Probable Risk Factors Research Articles

PROPORTIONS OF VARIOUS BENIGN BREAST LESIONS AMONG WOMEN PRESENTING AT TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTE OF INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background and Aim: Benign Breast Diseases (BBDs) is a group of non-cancerous breast diseases. A triple assessment which is done by a clinical examination, imaging like ultrasonography (USG) or mammography and a pathological examination – FNAC or core needle biopsy, during the initial consultation, allows clinicians to give immediate reassurance to most of the patients. The aim of the study was to find out the proportions of various benign breast lesions among women aged 18 years and above. Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Tertiary care institute of India for a period of 20 Months. Based on the pilot study sample size derived was found to be 102. A performa was filled with patient particulars, history and clinical findings in female patient attending department of surgery OPD with breast related symptoms. Patients will be followed up with histopathological, cytological and radiological studies in indicated cases. The patients will be followed up for 1 year. Most common benign breast related symptoms and condition among the study group and probable risk factors for the same will be analyzed. Results:The commonest case among the study population was fibroadenoma 37 (36.27%). The next common was acute breast abscess, followed by fibrocystic disease (9). Lump alone detected either by patient herself or by the clinician was the most common presenting complaint in around 40 patients, followed by lump with pain in around 37, followed by either pain, nipple discharge. Fibroadenoma could be diagnosed clinically with an accuracy of about 89%. Abscess breast, phyllodes tumor and galactocele and few cases of granulomatous mastitis was also able to be diagnosed clinically. Conclusion: Fibrocystic disease is commonest amongst proliferative breast lesions followed by Sclerosing adenosis. Breast abscess is the commonest lesion amongst inflammatory breast lesions. Breast self-examination and health education to females is very important in cases of benign proliferative lesions.
 Key Words: Benign Breast Diseases, Fibroadenoma, Phyllodes tumor, Ultrasonography

Identification of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Adolescents With Metabolic Syndrome.

Objective: There are studies that show different associations between metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular disease in adolescent. This study is aimed to identify probable cardio-vascular risk factors in obese adolescents with MS.Methods: Sixty-five obese adolescents with a body mass index (BMI) > 95 percentile were enrolled and divided into two groups with MS or without MS. Left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index, ejection fraction, epicardial fat thickness, visceral fat thickness (VFT) and carotid intima-media thickness were measured. Anthropometric and blood chemistry parameters were estimated. Above parameters were compared based on presence or absence of MS.Results: The prevalence of MS was 23.1% in obese adolescents. LVM showed significant correlation with body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), fat mass, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and waist circumference (WC). VFT significantly correlated with WC, BMI, hip circumflex (HC), obesity index (OI), fat %, fat mass, insulin, TC, LDL-C, insulin, triglyceride (TG), glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and leptin.Conclusions: Screening for the MS in overweight adolescents may help to predict risk of future cardiovascular disease. These data suggest that LVMI and VFT are significant parameters for predicting cardiovascular disease risk in obese adolescents.

Premenopausal Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Associations with Molecular Subtypes: A Case-Control Study.

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in women and the leading cause of women's cancer-related deaths and morbidity worldwide. In Rwanda, BC incidence is increasing with an unacceptably high mortality rate in premenopausal women. Objectives The purpose was to identify modifiable BC risk factors and assess associations between common breast cancer risks factors and molecular subtypes in premenopausal women in Rwanda. Methods This was a case-control study. Premenopausal women with histological confirmation of BC and frequency-matched for age controls were recruited. A preestablished questionnaire was administered to both cases and controls for sociodemographics, BC probable risk factors, and clinical and pathological characteristics. BC was classified into luminal A, luminal B, HER2-type, basal-like (triple negative), and unclassified molecular subtypes by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results 340 participants were recruited into the study (170 cases vs. 170 controls). The median age was 39 years. The majority of cases presented at advanced stages of the disease (51.2% in stages III and IV) and had invasive ductal carcinoma (98.2%). 60.6% had subtypes of poor prognosis (HER2 enriched 14.7%, triple negative 12.9%, and unclassified 32.9%). Alcohol intake (AOR = 3.73, 95%CI 2.19 − 6.32, p < 0.001), obesity/overweight in adolescence or early adulthood (AOR = 10.86, 95%CI 4.82 − 24.4, p < 0.001), history of primary infertility (AOR = 33.8, 95%CI 3.5 − 321.5, p = 0.002), nulliparity (AOR = 3.75, 95%CI 1.61 − 8.75, p = 0.002), and a history of benign breast disease (AOR = 6.06, 95%CI 1.19 − 30.73, p = 0.03) were associated with the occurrence of premenopausal breast cancer. There was no significant difference between risk factor stratification per molecular subtype. Conclusion Several reproductive, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors have been identified to be associated with premenopausal BC. Among them, alcohol intake and obesity/overweight during adolescence/early adulthood can be modified. Interventions targeting alcohol consumption and obesity/overweight in adolescents and young adults may decrease the incidence of premenopausal breast cancer.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Falls among Egyptian Elderly Attending Primary Health Centers in Suez Governorate

