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Abstract Background An increased risk of Secondary Malignancies (SMs) in Mycosis Fungoides (MF) has been suggested previously. However, the relationship between this risk and the features of MF is not well-known. Objective To investigate the rate and types of SMs in a large cohort of MF patients focusing on the associated features of these patients. Methods The demographic features, subtype, and stage of MF, as well as the temporal relationship between the diagnosis of MF and the development of SMs were determined. Major clinical features of MF in this group were compared with MF patients without association of SMs. Results Among 730 MF patients with a mean follow-up period of 67.9 ± 52.4 months, 56 SMs were identified in a total of 52 (7.1%) patients. While 28.8% of patients were previously diagnosed with other malignancies, then subsequently had a diagnosis of MF, it was vice versa in 53.8% of patients. Most of the SM-associated MF patients had early-stage (80.7%) and classical type of MF (86.5%) without a significant difference from MF patients without association of SMs; 85.5% and 72.5%, respectively. The most commonly identified SMs were hematologic malignancies (64.3%) including lymphomatoid papulosis (n = 22), Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 4), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 5), polycythemia vera (n = 2). Other most commonly associated malignancies were breast cancer (n = 4), prostate cancer (n = 3), renal cell carcinoma (n = 2), melanoma (n = 2), and Kaposi's sarcoma (n = 2). Study limitations A single tertiary dermatology center study with a retrospective design. Conclusion Apart from the well-known lymphomatoid papulosis association, systemic hematological malignancies were also quite common in the large cohort of MF patients.
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Abstract Background Psoriasis represents a chronic inflammatory phenotype shaped by genetic interactions, characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and commonly affecting the skin and joints. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that the IL-17F gene locus plays a role as a central cytokine in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. Objectives Based on the central role of IL-17F in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, the authors thought that variations in this gene could affect the susceptibility and severity of this disease. Therefore, in this study, the authors aimed to analyze whether the IL-17F rs763780 variant has an effect on psoriasis pathogenesis in the Turkish population. Method In this case-control study, the study group consisted of 603 people (201 psoriasis patients (73 males/128 females)/402 controls (146 males/256 females) were genotyped in terms of IL-17F rs763780 polymorphism with TaqMan 5' Allelic Discrimination Test. Results The genotype distributions of the IL-17F rs763780 polymorphism between patients and control groups were statistically different, and the TC (heterozygous genotype) and CC (homozygous mutant genotype) genotypes were more represented in the patients group than in the control group (24.9% vs. 10.2%; 2.0% vs. 0.2%, respectively). In addition, the variant C allele was higher in the patients group and this was statistically significant (p < 0.001), and the C allele carriage was associated with a 3.14-fold increased risk of psoriasis (95% CI 2.015‒24.921). Study limitations The present study has some limitations. The first limitation is the relatively small sample size. The second limitation is that the authors could not measure IL-17F expression levels. However, the present study data draw attention to the importance of IL-17F which deserves to be studied in a larger sample group. Conclusion We report that IL-17F rs763780 TC and CC genotype and C allele are associated with an increased risk of psoriasis in the Turkish population.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Obesity is an increasingly prevalent global health problem, which is generally caused by the increase in body fat mass above normal and observed in all societies. If the blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to diagnose diabetes, this condition is defined as prediabetes. Adiponectin increases fatty acid oxidation and insulin sensitivity and is closely associated with obesity. One of the nuclear receptor superfamily member peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors is shown to have an important role in various metabolic reactions. This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma parameters, which are closely related to adipose tissue, energy metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, in obese patients with and without prediabetes. METHODS: For this purpose, 52 obese patients with prediabetes, 48 obese patients with non-prediabetes, and 76 healthy individuals were included in this study. Serum adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ levels were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in obese patients with prediabetes (18.15±15.99) compared with the control group (15.17±15.67; p=0.42). No significant difference was observed in both adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ levels in the obese patients with the non-prediabetes group compared with the control group. However, no significant difference was observed in the obese patients with prediabetes group and obese patients with non-prediabetes group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that adiponectin may serve as an indicator of prediabetes. This implies that examining adiponectin levels in individuals diagnosed with prediabetes may enhance our understanding of the metabolic processes closely linked to prediabetes and related conditions.