Comparative Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Neurological and neurobehavioral effects of welders in Egypt exposed to manganese containing welding fumes.

Welders are more likely to develop neurobehavioral disorders because of their exposure to neurotoxic metals such as manganese. This study aimed to measure the neurobehavioral performance of welders occupationally exposed to manganese at welding enterprises and its relationship with the workplace environment. It is a comparative cross-sectional study carried out on 130 welders working at 50 welding enterprises in Menoufia governorate, Egypt, compared to 130 non-occupationally exposed controls. It was found that the environments of the studied welding enterprises had levels of respirable dust, manganese, and total welding fumes that exceeded internationally permissible limits. In addition, the mean blood manganese levels were significantly higher among welders (4.16 ± 0.61) than the controls (1.72 ± 0.41). Welders had a significantly higher prevalence of neurological manifestations and lower performance of neurobehavioral tests. Lower neurobehavioral performance among welders was significantly correlated with increased work duration and blood levels in some tests. To lessen the fumes in the breathing zone of workers, it is therefore strongly recommended to regularly wear high-quality personal protective equipment, especially masks, and to ensure proper ventilation.

Salivary Biophysical Properties in Relation to Dental Caries Severity Among Type 1 Diabetic Children

Diabetes Mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. Diabetes Mellitus may cause many oral problems as a result of both micro- and macrovascular complications. We aimed to assess the probable relationship between the severity of dental caries and the biophysical properties of saliva (flow rate, PH, and viscosity). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Karbala City, in which a sample of 45 children with type 1 diabetes aged between 10-12 years was compared with a group of 45 non-diabetic children matched in age and gender. Dental caries severity and experience were recorded and diagnosed using Manji et al.'s criteria and the decayed, missing, and filling index (DMFS/dmfs). Unstimulated salivary specimens were collected to evaluate flow rate, pH, and viscosity. Pearson (r) correlation coefficient test and one-way ANOVA test were employed for data analysis using SPSS-22. Results: Salivary levels of viscosity and flow rate were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) predicators regarding the dental caries experience and severity among type1 diabetic children (controlled and uncontrolled) while pH level of saliva was a statistically significant predictor regarding dental caries experience (DS/ DMFT) among uncontrolled diabetic children. Conclusion: Compared to non-diabetic children, type 1 diabetic children exhibited pronounced changes in salivary biophysical properties but unpronounced changes in caries status.

Comparative Immune Profiles: Platelet-to-Lymphocyte and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratios in Preeclampsia versus Healthy Women

Background & Objective: Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder linked with immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation in pregnancy. An elevated neutrophil count alongside a relatively stable lymphocyte count leads to an increased Neutrophil-to-Lymphocytic Ratio (NLR), serving as a parameter of widespread systemic inflammation. Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a also used as a hematological marker that reflects the balance between platelets and lymphocytes. A higher NLR and PLR may reflect increased endothelial activation and damage, contributing to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The objective of the present study was to compare the Neutrophil to lymphocytic ratio (NLR as well as platelet-to-lymphocytic ratio (PLR) between women affected by preeclampsia (PE) and those with uncomplicated pregnancies. Methods: It was a cross-sectional comparative study. Fifty-five registered preeclamptic patients were enrolled as cases along with fifty-five healthy pregnant women. Total leukocyte counts, including neutrophils and lymphocytes as well as platelet count, were calculated using an automated hematology analyzer, and the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as well as Platelet to Lymphocyte ratio were subsequently calculated. Results: Higher value of TLC and neutrophils were recorded in pre-eclampsia. The normotensive women had higher platelet as well as lymphocyte count. NLR was significantly high in the preeclampsia contrary to PLR ratio that showed a higher value in normotensive pregnancies. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study highlights significant alterations in the immune-inflammatory profile of patients with preeclampsia compared to controls. The observed high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and low platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) suggest a distinct systemic inflammatory response associated with preeclampsia.

