Gender-matched Healthy Individuals Research Articles

Perceptual and Acoustic Correlates of Voice in COVID-19 Infection

AbstractAccording to the information published by the World Health Organization in 2020, coronavirus disease, abbreviated as COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The virus is reported to result in mild to moderate respiratory illness, significantly affecting vocal mechanisms. The present study explored the effects of a recent COVID-19 infection on perceptual, self-reported outcomes, and acoustic measures of voice. The study was conducted on 25 COVID-19-infected patients and was compared against a group of age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Perceptual evaluation, self-reported voice outcomes using Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10), and acoustic analysis were conducted on the two groups of participants. The results revealed significant differences in perceptual and acoustic parameters of voice between the two groups.

Portuguese observational cross-sectional clinical imaging study protocol to investigate central dopaminergic mechanisms of successful weight loss through bariatric surgery

IntroductionBariatric surgery (BS) is the treatment of choice for refractory obesity. Although weight loss (WL) reduces the prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities, not all patients maintain it. It has been suggested...

Assessment of sleep disturbance in patients with Wilson’s disease

BackgroundWilson’s disease (WD) is frequently manifested with anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance; this investigation aimed to elucidate these manifestations and identify the influencing factors of sleep disturbance.MethodsSleep disturbance, anxiety and depression were compared in 42 WD and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. 27 individuals indicated a neurological form of the disease (NV), and 15 had a non-neurological variant (NNV).ResultsThis investigation revealed that the Parkinson’s disease sleep scale (PDSS) score of WD individuals was lower, whereas their Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores were higher than the healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the WD subjects had markedly increased prevalence of poor sleep quality, anxiety, and depression than healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that NV subjects had significantly higher scores on the UWDRS, PSQI, HAMA, and HAMD scales than those in the NV group, as well as higher rates of EDS, anxiety, and depression (p < 0.05). In patients with sleep disturbance, we identified UWDRS, neurological variant, and depression as associated factors. The linear regression model demonstrated depression as the dominant risk factor.ConclusionsDepression is highly correlated with and is a determinant of sleep disturbance in WD patients.

Expression of neutrophil extracellular traps and phagocytic functions among patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

To investigate the expression of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and phagocytic function in the peripheral blood of patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), and to examine their correlations with clinical inflamma tory indicators and liver functions. A total of 50 patients with HAE admitted to Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University from August 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled, while 50 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals from the Centre for Healthy Examinations of the hospital during the same period served as controls. The levels of NETs markers neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated using density gradient centrifugation, stimulated in vitro using phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA), and the levels of MPO and citrullination histone H3 (CitH3) released by neutrophils were quantified using flow cytometry. The phagocytic functions of neutrophils were examined using flow cytometry. In addition, the correlations of MPO and NE levels with clinical inflammatory indicators and liver biochemical indicators were examined using Spearman correlation analysis among HAE patients. The peripheral blood plasma MPO［(417.15 ± 76.08) ng/mL vs. (255.70 ± 80.84) ng/mL; t = 10.28, P < 0.05］, NE［(23.16 ± 6.75) ng/mL vs. (11.92 ± 3.17) ng/mL; t = 10.65, P < 0.05］and CitH3 levels［(33.93 ± 18.93) ng/mL vs. (19.52 ± 13.89) ng/mL; t = 4.34, P < 0.05］were all significantly higher among HAE patients than among healthy controls, and a lower phagocytosis rate of neutrophils was detected among HAE patients than among healthy controls［(70.85 ± 7.32)% vs. (94.04 ± 3.90)%; t = 20.18, P < 0.05］, and the ability to produce NETs by neutrophils was higher among HAE patients than among healthy controls following in vitro PMA stimulation. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the phagocytosis rate of neutrophils correlated negatively with platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), interleukin-6 (IL-6) level and C-reactive protein (CRP) level (rs = -0.515 to -0.392, all P values < 0.05), and the MPO and NE levels positively correlated with inflammatory markers NLR, PLR, CRP and IL-6 (rs = 0.333 to 0.445, all P values < 0.05) and clinical liver biochemical indicators aspartic transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin among HAE patients (rs = 0.290 to 0.628, all P values < 0.001). Excessive formation of NETs is found among HAE patients, which affects the phagocytic ability of neutrophils and results in elevated levels of inflammatory indicators. NETs markers may be promising novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, monitoring, and severity assessment of liver disease.

