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1.
J Psychosoc Oncol ; : 1-15, 2024 Jun 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38873844

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Childhood cancer caregivers report psychological distress and unmet psychosocial needs, affecting outcomes for their children. An experimental study was carried out to measure the effectiveness of an intervention in addressing traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. METHODS: Caregivers (n = 59) of children with ALL were allocated to both groups (intervention, n = 29; TAU control, n = 30) via the SNOSE method. The intervention is a physical copy of a 2-week psychosocial self-help guidebook. Scores on the PCL-5, BDI and BAI were recorded at baseline, post-intervention and 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in traumatic stress symptoms post intervention (F(1, 57) = 5.760, p = .020, np2 = 0.093) in favor of the intervention group. No statistical significance was found for its effect at one-month follow-up, overall depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: A psychosocial module developed for caregivers of children with ALL was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of traumatic stress and potentially depression. However, the maintenance of its effectiveness and the effectiveness on anxiety requires further study.

2.
J Viral Hepat ; 31(5): 271-274, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38385866

ABSTRACT

People living with HIV (PWH) have been shown to bear a higher burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) due to shared routes and risk factors for transmission. Populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) are at an increased risk of both being infected with HBV and HIV, that places them at higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Using weighted and adjusted multilevel logistic regression, we characterized the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among MSM living with HIV across 12 Indian cities from 2012 to 2013. Overall, the prevalence of HBsAg was 8% (range across cities: 0.5%-19%). Being between the ages of 25-34, and 35-44 increased the odds of having chronic HBV infection compared to MSM 24 years or younger. Daily or seasonal employment and being unemployed increased the odds of HBsAg prevalence compared to those with monthly or weekly wages. Sexual risk behaviours such as having had sex with both men and women in the prior 6 months and history of sex work increased the odds of having HBV. Ever having insertive sex with a man or hijra (assigned male at birth, currently identifies as female/nonbinary) was negatively associated with HBV. Despite the existence of efficacious vaccines, HBV continues to have high prevalence among PWHs. Programmes to increase early screening, vaccinations and HBV literacy are urgently needed. Integrating HBV and HIV programmes for MSM populations could be critical in addressing this dual burden and improving outcomes for both infections.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Hepatitis B , Liver Neoplasms , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Infant, Newborn , Male , Humans , Female , Adult , Hepatitis B virus , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens , Homosexuality, Male , Hepatitis B/complications , HIV Infections/complications , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Prevalence , Liver Neoplasms/complications
3.
Front Oncol ; 13: 1095147, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37564939

ABSTRACT

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare malignant skin neoplasm derived from the meibomian gland of adnexal epithelium, which is frequently confused with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), exhibiting sebaceous differentiation and commonly found in the head and neck regions. We report a case of penile sebaceous carcinoma, an extremely rare anatomical site for SC. A 68-year-old man presented with a 4-month history of painless, non-healing ulcerated nodules over the left side of the penile shaft. Wedge biopsy showed adenocarcinoma with signet ring differentiation. We proceeded with wide local excision (WLE) of the lesion with the inclusion of the indurated skin and 5 mm of normal margin, followed by primary closure of the scrotal defect and split skin grafting of the penile shaft by using a thigh skin donor. The final histopathological examination revealed sebaceous carcinoma with pagetoid spread. The patient achieved recurrence-free survival without any form of adjuvant therapy after 4 years of follow-up.

4.
Front Oncol ; 13: 1216776, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37564941

ABSTRACT

Giant paratesticular liposarcoma is a rare presentation of paratesticular tumor. We present a case of the largest paratesticular liposarcoma described to date with a weight of 4,100 g and measuring 460 × 210 × 130 mm. It was initially mistaken as an inguinoscrotal hernia until a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a huge left paratesticular tumor extending from the scrotum to the mid-abdomen. The challenge was to achieve a tumor-free margin orchidectomy due to the poor fat plane of the tumor to the external iliac artery, psoas muscle, descending colon, and anterior abdominal wall. The surgery was started with laparoscopic dissection for the intraabdominal part of tumor from the vital structure, then followed by inguinal radical orchidectomy and inguinal mesh repair. Postoperative histopathological report revealed a paratesticular dedifferentiated liposarcoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation with clear margin. The patient had good recovery post operation.