Abstract Objectives To estimate the prevalence and probable risk factors of falls among a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Design A cross-sectional comparative study. Setting and Participants Study included 300 older adults (both men and women) recruited from 3 primary healthcare centers, all located in Suez Governorate, Egypt (Alsalam medical center, Mubarak medical center and Alsabbah medical center). Methods All participants were questioned about their fall history in the precedent year and were assessed using: Structured interview questionnaire and physical examination, Fall Risk Assessment Tool, Basic and instrumental activities of daily living, Timed Up and Go test, Single leg stance test, handgrip strength measurement, Mini-Mental Status Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Participants were categorized as faller and non-faller groups according to their fall history in the precedent year and were then compared as regard common fall risk factors (intrinsic and extrinsic). Results Prevalence of falls among the studied populations was 29%. Women fell more frequently than men (accounting for 64.4% and 35.6% of fallers, p = 0.01). Most falls occurred indoors (58.3%). A significant association was found between fall history and age, sex, muscle weakness, depression, urinary incontinence, IHD, visual impairment, fear of falling, use of assistive device, postural hypotension, and polypharmacy. Conclusion Prevalence of falls in community-dwelling elderly in Suez Governorate is 29%. Identification of factors significantly affecting elderly falls can help in planning public health policies and programs for prevention of falls.

Autism spectrum disorder screening in children aged 16-30 months using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised (M-CHAT-R)

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a global prevalence of 7.6 in 1,000 children. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers - Revised (M-CHAT-R) is one of many screening tools for ASD. It is fast, easy to use, and has been translated and validated in the Indonesian language.&#x0D; Objective To determine the prevalence of ASD in Indonesia and its risk factors.&#x0D; Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to October 2020. In the first protocol (March to July 2020), 219 children aged 16-30 months from 20 hospital walk-in clinics in five districts of Jakarta were included. Subjects’ parents filled out the M-CHAT-R questionnaire during their visit. A series of questions were asked to provide information about probable risk factors associated with ASD: gender, family history of ASD, preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), and history of seizures. The second protocol (August to October 2020) was completed by parents via an online form, where 746 children aged 16-30 months were enrolled. Therefore, a total of 965 subjects were eligible for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results Of 965 subjects, 56.58% were males. Subjects’ mean of age was 22.59 (SD 4.15) months. M-CHAT-R screening showed that 34 (3.52%) subjects were at high risk of developing ASD. Only male gender was significantly associated with ASD.&#x0D; Conclusion We screened for ASD in healthy 16-30-month-old Indonesian children. The rate of high-risk M-CHAT-R score was 3.52%. Male gender was a significant risk factor for high-risk M-CHAT-R results.

Factors associated with stillbirths among women delivering at a resource limited tertiary hospital in Malawi

Background: Stillbirths remain a major public health issue worldwide with an estimated 3 million deaths per year globally. We investigated the factors associated with stillbirths in fetuses of at least 28 weeks’ gestation or 1000 grams at birth. Methods: We performed a hospital-based, cross-sectional study among women who delivered stillbirths at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi from May-November 2017. Eligible women were enrolled after obtaining informed consent, and their demographic and reproductive health information was collected. Blood samples were collected for full blood count, malaria, blood glucose, syphilis, and HIV testing, and the probable risk factors associated with stillbirths were assessed. Results: A total of 1,687 deliveries with 126 stillbirths occurred during the 6-month period, representing a stillbirth rate of 79 per 1,000 births. Seventy percent of these stillbirths were diagnosed on admission at KCH, and about 49% were fresh stillbirths. Half of the stillbirths had a birthweight of at least 2,500g, and the majority of these stillbirths were fresh (60%). The following factors were associated with stillbirth: uterine rupture (15.1%), placental abruption (14.3%), Hypertension (10.3%), obstructed/prolonged labor (5.8%), syphilis (7.1%), malaria (2.4%), congenital anomalies (2.4%), and diabetes (1.5%). Conclusions: The stillbirth rate at KCH is high, and most fetal deaths occurred prior to arrival at KCH. Although most of the stillbirths were unexplained, uterine rupture and abruption placenta emerged as major factors associated with stillbirths and these are largely preventable even in resource limited settings.