Evaluating the Serum Levels of CCL17, CCL22, and CCL28 Chemokines and the Gene Expression of α4β1 and α4β7 Integrins in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the nasal mucosa. Leukocytes recruitment to the inflammation sites is controlled by chemokines, cytokines, and adhesion molecules. Retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A metabolite, plays an essential role in mucosal immunity and the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This study intended to evaluate the serum levels of RA, CCL17, CCL22, CCL28, and the mRNA expression levels of α4, β1, and β7 integrins in AR patients compared to healthy subjects. Peripheral blood was collected from 37 patients with AR and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Serum levels of RA, CCL17, CCL22, and CCL28 were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, and the mRNA expression levels for α4, β1, and β7 integrins were assessed using the quantitative real-time PCR method. Our results showed that the serum levels of CCL22 and CCL28 chemokines are significantly higher in the AR group compared to the healthy controls (P&lt;0.01). However, the gene expression of the β1 integrin in the AR group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P&lt;0.001). Besides, there was a positive association between serum RA and CCL17 levels in patients (P&lt;0.0001, r=0.6). In conclusion, increased serum levels of CCL22 and CCL28 chemokines, as well as decreased gene expression of β1 integrin in AR patients, may contribute to the pathogenesis and/or exacerbation of AR.

Investigating the Role of Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance in the Etiology of Migraine

Aims: Migraine, a prevalent neurovascular disorder, is marked by repetitive headache episodes. Its complex etiology encompasses biochemical, genetic, and environmental influences, but its exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Recent studies have hinted at a link between migraine and oxidative stress. Hence, this study sought to delve into the correlation between migraine, oxidative stress markers, and lipid profiles. Materials &amp; Methods: This case-control study involved 60 adult migraine patients from Dicle University's Neurology Department in Diyarbakır, Turkey, observed between 2009 and 2010. The control group was age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Parameters like malondialdehyde (MDA), paraoxonase-1(PON-1), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid constituents such as total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides (TG) were measured in both groups. Findings: Migraine sufferers, particularly those with aura, had significantly elevated MDA levels compared to controls (p

Temperament Characteristics, Anxiety and Depression in People with Familial Mediterranean Fever

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Aim: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive and self-limiting disease. FMF is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, peritonitis, synovitis and pleuritis. Individuals with chronic illness tend to experience depression or anxiety. It has also been stated that affective temperaments are the basis of mood disorders. The aim of our study is to determine the frequency of anxiety and depression in FMF patients, to determine the dominant temperament type, and to compare the findings with the healthy control group.&#x0D; Method: 73 patients with FMF and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals without any systemic disease were included in the study. The hospital anxiety and depression scale were used to measure depression and anxiety, and the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego –Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) temperament scale was used to determine the temperament type.&#x0D; Results: The number of cases diagnosed with anxiety was 33 (45.2%) in the patient group and 5 (16.6%) in the control group; The number of cases diagnosed with depression was 23 (31.5%) in the patient group and 2 (6.6%) in the control group, and both were also found to be statistically significantly higher. (P values p=0.02 and p=0.002, respectively)&#x0D; No statistically significant correlation was found between gender, age, disease duration, regular use of treatment, presence of gene mutation and attack type, and anxiety and depression scores.&#x0D; According to the TEMPS-A temperament scale, the percentage of patients diagnosed with depressive temperament (20.5%) was higher than the control group (3.3%), and the difference was statistically significant. (p=0.02).&#x0D; Conclusion: When the clinical picture in FMF patients becomes complicated with anxiety or depression or in the presence of a temperament predisposed to these conditions, there may be various problems in patients' compliance and response to treatment. FMF patients should be monitored for accompanying anxiety or depression during follow-up.&#x0D; Key Words: Anxiety, Depression, Familial Mediterranean Fever, Temperament

Statistical shape analysis of corpus callosum in delusional disorder.

Neurobiological foundations of delusional disorder (DD) have been studied less with neuroimaging techniques when compared to other psychotic disorders. The present study aimed to delineate the neural substrates of DD by investigating neuroanatomical characteristics of the corpus callosum (CC) with statistical shape analysis (SSA) conducted on magnetic resonance images (MRI). Twenty (female:male=1:1) DSM-5 DD patients and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were included. High-resolution 3D T1 Turbo Field Echo MRI images were scanned with a 1.5 T MR device. The landmarks that were selected to determine the shape differences in CC were identified based on previous studies. Furthermore, constructed landmarks were determined and employed to better assess regional shape differences. There was no significant difference in the CC area in the mid-sagittal images between the DD patients and controls. However, DD patients exhibited a pattern of structural CC changes in various regions. The study findings emphasizes the variable subregional nature of CC in DD patients. Future SSA studies with larger samples could shed further light on DD etiology, diagnosis, classification and treatment options.