5.
Diagnostics (Basel) ; 13(16)2023 Aug 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37627952

ABSTRACT

Post-traumatic vertebral arteriovenous fistula (vAVF) caused by motor vehicle accidents (MVA) is a rare condition in which there is abnormal communication between the vertebral artery and its adjacent veins. In a post-MVA setting, it is commonly associated with vertebral body fracture. In this paper, we report a case of a 19-year-old girl with a complete C2/C3 anterior and posterior ligament tear post MVA without any cervical bony injury. Initial plain computed tomography (CT) cervical scan showed a prevertebral hematoma. A CT angiogram (CTA) raised the suspicion of a pseudo-aneurysm at the right posterior C3 vertebral body. Further imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated traumatic AVF at the C2/C3 level involving the V2/V3 right vertebral artery to the vertebral venous plexus. Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) further revealed a transected right vertebral artery at the C2/C3 level with an arteriovenous fistula and an enlarged vertebral venous plexus. The fistulous communication was successfully occluded with coils from a cranial and caudal approach to the transected segment right vertebral artery, with a total of eight coils. Post-MVA vertebral arteriovenous fistula (vAVF) is a rare sequela of vertebral bony injury at the cervical region, and is an even rarer association with an isolated ligamentous injury, whereby endovascular treatment with ipsilateral vertebral artery closure is a feasible treatment of vAVF.

6.
Diagnostics (Basel) ; 13(14)2023 Jul 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37510201

ABSTRACT

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a benign condition caused by the inoculation of Bartonella henselae. The imaging findings are non-specific, and it is difficult to diagnose the disease via imaging. However, imaging studies help exclude other differential diagnoses in diagnostic dilemmas. We encountered a case of a 17-year-old adolescent who presented with painful neck swelling. CT showed multiple bilateral cervical lymphadenopathies with triangular soft tissue mass at the anterior mediastinum likely to be thymic hyperplasia, which is unusual in CSD and was mistaken for a lymphoproliferative disorder. Tissue diagnosis with a thorough clinical history yielded the diagnosis of cat scratch disease, and follow-up imaging showed resolution of the cervical lymphadenopathy and thymic hyperplasia.

7.
Asia Pac J Public Health ; 35(6-7): 408-412, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37515530

ABSTRACT

The impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis precipitates caregiver's engagement in spiritual coping. This study aimed to explore spirituality among Malaysian Muslim caregivers of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A total of 13 eligible caregivers participated in this qualitative semi-structured interview via purposive sampling. Each interview was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo 12 via thematic analysis. Three main themes revolved around hope through the act of praying and recitation (du'a' and dhikr), acceptance of God's will (redha), and faith toward God as the Provider of sustenance (rezeki). The findings of this study contribute to a holistic supportive care system in pediatric oncology as it informs health care providers the role of spirituality in mitigating the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and promoting psychological adaptation. As a multicultural country, future studies may explore spirituality in other cultures and religion in the country.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Neoplasms , Humans , Child , Spirituality , Qualitative Research , Neoplasms/psychology , Religion and Medicine
8.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev ; 24(6): 1923-1929, 2023 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37378920