Sleep Duration and Sleep Hygiene Among Rural and Urban Residents in District Etawah of Uttar Pradesh: A Community Based Comparative Cross-sectional Study

Background: Sleep deprivation include physical effects (sleepiness, fatigue) cognitive impairment (deterioration of performance, attention and motivation) and mental health issues. Objectives: To assess and compare sleep duration and sleep hygiene with their associated factors among rural and urban residents of a district of Uttar Pradesh. Material and Methods: This cross?sectional study was conducted in Etawah district, UP, from January 2022 to June 2022. All residents of rural and urban areas were included using multistage sampling. Study tool included a questionnaire which collected sociodemographic information, sleep duration, and sleep hygienic practices using sleep hygiene index. Results: In this study, 240 participants each from the rural and urban areas were included. The mean duration of sleep among the participants in rural and urban areas was 7.40±1.22 and 8.18±1.30 h during the workdays whereas, 7.30±1.30 and 8.11±1.35 h during the weekends respectively. About 40% were having unhygienic sleep practices. Most of the study participants had the history of sleep duration less than 8 hr. among the comparison groups. Graduated participants had the more sleep problems. Conclusions: Particularly among the elderly, inadequate sleep duration and differences in sleep rhythm between weekdays and weekends were seen.

Placental Protein 13 and Syncytiotrophoblast Basement Membrane Ultrastructures in Preeclampsia.

Background and Objectives: Preeclampsia has been linked to an inflammatory response that may be brought on by endothelial cell dysfunction. This paper investigates the pathomechanism of syncytiotrophoblast basement membrane (STBM) damage and Placental Protein 13 (PP13) release, which may have a role in systemic endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study involves 54 preeclampsia patients (27 early-onset preeclampsia and 27 late-onset preeclampsia) and 27 pregnant women with normal blood pressure. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to evaluate maternal blood levels of PP13. Following birth, a portion of the placenta was collected for transmission electron microscope (TEM) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. The data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Results: PP13 expression in the placental syncytiotrophoblast was significantly lower in the early-onset preeclampsia, compared to late-onset preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy, group (p < 0.001). In contrast, serum PP13 levels were found to be the highest in the early-onset preeclampsia group, although no significant difference were found in mean maternal serum levels of PP13 between the three groups. The decreased PP13 expression in placental syncytiotrophoblast can be attributed to the greater extent of damage in the STBM in early-onset preeclampsia that leads to the release of a larger amount of PP13 into maternal circulation. The hypothesis aligns with the TEM analysis results. Preeclamptic pregnancies showed placental syncytiotrophoblast aponeurosis, whereas normotensive pregnancies did not. Placental lesions and STBM shedding were found to be more pronounced in early-onset preeclampsia compared to late-onset preeclampsia. Conclusions: PP13 and STBM damage may play a role in systemic endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia.

Is there any relationship of serum Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Iron Profile with Age?

Objective: To compare growth differentiation Factor-15(GDF-15), iron and ferritin levels in younger and elderly patients suffering from end stage renal disease on hemodialysis and to determine is there any age-related change in these markers?.Methodology:This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Nephrology Department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore from January 2018 to December 2018 after getting approval from Institutional Review Board of National Health Research Complex (NHRC) with vide no. F39/NHRC/Admin/IRB/372 Written consent was taken from patients.Group A has less than 60 years, while group B was with patients of greater than 60 years of age.Serum GDF-15, serum iron and ferritin of hemodialysis patients were determined by ELISA. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 22.0 Results: The total number of patients was 140. Group A has 86 patients (40 male and 46 female). Group B had 54 patients(36 male and 17 female). Group A and Group B participants had serum median (IQR) GDF-15 levels 684(120-1604) and 2650(369-3625)pg/ml respectively, (P value 0.001) Conclusion: GDF-15 levels were significantly elevated in patients greater than 60 years of age and ferritin levels were similar in all age groups.

