What People with Newly Diagnosed MS (and their Families and Friends) Need to Know

Abstract The aim of this retrospective study was to determine from people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families what information would assist a person with newly diagnosed MS — in which format, when, and from whom it should be delivered. Thirty-four Queensland, Australia, residents with MS and 18 family members and friends participated in the main study. Participants were self-selected for this purposive, statewide, cross-sectional study. Nine of the respondents answered open-ended questions in addition to the standard questionnaires, and seven respondents gave in-depth interviews. The respondents recommended that people with a recent MS diagnosis and their families be given a wide range of information reflective of their personal needs. The information should be provided in person (in both group and individual sessions). They preferred to receive the information from their physicians and the staff of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Research aimed at cures and therapies, as well as counseling and support services, should be discussed early in the course of the disease. Because of the small sample size and retrospective design, additional studies with larger populations are suggested to confirm these results and their cross-cultural applicability.

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Kinematic Analysis of Lower Limb Joint Asymmetry during Gait in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Symmetry ◽

10.3390/sym13040598 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 598

Author(s):

Massimiliano Pau ◽

Bruno Leban ◽

Michela Deidda ◽

Federica Putzolu ◽

Micaela Porta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Camera Motion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Temporal Parameters ◽

Wide Range ◽

Edss Score ◽

Spatio Temporal

The majority of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), report lower limb motor dysfunctions, which may relevantly affect postural control, gait and a wide range of activities of daily living. While it is quite common to observe a different impact of the disease on the two limbs (i.e., one of them is more affected), less clear are the effects of such asymmetry on gait performance. The present retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the magnitude of interlimb asymmetry in pwMS, particularly as regards the joint kinematics, using parameters derived from angle-angle diagrams. To this end, we analyzed gait patterns of 101 pwMS (55 women, 46 men, mean age 46.3, average Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 3.5, range 1–6.5) and 81 unaffected individuals age- and sex-matched who underwent 3D computerized gait analysis carried out using an eight-camera motion capture system. Spatio-temporal parameters and kinematics in the sagittal plane at hip, knee and ankle joints were considered for the analysis. The angular trends of left and right sides were processed to build synchronized angle–angle diagrams (cyclograms) for each joint, and symmetry was assessed by computing several geometrical features such as area, orientation and Trend Symmetry. Based on cyclogram orientation and Trend Symmetry, the results show that pwMS exhibit significantly greater asymmetry in all three joints with respect to unaffected individuals. In particular, orientation values were as follows: 5.1 of pwMS vs. 1.6 of unaffected individuals at hip joint, 7.0 vs. 1.5 at knee and 6.4 vs. 3.0 at ankle (p < 0.001 in all cases), while for Trend Symmetry we obtained at hip 1.7 of pwMS vs. 0.3 of unaffected individuals, 4.2 vs. 0.5 at knee and 8.5 vs. 1.5 at ankle (p < 0.001 in all cases). Moreover, the same parameters were sensitive enough to discriminate individuals of different disability levels. With few exceptions, all the calculated symmetry parameters were found significantly correlated with the main spatio-temporal parameters of gait and the EDSS score. In particular, large correlations were detected between Trend Symmetry and gait speed (with rho values in the range of –0.58 to –0.63 depending on the considered joint, p < 0.001) and between Trend Symmetry and EDSS score (rho = 0.62 to 0.69, p < 0.001). Such results suggest not only that MS is associated with significantly marked interlimb asymmetry during gait but also that such asymmetry worsens as the disease progresses and that it has a relevant impact on gait performances.

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A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Effects of Age and Duration of HIV Infection on Anxiety and Depression in Cisgender Men

AIDS and Behavior ◽

10.1007/s10461-021-03373-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sara Gianella ◽

Rowan Saloner ◽

Genevieve Curtin ◽

Susan J. Little ◽

Anne Heaton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Small Sample ◽

Self Report ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Results

AbstractThis observational cross-sectional study of 152 people with HIV (PWH) examined the effects of age and estimated duration of HIV infection (EDI) on depressive and anxiety symptoms. All participants were cisgender men and completed the Profile of Moods State (POMS), a self-report inventory of current (i.e., past week) mood states. Overall, study results confirmed higher levels of anxiety and depression in PWH compared to individuals without HIV. Age group (< 50 or ≥ 50 years) moderated the effect of EDI (< 3 or ≥ 3 years) on mood disturbance. Specifically, younger PWH with early diagnosed infection exhibited the highest levels of depression and anxiety, whereas depression and anxiety were attenuated in older PWH with early infection such that their POMS scores did not significantly differ from the HIV-negative and chronically HIV-infected groups. Despite the small sample size and other important limitations in our study design, our preliminary findings confirm previous observations that older people may have some adaptive ability to better handle the acute psychological stressors associated with recent HIV infection.