Assessment of the Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Associated Risk Factors among School-Aged Children in a Flood-Affected Area of Northeast India.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is a major disease burden in developing countries, with a considerable share borne by India. Currently, the principal strategy of the World Health Organization for the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is mass deworming in the high-risk population based on the prevalence and intensity of infection in a region. However, the disease load of STH remains unknown in many regions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 among children in the age group of 5-13 years in Barpeta, Assam, to ascertain the prevalence of STH infection in school-aged children and its probable risk factors. Socio-demographic and epidemiologic data were gathered using a piloted questionnaire. Geohelminths were identified by the Kato-Katz method. Association with probable risk-factors was analyzed by binomial logistic regression. Overall, 16.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 12.9-19.8] of children were found to be infected with one or more of the three STHs. Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris infections were observed in 9.4%, 7.4%, and 5.3%, respectively. The strongest predictors for the presence of any STH with multivariable analysis were open defecation (habitual or occasional), lack of proper handwashing, living in homes affected by flood, and age group of 8-10 years. The availability of proper handwashing stations in schools was found to be protective against Trichuris. Awareness among the people regarding sanitation and personal hygiene, particularly in the post-flood scenario, is imperative for sustainable control of STH infections. Preventive deworming should be continued; however, the time and frequency must be adjusted according to the prevailing climatic conditions in the region under study.

The Patency Rate of the Primary and Exchanged Femoral Haemodialysis Catheters.

BackgroundThis prospective cohort study aims to evaluate the primary and exchanged femoral catheter patency rates, as well as mortality rates and determine the probable risk factors affecting femoral catheter survival.MethodsAll 79 tunneled femoral catheters created in our hospital from 2017 to 2020 were included in this study. Patients having no other means for dialysis access other than the femoral catheter was recruited in this study. Data collected included patient age, sex, comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension), transplant history, dialysis duration, catheter complications, femoral access history, and primary and exchanged femoral patency rates. Patients were followed for 4–36 months.ResultsThe median catheter primary patency was 7 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.77, 8.22) and the primary patency rates at 2, 4 and 6 months were 79%, 68% and 48%, respectively. The median exchanged catheter survival was 8 months (95% CI: 0.83, 15.17) and the exchanged patency rates at 1, 3 and 8 months were 72%, 64% and 32%, respectively. Of the patients (n = 62), 8% (5 patients) died because they had no other option for dialysis access.ConclusionTunneled femoral catheters have a low patency rate and should be the last option for haemodialysis patients when other probable accesses are not available.

Prospective Trial of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Continuous Noninvasive Monitoring of Free Fibular Flaps.

Some free flaps develop postoperative vessel thrombosis, which influences the flap survival rate. Early discovery and identification of vascular crisis are critical to the success rate of flap salvage. The primary aims of this study were to determine the features of postoperative blood supply changes in fibular flaps with normal and abnormal blood flow, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), to monitor oxygenation and blood flow, and to characterize the probable risk factors for vascular crisis. Sixty-three consecutive patients undergoing reconstruction of unilateral mandibular defects with free fibular flaps at the Peking University School of Stomatology were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups, A (n = 38) and B (n = 25); fibular flaps in group A underwent continuous NIRS monitoring from immediately postoperatively until 7 days postoperatively (approximately 150 hours), whereas fibular flaps and opposite mandibles in group B underwent intermittent monitoring: once every 4 hours during the first 24 hours postoperatively and once every 12 hours from 24 to 168 hours postoperatively. Six fibular flaps developed vascular thromboses: 4 were venous thromboses and 2 were arterial thromboses; 5 were rescued after exploration. Of 6 regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) values in the continuous monitoring group, 4 showed no significant differences at any time point compared with the intermittent monitoring group (P > 0.05). The rSO2 of the fibular flap was significantly different from that in the opposite mandible in the first 36 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). This difference decreased over time. During the initial period of venous thrombosis, rSO2, deoxyhemoglobin, and oxygenated hemoglobin all rose slightly, then showed simultaneous rapid reduction. However, the magnitude of reduction was smaller for deoxyhemoglobin than for oxygenated hemoglobin. Near-infrared spectroscopy can be used for noninvasive and reliable assessment of oxygenation and blood flow in free flaps through continuous, real-time monitoring. It is also portable, inexpensive, and simple to operate. In addition, the detection depth of NIRS is up to 2.0 cm, so it can be used to monitor buried flaps with depths <2.0 cm.

Risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke following COVID-19 in Sweden: a self-controlled case series and matched cohort study

BackgroundCOVID-19 is a complex disease targeting many organs. Previous studies highlight COVID-19 as a probable risk factor for acute cardiovascular complications. We aimed to quantify the risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke associated with COVID-19 by analysing all COVID-19 cases in Sweden.MethodsThis self-controlled case series (SCCS) and matched cohort study was done in Sweden. The personal identification numbers of all patients with COVID-19 in Sweden from Feb 1 to Sept 14, 2020, were identified and cross-linked with national inpatient, outpatient, cancer, and cause of death registers. The controls were matched on age, sex, and county of residence in Sweden. International Classification of Diseases codes for acute myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke were identified in causes of hospital admission for all patients with COVID-19 in the SCCS and all patients with COVID-19 and the matched control individuals in the matched cohort study. The SCCS method was used to calculate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for first acute myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke following COVID-19 compared with a control period. The matched cohort study was used to determine the increased risk that COVID-19 confers compared with the background population of increased acute myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke in the first 2 weeks following COVID-19.Findings86 742 patients with COVID-19 were included in the SCCS study, and 348 481 matched control individuals were also included in the matched cohort study. When day of exposure was excluded from the risk period in the SCCS, the IRR for acute myocardial infarction was 2·89 (95% CI 1·51–5·55) for the first week, 2·53 (1·29–4·94) for the second week, and 1·60 (0·84–3·04) in weeks 3 and 4 following COVID-19. When day of exposure was included in the risk period, IRR was 8·44 (5·45–13·08) for the first week, 2·56 (1·31–5·01) for the second week, and 1·62 (0·85–3·09) for weeks 3 and 4 following COVID-19. The corresponding IRRs for ischaemic stroke when day of exposure was excluded from the risk period were 2·97 (1·71–5·15) in the first week, 2·80 (1·60–4·88) in the second week, and 2·10 (1·33–3·32) in weeks 3 and 4 following COVID-19; when day of exposure was included in the risk period, the IRRs were 6·18 (4·06–9·42) for the first week, 2·85 (1·64–4·97) for the second week, and 2·14 (1·36–3·38) for weeks 3 and 4 following COVID-19. In the matched cohort analysis excluding day 0, the odds ratio (OR) for acute myocardial infarction was 3·41 (1·58–7·36) and for stroke was 3·63 (1·69–7·80) in the 2 weeks following COVID-19. When day 0 was included in the matched cohort study, the OR for acute myocardial infarction was 6·61 (3·56–12·20) and for ischaemic stroke was 6·74 (3·71–12·20) in the 2 weeks following COVID-19.InterpretationOur findings suggest that COVID-19 is a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke. This indicates that acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke represent a part of the clinical picture of COVID-19, and highlights the need for vaccination against COVID-19.FundingCentral ALF-funding and Base Unit ALF-Funding, Region Västerbotten, Sweden; Strategic funding during 2020 from the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Sweden; Stroke Research in Northern Sweden; The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden.

Treatment-related mortality in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a low-middle income country.

To determine the proportion of treatment-related mortality among mortalities of paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and to identify probable causes and risk factors. The observational retrospective study was conducted in February-March 2019 at the Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, the Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised data of all paediatric patients of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who expired during treatment from January 2017 till September 2018. Death due to relapse and deaths before treatment were excluded. Data was analysed using SPSS 16. Of the 247 deaths during the study period, 144(58.3%) were treatment-related mortality cases; 81(56.2%) males and 63(43.8%) females with an overall mean age of 5.0±3.83 years. The commonest cause was sepsis 126(87.5%), followed by haemorrhagic complications 11(7.6%), drug toxicity 4(2.8%), tumour lysis syndrome 2(1.4%) and thromboembolism 1(0.7%). Significant factors associated with treatment-related mortality were weight-for-age, immunophenotype, the reason for admission, and absolute neutrophil count (p<0.05). Treatment-related mortality, though potentially avoidable, was found to be a major cause of death among paediatric patients of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and sepsis was the most common cause.

