scholarly journals Comparative Study of Spino-pelvic Parameters between Scoliotic versus Non-scoliotic Patients with Multi-level Degenerative Lumbar Spondylosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 124-133
Author(s):  
Mohamed Fathy Amer Mohamed ◽  
Sherif El-Sayed El-Daw ◽  
Ahmed El-Sayed El-Tantawy ◽  
Mohammed Shafik Saeid
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lumbar Scoliosis ◽  
Pelvic Parameters ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
Progression Of Disease ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Deformity Progression

Degenerative lumbar scoliosis is a multi-planner deformity seen in the aging spine. Important parameters in the evaluation of balance of the degenerative lumbar scoliosis include spino-pelvic parameters such as the LL, SS, PI, and PT besides the coronal Cobb´s angle. In order to minimize the energy associated with maintaining upright posture, sagittal balance is necessary. Significant sagittal abnormality or imbalance is commonly related to poor functional scores across multiple domains. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the spino-pelvic parameters in the development of scoliosis in multi-level degenerative lumber spondylosis disease. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Tanta University Hospitals. It included the first 100 patients who visited the outpatient orthopedic department clinic from April 2019. Results: There was a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in each of the PI, PT and cobb´s angle and a significant decrease in SS in multi-level DLS with scoliosis patients in correlation to multi-level DLS without scoliosis patients. There were no significant differences between LL in both studied groups. Regarding the age, sex, BMI and occupation in the two studied groups, there were no statistically significant differences. There was a significant correlation between the sex and PT in patients with multi-level DLS without scoliosis, but there was no significant correlation between sex and other parameters in both groups. There wasn´t significant correlation between the two groups by increasing the age. Manual workers in scoliotic group show higher PT and smaller SS than in non-scoliotic group, which give a significant correlation between the occupation and these spino-pelvic parameters. Conclusion: Importance of a thorough discussion of the risks of deformity progression weighed against the anticipated benefits with patient’s during clinical consultation return to the spino-pelvic parameters. Measurement of these spino-pelvic parameters can help in monitoring progression of disease in patients and allow physicians to provide better prevention, treatment and control.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Thorax ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 1089-1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Shields ◽  
Sian E Faustini ◽  
Marisol Perez-Toledo ◽  
Sian Jossi ◽  
Erin Aldera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Internal ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers.DesignA cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020.SettingUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK.Participants545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded.InterventionParticipants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked.Main outcome measureProportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, p<0.0001) and quantitatively greater antibody responses than those who had remained asymptomatic. Seroprevalence was greatest among those working in housekeeping (34.5%), acute medicine (33.3%) and general internal medicine (30.3%), with lower rates observed in participants working in intensive care (14.8%). BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) ethnicity was associated with a significantly increased risk of seropositivity (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.23, p=0.01). Working on the intensive care unit was associated with a significantly lower risk of seropositivity compared with working in other areas of the hospital (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.78, p=0.02).Conclusions and relevanceWe identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.

scholarly journals Difference in the general medicine in-training examination score between community-based hospitals and university hospitals: a cross-sectional study based on 15,188 Japanese resident physicians

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuji Nishizaki ◽  
Keigo Nozawa ◽  
Tomohiro Shinozaki ◽  
Taro Shimizu ◽  
Tomoya Okubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Interview ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Competencies ◽  
Clinical Procedures

Abstract Background The general medicine in-training examination (GM-ITE) is designed to objectively evaluate the postgraduate clinical competencies (PGY) 1 and 2 residents in Japan. Although the total GM-ITE scores tended to be lower in PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents in university hospitals than those in community-based hospitals, the most divergent areas of essential clinical competencies have not yet been revealed. Methods We conducted a nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study in Japan, using the GM-ITE to compare university and community-based hospitals in the four areas of basic clinical knowledge“. Specifically, “medical interview and professionalism,” “symptomatology and clinical reasoning,” “physical examination and clinical procedures,” and “disease knowledge” were assessed. Results We found no significant difference in “medical interview and professionalism” scores between the community-based and university hospital residents. However, significant differences were found in the remaining three areas. A 1.28-point difference (95% confidence interval: 0.96–1.59) in “physical examination and clinical procedures” in PGY-1 residents was found; this area alone accounts for approximately half of the difference in total score. Conclusions The standardization of junior residency programs and the general clinical education programs in Japan should be promoted and will improve the overall training that our residents receive. This is especially needed in categories where university hospitals have low scores, such as “physical examination and clinical procedures.”