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Intensity of perceived stress and control of anger, anxiety and depression of people staying in Polish penitentiary institutions

International Journal of Prisoner Health ◽

10.1108/ijph-12-2020-0103 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Kinga Kołodziej ◽

Anna Kurowska ◽

Anna Majda

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Prison Population ◽

Research Area ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Small Sample ◽

Emotional Control ◽

Coping With Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the intensity of perceived stress and measure the subjective control of anxiety, anger and depression in a group of women and men staying in Polish penitentiary institutions. Design/methodology/approach The research was carried out in two penitentiary institutions located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship at the turn of 2019/2020. The study group consisted of 152 prisoners. In the cross-sectional study, two standardised research tools – the Perceived Stress Scale and the Emotional Control Scale – were used. Findings Over half of the prisoners (57.24%) presented a high level of stress. The intensity of the perceived stress did not depend on the gender and age of the convicted persons. The general indicator of emotional control among the respondents averaged 51.82 points (standard deviation = 14.52) and ranged from 22 to 83 points, which means that people detained in penitentiary institutions suppressed their negative emotions at an average level. The prisoners had the best control over fear (M = 18.68), less over anger (M = 16.86) and the least over depression (M = 16.27). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between the level of emotional control and the intensity of perceived stress. Research limitations/implications The small sample size of the group participating in the study and narrowing of the research area means that results can not be generalised across all isolated prison population. Practical implications The results obtained from the study can be used by a multidisciplinary team to develop therapeutic programmes for convicted persons, the aim of which is to evaluate strategies for coping with stress and controlling emotions. Social implications Popularising reliable information related to the issue of experiencing stress and varied emotions in those staying in penitentiary institutions may lead to the elimination of harmful stereotypes functioning in society, as well as reduce the phenomenon of marginalisation of prisoners, and thus contribute to the success of the social rehabilitation process. Originality/value Research on the level of stress intensity in prisoners is important because the rates of mental health disorders among prisoners consistently exceed the rates of such disorders in the general population.

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Selection of Anti-Depressants in Geriatric Dermatoses- A Questionnaire Study of Dermatologists in Western Rajasthan, India

Dermatology and Dermatitis ◽

10.31579/2578-8949/074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 01-06

Author(s):

Dilip Kachhawa ◽

Hemamalini Narasimhan ◽

Pankaj Rao

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Small Sample ◽

Geriatric Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Objective ◽

Net Worth ◽

Primary Disorder ◽

Selection Of

Background: The Global Wealth Migration Review 2019 report, published by New World Wealth, estimated that 48% of India's total wealth was held by high-net worth individuals. Distinct factors dominate the prescription of anti-depressants in the geriatric population. Accordingly, the intention of pharmacotherapy in geriatric psycho dermatoses is deciphered in the study. . Objective: To survey and analyze the selection of anti-depressants by the dermatologists in the practice of geriatric pharmacotherapy. Methods: A questionnaire was designed and circulated among ninety-three dermatologists in three sessions and the data collected was analyzed through the cross-sectional study statistics. Results: The typical senior people attending the specialist were 25-50%. A sizeable familiarity of psycho cutaneous disturbance was attributed to dermatophyte infections, lichen simplex chronic, and Prurigo in descending order. The largely established primary disorder was neurotic excoriation. The prescription pattern was classified and 51.9% dermatologists are customary with psychotropic agent Doxepin over other agents. The discipline of the multidisciplinary approach was also studied. Limitation: Small sample size, uniregional study, prevalence study. Conclusions: The survey aids in evaluating mental health in cutaneous dermatoses of the elderly and assists the dermatologists to offer understated economical options and amend existing guidelines.

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Factors affecting Happiness of Expatriate Academicians and Expatriate Non-Academicians in Dubai

International Review of Advances in Business Management and Law ◽

10.30585/irabml.v1i1.49 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Kamarul Zaman Bin Ahmad ◽

Majid Wahid Shaikh

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Academic Staff ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Small Sample ◽