Evaluation of a Rapid Diagnostic Test (TUBEX-TF) for Diagnosis of Enteric Fever

Abstract Background and Aim: Enteric fever is a systemic febrile disease caused by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi. Culture provides a conclusive diagnosis of enteric fever. The main difficulties are a longer turnaround time and practicality in a developing nation with a huge population. The two RDTs that are now most often used are TUBEX-TF and Enterocheck-WB, where TUBEX-TF can identify IgM antibodies against S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi which are anti-O9 and anti-O2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the TUBEX-TF test in a typhoid fever endemic area of North India. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we have performed TUBEX-TF, Enterocheck-WB /Immuno-chromatographic card test, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Widal tests on the sera of 94 clinically suspected cases of enteric fever It was a cross-sectional comparative study that was carried out at a tertiary care institute in North India. In the present study, the ELISA test was taken as a comparative reference test. Results: ELISA, TUBEX-TF, Widal, and Immunochromatographic card test were performed on serum samples collected from 94 clinically suspected enteric fever cases, in which 50(53.19%) were positive by ELISA, 45 (47.87%) were positive by TUBEX- TF, 40 (42.5%) were positive by Typhidot and 19 (20.2%) were positive by Widal. For evaluation of TUBEX-TF, sensitivity specificity, diagnostic accuracy, positive predictive and negative predictive values, a comparison with IgM Anti-LPS ELISA test results was performed &amp; it was found 75%,79.55%,80%,74.47%, and 77.17% respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that the TUBEX-TF test has a greater sensitivity and specificity than other rapid tests currently on the market. It is a simple, rapid test to diagnose enteric fever. The necessity for large-scale research to evaluate TUBEX-TF is necessary due to interviewer variances so that it can become a novel RDT test for the diagnosis of enteric fever.

Secretory Phospholipase A2 Levels Are High in Women with Sickle Cell Disease and Menstruation-Induced Vaso-Occlusive Crises

Menstruation-induced vaso-occlusive crisis (MIVOC) is a significant cause of morbidity in women with sickle cell disease (SCD). Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is an inflammatory biomarker that is elevated in vaso-occlusive events such as acute chest syndrome (ACS), but its role in MIVOC is not previously studied. This study compared the serum level of sPLA2 among women with MIVOC and those without MIVOC. This is a comparative cross-sectional study. 354 women with SCD were screened for MIVOC using a structured questionnaire. sPLA2 levels were assayed using a standard ELISA while full blood counts were performed on an automated hematology analyzer. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software v26.0. Results were summarized as frequencies, percentages, and mean ± standard deviation. Variables were compared using the Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation. A p-value of <.05 was considered significant. The prevalence of MIVOC was 26.8%. Participants with MIVOC (n = 95) had significantly lower mean hemoglobin concentration (8.00 ± 2.03g/dL vs. 9.95 ± 4.15g/dL, p < .000), significantly higher mean platelets count (518.71 ± 84.58 × 109/L vs 322.21 ± 63.80 × 109/L, p < .000) and higher sPLA2 level (6.58 ± 1.94 IU vs 6.03 ± 0.42 IU, p = .008) compared to those without MIVOC (n = 95). Among participants with MIVOC, sPLA2 levels positively correlated with total white blood cell, absolute neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts. This study demonstrates that MIVOC is common among women with SCD and that the pathophysiology of MIVOC may have an inflammatory basis similar to that of ACS. The potential role of anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet agents in preventing and treating MIVOC may be explored.

Normoglycemia and type 2 diabetes: exploring secreted frizzled-4, insulin resistance, and waist-height ratio.

The current study was planned to compare serum levels of secreted frizzled related protein-4, insulin resistance and waist-to-height ratio in individuals with and without a diabetic background, and to assess the correlation of these markers with family history of diabetes. The cross-sectional comparative study comprised 80 subjects with confirmed normal glucose tolerance values. Parameters assessed included secreted frizzled related protein-4, fasting glucose, random glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance and waist-toheight ratio values. Those without a diabetic background had significantly higher frizzled related protein-4 levels (p=0.02). Although subjects with family history of diabetes showed higher mean fasting glucose, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, there was a strong positive correlation with waist circumference, waistto- height ratio, fasting insulin and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (p=0.0001). There was no significant correlation of diabetic background with frizzled related protein-4 SFRP-4, homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance and waist-to-height ratio (p>0.05).

