Accuracy of the triple test in the diagnosis of palpable breast masses in Saudi females

For patients who present to clinicians with palpable breast lesions, the "triple test:" [physical examination, mammography and fine-needle aspiration cytology] can be employed to provide accurate diagnosis. In this study, the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of triple test components were studied separately and in combination. Material and During the study period [from January 1998 to December 1999], 140 patients with palpable breast masses were subjected to all components of the triple test followed by confirmatory open biopsy. Physical examination showed 82.6% sensitivity, 97.3% specificity and 86.4% positive predictive value. Mammography showed 87.5% sensitivity, 97.3% specificity and 87.5% positive predictive value and fine-needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] showed 91.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value in concordant cases [elements had either all malignant or all benign results]. The triple test was 100% accurate in the diagnosis of palpable breast lesions when all three elements were concordant. Based on these results, we recommend elimination of the confirmatory open biopsy, which will result in reduced expenses and morbidity compared with open biopsy

Some health hazards among computer users

Although computers enhance our capacity and speed of processing information or data, enabling one to perform tasks which might otherwise take days. weeks or months or even be impossible, it carries certain risks to their users. To investigate the health hazards associated with computer use Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 138 computer users chosen from different computer centers in Mansoura city and 120 matched controls. The study revealed significantly higher frequency of general health effects [fatigue, headache, recurrent common cold and sore throat], musculoskeletal and eye complaints among computer users than controls. Skin manifestations showed no statistical significant difference between computer users and controls. Menstrual and reproductive troubles were more frequent among computer working females than control females but the difference was statistically insignificant. The study also, showed that all the psychological traits using middlesex hospital questionnaire [MHQ] were more frequent among computer users compared to controls but the differences were statistically insignificant except for anxiety and obsession. As regard features of computer equipment and work enviromnent as determining factors for these health hazards, it will be discussed. Computer use was significantly associated with some health hazard. So it is recommended to apply ergonomic principles to the design of workplace, equipment and work environment in addition to periodical examination and health education of computer users

Neuropsychiatric problems among bus drivers and their relation to exposure to vehicle exhaust

Bus driving is considered a hazardous occupation due to work stress. Morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular. gastro-intestinal and musculoskeletal disorders among bus drivers were investigated in many studies. In this study neuropsychiatric problems were investigated. Ninety bus drivers from East Delta Company [Mansoura branch] and a matched control group were studied. There was a significant higher prevalence of tingling, numbness and motor. sensory and mixed neuropathy among bus drivers than in controls. Scores of MHQ were significantly higher. Also, there was a decrease in performance of the Neurobehavioural Core Test Battery [NCTB] among bus derivers. Bus derivers had a lower mean value of Hb and oxy Hb, while reduced Hb, carboxy Hb. and blood lead level were significantly higher. The neuropsychiatric problems, MHQ scores and NCTB performance were significantly worse in drivers of badly maintained cars. MHQ scores and psychiatric performance correlated with the duration of work and blood lead levels and Hb derivatives. Causes, association and prevention were discussed