Teaching Staff ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

The University ◽

Depth Interviews ◽

Academic Group

Purpose: To determine the antecedents of happiness and compare academicians and non-academicians in selected Dubai Universities. Design/methodological/approach: Qualitative research using in-depth interviews followed by cross-sectional surveys of teaching staff and non-teaching staff from different universities in Dubai.?Findings: There is no significant relationship between knowledge sharing and happiness of academics and well as non-academics. Happiness is significantly related to the other factors.Research implications and limitations: The small sample size of the academic group and the study was targeted at the university staff in Dubai only. Practical implications: The findings of this research gives useful recommendations to Universities to improve happiness among their academic as well as non-academic staff. It will also provide recommendations for developmental purposes for the University of Dubai and the UAE’s “Happiness and Positivity program.”Originality/value: No known research studies the determinants of happiness for academics and non-academics in Dubai Universities.Paper type: Research paper

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Microbial Leakage at the Implant-Abutment Connection Due to Implant Insertion Maneuvers: Cross-Sectional Study 5 Years Postloading in Healthy Patients

Journal of Oral Implantology ◽

10.1563/aaid-joi-d-14-00235 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 41 (6) ◽

pp. e292-e296 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

David Peñarrocha-Oltra ◽

Paulo H. O. Rossetti ◽

Ugo Covani ◽

Federica Galluccio ◽

Luigi Canullo

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Indirect Measurement ◽

Small Sample ◽

Microbial Load ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Campylobacter Rectus ◽

Implant Therapy ◽

Tannerella Forsythensis

The aim of this study was to test if stress on the prosthetic connection during insertion maneuvers can induce micro-warping at the implant connection. From September 2011 to July 2013, patients with implants loaded for at least 5 years that were placed with 2 different insertion implant mounters—MP (conventional) and ME (mountless)—were selected from all of those who had received dental implant therapy in the past and were attending routine check-up or spontaneous visits during the study period. Samples were obtained from inside the connection and the abutment surface using absorbent sterile paper tips. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for total bacterial counts and loads of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythensis (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Peptostreptococcus micros (Pm), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Campylobacter rectus (Cr), Eikenella corrodens (Ec), and Candida albicans (Ca). The analysis of variance test was used to test for differences. Nine patients (20 implants) were included in the MP group and 5 patients (10 implants) in the ME group. Regarding the red complex, Tf was seen in 80% and 30% of MP and ME implants, respectively (P < .001). Significant differences were also found in microbial load. For Td, proportions were 45% vs 10% (P = .022), with no significant differences at load levels. Regarding the orange complex, higher prevalence values were found in MP implants, although differences were nonsignificant. Microbial load levels for orange complex bacteria were higher for MP than ME, and these differences were statistically significant for Fn (4.94 vs 3.09; P = .001). Finally, Ec was detected only in the MP group, and Ca and Aa were not found in either group. Within its limitation (small sample size, retrospective analysis, indirect measurement method), the present study suggests that a mounter not affecting the prosthetic connection should be used to reduce microbial contamination of implants.

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Registry-Based Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Southwestern Iran, 2001-2014

Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin ◽

10.3329/bmrcb.v42i1.31994 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 08-13

Author(s):

Mohammad Khammarnia ◽

Aziz Kassani ◽

Elham Izadi ◽

Fatemeh Setoodehzadeh

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Age Group ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Medical Sciences ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Receive Treatment ◽

Southwestern Iran ◽

Study Participants ◽

To Receive

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults. It is estimated that more than two million people have MS worldwide. This study aimed to assess the incidence of MS and its associated factors in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran. Data related to the inci-dence of MS were obtained from the MS center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from 2001 to 2014. The study participants were all residents of Shiraz. The subjects were diagnosed with MS by neurologists (all newly diagnosed patients from 2001-2014) and were registered in MS center to receive treatment. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate Poisson re-gression analysis were done. During the study period, 2637 eligible patients were identified. The highest incidence of MS occurred in 2011 and 2012 (17.62, 95% CI: 8.02-38.72 and 16.92, 95% CI: 6.23-45.88 per 100,000 respectively). Besides, the female to male ratio was 2.95 and 44.71% of the MS patients (1070 cases) were in the 20-30 years age group. In addition, the mean age of the patients was 30.18±8.86 years. The results showed a significant difference among different age and sex groups regarding the incidence of MS (p=0.01). Moreover, a significant relationship was observed between education level and incidence of MS (p=0.03). The incidence of MS has in-creased in the south of Iran more than other regions.