Exploring behavioral systems of the reinforcement sensitivity theory in people with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesAlthough epilepsy has previously been associated with behavioral changes, no previous study has utilized the behavioral models of the reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) to investigate the impact of epilepsy on behavior. Therefore, the objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the potential relationship between epilepsy and the neurobehavioral systems of the RST. MethodsUsing the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory–Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), this cross-sectional study assessed the behavioral systems of the RST in a sample of 27 epilepsy patients and 27 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. The RST-PQ was designed to assess the different behavioral systems of the RST. The behavioral approach system (BAS) is responsible of the approach behavior, in high values related to risk seeking and addictive behavior and in low values well related to depression. The behavioral inhibition system (BIS) is well related to anxiety in high levels, and the fight flight freeze system (FFFS) is responsible for the avoidance behavior. ResultsAfter adjusting for age, no significant differences were found in demographic information (gender and marital status) between the general population and epilepsy patients. Gender distribution was similar, with 55.6% females in both groups. Marital status also showed no significant difference, with 74% single in the control group and 63% in the epilepsy group. Significant differences were observed in the behavioral systems of the RST. The epilepsy group had higher scores compared with the control group in several areas. BAS reward activity had a median score of 23 in the epilepsy group and 21 in the control group (p = 0.001). BAS goal drive persistence (p = 0.04), BAS impulsivity (p = 0.014), FFFS (p = 0.002), and BIS (median score of 77 in the epilepsy group and 66 in the control group) also showed significant differences, with p = 0.001. These significant differences remained consistent before and after matching the control group, indicating their robustness. The only exception was BAS reward activity, which did not show a significant difference after matching, with p = 0.106 and p = 0.051 before and after matching, respectively. ConclusionsThe study suggests a potential positive association between epilepsy and the BIS, potentially mediated by the hippocampus. The relationship between epilepsy and the BAS, as well as the FFFS, may also be influenced by the BIS. These findings have clinical implications, but further research is needed to confirm these relationships.

Assessing quality and quantity of cortical bone in childhood cancer survivors using anthropometric indices.

Evaluate mandibular cortical bone in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and correlate findings with disease and treatment characteristics. Dental panoramic radiographs of 60 CCS and of 120 age and gender-matched healthy individuals were assessed by two independent observers. Bone was categorized as normal, moderately or severely eroded and its width was calculated at four sites bilaterally. Significant differences were tested using Chi-square and Pearson correlation co-efficient. Possible risk factors were detected by multivariate regression analysis. Forty five percent of CCS had moderately eroded bone, while 67% of healthy individuals normal bone. Mean width was 3.9mm in CCS (1.9mm-6.4mm) and 2.7mm in healthy controls (1.4mm-6mm). None of the above differences were significant. Survivors diagnosed at a younger age had a five times greater probability of presenting mildly eroded bone. No direct effect of antineoplastic treatment on cortical bone could be demonstrated in the current study, underlying the need for more well-designed studies.

Optical coherence tomography angiography aspects of the retinal and optic disc microvascular morphology in erythemato-telangectatic rosacea

BackgroundTo investigate retinal and optic disc (OD) microvascular morphological changes in erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea (ETR) patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and compare the findings to age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. MethodsThis study included newly diagnosed 31 ETR patients (31 right eyes, group 1) who were clinically diagnosed by two experienced dermatologists. A control group had 32 healthy individuals (32 right eyes, group 2). Demographic data, including age and gender were collected, followed by a thorough ophthalmologic exam. A 6 × 6 mm macular OCTA analysis of superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP and DCP) vessel densities (VDs), as well as foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ perimeter (PERIM), foveal VDs 300 µm area around FAZ (FD-300), and flow areas in the outer retinal and choriocapillaris, was then performed. ResultsMean age in groups 1 and 2 was 43.70 ± 13.02 and 43.62 ± 12.30 years, respectively (p=0.979). Male-to-female ratio in group 1 was 4:27 and 4:28 in group 2. Capillary flow analysis revealed slightly higher values in group 1 than in group 2, with the former having a significantly higher select area in the outer retinal layer (p=0.001) and flow area in the choriocapillaris (p=0.002). Despite slightly higher values in group 1, there were no significant differences in SCP and DCP VDs (p > 0.05), FAZ area (p=0.471), PERIM (p=0.778), or FD-300 (p=0.527). ConclusionsETR appears to be associated with posterior segment changes, especially retinal microvascular morphology, even in asymptomatic ocular conditions. Given the disease's high rate of misdiagnosis, understanding rosacea-induced ocular manifestations is critical for ophthalmologists