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The caregivers of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are believed to experience post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression and anxiety. This present study endeavoured to explore the prevalence and predictors of PTSS, depression, and anxiety among the caregivers of children with ALL. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to select the 73 caregivers of children with ALL who participated in this cross-sectional study. The Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to measure psychological distress. RESULT: There was a low prevalence (11%) of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the participants. Although all the criteria for PTSD were not met, a few post-traumatic symptoms remained, suggesting that PTSS was likely present. Most of the participants reported minimal symptoms of depression (79.5%) and anxiety (65.8%). Anxiety, depression, and ethnicity predicted the PTSS scores (R2 = .77, p =.000). Subsequently, depression predicted the PTSS scores (R2 = 0.42, p =0.000). Participants of 'Other' or 'Indigenous' ethnicity had lower PTSS scores and higher anxiety scores (R2 = 0.75, p =0.000) than participants of Malay ethnicity. CONCLUSION: The caregivers of children with ALL experience post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression, and anxiety. These variables co-exist and may have different trajectories in different ethnic groups. Therefore, healthcare providers should take ethnicity and psychological distress into consideration when providing paediatric oncology treatment and care.


Subject(s)
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Humans , Child , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/etiology , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/etiology , Caregivers/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety/etiology
9.
Front Oncol ; 13: 1034556, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37035170

ABSTRACT

A 57-year-old Malay nullipara initially presented with a right breast lump that was increasing in size but defaulted follow-up. Two years later, she developed a contralateral breast lump. She only returned to the hospital when the right breast lump had become painful, 4 years from its onset. The biopsy of the right breast lump was a phylloides tumor and that of the left breast lump was a carcinoma. She had bilateral palpable axillary lymph nodes. She underwent bilateral mastectomy and axillary dissection. The pathology report confirmed the right breast lesion to be a malignant phylloides and the left breast lesion to be a carcinoma (pT3N2). She declined adjuvant treatment. A year after the surgical operation of the metachronous lesions, she had a right chest wall recurrence with widespread pulmonary metastases. She was given palliative chemotherapy but succumbed several months later.

10.
Diagnostics (Basel) ; 13(7)2023 Mar 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37046472

ABSTRACT

Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors are the most commonly observed intraspinal tumors, comprising over 60% of tumors found within the spinal canal, and the vast majority of these lesions are benign lesions. IDEM metastases are rare, but if they occur, they commonly manifest as leptomeningeal disease, secondary to drop lesions from intracranial metastases from adenocarcinomas of the lung, prostate cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, or rarely, as a result of lymphomas. The purely non-neurogenic origin of IDEM metastases is rare. Herein, we describe a patient with a previous history of treated colon cancer who presented with a progressive neurological deficit and whose imaging revealed multiple intradural, extramedullary and osseous lesions at the cervical and thoracolumbar spines. With the previous known primary and multiplicity of the lesions, an initial diagnosis of spinal metastasis was made, But it was proven to be schwannoma on histology. We emphasize the diagnostic dilemma in this case and the importance of detecting subtle imaging findings, which may be helpful to differentiate between metastatic disease and a second primary tumor.

11.
Front Oncol ; 12: 1009146, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36263212

ABSTRACT

Small cell prostate neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCPC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignant tumor. We present a case of a 52-year-old Iranian man, presenting with complaints of occasional gross hematuria and perineal pain for 6 months. PSA was 0.8 ng/ml. A digital rectal examination found a huge and hard prostate mass. He underwent a transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate. Histopathology showed high-grade small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Immunohistochemical markers were positive for synaptophysin with a Ki67 index of almost 100%. However, CD56 and chromogranin A markers were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate showed a prostate mass with invasion to the rectum, while contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis (CT TAP) ruled out metastasis. A multidisciplinary team discussion was carried out, and a decision was made for concurrent chemotherapy and radiation (cisplatin and etoposide for 4 cycles and 70 Gy, 35 fractions). There is a lack of consensus on the management of SCPC. The main modality of management in advanced (stage IV) disease is chemotherapy. It is a highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and is not responsive to hormonal therapy.

12.
Diagnostics (Basel) ; 12(9)2022 Aug 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36140499

ABSTRACT

Papillary lesions in the breasts are uncommon and have a wide range of pathologies. Due to diverse non-specific findings radiologically and histologically, papillary neoplasms are always a challenge to radiologists. Encapsulated papillary carcinomas (EPCs) of the breast, also known as intracystic papillary carcinomas, are a subgroup of intraductal papillary lesions of the breast. We present a case of a painless right breast lump with the aim to describe a rare encapsulated papillary carcinoma and its imaging features.