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Clinical and cytogenetic profiles of children with autism in Kuantan Pahang

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia ◽

10.31436/imjm.v15i1.1269 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nora Mat Zin ◽

Naznin Muhammad

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Molecular Genetic ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Small Sample ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Cytogenetic Profile ◽

Numerical Chromosomal Abnormality

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorder. The aetiology is not known in 75 to 80 percent of patients while in 20 to 25 percent a genetic cause is identified. There are very few studies on cytogenetic profile of ASD being carried out locally. This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the clinical and cytogenetic profiles of paediatric ASD patients attending the Kuantan branch, National Autistic Society of Malaysia School. Methods: All paediatric patients (up to 18 years of age) attending the school in the year 2009/2010 were recruited. Clinical data was obtained by interviewing the guardians and assessment of the patients. Peripheral blood samples were collected for cytogenetic analysis. Results: Guardians of 14 out of 24 patients (58.3%) agreed for their children to be enrolled into the study. The age range was 5 to 12 years of age. The diagnostic subgroups were autistic disorder (13/14 patients) and Asperger syndrome (1/14). Approximately 80% had learning disability and history of allergy. Five patients had hyperactivity and none had history of seizures. There were family histories of developmental delay, mental retardation, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders and allergy. No structural or numerical chromosomal abnormality was detected. Conclusions: Although no cytogenetic abnormalities were identified, most probably due to the small sample size, it is crucial that genetic studies, including molecular genetic be explored as they would provide useful clinical insights and enhance understanding of the pathogenesis.

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Assessment of cerebral hemodynamics in multiple sclerosis patients

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery ◽

10.1186/s41983-021-00291-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nouran M. Salah ◽

Ahmed M. Elsadek ◽

Lobna M. ELnabil ◽

Ayman M. Nassef ◽

Azza A. Abdelaziz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Autonomic Dysfunction ◽

Demyelinating Disease ◽

Disease Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cerebral Hemodynamics ◽

Breath Holding ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Wide Range ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction is present in a wide range of patients (15–80%) that might present with abnormalities in the regulation of the cardiovascular system, sleep disturbance, urinary symptoms, sexual problems, and temperature regulation problem. Although the predominant view is that of an autoimmune inflammatory condition, changes in brain vasculature can occur and contribute to pathophysiology. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate cerebral hemodynamics and assess autonomic dysfunction in patients with MS and explore its relationship with disease status. Methods Eighty patients diagnosed with MS according to McDonald criteria 2017 were recruited to this comparative cross-sectional study. All participants underwent assessment of cerebral hemodynamics through transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR) to hypercapnia was measured by the breath-holding index (BHI). They were also assessed for autonomic dysfunction by autonomic questionnaire and blood pressure measurements in both erect and supine positions. Results BHI values showed decreased CVR and were significantly lower in SPMS than in RRMS patients. Autonomic functions were more affected in SPMS than RRMS with total score 2.58 ± 1.13 for the RRMS group and 4.05 ± 1.04 for the SPMS group. Conclusions Cerebrovascular hemodynamic insufficiency in MS may be secondary to the downstream effects of neuro-inflammatory cascades.

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Intention to receive vaccine against COVID-19 and associated factors among health professionals working at public hospitals in resource limited settings

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0254391 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. e0254391

Author(s):

Mohammedjud Hassen Ahmed ◽

Shuma Gosha Kanfe ◽

Mohammedamin Hajure Jarso

Keyword(s):

Health Professionals ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Resource Limited ◽

Study Participants ◽

To Receive ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

Backgrounds Health professionals are among the frontline of COVID-19 pandemic exposure and identified as a priority target group that need to receive COVID-19 vaccines. However, intention to receive vaccine is still matters the extent of COVID-19 vaccinations among health professionals. This study aimed to assess intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine and the factors that will determine their intention among health professionals working at public hospitals of Illu Aba Bora and Buno Bedelle zone hospitals. Methods A cross-sectional study design was applied to assess the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines among health professionals working in public health hospitals of Illu Aba Bora and Buno Bedelle zone hospitals. Self-administered questionnaire were used for assessing intention to receive COVID-19 Vaccine. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify factors associated with intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine with p-value< 0.05 as cutoff point for statistical significance at 95% confidence interval (CI). Result In this study, almost half of respondents 217(53.1% [95.0%: CI 49.3–58.9]) of study participants scored above the mean. Attitude (β = 0.54, 95% CI: [0.49, 0.63], p<0.01), knowledge (β = 0.27, 95% CI: [0.21, 0.35], p<0.01, perception (β = 0.43, 95% CI: [0.39, 0.56], p = 0.02 and age (β = 0.64, 95% CI: [0.51, 0.72], p<0.01 were variables associated with intention to receive vaccine against COVID-19. Conclusions This study result indicated that the overall magnitude of intention to receive COVID-19 is low. increasing attitudes, knowledge and perception among health professionals related to COVID-19 vaccine will helps to increase the overall intention to receive vaccine against COVID-19.

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