scholarly journals Relationship Between Teams’ Leader–Member Exchange Characteristics and Psychological Outcomes for Nurses and Nurse Managers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 237796082110259
Author(s):  
Saeka Kawaguchi ◽  
Yukie Takemura ◽  
Kimie Takehara ◽  
Keiko Kunie ◽  
Naoko Ichikawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Exchange ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Nurse Managers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Leader Member Exchange ◽  
Management Effectiveness ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Member Exchange

Introduction The Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) theory, based on the social exchange theory, relates to positive psychological states among nurses. However, the influence of various LMX qualities coexisting within a team on nurses or nurse managers is still uncleared. Objective This study examines the relationship of nurses and nurse managers’ psychological states with the average LMX and LMX dispersion among nurses in their units. Methods The study was conducted at two university hospitals in March 2017 using anonymous questionnaires. Nurses completed the LMX-7 scale and the subscales of job satisfaction, achievement, and growth from the Checklist on Commitments Related to Work. Nurse managers completed the subscales of management satisfaction, effectiveness, and extracting extra effort from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Both nurses and managers completed the Intention to Continue Working scale. The nurses’ data were analyzed using a multilevel analysis to clarify associations between nurses’ psychological states and LMX, average LMX, and LMX dispersion. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis tested to test the correlations of the psychological states of nurse managers with average LMX and LMX dispersion. Results Data from 586 nurses and 28 managers were analyzed. The LMX and average LMX of nurses were positively related to positive psychological states. Nurse managers displayed significant associations between high LMX dispersion and good psychological states. When average LMX was low, management effectiveness increased as LMX dispersion increased; when average LMX was high, management effectiveness was almost constant. Conclusion The unit’s LMX characteristics appear to be related to the psychological states of both nurses and nurse managers. Increasing the LMX of each nurse may lead to positive psychological states for not only that nurse but all nurses in the unit. When LMX with subordinates is low, increasing LMX with a portion of nurse managers should be a priority to improve their psychological states.

Musculoskeletal MRI Findings of Haematological Diseases

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameh Mohammed Abdelwahab ◽  
Hazem Ibrahim Abdelrahman ◽  
Pola Ibrahim Said
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hematological Diseases ◽  
Musculoskeletal Mri ◽  
Normal Composition

Abstract Background Hematologic diseases are a group of prevalent and clinically diverse diseases that can affect any organ system. Hematologic disorders frequently involve bone and associated tissues causing significant alterations in the bone marrow and may have relevant side effects on the skeleton. In order to evaluate findings in bone marrow on MR imaging, it is essential to understand the normal composition and distribution of bone marrow and the changes in marrow that occur with age, as well as the basis for the MR signals from marrow and the factors that affect those signals. Aim of the Work To describe the musculoskeletal MRI findings in patients with hematological diseases. Patients and Methods cross sectional study was conducted in Ain Shams University hospitals on patients confirmed with hematological disease undergoing musculoskeletal MRI. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging is very beneficial noninvasive modality to evaluate bone marrow and detecting marrow lesions due to its ability to provide information at the level of cellular and chemical composition. Knowing normal marrow components and composition and their variation, as well as of factors that affect MR signal intensity, is important for optimal interpretation of MR images. The signal intensity, morphology, and location of marrow findings on MRI can be used to provide accurate diagnoses and to guide treatment of the discussed hematological diseases.

scholarly journals Circulating Levels of MicroRNAs Associated With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in Male and Female South African Participants

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don M. Matshazi ◽  
Cecil J. Weale ◽  
Rajiv T. Erasmus ◽  
Andre P. Kengne ◽  
Saarah F. G. Davids ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Hypertension Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Progression Of Disease ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Circulating Levels ◽  
Diagnosis Of Hypertension

MicroRNAs are non-coding, post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and their dysregulation has been associated with development of various diseases, including hypertension. Consequently, understanding their role in the pathogenesis and progression of disease is essential. Prior research focusing on microRNAs in disease has provided a basis for understanding disease prognosis and offered possible channels for therapeutic interventions. Herein, we aimed to investigate possible differences in the expression profiles of five microRNAs in the blood of participants grouped on the basis of their hypertension status. This was done to elucidate the possible roles played by these microRNAs in the development of hypertension. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we evaluated the expression levels of miR-126-3p, 30a-5p, 182-5p, 30e-3p, and 1299 in the whole blood of 1456 participants, normotensive (n = 573), screen-detected hypertensive (n = 304) and known hypertensive (n = 579). The expression of miR-126-3p and 182-5p was significantly higher in known hypertensives relative to both screen-detected hypertensives and normotensives, and also in screen-detected hypertensives vs normotensives. A significant association between the expression of miR-126-3p, 182-5p, and 30a-5p and known hypertension was also evident. This study demonstrated dysregulated miR-126-3p, 182-5p, and 30a-5p expression in hypertension, highlighting the possible efficacy of these microRNAs as targets for the diagnosis of hypertension as well as the development of microRNA-based therapies.