Correlation between Gene polymorphism levels of serum matrix metalloproteinases with cavitary features and pulmonary fibrosis of the Patient tuberculosis multi-drug resistance using high-resolution computerized tomography of the Thorax

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteins that play a role in the inflammatory and remodeling processes caused by infections, including pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug resistance. This study aims to investigate the relationship between variations in MMP-1 and MMP-9 blood levels, cavity features such as number, diameter, and wall thickness, and the location of fibrosis in multidrug-resistant (MDR) and drug-sensitive (DS) tuberculosis patients. This study used a comparative cross-sectional study design. The subjects, who were outpatients at Abdoel Moelok Hospital, Lampung, Indonesia, had passed the ethical test. We divided the subjects into two groups: 34 in the MDR-TB group and 36 in the DS-TB group. An ELISA test determined the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9, while the PCR-sequencing method determined the genotypes of MMP-1 and MMP-9. Additionally, we measured cavities and fibrosis using thoracic high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) imaging. In MDR-TB patients, there was a significant difference in the number of cavities larger than 6.6 mm in diameter, as well as cavity thickness, compared to DS-TB patients. The distribution of fibrosis in lung segments was also significantly different in MDR-TB compared to DS-TB. Although MMP-9 levels in the MDR-TB group were higher than in the DS-TB group, there was no statistically significant difference. Based on HRCT measurements, this study found a link between MDR-TB and DS-TB in terms of the number of cavities, the diameter of the cavities, the thickness of the cavity walls, and the location of fibrosis in the affected lung segments. There was no link between the MMP-1 (−1607G) and MMP-9 (C1562T) genotypes and the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in the blood. The MMP-1 genotype in the two study groups was very different and was linked to twice as many cases of MDR-TB. In addition, there was a substantial difference in cavity wall thickness between the G/G MMP-1 1607 genotype and the T/T MMP-9 genotype in the two study groups.

Metabolic Comorbidities in Pediatric Psoriasis-A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in South-Asian Children.

There is only limited data on the association between psoriasis and metabolic comorbidities in South-Asian children. To examine metabolic comorbidities among South-Asian children with and without psoriasis. A hospital-based, comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted in children with and without psoriasis over 19 months. Anthropometric, clinical, and metabolic comorbidity details (including disease extent and severity scores, obesity, systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lipid abnormalities, and metabolic syndrome) were obtained in both groups according to standard criteria. Fifty-eight children with psoriasis (25 males/33 females, age 11.3 ± 3.0 years, range 4 to 17 years) and 62 children without psoriasis (37 males/25 females, age 11.0 ± 3.6 years, range 4 to 18 years) were recruited. The prevalence of obesity (31.0% versus 14.5%, P = 0.031, odds ratio 2.65) and metabolic syndrome (18.6% versus 4.6%, P = 0.044, odds ratio 4.68) were higher in children with psoriasis than without. The prevalence of other metabolic comorbidities (systemic hypertension, pre-diabetes, lipid abnormalities, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) was not different between children with and without psoriasis and between obese and non-obese children with psoriasis. Among children with psoriasis, those with abdominal obesity had significantly lower disease severity and extent scores than those without. Psoriasis is associated with a significantly higher prevalence of obesity and close to significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in South-Asian children. Screening for metabolic comorbidities is essential even in non-obese children with psoriasis. Disease extent and severity are less in obese compared to non-obese South-Asian children with psoriasis.

Evaluation of contrast sensitivity in patients with congenital red-green color vision deficiency.

To evaluate mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity in patients with congenital red-green color vision deficiency regarding with and without glare conditions and to compare these findings with age- and gender-matched healthy controls with normal color vision. Patients with congenital red-green color vision deficiency and age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional comparative study. Contrast sensitivity measurements were taken from all subjects in 4 different conditions; binocular mesopic-without glare, mesopic-with glare, photopic-without glare, photopic-with glare, and the results were compared. Twenty one patients with color vision deficiency (13 deuteranopic, 8 protanopic) and 22 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The mean age was 35.2 ± 13.5years in the protan group, 30.6 ± 7.7years in the deutan group, 32.0 ± 8.8years in the control group, and there was no significant difference in age between the groups (P > 0.05). The mean mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity values of the groups at all spatial frequencies (1.5, 3, 6, 12, 18cpd) were not statistically significant when evaluated by the multifactor repeated measures test of ANOVA to evaluate the effect of light conditions (with and without glare) (P > .05). Mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity values of patients with congenital red-green color vision deficiency were similar to healthy controls regarding with and without glare conditions.