Environmental assessment of pediatric Lead exposure in Tehran; a prospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundIngestion and inhalation are common routes of exposure for lead in humans. Developing countries still have unacceptably high rates of lead toxicity, especially in children. Studies on probable risk factors of lead poisoning in Iranian children are insufficient. In this study, we aimed to evaluate possible environmental factors in children with high blood lead concentrations living in Tehran and neighboring cities.MethodsIn a prospective cross-sectional study between March 2018 and March 2019 we followed all children referred from two pediatric gastrointestinal clinics with blood lead level (BLL) > 5 μg/dL in metropolitan Tehran to investigate possible environmental risk factors in their home. Household specimens including scratched wall paint, house floor dust, windowsill dust, tap water, and consumed spice were evaluated using atomic absorption method to detect lead concentrations. Epidemiological and environmental data collected through in-depth interviews with parents/guardians. Industrial areas were defined based on municipality maps on industrial places.ResultsThirty of 56 parents/guardians with BLL > 5 μg/dL agreed to be followed through environmental investigation. The only categorical statistically significant risk factor was a history of lead poisoning in the family and living in an industrial zone. There was a positive correlation between BLL and interior windowsills dust lead level, r = 0.46, p = 0.01. Scratched paint lead level and BLL showed a significant positive correlation, r = 0.50, p = 0.005. House floor dust lead level (median = 77.4, p < 0.001) and interior windowsill dust lead level (median = 291, p = 0.011) were both significantly higher than the environmental protection agency (EPA) standards of 40 μg/ft2, 250 μg/ft2. Interior windowsill dust lead concentrations were significantly higher in industrial areas (p = 0.026).ConclusionChildren’s playing environment should be cleaned more often to reduce dust. Moreover, specific rules may need to be implemented for paint lead concentrations and air pollution, especially in industrial areas.

Clinicoepidemiological profile and risk factors associated with mortality in traumatized cats admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible risk factors for death in traumatized cats based on the clinicoepidemiological profile, the Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) scale score and the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score at the time of presentation to the hospital. This was a cross-sectional study involving cats admitted to the emergency sector (ES) and the surgical clinic sector (SCS) of a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) in northeastern Brazil over a 12-month period (2018-2019). Probable risk factors associated with non-survival after trauma were analyzed by calculating the prevalence ratio. The prediction of non-survival was evaluated by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve employing the ATT scale score, MGCS score and rectal temperature. In 1 year, 89 traumatized cats were admitted to the VTH, of which 90% (n = 80) were young, 54% (n = 48) were male, 79% (n = 70) were intact, 59% (n = 53) were indoor cats and 92% (n = 82) were considered as mixed breed. Blunt trauma was the most prevalent cause of injuries, reported in 76% (n = 68) of the cats. Accidents involving falls (30%; n = 27) that affected the pelvic limbs (50.6%) were the most commonly reported. The prevalence of death among cats admitted to the ES was 9.44 times higher than that of animals treated at the SCS. Trauma as result of being run over and chest trauma were associated with a higher probability of death. Most of the animals that died had a lower rectal temperature than those that survived. The ATT scale score, MGCS score and rectal temperature were predictive of mortality. Rectal temperature, ATT scale score and MGCS score were effective predictors of an unfavorable prognosis and point to the need for emergency procedures. Hypothermia, being run over and chest trauma were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Our findings highlight the importance of prompt and effective care for these conditions.

Venous thrombotic events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer: A retrospective multicentric cohort study