Effect of hyperparathyroidism on vascular stiffness in hemodialysis patients

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdy Mohamed Saeed El-Sharkawy ◽  
Ahmed Hassan Mohamed El Thakaby ◽  
Ahmed Abdelmoniem Emara ◽  
Ahmed Mohamed Abdelkhalek
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Group B ◽  
Stage Renal Disease

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is present in &gt; 50% of patients undergoing dialysis and the relative risk of death due to CVD events in HD patients is reported to be 20 times higher than in the general population. In fact, in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) the prevalence of coronary heart disease and ventricular hypertrophy has been described to be 40% and 70% respectively, other CVD events include hypertention, arrhythmias, valvular calcification and arterial stiffness. Objective To detect the prevalence of arterial stiffness among end stage renal disease patients on prevalent hemodialysis with hyperparathyroidism. Patients and Methods This observational cross sectional study was conducted on 60 prevalent hemodialysis patients attending at hemodialysis unit of Ain Shams University hospitals, with convenient sampling method. The included patients are clinically stable on thrice weekly hemodialysis sessions for 4 hours per session. Results The Dual Pulse Wave Doppler (DPWD) method we proposed in this study may be considered as a useful and convenient option for clinical local Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) measurement, this clinical practical and reproducible method had the capability to detect an increased local PWV of LCCA (which reflect arterial stiffness) in the patients with PTH &gt; 300 more than the patients with PTH &lt; 300 as it showed that in Group B (PTH&gt;300), the measured carotid artery local PWV values ranged from 6.22 m/s to 8.84 m/s and the mean value was 7.81 ± 0.72 m/s, which was higher than 6.72 ± 1.06 m/s (ranging from 4.48 m/s to 8.44 m/s) of Group A (PTH&lt;300). Conclusion Our study showed that there is a high prevalence of arterial stiffness in prevalent hemodialysis patients.

scholarly journals Fostering post-secondary vocational students’ critical thinking through multi-level tasks in learning environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-406
Author(s):  
Zhanar Sabyrovna Bekbayeva ◽  
Temir Tlekovich Galiyev ◽  
Nazymgul Albytova ◽  
Zhazira Meirhanovna Zhazykbayeva ◽  
Assem Bolatbekovna Mussatayeva
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Reflective Thinking ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vocational Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Low Performance ◽  
High Level

In today’s labour market, being competitive requires, in addition to technical skills, several twenty-first-century career competencies, including the capacity to think critically. Although the literature on teaching methods designed for enhancing students’ reflective thinking abounds, the contribution of special tasks with varying complexity to learners’ critical thinking capacity, to our knowledge, has not been earlier investigated. Hence, the present investigation sought to investigate the effect of multi-level critical thinking activities introduced into classes on the critical thinking level of post-secondary vocational students. This cross-sectional study employed the Starkey Critical Thinking Test adapted for the Russian-speaking population in order to measure critical thinking level in a sample (n = 218) of vocational students. Results showed that among students whose classes were complemented by critical thinking tasks, almost half of subjects with low and test scores eventually shifted to a medium scoring cohort. Eleven learners who were medium scorers at the beginning gained high-level results at the end point. Meanwhile, only a small percentage of those no-treatment participants with initially low performance on the critical thinking test eventually moved into the medium level, as well as from the latter into a high achievement category. The independent two-tailed t-test revealed a significant difference between posttest scores observed in control and intervention groups. It can be therefore suggested that critical analysis of thought-provoking materials with subsequent class presentation and discussion can provide catalytic conditions for developing learners’ reflective thinking abilities. It was recommended that future studies using similar intervention should involve a larger sample and deal with qualitative data to extend the research and increase its validity.   Keywords: Education; higher-order thinking; reflective thinking; vocational students.

scholarly journals Quality of Life in Keratoconus: Evaluation With Keratoconus Outcomes Specific Questionnaire (KORQ)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
roberto damian pacheco pinto ◽  
Ricardo Yuji Abe ◽  
Flavia Cid Gomes ◽  
Paulo Rodolfo Tagliari Barbisan ◽  
Alexandre Fattah Martini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Questionnaire ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
History Of ◽  
Assess Quality