Chronic respiratory health symptoms and associated factors among exposed and unexposed residents to cement dust, in Moodubidire, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka; a comparative cross sectional study

Background Exposure to cement dust poses significant risks to respiratory health, particularly among occupational workers. However, the impact of non-occupational cement dust exposure on nearby residents’ pulmonary well-being is often overlooked, particularly in the context of India. This study explores chronic respiratory health symptoms and their predictors in residents exposed to cement dust within a 1 km radius of a cement factory, comparing them with residents residing 5 kms away from the plant. Methods Using a comparative cross-sectional approach, we sampled 542 individuals from both exposed and unexposed communities using a multi-stage sampling technique. In-person interviews were conducted to collect relevant information, and descriptive methods were employed for data analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to identify factors predicting self-reported chronic respiratory symptoms. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to quantify the strength of the relationships. Results The results revealed a notable disparity in respiratory health between the two groups. Approximately 80% of residents within 1 km proximity to the cement industry reported respiratory symptoms, compared to 31% in the more distant community. Exposed residents were significantly more likely to experience respiratory manifestations, with odds ratios ranging from 5.3 kms to 5.4 kms compared to their unexposed counterparts. Conclusions While it was expected that the cement-exposed group would exhibit a higher burden of chronic respiratory symptoms, a surprising finding was that nearly one-third of non-exposed adult residents living in close proximity also reported adverse respiratory symptoms. This highlights the need for informed policies, including regular screening programs for respiratory health among proximate residents, and effective measures to control dust emissions from cement plants. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing respiratory health disparities in both occupational and non-occupational settings related to cement dust exposure.

The potential of ChatGPT in medicine: an example analysis of nephrology specialty exams in Poland.

In November 2022, OpenAI released a chatbot named ChatGPT, a product capable of processing natural language to create human-like conversational dialogue. It has generated a lot of interest, including from the scientific community and the medical science community. Recent publications have shown that ChatGPT can correctly answer questions from medical exams such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination and other specialty exams. To date, there have been no studies in which ChatGPT has been tested on specialty questions in the field of nephrology anywhere in the world. Using the ChatGPT-3.5 and -4.0 algorithms in this comparative cross-sectional study, we analysed 1560 single-answer questions from the national specialty exam in nephrology from 2017 to 2023 that were available in the Polish Medical Examination Center's question database along with answer keys. Of the 1556 questions posed to ChatGPT-4.0, correct answers were obtained with an accuracy of 69.84%, compared with ChatGPT-3.5 (45.70%, P=.0001) and with the top results of medical doctors (85.73%, P=.0001). Of the 13 tests, ChatGPT-4.0 exceeded the required ≥60% pass rate in 11 tests passed, and scored higher than the average of the human exam results. ChatGPT-3.5 was not spectacularly successful in nephrology exams. The ChatGPT-4.0 algorithm was able to pass most of the analysed nephrology specialty exams. New generations of ChatGPT achieve similar results to humans. The best results of humans are better than those of ChatGPT-4.0.

