  
Naseem Ahmed ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Malaria elimination requires targeting asymptomatic and low-density Plasmodium infections that largely remain undetected. Therefore we conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the burden of asymptomatic and low-density Plasmodium infection using conventional and molecular diagnostics. Methods A total of 9118 participants, irrespective of age and sex, were screened for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Results Among the participants, 707 presented with symptoms and 8411 without symptoms, of which Plasmodium was present in 15.6% (110/707) and 8.1% (681/8411), respectively. Low-density infection was found in 5.1% (145/2818) of participants and 8327 of 9118 were Plasmodium negative. Endemicity was propotional to asymptomatic infections (high endemicity 11.1% [404/3633] vs low endemicity 5.8% [277/4778]; odds ratio [OR] 2.0 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.7 to 2.4]) but inversely related to low-density infection (high endemicity 3.7% [57/1545] vs low endemicity 6.9% [88/1273]; OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.4 to 2.7]). The spleen rate in children 2–9 y of age was 17.9% (602/3368) and the enlarged spleen index was 1.6. Children between 8 and 14 y showed higher odds for asymptomatic (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.75 [95% CI 1.4 to 2.2]) and low-density infections (aOR 0.63 [95% CI 0.4 to 1.0)] than adults. Conclusions The prevalence of asymptomatic and low-density Plasmodium infection undermines the usefulness of standard diagnostic tools used by health agencies. This necessitates deploying molecular tools in areas where malaria microscopy/RDTs indicate a dearth of infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Thwe Han ◽  
Zay Yar Han ◽  
Kyin Hla Aye ◽  
Khin Thet Wai ◽  
Aung Thi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) plays a central role in readiness assessment for malaria elimination in Myanmar by 2030 that includes primaquine (PQ) use. The risk of hemolysis in G6PDd individuals hampers the widespread use of primaquine safely in malaria-infected patients. In the pre-elimination era, it is important to screen initially for asymptomatic malaria in combination with G6PD deficiency by applying more sensitive diagnostic tools. Therefore, this study examined the proportion of G6PDd and the distribution of G6PD genotypes among malaria-infected national groups in Myanmar before initiation of malaria elimination strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study in one township each with high malaria burden from two states in the western part of Myanmar, was conducted during 2016-2018, and 320 participants (164 Rakhine and 156 Chin National groups) were recruited. We used RDT and ultrasensitive polymerase chain reaction (us PCR) method to confirm malaria infection, and a G6PD RDT(CareStart) to detect G6PDd and PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method to confirm the variant of G6PDd for genotyping. G6PD enzyme activity was measured by G6PD Biosensor (CareStart). Results Malaria positivity rates detected by RDT were lower than those detected by us PCR in the combined samples [13% (42/320) vs. 21% (67/320)] as well as in the Rakhine samples [17% (28/164) vs. 25% (41/164)] and in Chin samples [9% (14/156) vs. 17% (26/156)]. G6PD deficiency rates were approximately 10% in both the combined samples and specific national groups. For G6PD enzyme activity in the combined samples, G6PDd (defined as < 30% of adjusted male median) was 10% (31/320) and severe G6PDd (< 10% of AMM) was 3% (9/320). Among malaria-infected patients with positive by both RDT and usPCR, G6PDd was less than 20% in each national group. G6PD genotyping showed that the G6PD Mahidol (G487A) was the major variant. Conclusions The varying degree of G6PDd detected among malaria-infected national groups by advanced diagnostic tools, strongly support the recommend G6PD testing by the National Malaria Control Program and the subsequent safe treatment of P. vivax by primaquine for radical cure. Establishing a field monitoring system to achieve timely malaria elimination is mandatory to observe the safety of patients after PQ treatment.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 756
Author(s):  
Francesca Coppola ◽  
Valentina Giannini ◽  
Michela Gabelloni ◽  
Jovana Panic ◽  
Arianna Defeudis ◽  
...  