13.
J Pers Med ; 12(8)2022 Jul 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36013217

ABSTRACT

This study aims to compare dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) with T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) in defining the depth of myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinoma. This retrospective study included 32 subjects with endometrial carcinoma who underwent 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to hysterectomy. DCE-MRI and T2WI were evaluated to determine the depth of myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinoma. A set of data consisting of the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of DCE-MRI and T2WI were obtained and compared with the histopathological results. Out of the 32 cases included, the histopathological examination revealed that 50% myometrial invasion was found in 11 patients and ≥50% myometrial invasion was found in 21 patients. In the assessment of the tumor invasion, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of T2WI were 45.45%, 90.48 %, 71.43%, 76.0%, and 75.0%, respectively. The corresponding values for DCE-MRI were 81.82%, 76.19%, 64.29%, 88.89 %, and 78.12%, respectively. When T2WI were read together with DCE-MRI, the values were 90.91%, 90.48%, 83.33%, 95.0%, and 90.62%, respectively. Thus, the sensitivity and accuracy of DCE-MRI were greater compared to T2WI in defining the depth of myometrial invasion. However, the merging of T2WI and DCE-MRI increased the specificity and PPV value and improved the sensitivity, NPV and accuracy in detecting myometrial invasion. DCE-MRI was more sensitive but less specific than T2WI in defining the depth of myometrial invasion. In conclusion, combining DCE-MRI and T2WI further improves the diagnostic performance for myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinoma.

14.
Indian J Med Microbiol ; 40(3): 370-373, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35680473

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Accurate HIV diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient care. This present study evaluated the performance of two different new rapid HIV diagnostic tests; 1) TRUSTline HIV-1/2 Ab rapid test (Athenese-DxPvt. Ltd, Chennai, India)and 2) OnSite HIV 1/2 Ab Plus Combo Rapid Test (CTK Biotech Inc., San Diego, USA) and also validated ALTA Rapid Test Reader (RTR-1) (CTK Biotech Inc., San Diego, USA), the device is a user-friendly and image-analysis based qualitative/semi-quantitative tabletop reader. METHODS: A total of n â€‹= â€‹500 characterized specimens were used for this evaluation and the results of the new test kits (TRUSTline and OnSite) were also compared with 4th generation ELISA kit (Genescreen™Ultra HIV Ag-Ab ELISA) and 3 other commercially available rapid tests that were in the market; 1)SD Bioline™ HIV 1/2 3.0, 2) Aspen® HIV 1/2 Rapid Ab Test and 3) Diagnostic enterprises HIVTRI-DOT. The test band intensities of the TRUSTline and OnSite tests were measured in an ALTA rapid test reader and compared with the naked eye reading. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and efficacy of TRUSTline and OnSite were 100%, 99.6%, 99.5%, 100% and 99.8% and 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% and 100% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 'TRUSTline HIV-1/2' and 'OnSite HIV 1/2' kits are suitable to use in the HIV testing algorithm. Use of the ALTA rapid test reader could be user's friendly in the field level testing in resource-limited settings".


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , HIV Antibodies , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV-2 , Humans , India , Predictive Value of Tests , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic , Sensitivity and Specificity
15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35055581

ABSTRACT

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a fairly recent breast imaging technique invented to overcome the challenges of overlapping breast tissue. Ultrasonography (USG) was used as a complementary tool to DBT for the purpose of this study. Nonetheless, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the most sensitive tool to detect breast lesion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate diagnostic performance of DBT, with and without USG, versus breast MRI in correlation to histopathological examination (HPE). This was a retrospective study in a university hospital over a duration of 24 months. Findings were acquired from a formal report and were correlated with HPE. The sensitivity of DBT with or without USG was lower than MRI. However, the accuracy, specificity and PPV were raised with the aid of USG to equivalent or better than MRI. These three modalities showed statistically significant in correlation with HPE (p < 0.005, chi-squared). Generally, DBT alone has lower sensitivity as compared to MRI. However, it is reassuring that DBT + USG could significantly improve diagnostic performance to that comparable to MRI. In conclusion, results of this study are vital to centers which do not have MRI, as complementary ultrasound can accentuate diagnostic performance of DBT.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Mammography , Breast/diagnostic imaging , Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Retrospective Studies , Ultrasonography
16.
Preprint in English | medRxiv | ID: ppmedrxiv-22269202