Type 2 diabetes and cognitive performance in middle age: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Introduction Type 2 diabetes has been associated with cognitive decrements already in middle-age. However, the sample sizes of the studies have been small and the neuropsychological tests used have been heterogeneous. In addition, only a few studies have matched the groups in terms of age, education and gender. In this cross-sectional matched pairs study, we investigated the cognitive performance of Finnish middle-aged type 2 diabetes patients compared to healthy individuals. Method A neuropsychological test battery consisting of 16 tests and 21 outcome measures was applied to 28 patients and 28 age-, education- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Various exclusion criteria were applied to minimize the risk of cognitive dysfunction due to factors other than diabetes. Results We did not find between-group differences in any of the neuropsychological tests measuring attention, concept formation and reasoning, construction and motor performance, executive functions, memory, processing speed or working memory. In addition, there were no group differences in the frequency or severity of subjective cognitive symptoms, or in anxiety, depression, burnout, fatigue or alcohol use disorder symptoms. The effect sizes in this study were mostly negligible or small, with the mean effect size being −0.12. Conclusions In a carefully matched sample of middle-aged type 2 diabetes patients and healthy individuals, we found no significant effects and no meaningful evidence of cognitive differences between the groups.

Thermographic evaluation of acupoints in lower limb region of individuals with osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study protocol.

Acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but the selection of acupoints is indeterminate and lacks biological basis. The skin temperature of acupoints can reflect the state of local tissue and may be a potential factor for guiding acupoint selection. This study aims to compare the skin temperature of acupoints between KOA patients and the healthy population. This is a protocol for a cross-sectional case-control study with 170 KOA patients and 170 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Diagnosed patients aged 45 to 70 will be recruited in the KOA group. Participants in the healthy group will be matched with the KOA group based on mean age and gender distribution. Skin temperature of 11 acupoints (ST35, EX-LE5, GB33, GB34, EX-LE2, ST34, ST36, GB39, BL40, SP9, SP10) will be extracted from infrared thermography (IRT) images of the lower limbs. Other measurements will include demographic data (gender, age, ethnicity, education, height, weight, BMI) and disease-related data (numerical rating scale, pain sites, duration of pain, pain descriptors, pain activities). The results of this study will provide biological evidence for acupoint selection. This study is a precondition for follow-up studies, in which the value of optimized acupoint selection will be verified. ChiCTR2200058867.

Is a Dry Eye Disorder in Firefighters an Occupational Disease?

To examine firefighters (FFs) exposed to high levels of fire smoke and, as a result, to uncover risk factors for dry eye disorder (DED) compared to age-and gender-matched healthy individuals. In this cross-sectional study, 51 FFs from the Afyonkarahisar Municipality Fire Department were chosen at random (group 1). A control group (group 2) included 51 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was administered after all participants were thoroughly explained the study's objectives and procedures. Then, using a portable hand biomicroscope, an ocular exam was performed on-site. DED was defined as a non-anesthetic Schirmer test result of <10 mm and/or a tear film break-up time (TBUT) of <5 seconds. Groups 1 and 2 had mean ages of 44.82±7.29 and 44.73±7.41 years, respectively (p=0.946). The median work duration in group 1 was 14 years (min-max: 1-27 years). TBUT test revealed a significantly increased DED prevalence in group 1 than group 2 (p=0.046). Despite the non-significant difference (p=0.276), Schirmer test revealed that group 1 had a higher DED prevalence than group 2. The OSDI score revealed that group 1 had more mild, moderate, and severe DED than group 2 (p=0.359). Longer work duration was associated with a higher DED prevalence (p=0.179). Given the high prevalence of fire smoke-induced DED in FFs, preventive measures such as regular ocular exams, encouraging personal protective equipment usage, and health education programs can assist in avoiding complications and reducing the burden of ocular diseases.