While cross-sectional imaging has seen continuous progress and plays an undiscussed pivotal role in the diagnostic management and treatment planning of patients with rectal cancer, a largely unmet need remains for improved staging accuracy, assessment of treatment response and prediction of individual patient outcome. Moreover, the increasing availability of target therapies has called for developing reliable diagnostic tools for identifying potential responders and optimizing overall treatment strategy on a personalized basis. Radiomics has emerged as a promising, still fully evolving research topic, which could harness the power of modern computer technology to generate quantitative information from imaging datasets based on advanced data-driven biomathematical models, potentially providing an added value to conventional imaging for improved patient management. The present study aimed to illustrate the contribution that current radiomics methods applied to magnetic resonance imaging can offer to managing patients with rectal cancer.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e038671
Author(s):  
Feng-E Li ◽  
Fu-Liang Zhang ◽  
Peng Zhang ◽  
Dong Liu ◽  
Hao-Yuan Liu ◽  
...  

ObjectivesLow levels of income and education are risk factors for metabolic syndrome in the population of Northeast China, which has a high incidence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine sex-based differences associated with the prevalence of and risk factors for metabolic syndrome among people older than 40 years in Northeast China; this has not been previously investigated.DesignThis study analysed a portion of the large sample data of the national cross-sectional screening of China from 2016. Metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of any three of the following five risk factors: abnormal waist circumference; high levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or fasting plasma glucose; and elevated blood pressure. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate sex-based differences in the prevalence of, and risk factors for metabolic syndrome.SettingThe study was conducted in Dehui City, Jilin Province, China.ParticipantsA total of 4052 participants with complete questionnaire information and laboratory examination results were included.ResultsThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 50.1% overall (38.4% in men and 57.9% in women; p<0.001). High body mass index and hip circumference were associated with metabolic syndrome in both sexes. In addition, physical inactivity (OR and 95% CI 1.44 (1.06 to 1.97); p=0.022) in men and advanced age (OR and 95% CI 1.54 (1.15 to 2.04); p=0.003) in women were factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Women with junior high school education or above and living in rural areas were less likely to have metabolic syndrome. For men, education and rural or urban living had no association with metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsThe risk factors for metabolic syndrome have similarities and differences in different sexes; thus, the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome should be based on these sex differences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elifaged Hailemeskel ◽  
Surafel K Tebeje ◽  
Sinknesh W. Behaksra ◽  
Girma Shumie ◽  
Getasew Shitaye ◽  
...  

Abstract Background As countries move to malaria elimination, detecting and targeting asymptomatic malaria infections might be needed. Here, the epidemiology and detectability of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections were investigated in different transmission settings in Ethiopia. Method: A total of 1093 dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected from afebrile and apparently healthy individuals across ten study sites in Ethiopia from 2016 to 2020. Of these, 862 were from community and 231 from school based cross-sectional surveys. Malaria infection status was determined by microscopy or rapid diagnostics tests (RDT) and 18S rRNA-based nested PCR (nPCR). The annual parasite index (API) was used to classify endemicity as low (API > 0 and < 5), moderate (API ≥ 5 and < 100) and high transmission (API ≥ 100) and detectability of infections was assessed in these settings. Results In community surveys, the overall prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections by microscopy/RDT, nPCR and all methods combined was 12.2% (105/860), 21.6% (183/846) and 24.1% (208/862), respectively. The proportion of nPCR positive infections that was detectable by microscopy/RDT was 48.7% (73/150) for P. falciparum and 4.6% (2/44) for P. vivax. Compared to low transmission settings, the likelihood of detecting infections by microscopy/RDT was increased in moderate (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.6–7.2, P = 0.002) and high endemic settings (AOR = 5.1; 95% CI 2.6–9.9, P < 0.001). After adjustment for site and correlation between observations from the same survey, the likelihood of detecting asymptomatic infections by microscopy/RDT (AOR per year increase = 0.95, 95% CI 0.9–1.0, P = 0.013) declined with age. Conclusions Conventional diagnostics missed nearly half of the asymptomatic Plasmodium reservoir detected by nPCR. The detectability of infections was particularly low in older age groups and low transmission settings. These findings highlight the need for sensitive diagnostic tools to detect the entire parasite reservoir and potential infection transmitters.


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