Abstract Purpose: To assess quality of life in keratoconus patients using the Keratoconus Outcomes Research Questionnaire (KORQ) translated and validated to Portuguese language. KORQ is the only validated keratoconus specific questionnaire and has high rating for psychometric properties.Methods: In this cross-sectional study enrolled 100 patients with keratoconus from a tertiary referral eye hospital, from April 2018 to June 2019. Associations between age, gender, allergic conjunctivitis, keratoconus stage, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), maximum simulated keratometry (Kmax), steep keratometry (K2), pachymetry, treatments performed, hydrops and KORQ scores were evaluated with univariate (Wilcoxon test and the Kruskal Wallis test) and multivariate linear regression with stepwise backward modeling. Lower scores of KORQ are associated with better quality of life, as well as higher scores are associated with greater impairment of functional activities and symptoms.Results: Out of the 100 patients, mild, moderate and severe keratoconus, was observed in 15%, 46% and 39% of participants, respectively. Univariate analysis showed lower values for function scores with male gender (p<0.05) and both functional and symptoms scores statistically associated with BCVA<0.3 (LogMAR) (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated significantly lower functional scores in individuals with BCVA<0.3 (p<0.001) and those with history of crosslinking treatment (p=0.022), while symptom scores were only statistically associated with BCVA<0.3 (p<0.001).Conclusions: In patients with keratoconus, BCVA in the better eye and history of crosslinkig are factors were associated with better quality of life scores using KORQ.

scholarly journals Assessment of Serum Interleukin-19 Level in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy

2021 ◽  
pp. 15-25
Author(s):  
Mariam A. Atiia ◽  
Yasser M. Hafez ◽  
Maaly M. Mabrouk ◽  
Medhat A. Ghazy
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Interleukin 10 ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Angiogenic Potential ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
Healthy Control

Background: Interleukin-19 (IL-19) is a newly discovered cytokine belonging to the Interleukin-10 (IL-10) family. IL-19 has indispensable functions in many inflammatory processes and also can induce the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells. The purpose of present study was to assess the level of serum interleukin-19 (IL-19) in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Our Study Aimed to assess the level of serum IL-19 in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we tested 90 subjects; 30 healthy control and 60 diabetic nephropathy patients recruited from outpatient clinics and wards of Internal Medicine department, Tanta university hospitals, Egypt. Patients were subdivided into 3subgroup according to the urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). Results: The serum IL-19 levels in DN patients were significantly higher than the control group. The mean serum IL-19 level was 15.45±4.34 Pg/ml, 32.66±8.05 Pg/ml, 56.03±7.89 Pg/ml and 71.41±12.37 Pg/ml dL for control, normoalbuminuria group, microalbuminuria group and macroalbuminuria group respectively. Conclusions: Serum IL-19 level was significantly elevated in patients with diabetic nephropathy and was associated with the marker of inflammation CRP (C -reactive protein). So

scholarly journals Imaging of COVID-19: Experience in BIRDEM General Hospital

2020 ◽  
pp. 56-62
Author(s):  
MA Taher ◽  
Jafreen Sultana ◽  
Ishtiaque Mohammad Behnom ◽  
Mohua Saha
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Lower Lobe ◽  
Ground Glass Opacity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Progression Of Disease ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Background: Pneumonia associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan of China which was recognized as a global health emergency. Role of imaging, specially high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest is considered as an important tool in the early diagnosis, evaluation of disease progression and prompt management of COVID-19 patient in this global health pandemic. This study was designed to report the spectrum of HRCT imaging findings in COVID-19 infected patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 consecutive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients who underwent HRCT chest from 1st of September 2020 to 30th October 2020 in BIRDEM General Hospital. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Prevalence, distribution, extent and type of abnormal lung findings were recorded. Results: Total 30 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. Among them, 26 (86.6%) patients had fever and 17 (66.66%) patients had fatigability. The most frequent CT abnormality was ground glass opacity in (26, 86.67%). Crazy-paving pattern was found in 19 (63.33%) cases. Most patients had multiple lesions and involved all the 5 lobes The lesions were mostly peripheral (26, 86.6%) in distribution. Most commonly involved lobe is right lower lobe (27, 90%). Conclusion: Radiology & Imaging, specially HRCT of chest is an excellent modality in diagnosis of disease, evaluation of progression of disease, evaluation of post COVID-19 patient and prompt management of COVID- 19 patient in this global health emergency. Birdem Med J 2020; 10, COVID Supplement: 56-62

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