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the opinions of polycystic ovary syndrome on the life quality of women. METHODS: A total of 249 women with polycystic ovary syndrome participated in this descriptive study between October 2022 and July 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. FINDINGS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Quality of Life was significantly correlated with age (p=0.000) and frequent weight loss diets (p=0.000) (p<0.01). Among the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Quality of Life total score and polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, those with hormone imbalance and insulin resistance had the highest mean scores, while those with menstrual irregularity and fatigue had the lowest. CONCLUSION: Advancing age changes the quality of life of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. To prevent the negative impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on women's quality of life, it is recommended that health professionals develop effective care plans utilizing available evidence.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of resection and extended end-to-end anastomosis between neonate and infant patients with coarctation. METHODS: This study was designed retrospectively and included 41 neonate (<30 days) and infant (30 days to 1 year) patients who were operated on using the resection and extended end-to-end anastomosis technique for aortic coarctation. Preoperative aortic annulus diameters and Z scores, all aortic arch diameters and Z scores, the presence of hypoplastic aortic segment, and the presence of prematurity were reviewed in both groups. Subsequently, we investigated whether these parameters were statistically related to the residual gradient in the operation area, whether there was a need for early re-intervention, and what was the incidence of mortality in the early postoperative period. In addition, the aortic arch Z scores of the patients at 6 months postoperatively were examined. RESULTS: While the mean age (p<0.001), body weight (p<0.001), and proximal arch Z score (p=0.029) were found to be significantly lower in the neonate group than in the infant group, the total length of the intensive care unit stay (p=0.013) and the total length of hospital stay (p=0.017) were found to be significantly higher. In addition, significant enlargement was detected in the proximal arch, distal arch, and isthmus segments in both patient groups. CONCLUSION: The resection and extended end-to-end anastomosis is an equally effective technique that can provide a marked decrease in gradient in the coarctation area and a significant enlargement of the aortic arch segments in the early period after coarctation repair in both neonate and infant patients.
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ABSTRACT Introduction: Cyanotic congenital heart diseases constitute 40-45% of all congenital heart diseases. In patients who are not suitable for primary repair, modified BT (MBT) shunt and central shunt (CS) procedures are still frequently used. Methods: This study included 62 pediatric patients who underwent MBT shunt or CS via median sternotomy. Patients' demographic, echocardiographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected retrospectively. The patients were classified as single ventricle and bi-ventricle according to their cardiac anatomy, and the presence of prematurity and heterotaxy was noted. Procedure details of the patients who underwent endovascular intervention prior to the surgery were investigated, and operation data were accessed from the surgery notes. Data regarding postoperative follow-ups were obtained and comparatively analyzed. Results: Of the total 62 patients, 32 (51.6%) were newborns and 16 (25.8%) had a body weight < 3 kg. MBT shunt was applied to 48 patients (77.4%), while CS was applied to 14 patients (22.6%). There was no significant difference between the two surgical procedures in terms of requirement for urgent shunt or cardiopulmonary bypass, additional simultaneous surgical intervention, need for high postoperative inotropes, and in-hospital mortality (P>0.05). The rate of congestive heart failure in patients with in-hospital mortality was determined as 66.7% and it was significantly higher than in patients without heart failure (P<0.001). Conclusion: MBT shunt and CS are still frequently used in cyanotic patients. The use of small-diameter shunts, particularly when centrally located, can prevent the onset of congestive heart failure and lower mortality.