Audiometric Evaluation of the Relationship between Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Chronic Glaucoma.

To assess hearing function in chronic glaucoma patients in comparison to healthy individuals. This cross-sectional study included 24 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients (24 ears) and 22 pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEG) patients (22 ears) who were followed for at least 5 years in the Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Ophthalmology Department, as well as 21 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals (21 ears, control group). Following a thorough ophthalmological examination that included visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements, as well as anterior and posterior slit-lamp biomicroscopy, audiometry was performed in all participants to determine hearing function. Mean ages in the POAG, PEG, and control groups were 64.50±7, 66.90±4.51, and 64.38±4.36 years, respectively. The mean deviation in standard automated perimetry was -14.47±2.89 in the POAG group and -15.02±2.87 in the PEG group (p=0.306). When compared with the control group, the POAG group had significantly higher hearing thresholds at 500 (p=0.011) and 1,000 Hz (p=0.003), while the PEG group had significantly higher hearing thresholds at 250 (p=0.009), 500 (p=0.009), 1,000 (p=0.001), 2,000 (p=0.005), 4,000 (p=0.001), 8000 (p=0.010), and 10,000 Hz (p=0.009). Both glaucoma and hearing loss are common chronic diseases that have an impact on the well-being of older people. Potential hearing problems in chronic glaucoma patients make routine ocular and otolaryngology examinations in older patients critical for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Investigation of changes in retinal vascular parameters and choroidal vascular index values during the early recovery period of COVID-19: The COVID-OCTA study

BackgroundCOVID-19 effects microvasculature in many tissues. This study investigated whether the choroidal structure is also affected. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 80 patients with COVID-19 and the same number of age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. All participants' right eye measurements were examined. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used for imaging. Otherwise, two independent researchers used the Choroidal vascular index (CVI) for choroidal parameters calculation. ResultsSuperior and deep flow values were lower in the COVID-19 group than in the control group, and vascular density (VD) values were lower in all regions in this group. Except for the superior mean VD, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.003). However, the COVID-19 group had significantly lower subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) measurements than the control group (p = 0.001). In addition, no significant difference was observed between the groups in evaluating mean CVI values (p>0.05). ConclusionNoninvasive diagnostic tools such as OCTA and EDI-OCT can be used to monitor early changes in diseases affecting microvessels, such as from COVID-19.

Clinical relevance of plasma EBV DNA as a biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in non-endemic areas: A multicenter study in southwestern China

BackgroundNumerous clinical studies have validated plasma EBV DNA as a reliable biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) screening, tumor load monitoring, and prognosis prediction in endemic regions. However, the clinical relevance of plasma EBV DNA as a biomarker for NPC in non-endemic areas is still unclear. MethodThe pretreatment plasma EBV DNA of 1405 newly diagnosed NPC patients from three major regional hospitals in non-endemic areas were analyzed retrospectively. The medical records of 244 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were reviewed. EBV DNA was detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Based on the baseline of 400 and 0 copies/mL, the distribution characteristics of the pretreatment EBV DNA load in different clinical stages and geographic regions were analyzed. The diagnostic value of pretreatment plasma EBV DNA for NPC with two baselines was evaluated using the ROC curve. ResultsNPC patients had a significantly higher pretreatment EBV DNA level than healthy controls (P＜0.001). Pretreatment EBV DNA was closely associated with clinical and TNM stages in non-endemic areas, as it was in endemic areas. However, when 400 copies/mL set as the detection baseline, the sensitivity and specificity for NPC diagnosis were 40.8 % and 100 %, respectively (AUC = 0.704, cut off = 200.5 copies/mL). This sensitivity was lower than that reported in endemic regions (41.5 % − 97.1 %). Lower sensitivity may result in false negatives, missing diagnoses during NPC screening. Further investigation revealed that 39.7 % (558/1405) of NPC patients had detectable EBV DNA and S amplification curves. Optimizing the detection limit to 0 copies/mL, the sensitivity could be improved to 80.5 % (AUC = 0.901). ConclusionsIn non-endemic areas, the clinical significance of plasma EBV DNA as a biomarker for NPC was restricted due to the low detection limit of 400 copies/mL. More efficient nucleic acid extraction and detection methods are needed to optimize the detection limit and increase the clinical application of plasma EBV DNA for NPC.