Assessment of occupational exposure to lead among workers engaged in a city bus garage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundLead is one of the most nonessential toxic heavy metal agents found in automotive garages. The occupational exposure of garage workers to lead commonly poses acute and chronic health risks that can be prevented. In Ethiopia, there have been limited studies on lead exposure among garage workers, who overemphasize exposure to lead. This study aimed to assess occupational blood lead levels and associated factors in garage workers using a cross-sectional comparative design.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was used to compare the occupational blood lead levels of 36 randomly selected garage workers and 34 office workers who were matched by age and sex. Blood specimens were collected by trained medical laboratory experts. The collected blood samples were tested in a certified laboratory using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) device at a wavelength of 405.78 nm. Excel and SPSS Version 26 were used for data management and analysis, respectively.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the exposed group was 39.0 (7.5) years, whereas the mean age of the unexposed group was 38.0 (6.1) years. The occupational mean (SD) blood-lead-level in the exposed groups was 29.7 (12.2) µg/dl, compared to 14.8 (9.9) µg/dl among the unexposed groups. The mean blood-lead level among the exposed workers was significantly different from that among the unexposed workers (P < 0.01). Of all the study participants, only 22.2% of the exposed groups had blood lead levels higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 40 µg/dl. The main significant predictors of occupational blood-lead-level exposure among workers were extra working hours, service years, and having a previous (prior) employment history in a garage. The occupations of the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of blood-lead levels (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe BLL of the Garage workers was significantly greater than that of the Non-Garage workers. Hence, it is advised that garage management should encourage workers to use exposure prevention methods, such as washing their hands before eating and taking showers after the completion of work, by providing regular occupational safety training.

Features of motor stereotype kinematics and kinetics in children with achondroplasia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Introduction The study of the kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait in children with achondroplasia would allow a more detailed understanding of the features of their locomotion and determine the strategy of planned treatment.Purpose To evaluate features of locomotor kinematics and kinetics in children with achondroplasia and compare with peers without orthopedic pathology.Materials and methods The locomotor profile was assessed by video gait analysis. Kinematic data were recorded by Qualisys7+ optical cameras (8 cameras) with passive marker video capture technology synchronized with six dynamic platforms KISTLER (Switzerland). The analysis of kinematics and kinetics was carried out in the QTM (Qualisys) and Visual3D (C-Motion) programs with automated calculation of the values of indicators of the total peak power in the joints. Three groups were formed for gait analysis: 1) children 6–7 years old, achondroplasia (6 subjectsle, n = 12 limbs); 2) their peers, children without orthopedic pathology, 6–7 years old (8 subjects, n = 16 limbs); 3) children without orthopedic pathology 3–4 years old similar in height (8 subjects, n = 16 limbs).Results In children with achondroplasia, statistically significant disorder in locomotor kinetics and kinematics were found. The former are associated with a longitudinal deficiency of limb segments and decreased walking speed. The latter are not associated with a longitudinal deficit, but manifested in all planes, namely: an increase in the maximum forward inclination of the pelvis, a flexion position in the hip and knee joints, and dorsal flexion of the ankle joint; increased maximum angle of hip abduction and varus deformity of the knee joint; increased rotational range of motion of the pelvis.Discussion Since the characteristic features of the main gait profile begin to appear in children by the age of 4–5 years, and is associated with the formation of the activity of central and spinal generators that induce the self-organization of motor stereotypes, we believe that the deviations detected in the locomotor kinematics are secondary pathogenetic manifestations of the kinetics due to the longitudinal deficit in limb segments.Conclusion Features of locomotor kinetics in children with achondroplasia are due to the longitudinal deficit of the limb length and are associated with low walking speed. Significant deviations of the locomotor kinematics were not associated with the longitudinal deficit of the segments, but were detected in all planes and are related to the entire biomechanical chain.