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SUMMARY Mutations in the insulin receptor (INSR) gene may present with variable clinical phenotypes. We report herein a novel heterozygous INSR mutation in an adolescent girl with type A insulin resistance syndrome and her mother. The index case was a 12-year-old girl without obesity who presented with excessive hair growth, especially in the chest and back area, and hyperpigmentation on the back of the neck (acanthosis nigricans). Acanthosis nigricans was first observed at the age of 11 years. On physical examination, the patient had acanthosis nigricans and hypertrichosis with no acne. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurement was within the normal range for age and sex. Laboratory tests revealed fasting hyperglycemia, fasting and postprandial hyperinsulinemia, elevated HbA1c level, and biochemical hyperandrogenemia. Fasting plasma lipids were normal. A diagnosis of type A insulin resistance syndrome was considered, and INSR gene mutation analysis was performed. Next-generation sequence analysis was performed with the use of primers containing exon/exon-intron junctions in the INSR gene, and a novel heterozygous c.3486_3503delGAGAAACTGCATGGTCGC/p. Arg1163_Ala1168del change was detected in exon 19 of the INSR gene. In segregation analysis, the same variant was detected in the patient's mother, who had a milder clinical phenotype. We reported a novel, heterozygous, p. Arg1163_Ala1168del mutation in exon 19 of the INSR gene in a patient with type A insulin resistance syndrome, expanding the mutation database. The same mutation was associated with variable phenotypical severity in two subjects within the same family.
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ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this research is to determine how managers evaluate the success of sports organizations. Methods: A system of a total of 119 variables (9 variables of the structure of sports organizations, 7 variables of the management structure of sports organizations, 3 variables of the performance of sports organizations, 45 variables of leadership styles and 55 variables of organizational effectiveness) was applied to a sample of 175 respondents aged 19-66. In the research, we used multiple regression analysis. Results: It was found that there is a statistically significant influence of the management of sports organizations on predicting the success of sports organizations, while organizational effectiveness and leadership styles do not have a significant impact. Conclusion: The success of sports organizations can be predicted based on the characteristics of the management of sports organizations. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic Studies - Examination of Results.
Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar cómo los directivos evalúan el éxito de las organizaciones deportivas. Métodos: Sistema de un total de 119 variables (9 variables de estructura de organizaciones deportivas, 7 variables de estructura de gestión de organizaciones deportivas, 3 variables de desempeño de organizaciones deportivas, 45 variables de estilos de liderazgo y 55 variables de eficacia organizacional) se aplicó a una muestra de 175 encuestados de entre 19 y 66 años. En la investigación, utilizamos análisis de regresión múltiple. Resultados: Se encontró que existe una influencia estadísticamente significativa de la gestión de las organizaciones deportivas en la predicción del éxito de las organizaciones deportivas, mientras que la eficacia organizacional y los estilos de liderazgo no tienen una influencia significativa. Conclusiõn: El éxito de las organizaciones deportivas se puede predecir en base a las características de la gestión de las Organizaciones deportivas. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios Terapéuticos - Examen de los Resultados.
RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa é determinar como os gerentes avaliam o sucesso das organizações esportivas. Métodos: Um sistema com um total de 119 variáveis (9 variáveis da estrutura das organizações desportivas, 7 variáveis da estrutura de gestão das organizações desportivas, 3 variáveis do desempenho das organizações desportivas, 45 variáveis dos estilos de liderança e 55 variáveis da eficácia organizacional) foi aplicado a uma amostra de 175 entrevistados com idades entre 19 e 66 anos. Na pesquisa, utilizamos a análise de regressão múltipla. Resultados: Verificou-se que existe uma influência estatisticamente significativa da gestão das organizações desportivas na previsão do sucesso das organizações desportivas, enquanto a eficácia organizacional e os estilos de liderança não têm influência significativa. Conclusão: O sucesso das organizações esportivas pode ser previsto com base nas características da gestão das organizações esportivas. Nível de Evidencia II; Estudios Terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados.
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Background: Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is one of the major epigenetic modifiers involved in the transcriptional repression of target genes through trimethylation of H3K27 (lysine 27 residue of histone H3). Deregulated expression of both EZH2 and H3K27me3 has been implicated in the biological behavior and prognostic outcome of various malignancies. Aim: To assess the role of EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the carcinogenesis of urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty consecutive urothelial carcinoma cases of urinary bladder (54.7% high-grade) were included in this study. Immunohistochemical analysis for EZH2 and H3K27me3 was performed on whole tissue sections. A multiplication score obtained by multiplying staining intensity and proportion of positively stained neoplastic cells was used for assessment. Results: EZH2 showed a significant correlation with the tumor grade and lamina propria invasion (p < 0.001). The cases with high EZH2 expression showed a significantly high proliferative index (Mean- 32.7%; p < 0.001). In contrast, negative and low expression of H3K27me3 was significantly more common in high-grade cases (p = 0.006). The expression of H3K27me3 was significantly associated with lamina propria (p = 0.01) and deep muscle invasion (p = 0.007). EZH2 showed a significantly higher expression in the high-grade invasive areas as compared to the high-grade non-invasive areas of the same tumor (p = 0.03). Conclusions: This study establishes an important role of the key epigenetic regulators EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the pathobiology of urothelial carcinomas. Strong expression of EZH2 and weak expression of H3K27me3 are associated with higher grade, proliferative index and invasive behavior.
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Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Extensive rhabdoid morphology in ACC has been described recently in very few cases. The proportion of rhabdoid morphology and the role of SMARCB1/ INI1 expression in these tumor cells to diagnose the specific variant is not described in the literature. We reviewed the clinicopathological features of nine cases of adrenocortical neoplasm. Out of which, three cases of ACC showed predominant rhabdoid morphology. Large discohesive cells with abundant cytoplasm containing eosinophilic inclusions, eccentric vesicular nucleus, and prominent nucleoli. INI1 immunostain was retained in all cases. We reported the rhabdoid variant of ACC, a novel entity, and its diagnostic approach from their histological mimickers. Identifying more cases of this entity will help to clearly understand the pathogenesis, biologic behaviour, and any specific molecular alterations in the future.
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Purpose: To compare glaucomatous from non?glaucomatous optic atrophy using optical coherence tomography (OCT) based on the measurement values of Bruch’s membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO?MRW), which is a difficult task otherwise due to their varied course of disease progression, treatment protocols, and systemic association to visual impairment. Methods: This study was conducted in 40 eyes, comprising 20 eyes with non?glaucomatous optic neuropathy (NGON) and 20 eyes with glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination followed by an OCT optic disc scan to calculate the measurement of BMO?MRW. Results: The 5?fold cross?validated area under the curve for GON versus NGON from logistic regression models was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86–1.00) using BMO?MRW values from all sectors. The results revealed that the measurements were significantly lesser in GON than in NGON patients. Conclusion: Hence, OCT?based BMO?MRW values could be used as an additional test to compare glaucomatous with non?glaucomatous optic neuropathy patients, especially in cases of high clinical suspicion.
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Objectives: Phaeohyphomycosis refers to infections caused by phaeoid/dematiaceous or darkly pigmented fungi. This study was undertaken to further increase our knowledge about the incidence of phaeohyphomycosis and its causative agents. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted over a period of one and a half years (January 2018–June 2019) on specimens received from patients with varied clinical manifestations ranging from superficial infections, subcutaneous cysts, pneumonia, brain abscess to a disseminated infection. These specimens were processed in the Department of Microbiology for potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination and culture and in Pathology for cytology/histopathological examination (HPE). All specimens positive on direct examination for dark grey, brown or black fungi were included in the study. Results: A total of 20 specimens were confirmed as phaeohyphomycosis. Most of the patients belonged to the age group of 41 to 50 years. Male: Female ratio was 2.3:1. Trauma was the most common risk factor. Spectra of the isolated fungal pathogens comprised of Bipolaris species, Exophiala species, Curvularia geniculata, Phialemonium species, Daldinia eschscholtzii, Hypoxylon anthochroum, Phaeoacremonium species, Leptosphaerulina australis, Medicopsis romeroi, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Eutypella species, Chaetomium globosum, Alternaria species, Cladophialophora bantiana and 2 unidentified dematiaceous fungi. Recovery from phaeohyphomycosis was seen in 12 patients, 7 were lost to follow up and one patient succumbed to the illness. Conclusion: Infections caused by phaeoid fungi can no longer be viewed as rare. In fact, phaeohyphomycosis can have myriad of presentations spanning from mild cutaneous infections to fatal brain disease. Therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose such infections. The primary treatment modality remains surgical removal of the lesion in cutaneous or subcutaneous infections however disseminated disease with a guarded prognosis requires aggressive management.
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Background: Peripheral neuroblastic tumors arise from the sympathoadrenal lineage of the neural crest. They have been classified according to the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Committee (INPC) into Four categories according to International Neuroblastoma Pathology Committee (INPC): a) Neuroblastoma (NB) b) Ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB), nodular c) Ganglioneuroblastoma, intermixed, and d) Ganglioneuroma (GN). Because of the rarity of extra-adrenal peripheral neuroblastic tumors, limited information is available regarding the chemotherapy of NB and GNB. A few case reports or case series with a small number of patients have been documented in the literature. Aim: To describe the clinicopathological characteristics of extra-adrenal peripheral neuroblastic tumors. Materials and Methods: Clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) findings of 18 cases were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry at the time of diagnosis was performed using Ventana Benchmark XT. The mean value was calculated using the Microsoft Office Excel 2019 software. Results: The posterior mediastinum was the most commonly affected extra-adrenal site in our study. Neuroblastoma consisted of eight cases (six in children, two in adults), of which four cases were poorly differentiated and the other four cases were differentiating. Two cases had favorable histology. The bone marrow and cervical lymph node metastasis were documented. Of the four GNB cases, one patient developed bone metastasis. All patients of NB and GNB received combination chemotherapy. One out of six GN patients presented with a large retroperitoneal mass encasing the aorta and renal vessels, mimicking a sarcoma. Conclusion: Extra-adrenal peripheral neuroblastic tumors do not pose any diagnostic issue in adequate tissue sampling. In limited material, immunohistochemistry is needed. The chemotherapy regimen has not been standardized due to rarity. Further molecular testing and targeted therapy may be of help in the future.
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Background: Previous studies have shown that hepatic fibrosis indices and rates can be used to predict cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Our aim with this study was to investigate the effect of aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio and fibrosis?4 (FIB?4) index calculated with ALT, AST, and platelet biomarkers, which are simple, fast, and relatively inexpensive and were used in previous studies to predict cardiovascular disease prognosis, on the prediction of postoperative morbidity and early mortality after mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery. Methods: By scanning the hospital electronic health record system, 116 patients who underwent isolated MVR or MVR + tricuspid valve intervention were identified from 178 patients who underwent MVR with the standard sternotomy procedure between 2011 and 2021. The study was completed with 81 of these patients. Patients were divided into AST/ALT <2 (Group 1) and >2 (Group 2). In addition, the same patients were divided into FIB?4 index <3.25 (Group 3) and >3.25 (Group 4), and a total of four groups were formed. Results: The mean age of Group 2 was significantly higher than Group 1 (P = 0.049). In addition, the mean age of Group 4 was significantly higher than Group 3 (P = 0.003). Postoperative complications did not differ between Groups 1 and 2 (P > 0.05). While noninvasive mechanincal ventilation (NIMV) requirements did not differ between Groups 3 and 4 (P > 0.05), MV duration and intensive care unit stay were significantly longer in Group 4 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The AST/ALT ratio, which has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in various studies, was not useful in predicting mortality and morbidity in our study. However, a high FIB?4 index, another hepatic fibrosis index, was found to be associated with increased perioperative bleeding, duration of mechanical ventilation, and cardiac intensive care unit stay, which are important criteria in the prediction of morbidity in cardiovascular surgery.
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Comamonas testosteroni newly emerging microorganism previously known as Pseudomonas testosteroni is common environmental bacterium that is not known to be a part of the human commensal organism. Since its identification as a human pathogen in 1987, numerous reports have drizzled in, implicating this organism for various infections. Comamonas testosteroni are rare isolates in microbiology laboratories and have been infrequently reported as an infectious agent in routine clinical practice. Comamonas testosteroni has been rarely observed as an infectious agent in clinical practice. Comamonas testosteroni is rarely recognized as a human pathogen. Most of the reported cases are bloodstream infections. We report this pathogen from the stool of an immunocompromised 48-year-old male. The aim of this case report is to alert clinicians and laboratory physicians for the potential diagnosis and clinical approach of gastrointestinal infections caused by this organism.
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Introduction: The high level of prevalence and intensity of dental caries in school children reflects the urgency of the problem and the necessity of proper dental education among children and their parents and to develop recommendations aimed at the prevention of dental caries. Aim: To find out the epidemiological situation of dental caries in school age children of Krasnoyarsk Territory. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted on the prevalence and intensity of dental caries in 232 school-age children of educational institutions in the city of Norilsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai and 386 children in the city of Talnakh aged 7 to 17 years. The study used a special dental examination card recommended by WHO (2013). Results: The results obtained characterize an unfavorable level of morbidity with a high level of dental treatment needs and preventive care. School children and their parents exhibited low level of knowledge pertaining to sanitary conditions. The situation dictates the need for further intensification of the prevention of dental diseases and sanitary and educational work among the population. Conclusion: The research showed the inimical epidemiological situation of dental caries in school-age children of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The situation dictates the need for further intensification of sanitary and educational work and the introduction of an interdepartmental program for the prevention of dental caries in the region.
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Background: Thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone, thyroxine. Goiter is an indefinite term applied to the enlargement of thyroid gland. The normal thyroid gland in non-goitrous state weighs 25–35 g. Thyroid gland disorders are common endocrine disorders in the world. Aims and Objectives: This is a retrospective study done to know the age and gender distribution of goiter and various pathological conditions in goiter. This study showed that the incidence is common in 3rd–5th decade of life and nodular and colloid goiter are the common causes of goiter followed by follicular adenoma and papillary carcinoma. Materials and Methods: The data were collected from cytology registers of Pathology Department of FIMS Hospital, Image Diagnostics and Seetha Diagnostics, Kadapa, during the 2-year period from January 2021 to December 2022. The data collected as above were systematically analyzed and reviewed for age and sex distribution, clinical presentation, and cytological diagnosis. Results: Majority of the patients were female accounting for 324 cases (94.18%) and 20 patients (5.81%) were male. The maximum incidence is in young females between 31 and 40 years age group (24.70%) followed by 41–50 years age group (23.83%) and then in 21–30 years age group (22.38%). All together, the overall maximum incidence is seen in females between 21 and 50 years age group (70.91%). The most common pathological disease is nodular goiter followed by colloid nodule, both being iodine deficiency goiters. Conclusion: The study showed the thyroid disorders are more common in females. The non-neoplastic lesions constitute the predominant cause for goiter followed by benign neoplasms and then malignant neoplasms.
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Objective: (1) To study cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) adenosine deaminase (ADA) and CSF C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the differentiation of viral, pyogenic, and tuberculous meningitis (TBM). (2) To estimate the borderline levels of CRP in CSF in viral, pyogenic, and TBM. Methods: A prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, SRN Hospital, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, between August 2016 and September 2018. In this study, a total of 100 patients with meningitis were included applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria after proper ethical approval. Results: Out of 100 patients, 61 were TBM, 31 were pyogenic meningitis, and eight were viral meningitis (VM). CSF CRP level was significantly increased in pyogenic meningitis (1.05 ± 0.36 mg/dL) compared to nonpyogenic meningitis [TBM (0.42 ± 0.13 mg/dL) and VM (0.37 ± 0.09 mg/dL)]. At the cut-off level of CRP in CSF > 0.6 mg/dL, its diagnostic sensitivity in pyogenic meningitis was 93.55% and specificity 94.20%. While CSF ADA levels were higher in the TBM group (13.32 ± 3.21 U/L) compared to the other two groups [pyogenic meningitis (6.15 ± 1.27 U/L) and VM (4.86 ± 0.88 U/L)]. At a cut-off, CSF ADA level of >10 U/L, its diagnostic sensitivity for TBM was 91.67% and specificity 90%. Conclusion: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CRP levels were found to be raised in pyogenic meningitis, and CSF ADA was found to be elevated in TBM. While both ADA level and CRP level in CSF are found low in VM.
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Background: Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract obstruction in male children with associated sequlae. Different factors, such as age at presentation, initial and nadir serum creatinine, renal parenchymal echogenicity on initial USG, vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) , recurrent UTI, bladder dysfunction and the presence or absence of pop-off mechanism like VURD have significant impact on ultimate renal outcome. The main aim of the study was to observe the effects of different prognostic factors like age of presentation and preoperative VUR of the PUV respondents on postoperative long term renal outcome as well as changes of renal function status on the basis of initial and postoperative serum creatinine level in our settings. Material & Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study and conducted in the Department of Pediatric urology of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, Dhaka. We enrolled 58 male children of different ages having posterior urethral valve, who were admitted in the pediatric urology department from July,2018 to Dec,2021. Results: Total 58 patients included in our study. Among all patients 53.4% were aged between 1 month to 1 year, 39.7% of them were more than 1 year old and 6.9% of them were neonates. Among 31 respondents, 32.3 % had poor renal function & 35.5 % of them also had moderately impaired renal function. Again, out of 23 respondents, 30.4% had poor renal function & 6% had moderately impaired renal function. The relation between age category and postoperative renal function status (On the basis of postoperative eGFR) of the posterior urethral valve respondents were statistically not significant. Patients who had no VUR, 66.7% of them had normal renal function, 25% had moderately impaired renal function and 8.3% had poor renal function. Respondents who had bilateral VUR, 55% of them had poor renal function and 35% had moderately impaired renal function. Among respondents who had unilateral VUR, 28.6% of them had poor renal function and 28.6% had moderately impaired renal function but 42.9% had normal renal function. The relation between preoperative VCUG findings and postoperative long term renal function status of the PUV patients were statistically significant. 7 (100%) respondents who had preoperative abnormal renal function, more than 71.4% of them had returned to normal renal function after operative procedure. But abnormal renal function was present in 2 (28.6%) patients during follow up. In our study we found 29.3% of our patients had poor renal outcome and 29.3% patients had moderately impaired renal function within the mean follow up period of 19.33±12.38 months (ranges from 9months to 4 years). Conclusion: Our research highlights the significance of age at presentation, despite its statistically negligible effect on long-term renal outcomes. However, among the children with PUV following valve ablation and with a long-term follow-up, beginning serum creatinine and the presence of various types of VUR on initial VCUG had a significant effect (p.05) on postoperative renal function on the basis of serum creatinine.
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Background: A package insert (PI) accompanying medicinal products is a concise and accessible source of evidence-based information for health professionals and consumers alike. In India, the supplied information should be adequate and fulfill the statutory regulations of the Drug and Cosmetics Rules (1945) to ensure the safe and effective drug use. Aim and Objectives: The present observational study aimed to evaluate the uniformity and adequacy of information on PIs available in India. Materials and Methods: PIs of approved and marketed drugs were collected from pharmacies and analyzed with the help of a 30-item checklist comprising of components of statutory guidelines and other quality indicators. Each item was assigned a weightage of two points if the information was complete, one if inadequate, and 0 if absent. The total score was calculated for each PI. Results: The median score of the 150 analyzed PIs was 41 (Inter quartile range, 36.00–45.25) out of a maximum value of 60. The major deficiencies observed were in providing missed dose instructions (91.33%), further reading resources (84.67%), supporting references (83.33%), and drug disposal instructions (76%). Other notable missing information were laboratory parameter interference (68.67%), clinical trial data (62%), adverse drug reaction reporting contact information (56.67%), and list of excipients (49.33%). Conclusion: There are important inadequacies in the clinical information provided in Indian PIs which can affect patient health and hinder rational drug use. Thorough evaluation and revision of the PIs is warranted to make them more reliable and popular among users.