ObjectivesVenous thrombotic events (VTEs) are a frequent complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are associated with increased morbidity. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are revolutionizing the management of NSCLC, but little is known about their impact on thrombosis. This study aims to define the incidence and clinical relevance of VTEs in NSCLC patients receiving these treatments. MethodsA retrospective multicentric cohort study including 593 patients from three centers in Canada and France was performed. The cumulative incidence of VTEs after ICIs was estimated using competing risk analysis, and the association of these events with survival and response to treatment was determined. Finally, univariate and multivariate tests were performed to identify VTE risk factors. ResultsThe cumulative incidence of VTEs in the cohort was 14.8% (95% CI = 7.4–22.2%) for an incidence rate of 76.5 (95% CI = 59.9–97.8) thrombosis per 1000 person-years, with most thromboses occurring rapidly after treatment initiation. VTEs were not correlated with overall survival, progression-free survival, or objective response to ICIs. Age ˂ 65 years old (HR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.11–3.59) and tumors with PD-L1 1–49% (HR = 3.36; 95% CI = 1.19–9.50) or PD-L1 ≥ 50% (HR = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.21–8.57) were associated with more VTEs after 12 months of ICI initiation. Also, a delay of less than 12 months from diagnosis to the first ICI treatment (HR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.09–3.89) and active smoking (HR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.12–3.58) are probable risk factors of VTEs. ConclusionThis study suggests that the incidence of VTEs in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs is comparable to what is reported in other cohorts of patients treated with chemotherapy. In our cohort, VTEs were not associated with a decreased survival or response to therapy. Patient age < 65 and tumors with PD-L1 ≥ 1% were associated with a higher risk of VTEs under ICIs.

Predictors of Recurrence after a First Unprovoked Seizure in Childhood: A Prospective Study

The second part of the revised definition of epilepsy by ILAE in 2014 allows a condition to be considered epilepsy after one seizure if there is a high risk of having another seizure; if the risk factor is not precisely be known we have to wait for another seizure. This definition necessitates search for probable risk factors. We aimed this study to assess the recurrence rate and associated risk factors for recurrences after a first unprovoked seizure in children within two years of first attack. This prospective study was conducted on in Banglabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from June 2016 to December 2018. Among 137 children finally 120 children aged between1 month to 14 years after a first seizure were followed up for 2 years. Diagnosis of seizure was confirmed on the basis of diagnostic criteria and none of the children was treated by any antiepileptic drugs after first episode. Overall recurrence rate within 2 years of follow up was 38%. Majority of recurrence (65%) observed within 6-10 months of initial seizure. Significant risk factors were an abnormal EEG finding (p=&lt;0.001), focal seizure (p=&lt;0.001), seizure at sleep (p=0.001) and initial presentation with status epilepticus (p=0.001). Abnormal neuroimage findings were also associated with seizure recurrence, but it was not statistically significant. Age of the patients and underlying motor and cognitive delay was not a significant risk factor for recurrence. A great percentage of first seizure didn’t show recurrence but there are so many factors can determine the possibilities of recurrence, early identification of risk factors specially the focal pattern of seizure, seizure in sleep, status epilepticus and abnormal electrophysiology are the best predictive factors of recurrence, so identifying the high risk group of recurrence helps to initiate early antiepileptic drug and prevent further recurrence.

Hypothesis: Relationship between Coronavirus Disease-19 and Periodontal status

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic affecting 185 countries and &gt;18.8 million patients worldwide as of July 2020. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-2) and majorly manifesting as a hypoxic condition in the affected patients. It has shown to multiply rapidly among patients showing other debilities, majorly hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Periodontitis is defined as a multifactorial disease predominantly governed by microbial dysbiosis and having risk factors as the presence of systemic pathology, decline in immunity, and increased stress. Keeping these factors as a plausible threat for periodontitis, there can be a postulation made that periodontitis can act as a probable risk factor for COVID-19. Limited resources and novelty of the disease hold back any confirmation of the co-relation.

AI with Robotics for leg support to skiers and snowboarders

In general, Robotics is the area concerned with the linking of perception to action, and AI must have a central role in Robotics if the association is to be intelligent. Skiing and Snowboarding are famous winter games worldwide, enjoyed by participants of all ages and skill levels. Leg dominance has been recounted as a probable risk factor in downhill skiers for lower-limb injuries. Furthermore, snowboarders are more likely to injure their ankles than alpine skiers. To overcome these issues, in this paper, the Artificial Intelligence assisted Statistical model (AIASM) has been proposed to the smart robotic supporting leg for skiers and snowboarders. This paper introduces the concept and study of a robotic modular leg (RML) system with a reduced degree of freedom (DOF). The RML gives a perspective on physics that uses dynamic skiing methods and strategies to produce functional ski movements. Kinematic and dynamic models for the leg system are developed and used for modeling tendency, angle, and measurement, unweighting technique to create balanced and realistic curvature turns and peaks. The experimental results show that the suggested system has a performance rate of 95.31% with different ski movements at various intervals, curves, diameters, and peak shapes for tracking the desired footpath.

Risk Factors Associated with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study in Damascus, Syria.