Comparison of Receptor Status in Breast Carcinoma Between Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting women worldwide. The immunohistochemical status of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) plays a crucial role in determining breast cancer treatment options and prognosis. These receptor statuses are known to be influenced by menopausal transition. Objective: This cross-sectional comparative study aimed to assess the frequency of ER, PR, and HER2/Neu positivity or negativity and their association with menopausal status among female breast carcinoma patients. Methodology: The study was conducted over one year, from September 2021 to August 2022, at the Department of Surgery, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi. A total of 50 female patients with breast carcinoma were included in the study, divided into two groups: Group A (Premenopausal women) and Group B (Postmenopausal women). Specimens were collected after modified radical mastectomy and sent to renowned laboratories for histopathological and immunohistochemical receptor assays. Data were collected through a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS (version 24.0). Results: The study found no significant relationship between receptor status and menopausal status or increasing age. However, a significant histopathological association was observed with receptor status, with ER and PR positivity associated with grade II tumors (p-value &lt;0.011). The most common histopathological type was ductal cell carcinoma, and its incidence increased with parity (p-value &lt;0.009). Conclusions: This study revealed no significant difference in hormone receptor and HER2 Neu expression between premenopausal and postmenopausal breast carcinoma patients. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended for a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Pain Severity in Patients With Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronicoral ulcerative condition with an elusive etiology that is associated with excruciating pain. Psychological factors have been suspected as a possible risk factor in its onset and development. Depression, anxiety, and stressplay pivotal roles in how people experiencepain. Hence, we aimed to explore the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress, and the severity of pain perceived due to recurrent ulcers in RAS patients. Materials and methods A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 248 patients, comprising 124 diagnosed with RAS and 124 healthysubjects without this oral condition. Patients from both of these groups were matched with regard to age and sex and recruited over a period of one year from a dental hospital in Bengaluru, India. Patients with any other oral lesions, painful oral conditions, or systemic and psychological illnesses were excluded. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed in these patients using theDepression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Utilizing a Visual Analog Scale, ulcer-related pain was assessed in patients with RAS. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Pearson's correlation test in IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (released 2019, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The chi-square analysis showed that participants with RAS showed a statistically significanthigher prevalence of extreme stress (n = 39, 31.5%), extreme anxiety (n = 82, 66.1%), and depression (n = 38, 30.6%) as opposed to those without this oral condition. A moderately positive correlation was observed in the Pearson's test between the severity of pain experienced and stress and anxiety (r = 0.65 and 0.60, respectively, p < 0.05), while a mild positive correlation was observed between the severity of pain and depression (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Conclusion Depression, anxiety, and stressinfluenced the severity of pain in these lesions, dictating the need for a holistic approach that integrates psychological interventions in the management of such chronic oral conditions with psychological links.

Unraveling the enigma of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in Indian adults with type 2 diabetes – a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundSarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are growing concerns associated with increasing diabetes incidence, but data from Indian diabetic cohorts are limited. This study examined the prevalence and clinical factors associated with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 750 participants aged 35–70 years were recruited by systematic stratification and a fixed quota sampling technique from medical camps and categorized into diabetic (n = 250), nondiabetic (n = 250), and obese nondiabetic (n = 250) groups. The assessments included questionnaires, muscle mass estimation by bioimpedance analysis, and blood tests. Sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group consensus, and sarcopenic obesity was defined as sarcopenia with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors.ResultsSarcopenia affected 60% of diabetic patients, 28% of nondiabetic patients, and 38% of nonobese nondiabetic patients (p < 0.001). The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was 40%, 11%, and 30%, respectively (p < 0.001). Diabetes was associated with 2.3-fold greater odds (95% CI 1.1–4.7) of sarcopenia and 2.4-fold greater odds (1.1-5.0) of sarcopenic obesity after adjustment. A duration greater than 10 years, uncontrolled diabetes, age greater than 65 years, low physical activity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia also independently increased the odds.ConclusionIndian adults with type 2 diabetes have a high burden of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. Early optimization of diabetes care and lifestyle changes are vital for preserving muscle health.

Prevalence and Severity of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The ability to perceive sound is crucial for effective communication and environmental awareness. This study aimed to assess sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients with both diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Materials and methods A total of 120 participants of both genders were divided into three groups: Group I consisted of diabetic patients (n=40, 22 males and 18 females), Group II included hypertensive individuals (n=40, 16 males and 24 females), and Group III served as controls (n=40, 15 males and 25 females). General ear examinations, including otoscopy, were conducted. Hearing function and the degree, pattern, and configuration of hearing loss were assessed using general ear examinations and pure tone audiometry. Results Normal hearing was observed in 25% of Group I, 26% of Group II, and 85% of Group III. Mild hearing loss was evident in 75% of Group I, 50% of Group II, and 15% of Group III, while moderate hearing loss was observed in 24% of Group II. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Diabetic and hypertensive individuals demonstrated a higher hearing loss prevalence than healthy controls.