ABSTRACT

Pakistan Registry of Intensive Care (PRICE) is a platform that has enabled standardized COVID-19 clinical data collection based on ISARIC/WHO Clinical Characterization Protocol. The near real-time data platform includes epidemiology, severity of illness, microbiology, treatment and outcomes of patients admitted with suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID19 infection to 67 intensive care and high dependency units across the country. Data has been extracted and analysed at regular intervals to inform stakeholders and improve care practices. This is our 28th report including all patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 from 26th March 2020 to 26th December 2021. Key findings from 8624 patients who met eligibility criteria, are as follows: Median age of 60 years (IQR 50-70). The most common symptoms were shortness of breath (n = 6428, 77.8%), fever (n = 6091, 73.8%), and Cough (n = 3354, 38.9%) The most common comorbidity was hypertension followed by diabetes. During the course of illness 2804 (32.6%) patients received non-invasive ventilation, whereas 2474 (28.8%) patients had mechanical ventilation as their highest organ support. In addition, 2246 (26.1%) patients needed haemodynamic support and 1249 (14.7%) patients required renal replacement therapy as their highest organ support. Median APACHE II score was 18 Overall mortality at ICU discharge was 39.2% Increasing age and requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for mortality increased the risk of death

17.
Belitung Nurs J ; 8(3): 204-212, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37547110

ABSTRACT

Background: Cancer is one of the major leading causes of childhood death, and the most common type is acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The survival rate has increased in recent years; however, the long patient trajectory may trigger psychological distress among caregivers as they play an active role in ensuring that the child's basic needs are met. Being in a patient-focused system, the needs of caregivers may be neglected. Objective: This study aimed to explore the caregivers' beliefs on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia caregiving experiences in order to promote their well-being. Methods: Caregivers from thirteen families of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia participated in this phenomenological study. NVivo 12 was used for the thematic analysis of the data. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were used in this study. Results: Overall, five main themes for caregivers' beliefs were identified from their responses: 1) dietary intake with emphasis on its importance in aiding recovery and its potential influence on cancer complications, 2) childcare which emphasized the need to be strong and self-sacrifice, 3) treatment which reflected the use of home or natural remedies and caregivers' negative perception towards chemotherapy, 4) causes of cancer believed to be linked to early childcare choices on food, beverage, and stress imposed on the child, and 5) source of beliefs that included doctors, online platforms, personal encounters and information on food labels. Conclusion: Caregivers' beliefs are varied and nuanced, formed in a multicultural social background of Malaysia. These findings provide knowledge for future supportive cancer care for patients, their caregivers, and the treatment outcome in the Malaysian context. Nurses, who play an essential role between healthcare professionals and patients and/or their caregivers, can be empowered to provide psychological support, early detection of psychological distress, and exploration of caregiver beliefs, given that the number of clinical psychologists in Malaysia is lacking, and there is greater preference for care to be provided by doctors or nurses.