Objectives To assess the probable risk factors associated with Multiple sclerosis among Syrian patients in the city of Damascus. Method In a case-control study conducted from May to September 2020, 140 MS patients and 140 healthy controls were selected from two main hospitals in Damascus. Data regarding risk factors associated with MS was collected via a structured questionnaire and complementary laboratory tests. The statistical analysis was carried out by the SPSS Statistical Software Version 26. Results Factors such as smoking, family history of MS, migraine, and vitamin D deficiency were associated with a higher risk of developing MS: Smoking (OR = 2.275 95% CI (1.348-3.841) P = 0.002). Family history of MS (OR = 3.970 95% CI (1.807-8.719) P ≤ 0.001). Migraine (OR = 3.011 95% CI (1.345-6.741) P = 0.005). Vitamin D deficiency (OR = 4.778 95% CI (2.863-7.972) P ≤ 0.001). However, factors such as diabetes, hypertension, a surgical history of appendectomy, tonsillectomy, and being the first-born in a family were statistically irrelevant: Diabetes (OR = 0.652 95% CI (0.226-1.882) P = 0.426). Hypertension (OR = 1.445 95% CI (0.724-2.885) P = 0.295) Appendectomy (OR = 1.269 95% CI (0.486-3.317) P = 0.626) Tonsillectomy (OR = 1.280 95% CI (0.576-2.843) P = 0.544). First-born Child (OR = 0.933 95% CI (0.558-1.562) P = 0.793). Conclusion Our study suggests that smoking, vitamin D deficiency, family history of MS, and migraine are probable risk factors for multiple sclerosis. Therefore, engaging in outdoor activities and maintaining a healthy diet—for females in particular—is highly recommended.

Rheumatic Heart Disease and Its Association with H. pylori Infection

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) triggered by Group A streptococcus bacterium due to post-infectious and non-supportive pharyngeal infection. Depending on certain conditions, such as genetic predisposition to the disease, the prevalence of various cases of rheumatism and socioeconomic status in different regions, ARF can have different clinical manifestations. The disease typically manifested by one or more acute episodes, whereas 30-50% of all repeated ARF status can result in chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD) with gradual and irreversible heart valve damage and also have been found to be correlated with a raised risk of myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dyslipidemia. The RHD is the only long-term consequence of ARF and the most serious. The development to chronic RHD is determined by many factors, most notably the frequent episodes of rheumatic fever (RF). The RHD is known socially and economically as being the most frequent heart disease in vulnerable populations. H.pylori infection has been proposed to be involved RHD greater than that of the normal healthy people. H.pylori can be considered as one of the probable risk factor for RHD.It was concluded that patients with H. Pylori should be advised to follow up in cardiology clinics to avoid any complications.

Central retinal vein occlusion in a patient using the antipsychotic drug olanzapine: a case report

BackgroundWe report our findings in a patient who developed central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and was a chronic user of olanzapine, an antipsychotic medication.Case presentationA 50-year-old Caucasian man, non-smoker, was referred to our clinic with the chief complaint of floater appearance in his left eye for the past 3 days. His past medical history indicated that he had been taking antipsychotic drugs (olanzapine) for about 3 years, with no other systemic disease or risk factors for CRVO.In the examination, his best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.7 in the left eye. The fundus showed signs of nonischemic CRVO with subhyaloid hemorrhage and intraretinal hemorrhage in the posterior pole and superior and inferior retina, without macular edema, confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT).We ruled out other probable differential diagnoses and risk factors which lead to CRVO through a complete physical exam and blood analysis (complete blood count, glucose, urea, creatinine, lipid profile, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, Bleeding time (BT), fibrinogen level, proteins, antiphospholipid antibodies, homocysteine blood level, antithrombin III, protein C and S, factor V Leiden, prothrombin mutation, angiotensin-converting enzyme level, other autoantibodies, and human leukocyte antigen [HLA]-B51). Finally, we confirmed the probable side effect of olanzapine in CRVO, which has not been previously reported. A possible pro-thrombogenic mechanism of olanzapine at the molecular level is an affinity for 5-HT2Aserotonin receptors. Blocking these receptors results in increased platelet aggregation and increased blood coagulability.ConclusionsThese results indicate that CRVO can be a complication of chronic use of antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine, as shown for the first time in our case report. Clinicians should question patients who develop a sudden CRVO whether they are using antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine.