Factors associated with delayed diagnosis among sub-Saharan African women

Breast cancer incidence in sub-Saharan Africa is among the lowest in the world; however, mortality is as high as in high-incidence countries because of poor survival rates. Most breast cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa are diagnosed at advanced stages after prolonged symptomatic periods. Understanding the reasons why women in sub-Saharan Africa seek care after the onset of symptoms is essential to promoting early diagnosis and ultimately improve their cancer survival.

Correlation between Colposcopic Findings and Histopathological Results from Colposcopy Directed Biopsy in VIA(+VE) Cases

Background: Cervical cancer is a major global health problem, with a high burden in developing countries. Early detection and management of precancerous conditions, such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), can help to prevent the development of cervical cancer. Colposcopy, which involves the visualization of the cervix through optical instruments, is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of cervical abnormalities. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between colposcopy findings and histopathological results in cases where visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) was positive. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology, Institute of Child and Mother Health, Matuail, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study duration was 1 year, from November 2017 to October 2018. Participants were recruited from the hospital’s gynecology outpatient department and included 95 women who had a positive VIA test. A Purposive consecutive sampling method was followed for the selection of the participants. Results: The study included 95 patients in Bangladesh who had a positive VIA test. The age distribution of the patients ranged from 25 to 60 years, with a mean age of 35.89±8.88 years. The majority of patients (85.3%) had acetowhite areas, followed by 11 (11.5%) punctuation and 3 (3.2%) mixed (acetowhite area and mosaicism). Histopathological findings revealed that one-third (33.6%) of patients had chronic cervicitis, with 36 (378.8%) having moderate dysplasia, 16 (16.8%) having mild dysplasia, 7 (7.5%) having invasive carcinoma, and 4 (4.2%) having chronic cervicitis with sq. metaplasia. Among the cases, the comparison between colposcopy-directed biopsy results and Colposcopy findings. It was observed that more than one-fourth of 24(29.7%) patients were chronic cervicitis in pure acetowhite area, 8(72.7%) in punctuation, and all patients were mild dysplasia in mixed (acetowhite area and mosaicism). Among 81 patients 53 patients presented with pre-cancerous lesions. The difference was statically significant (p<0.05) in the study patients. Conclusion: Colposcopy, which involves the visualization of the cervix through optical instruments, was found to be an effective tool for the diagnosis of cervical abnormalities in these cases. These findings highlight the importance of colposcopy as a diagnostic tool for cervical abnormalities, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to other screening methods may be limited.

Evaluation of Laparoscopic Management of Adnexal Mass- An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Adnexal masses are of increasing distress among women because of high fatality related to ovarian malignancy. Finding masses at the primary stage is of crucial significance and in these cases, adnexal masses could be dangerous. Laparoscopy has seemed as one of the most feasible surgical procedures and is now recommended as the “gold standard” method for the management of a wide range of gynecological complaints. The study aimed to determine the evaluation of laparoscopic management of adnexal mass. Material & Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Ibn Sina Medical College and Hospital, Kallyanpur, Dhaka from 1st January 2020 to July 2022. A total of 146 patients (N=146) were enrolled in this study. Data were collected using the predesigned semi-structured questionnaire. Verbal consent was taken before recruiting the study population. Completed data forms were reviewed, edited, and processed for computer data entry. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. Results: Among the study population (N=146), the majority of the patients (70,48.0%) belonged to 21-30 years old. Most of the patients (124, 85.0%) were of the reproductive age group & only five patients (5, 3.4%) were of postmenstrual age. Most of the patients (38,26.0%) had ectopic mass, and around one-fourth of the patients (35,24.0%) had a simple cyst. around two-fifths of the patients (63,43.1%) underwent ovarian cystectomy, one-fourth of the patients (37,25.3%) underwent salpingectomy, twenty patients (20,13.7%) underwent excision of chocolate cyst, fourteen patients (14,9.6%) underwent salpingo-oophorectomy and two patients (2,1.4%) underwent conversion to laparotomy. Postoperative fever was seen in only three patients (3,2.0%), and minor port-site infection was seen in three patients (3,2.0%). Conclusion: The diagnosis of adnexal masses is indispensable which may upset all age groups of women. The laparoscopic method is an operative and innocuous procedure for managing patients with adnexal masses. An adequate selection of cases, a laparoscopic surgery-based hospital, and a proficient laparoscopic surgical team are vigorous for good patient consequences.

Clinical features of early-onset pediatric traumatic glaucoma and predictive factors for the need of early glaucoma surgery

Purpose: To assess the clinical presentation of pediatric patients having early traumatic glaucoma and to analyze early predictors for the need of filtration surgery. Methods: Patients with early traumatic glaucoma after close globe injury (CGI) from January 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical features, treatment provided (medical and surgical), and visual outcomes were documented. Patients were divided into two groups based on the management required: group A? trabeculectomy and group B? medication + minor surgery. Results: A total of 85 patients were studied after applying the necessary inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of these, 46 underwent trabeculectomy for the control of intraocular pressure (IOP) and the remaining 39 were managed with antiglaucoma medications. Significant male predominance of 9.6:1 was observed. Patients presented to the hospital after a mean duration of 8.5 days posttrauma. Wooden objects were most commonly responsible for trauma. Mean best corrected visual acuity at presentation was 1.91 log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). Mean IOP at presentation was 40 mmHg. The common anterior segment finding were severe anterior chamber (AC) reaction (63.5%), followed by angle recession (56.4%). Severe AC reaction (P = 0.0001) and corneal microcystic edema (P = 0.04) were significant predictive factors for early need of trabeculectomy. Conclusion: Need of trabeculectomy was higher in patients with severe AC reaction and corneal microcystic edema. The threshold to perform trabeculectomy should be lower, as glaucoma is often relentless, severe, and may result in irreversible vision loss.

Tendencia de mortalidad hospitalaria por COVID-19 en mujeres y hombres / Trends in COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality in women and men

Resumen Introducción: Todavía no se comprende si el desarrollo político, científico y médico en un país se asocia a mejores resultados clínicos de los pacientes con COVID-19 según el sexo. Objetivo: Determinar las tendencias de mortalidad hospitalaria asociada a COVID-19 en mujeres y hombres entre marzo de 2020 y febrero de 2022. Métodos: Se utilizaron los datos clínicos de todos los pacientes con COVID-19 atendidos en 21 hospitales españoles, tanto de quienes fueron dados de alta como de quienes fallecieron durante el ingreso. La asociación entre la fecha del ingreso y la mortalidad se analizó con modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 7974 pacientes, de los cuales 3234 fueron mujeres y 928 fallecieron. Se encontró una tendencia significativa y decreciente en la mortalidad según avanzaba la fecha del ingreso. Cuando el análisis se realizó por sexos, no se halló una tendencia significativa en las mujeres (RM = 0.96 [0.90-1.03], p = 0.239), pero sí en los hombres (RM = 0.87 [0.82-0.92], p < 0.001). Conclusión: Las políticas de salud, junto con las intervenciones clínicas y preventivas, pueden dar cuenta de los resultados. Diferencias en la respuesta al tratamiento o en los comportamientos pueden explicar por qué la mortalidad no disminuye en las mujeres.

Abstract Introduction: Whether political, scientific and medical development in a country is associated with better clinical results according to gender in patients with COVID-19 has not yet been clearly elucidated. Objective: To determine the trends of COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality in women and men from March 2020 to February 2022. Methods: Clinical data of all patients with COVID-19 cared for at 21 Spanish hospitals were used, both of those who were discharged and of those who died during hospitalization. The association between hospital length of stay and mortality was analyzed with logistic regression models. Results: Out of 7,974 patients that were included, 3,234 were women; 928 patients died. A significant decreasing trend in mortality was identified. When the analysis was carried out by gender, no significant mortality trend was found in women (OR = 0.96 [0.90-1.03], p = 0.239), while in men there was a significant decreasing trend identified (OR = 0.87 [0.82-0.92], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Health policies, together with clinical and preventive interventions, may explain these results. Response to treatment and behavioral differences may explain why mortality does not decrease for women.

Wilson's disease and autoimmune hepatitis coexistence: A cause of diagnostic delay

This case report describes a 27-year-old housewife who presented with a progressive and insidious onset of abdominal distension, loss of appetite, and fatigue which started 3 months before her presentation. The physical assessment showed moderate ascites and small liver size, and no other peripheral evidence of chronic liver disease was observed. A diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and was confirmed by investigations and imaging, where ascites responded well to therapy with diuretics. Investigations for the cause of cirrhosis was established through the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, and she was started on steroids and azathioprine with partial improvement in liver biochemistry. She presented 8 months later with neuropsychiatric symptoms in the form of slurred speech and difficulty walking. Accordingly, Wilson's disease was suspected to be the cause and further investigations confirmed this. A chelating agent, D penicillamine, was added to her immunosuppressive treatment. Nine months later she showed slow improvement in her neurological symptoms and was referred for assessment for liver transplantation. Wilson's disease, although rare, should be suspected in patients with decompensated liver disease. The dominance of clinical and epidemiological features of autoimmune hepatitis as a common causative pathology for chronic liver disease in young and middle-aged ladies may hide the presence of other serious different pathologies such as Wilson's disease.

Out-of-wedlock pregnancy among single mothers in Khartoum, Sudan: sociodemographic characteristics, causes, and consequences

Background: Out-of-wedlock childbearing is a global phenomenon that has lifelong consequences on the lives of both mothers and their children. The aim of this study is to identify the sociodemographic characteristics, causes, and consequences of outof-wedlock pregnancy among single mothers in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mygoma Orphanage Center (MOC) and Shamaa Rehabilitation Center (SRC) using convenience sampling among 200 participants. A validated questionnaire with 25 items was used to collect data. The data were entered into Epi-Data Manager and analyzed using the SPSS. Results: The study found that most of the single mothers in Khartoum who gave birth out of wedlock were young and had just completed their university education. Most of them discovered their pregnancy during the second or third trimester, and nearly half of them did not receive any antenatal care. The majority of the children born to these mothers were preterm and had a low birth weight. Additionally, many mothers reported experiencing social stigma and rejection from their families due to their out-of-wedlock pregnancy. The study also highlighted loneliness, stress, and romantic relations as the main causes of out-of-wedlock pregnancy among single mothers in Khartoum, Sudan Conclusion: The study provides useful insights into the sociodemographic characteristics, causes, and consequences of out-of-wedlock pregnancy among single mothers in Khartoum, Sudan. Social stigma and lack of support were identified as significant barriers to the reintegration of single mothers and their children into society. Future research should focus on investigating the long-term effects of out of-wedlock pregnancy on mothers and their children

Examining the relationship between fast-food and sitdown restaurant consumption frequency and dietary patterns among adults in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

@#Introduction: This study assessed the association between dietary patterns and the frequency of eating at fast-food or sit-down restaurants. Methods: A crosssectional study, with a sample of adults living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA), was conducted between January and March 2021. An online, self-administered survey was conducted using social media and WhatsApp. A total of 399 adults living in Riyadh were included; 40.4% were males, with a mean age of 35 and standard deviation (SD) of 12 years, and had no significant health problems. Results: Using principal component analysis to analyse 15 food groups based on the food items consumed, four dietary patterns were extracted: Western, unhealthy, plant-based, and healthy. After adjusting for potential covariates, a higher frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants was significantly associated with unhealthy dietary patterns [odds ratio (OR) = 4.85, 95.0% confidence interval (CI) = 1.80, 12.59]. In contrast, participants in the highest tercile of the frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants showed lower odds of adhering to a healthy dietary pattern (OR = 0.29, 95.0% CI = 0.11, 0.71). No significant association was found between participants in the highest tercile of the frequency of eating at sit-down restaurants and their dietary patterns. Conclusion: Frequently eating at fast-food restaurants was associated with increased odds of adherence to less healthy dietary patterns and negatively associated with adherence to a healthy pattern. No association was found between sit-down restaurants and any of the identified dietary patterns. The present findings can assist stakeholders and policymakers in developing strategic plans and policies for targeted interventions for this population.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Cochlear Implants From Parents’ Perspective

Background and Objectives@#To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in parents of children with cochlear implants and assess influencing factors. These data can enable practitioners to support patients and their families in utilizing the cochlear implant and its benefits to the fullest extent. @*Subjects and Methods@#A retrospective descriptive and analytic study was conducted at the Implantation center Mohammed VI. Parents of cochlear implant patients were asked to fill out forms and answer a questionnaire. Participants included parents of children <15 years old who underwent unilateral cochlear implantation between January 2009 and December 2019, presenting with bilateral severe to profound neurosensory deafness. Participants completed the children with cochlear implantation: parent’s perspective (CCIPP) HRQoL questionnaire. @*Results@#The mean age of the children was 6.49±2.55 years. The mean time between implantation for each patient and this study was calculated as 4.33±2.05 years. There was a positive correlation between this variable and the following subscales: communication, well-being and happiness, and the process of implantation. For these subscales, the score was higher as the delay was greater. Parents of children who received speech therapy before implantation were more satisfied on the following subscales: communication, general functioning, well-being and happiness, implantation process, implantation effectiveness, and support for the child. @*Conclusions@#The HRQoL is better in families of children who received their implant at an early age. This finding raises awareness of the importance of systemic screening in newborns.

Efficiency and accuracy of artificial intelligence in the radiographic detection of periodontal bone loss: A systematic review

Purpose@#Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a major role in medical diagnostics. Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral diseases. The early diagnosis of periodontal disease is essential for effective treatment and a favorable prognosis. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of AI in diagnosing periodontal bone loss through radiographic analysis. @*Materials and Methods@#A literature search involving 5 databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Health and Medical Collection, Dentistry and Oral Sciences) was carried out. A specific combination of keywords was used to obtain the articles. The PRISMA guidelines were used to filter eligible articles. The study design, sample size, type ofAI software, and the results of each eligible study were analyzed. The CASP diagnostic study checklist was used to evaluate the evidence strength score. @*Results@#Seven articles were eligible for review according to the PRISMA guidelines. Out of the 7 eligible studies, 4 had strong CASP evidence strength scores (7-8/9). The remaining studies had intermediate CASP evidence strength scores (3.5-6.5/9). The highest area under the curve among the reported studies was 94%, the highest F1 score was91%, and the highest specificity and sensitivity were 98.1% and 94%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#AI-based detection of periodontal bone loss using radiographs is an efficient method. However, more clinical studies need to be conducted before this method is introduced into routine dental practice.

Is the myonuclear domain ceiling hypothesis dead?

Muscle fibres are multinuclear cells, and the cytoplasmic territory where a single myonucleus controls transcriptional activity is called the myonuclear domain (MND). MND size shows flexibility during muscle hypertrophy. The MND ceiling hypothesis states that hypertrophy results in the expansion of MND size to an upper limit or MND ceiling, beyond which additional myonuclei via activation of satellite cells are required to support further growth. However, the debate about the MND ceiling hypothesis is far from settled, and various studies show conflicting results about the existence or otherwise of MND ceiling in hypertrophy. The aim of this review is to summarise the literature about the MND ceiling in various settings of hypertrophy and discuss the possible factors contributing to a discrepancy in the literature. We conclude by describing the physiological and clinical significance of the MND ceiling limit in the muscle adaptation process in various physiological and pathological conditions.

Clinical Competence and Learning Environment of Primary Care Medical Students Amid Covid-19 Pandemic: Online Distance Learning Versus Face-to-Face Teaching

@#Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the learning environment for medical students and affected their academic achievement. This study aims to determine the student’s clinical competency, learning environment, and its associated factors during the primary care medicine posting amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among medical students who had completed primary care medicine posting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on socio-demographic, posting characteristics, and students’ learning environment using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire and their objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) marks were collected. Independent t-test was used to compare DREEM scores between face-to-face and online groups. Multivariate analysis was used to determine factors associated with clinical competency and DREEM scores with p <0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 205 students were recruited. Only 9.8% failed OSCE. Face-to-face teaching delivery (OR=3.61, 95 CI =1.03,11.30), face-to-face precept method (OR=1.24, 95 CI =1.12,12.51) and integrated curriculum (OR=5.23, 95 CI =1.03,26.47) were associated with good clinical competency. The total mean DREEM score was 72.94 (SD 28.8), with 89.3% having poor DREEM scores. Students who received face-to-face teaching scored higher in the Student’s Perceptions of Teacher domain compared to online teaching (p =0.036). Conclusion: Face-to-face teaching is preferred for good clinical competence and a learning environment. The impact of experiential learning was huge in our study, and it cannot be replaced by online learning. Furthermore, retraining teachers will improve the online learning experience for the students.

Unusual Involvement of Basal Ganglia and Dentate Nucleus in Children with Acute Encephalopathy with COVID-19

Children account for 1% to 5% of diagnosed COVID-19 infection with relatively mild presentation compared to adults. The frequency of neurological involvement in acute COVID-19 infection in children is unclear. COVID-19 is also considered to be a neurotropic virus, but so far, in the pediatric age group, very few cases with involvement of basal ganglia and no case of dentate nucleus involvement have been reported in the literature. The present paper reports two cases of acute encephalopathy with COVID-19, the frst case with basal ganglia involvement and the second with dentate nucleus involvement. Both cases required aggressive management and had complete neurological recovery on follow-up. Hence, these cases are reported to make everyone aware of the neurological presentation with atypical neuroimaging fnding of acute COVID-19 infection in the pediatric age group; timely management improves the outcome.

Primary myxofibrosarcoma of the male breast: A case report

Myxofibrosarcoma is an unusual type of malignant fibrous histiocytoma that arises in subcutaneous tissue in the limbs of elderly patients and uncommonly involves the breast.We report a rare case of myxofibrosarcoma that occurred in a male breast. A 57-year-old man was referred to our department for a right breast mass. Physical examination revealed an irregular lump without skin involvement. Ultrasonography and mammography showed an oval and hypoechoic opacity with increased internal vascularity. The patient had a core needle biopsy that showed a sarcoma of the breast. The patient underwent a simple mastectomy. The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of high-grade myxofibrosarcoma of the breast and the patient had local radiotherapy. After a follow-up of 18 months, the patient has no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastases. Myxofibrosrcoma of the breast is extremely rare but should be diagnosed as soon as possible because of the rapid growth of the tumor and the better prognosis in the early stages.

Correlation of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration, Abdominal Aortic Calcification on Plain X-ray and Pineal Gland Calcification at CT in Patients with Low Back Pain

Background: The lumbar spine, or low back, is a remarkably well-engineered structure of interconnecting bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles all working together to provide support, strength, and flexibility. However, this complex structure also leades the low back susceptible to injury and pain. To find out the correlations among plain radiographic findings of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration, abdominal aortic calcification & CT findings of pineal gland calcification in low back pain subjects. Material & Methods:This observational analytical study was carried out in the Department of Radiology and imaging of the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012. A total of 100 subjects attending the department of Radiology and imaging, BIRDEM for X-ray of the Lumbosacral spine and CT scan of the brain with low back pain were enrolled first for the study. A complete history was taken either from the patient or accompanying attendants. Relevant investigations reports were collected. All the information was recorded in the data collection sheet. Collected data were classified, edited, coded and entered into the computer for statistical analysis by using SPSS-23.Results:The mean age of study subjects was 61.26 years with a standard deviation of the mean (SD) of 13.34 years and their age ranged from 41 to 74 years. It was observed that nearly two-thirds (61.7%) of the subjects were male and 38.3% were female and the male-female ratio was 1.6:1. It was seen that majority of the subjects had a density of the Pineal gland ranging from +51 to +150 HU. Only 4 subjects had a density of Pineal gland ranging from +351 to +1000 HU. Meant SD density of the Pineal gland among a total of 30 subjects was 136.98164.11 HU. In Group X, the density of Pineal Gland was 83,57 14.45 HU. The density of the Pineal gland was 134.65±13.23HU and 151.66+21.32 HU in Group Y and Group Z respectively. Some parameters of the degenerative disc disease and aortic wall calcification. had a significant positive association with calcification. with the density of Pineal gland calcification.Conclusions:The study was undertaken to find out the Correlation between lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration, abdominal aortic calcification on plain X-ray and Pineal gland calcification at CT in low back pain subjects. The data obtained showed that the density of pineal gland calcification is statistically significant with increasing age. There was also a positive association between intradiscal calcification and density of pineal gland calcification, but no significant association among other parameters with the density of pineal gland calcification

Evaluation of Treatment of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of Tibia by IlizarovMethod

Background: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, a rare but well-known disorder, has been remarkably resistant to all types of therapy designed to promote healing. Successful treatment consists of the union of the pseudarthrosis and maintenance of that union without malunion, re-fracture, or excessive shortening (<2cm) of the leg. The principle of treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) with the Ilizarov method corrects all angular deformities and maximizes the cross-sectional area of the pseudarthrosis. Nineteen patients with a total of 19 CPT were treated using the Ilizarov apparatus. CPT is the most perplexing challenging pediatric orthopaedic problem especially when the patient of below years of age and has a history of the previous operations and tibia narrow and osteoporotic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment of CPT by the Ilizarov method. Material & Methods:The prospective study was done from July 2008 to June 2010 at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Dhaka. Various forces were used to treat the pseudarthrosis site including compression, distraction, open reduction, resection and shortening, resection and bone transport, and a temporary intramedullary k-wire given through calcaneum and talus into the tibial medullary cavity.Results:Lengthening was performed in all except one of the 19 patients. One patient had developed nonunion in both the pseudarthrosis site and proximal corticotomy site. The deformity was tried to correct in all cases. The union rate was 94.73% with one treatment. There were three early re-fracture. Eight patients. had a persistent residual deformity of ankle valgus from 5-9 degrees and five patients had residual angular deformity at the pseudarthrosis site from 5-10 degrees.Conclusions:One patient’s angulation degree required revision surgery, Ilizarov. All patients were given Previous sites, residual angular deformity, and natural history were considered predisposing factors for re-fracture. Two re-fractures united with months (range 10 months). This technique produced initial pseudarthrosis with the correction associated with deformity inequality. angulation and valgus.

Oral Manifestation Related to Fibromyalgia / Manifestações Bucais Relacionadas à Fibromialgia

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM) is a condition characterized by generalized and chronic muscle pain, with no evidence of inflammation and accompanied by other symptoms such as tiredness, anxiety and depression. However, little is discussed about the oral manifestations associated with this syndrome. The present study aimed to analyze the oral changes found in patients diagnosed with FM and to relate them to the disease. The sample consisted of 67 participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia and who agreed to participate in the research by signing the informed consent form. Patients were assessed through examination and a questionnaire interview. The results obtained showed that the drugs most used by the participants were antidepressants, analgesic medications and anticonvulsants, 58.2% of the participants rated their own oral hygiene as good, 70.1% of the participants said they made regular visits to the dentist, 92.4% reinforced that pain makes it impossible to perform daily tasks, but only 47.0% believed that pain interferes with the quality of oral hygiene, 55.2% of the participants stated they had restorations or caries, 34.3% had no dental units, 20.9% have some type of prosthesis, 74.2% reported xerostomia. It is concluded that patients with FM have a high prevalence of xerostomia and that there is a strong lack of information on the risk factors correlated with FM, as well as on the oral manifestations caused by the syndrome, strengthening the need for the patient's monitoring and guidance of dental surgeon in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team. (AU)

A Síndrome de Fibromialgia (FM) é uma condição caracterizada por dor muscular generalizada e crônica, sem evidência de inflamação e acompanhada de outros sintomas como cansaço, ansiedade e depressão. Entretanto, pouco se discute sobre as manifestações bucais associadas a esta síndrome, diante disto, o presente estudo objetivou analisar as alterações bucais encontradas em pacientes com o diagnóstico de FM e relacioná-las à doença. A amostra foi constituída de 67 participantes com diagnóstico de fibromialgia e que aceitaram participar da pesquisa mediante a assinatura do termo de consentimento livre esclarecido. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um exame clínico e a uma entrevista por questionário. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que os fármacos mais utilizados pelos participantes foram antidepressivos, medicamentos para analgesia e anticonvulsivantes, 58,2% dos participantes avaliaram sua própria higiene oral como boa, 70,1% dos participantes afirmaram fazer visitas regulares ao dentista, 92,4% reforçaram que as dores impossibilitam de realizar tarefas cotidianas, mas somente 47,0% acreditam que as dores interferem na qualidade da higiene oral, 55,2% dos participantes afirmou possuir restaurações ou cárie, 34,3% possuir ausência de elementos dentais, 20,9% possuir algum tipo de prótese, 74,2% relatou xerostomia. Conclui-se que pacientes com FM possuem alta prevalência de xerostomia e que há uma forte falta de informação sobre os fatores de risco correlacionados à FM, bem como sobre as manifestações bucais provocadas pela síndrome, fortalecendo a necessidade do acompanhamento e da orientação do cirurgião-dentista em conjunto com a equipe multiprofissional. (AU)

Diagnostic Significance Of Adenosine Deaminase And Lymphocytes In Suspected Tuberculous Pleural Effusion

CONTEXT: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in India. Tuberculous pleural effusion is a paucibacillary manifestation of the Tuberculosis, so isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is difficult, biomarkers being an alternative for diagnosis. Pleural fluid Adenosine deaminase (ADA) level is being used in diagnosis of Tubercular pleural effusion. The combination of ADA and pleural fluid lymphocyte count is being recognized as a better method for increasing the specificity of ADA test. The present study was conducted to analyze the diagnostic usefulness ofAIM: ADA alone (? 40U/L) compared with the combination of ADA and pleural fluid lymphocyte count ( ? 50% ). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: METHODS AND MATERIAL:Retrospective study. Study was conducted for a period of one year from May 2017 to April 2018. A total of 110 pleural fluid samples data was analysed. SPSS 20STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: statistical software. ADA level in Tuberculous pleural effusion ranged from 40U/L to 112U/L with mean value ofRESULTS: 69.4U/L. Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive valve (PPV) and Negative predictive values (NPV) for ADA alone were 93.2%, 76.4%, 82% and 90.6% respectively. For ADA and lymphocyte count the Specificity and PPV increased (98% and 98.1% respectively) with hardly any decrease in sensitivity or NPV (89.8% and 89.5% respectively). CONCLUSION: Combined use of ADA and pleural fluid lymphocyte count increases the specificity and PPV when compared to the specificity of ADA test alone in diagnosing Tubercular pleural effusion

Relationship of vitamin D intake and sun exposure with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D in schoolchildren with obesity

The obesity worldwide has produced an increase in obesity-related diseases and can be associated with low concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D. Also obesity and low physical activity can decrease sun exposure, so the aim was to correlate vitamin D intake with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels and to assess sun exposure habits in schoolchildren with obesity. Materials and methods. A correlational study was performed from January 2017 to January 2018 on 103 children between 6-12 years of age, with a body mass index ≥+2SD for age and sex, according to the World Health Organization. Blood samples were taken to determine the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D, a nutritional survey to determine the vitamin D intake and a sun exposure questionnaire were applied. A Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was performed. Results. Forty-seven percent of the children were girls. The median years of age was 10. The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels were 35.5 ng/mL, 74.8% had sufficient levels, 25.2% had insufficient levels. The median vitamin D intake was 214.7IU in boys and 231.9IU in girls. Regarding sun exposure, most of the children had excessive levels of sun exposure and inadequate sun protection practices. A positive correlation between vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D was identified only in boys (rho=0.276, p=0.041). Conclusion. A positive correlation between vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels was found in obese boys and excessive levels of sun exposure with inadequate sun protection practices in boys and girls(AU)

La obesidad se le ha asociado con distintas comorbilidades, bajas concentraciones séricas de 25-hidroxivitamina-D, sedentarismo que a su vez podría comprometer la exposición solar; por tanto, el objetivo fue relacionar la ingesta de vitamina D con los niveles séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina-D y determinar los hábitos de exposición solar en escolares con obesidad. Materiales y métodos. Estudio correlacional realizado de enero 2017 a enero 2018, en 103 niños entre 6 y 12 años, con un índice de masa corporal ≥+2DE para edad y sexo, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se extrajo muestras sanguíneas para determinar las concentraciones séricas de 25-hidroxivitamina-D, se aplicó una encuesta nutricional para determinar la ingesta de vitamina D y un cuestionario de exposición solar. Se realizó un análisis del coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados. El 47% de los sujetos eran niñas. La mediana de edad fue de 10. La mediana de los niveles séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina-D fue de 35,5 ng/mL, el 74,8% tenía niveles suficientes, el 25,2% tenía niveles insuficientes. La mediana de la ingesta de vitamina D fue de 214,7UI en niños y de 231,9UI en niñas. Con respecto a la exposición solar, la mayoría de los niños presentaban una exposición excesiva y prácticas inadecuadas de protección solar. Se identificó una correlación positiva entre la ingesta de vitamina D y la 25-hidroxivitamina-D sérica en los niños (rho=0,276, p=0,041). Conclusión. Se identificó una correlación positiva entre la ingesta de vitamina D y los niveles séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina-D en niños obesos y exposición excesiva con prácticas inadecuadas de protección solar en niños y niñas(AU)