Pediatrik Beta-Talasemi Majörde Vitreus Kamara Uzunluğu, Korneal Hacim ve Glob Biyometrisinin Kesitsel Vaka Kontrollü Entegre Analizi

Objective: To determine ocular changes, particularly in vitreous chamber length (VCL) and corneal volume (CV), analyze globe biometric features in emmetrope pediatric beta-thalassemia major (βTM) patients using Cirrus topography and IOLMaster devices, and compare the results to age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study included 36 multi-transfused β-TM patients (Group 1, 72 eyes) with a mean age of 9.18±3.14 years and no other hemoglobinopathies or anemias unrelated to β-TM. A control group (Group 2, 72 eyes) included 36 healthy children who had routine ophthalmology exams. A comprehensive ophthalmologic exam was performed, including auto-refraction, best-corrected visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP), followed by dilated slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The corneal topography and globe biometric evaluation were followed by a pair-wise data comparison. Results: The axial length (AL) (22.58±0.64 vs 23.06±0.71 mm), VCL (15.48±0.68 vs 15.92±0.69 mm), CV (55.47±2.95 vs 57.65±2.83 mm3), IOP (12.68±2.34 vs 11.08±1.68 mmHg), keratometry values (K1, K2, Kmean, Kapex), as well as central corneal thickness (523.00±28.41 vs 547.29±26.45 μm), were all significantly different between groups 1 and 2, respectively (p0.05). Conclusion: β-TM patients appear to have significant ocular growth retardation than relatively age-matched healthy children, as demonstrated by shorter AL and VCL, as well as lower CV. This circumstance could have prompted compensatory biometric modifications, as evidenced by a relatively steeper cornea and thicker crystalline lens, to accomplish emmetropization.

Identifying Risk Factors Associated with the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy in the Local Population

Objective: To identify the risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH), Rawalpindi and Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), Rawalpindi Pakistan,from Jun 2021 to May 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of one hundred and fifty participants aged 25-70 years were included in the study. All participants were divided into three equal groups. Group-I was of age and gender-matched healthy individuals (n=50), Group-II was of people with diabetes without retinopathy (n=50), and Group-III was of diabetic patients having retinopathy (n=50). All the data of the participants were recorded on an especially designed proforma, and 5ml of venous blood was also drawn from the subjects to measure serum lipid levels.&#x0D; Results: Male gender was more common with 33(66%), 30(60%) and 33(66%) in Group-I, Group-II, and Group-III respectively.Most of the retinopathy cases had sedentary lifestyle 33(66%), poor dietary habits 34(68%), cardiovascular disease 38(76%),diabetic foot ulcers 44(88%) and increased levels of TAGS (p-value 0.001). Nephropathy and smoking showed no significant link with dr.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, cardiovascular disease, diabetic foot and increased TAGS may be risk factors for the development of diabetic retinopathy. These findings can help in the early identification and better prognosis of the disease in high-risk individuals.

Role of DTI-MRI parameters in diagnosis of ALS: useful biomarkers for daily practice? Tertiary centre experience and literature review.

Despite the rapid development of neuroimaging techniques, the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a significant challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important for ruling out ALS mimickers, while Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a useful tool for the identification of cortical tract damage. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal set of DTI parameters to support the diagnosis of ALS that could be applied to everyday MRI and be used as a disease biomarker in daily practice. Forty-seven ALS patients and 55 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals underwent MRI using a 1.5-Tesla scanner including a DTI sequence with 30 spatial directions and a b-value 0/1,000 s/mm2. Two independent researchers measured the DTI parameters: fractional anisotropy (FA), TRACE and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) using freehand regions of interest (ROIs) placed along both corticospinal tracts (CSTs), starting at the level of the internal capsule and ending at the medulla. Statistical significance was only achieved for fractional anisotropy (FA) (ALS vs controls, p < 0.001). The highest sensitivity was found in the brainstem (cerebral peduncles, pons and pyramids) where it ranged from 72.3% to 80.9%, whereas the highest specificity was observed at the level of the internal capsule (94.6%). The combined highest sensitivity and specificity was obtained in the pons (72.3% and 72.7%, respectively). Classifier based positive predictive values for Youden index cut-off scores varied between 60.7% and 69.4%. Fractional anisotropy (FA) measured at the level of the brainstem was shown to be the single most relevant parameter in differentiating patients with ALS from healthy subjects. This has the potential to become an ALS-specific biomarker for patient identification in daily practice.