18.
Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg ; 34(2): 315-321, 2022 01 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34499736

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Different methods of aortic valve repair have been described in the literature for aortic regurgitation (AR) associated with doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defects. Our goal was to present our experience with aortic valve reconstruction of a single leaflet using the aortic valve neocuspidization technique in this subset of patients. METHODS: It is a retrospective review of 7 patients with doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defects with significant (>moderate) AR who underwent the single-leaflet neocuspidization technique of aortic valve reconstruction from January 2016 to January 2019. Data were collected from medical records. All patients had thorough 2-dimensional echocardiographic assessment preoperatively and during the follow-up period. Primary end points were freedom from postoperative AR and freedom from reoperation and all-cause mortality within the follow-up period with secondary end points of freedom from thromboembolism and infective endocarditis. RESULTS: Out of 7 patients, 6 were male and 1 was female. There were no perioperative deaths. The mean follow-up period was 2.6 ± 0.8 years. No deaths occurred during the follow-up period. At the latest follow-up examination, only 2 patients showed mild AR and were asymptomatic. There was no documented event of infective endocarditis or thromboembolism during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The aortic leaflet neocuspidization procedure for the aortic valve is a relatively new concept. Availability of a template makes it an easily reproducible valve repair in paediatric patients with a single-leaflet abnormality. This technique preserves the remaining 2 normal leaflets, thus promoting the growth potential while maintaining near normal aortic root complex dynamics.


Subject(s)
Aortic Valve Insufficiency , Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular , Aortic Valve/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Valve/surgery , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/etiology , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/surgery , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/methods , Child , Echocardiography , Female , Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular/complications , Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular/diagnostic imaging , Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular/surgery , Humans , Male
19.
Healthcare (Basel) ; 9(12)2021 Dec 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34946484

ABSTRACT

Early detection of breast cancer is diagnosed using mammography, the gold standard in breast screening. However, its increased use also provokes radiation-induced breast malignancy. Thus, monitoring and regulating the mean glandular dose (MGD) is essential. The purpose of this study was to determine MGD for full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in the radiology department of a single centre. We also analysed the exposure factors as a function of breast thickness. A total of 436 patients underwent both FFDM and DBT. MGD was auto calculated by the mammographic machine for each projection. Patients' data included compressed breast thickness (CBT), peak kilovoltage (kVp), milliampere-seconds (mAs) and MGD (mGy). Result analysis showed that there is a significant difference in MGD between the two systems, namely FFDM and DBT. However, the MGD values in our centre were comparable to other centres, as well as the European guideline (<2.5 mGy) for a standard breast. Although DBT improves the clinical outcome and quality of diagnosis, the risk of radiation-induced carcinogenesis should not be neglected. Regular quality control testing on mammography equipment must be performed for dose monitoring in women following a screening mammography in the future.

20.
J Int Med Res ; 48(9): 300060520955028, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32985310

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: CD4+ T lymphocyte count remains the most common biomarker of immune status and disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. VISITECT®CD4 is an instrument-free, low-cost point-of-care CD4 test with a cut-off of 350 CD4 cells/µL. This study aimed to evaluate VISITECT®CD4 test's diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Two hundred HIV-positive patients attending a tertiary HIV centre in South India were recruited. Patients provided venous blood for reference and VISITECT®CD4 tests. An additional finger-prick blood sample was obtained for VISITECT®CD4. VISITECT®CD4's diagnostic performance in identifying individuals with CD4 counts ≤350 cells/µL was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) taking flow cytometry as the reference. RESULTS: The overall agreement between VISITECT®CD4 and flow cytometry was 89.5% using venous blood and 81.5% using finger-prick blood. VISITECT®CD4 showed better performance using venous blood [sensitivity: 96.6% (95% confidence interval: 92.1%-98.9%), specificity: 70.9% (57.1%-82.4%), PPV: 89.7% (83.9%-94.0%) and NPV: 88.6% (75.4%-96.2%)] than using finger-prick blood [sensitivity: 84.8% (77.9%-90.2%), specificity: 72.7% (59.0%-83.9%), PPV: 89.1% (82.7%-93.8%) and NPV: 64.5% (51.3%-76.3%)]. CONCLUSION: VISITECT®CD4 performed well using venous blood, demonstrating its potential utility in decentralization of CD4 testing services in resource-constrained settings.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Point-of-Care Systems , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Flow Cytometry , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Humans , India , Sensitivity and Specificity
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