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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Role of Transabdominal Ultrasonogram for Evaluation of Placental Maturity in Relation with Fetal Gestational Age

Mymensingh Med J. 2022 Oct;31(4):992-997.

ABSTRACT

In this study our main goal is to evaluate the role of ultrasonography (USG) for determination of placental maturity and fetal gestational age. This cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Radiology and Imaging (USG section) Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital, Mymensingh from July 2008 to June 2010, where 60 patients included in this study, who was attending in the department of Radiology & Imaging for transabdominal ultrasonography with early and late pregnancy related complaints. In this study among the 60 patients, the youngest one was eighteen years and oldest one was thirty-nine years old age. Thirty five percent (35.0%) patients were from 26-30 years age group. About 33 patients out of 60(55.0%) were house wives. Most of the patients were presented with amenorrhea (65.0%) 39 out of 60. Among 60 patients, 20 patients (33.3%) were in gestational age within 12-28 weeks, 20 patients (33.3%) were in gestational age within 29-36 weeks and 20 patients (33.3%) were within >36 weeks gestational age. Among them, 20 patients (33.3%) had grade III placenta, 20 patients (33.3%) had grade II placenta, 12 patients (20%) had grade I placenta and 08 patients (13.3%) had grade 0 placenta. Out of 60 patients, 18 patients (30.0%) were in high risk group and 70.0% were normal. Six (6) patients (10.0%) suffered from HTN, 3 patients had RH negative (5.0%) blood group, 3(5.0%) patients suffered from APH, 3 patients suffer from DM and 3 from IUGR. In this study showed hypertension and IUGR had strong correlation with accelerated placental maturation. Maternal DM and Rh sensitization were associated with delayed maturation of the placenta. This study concludes that, USG appears to be the best imaging modality for the evaluation of placenta and its grading. USG is relatively less expensive and it is good considering the diagnostic accuracy in pregnancy profile. It is noninvasive procedure without any radiation hazards and better visualization of the lesion in different section, but this study is not a complete reflection of overall incidence and statistics regarding the ailment in our country. For this a more extensive study over a longer period covering different section of society is very much needed for better outcome.

PMID:36189543

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Platelet Count as a Prognostic Factor in Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Mymensingh Med J. 2022 Oct;31(4):937-946.

ABSTRACT

Increase platelet count can accompany various cancers including lung cancer. This finding has recently been suggested to indicate poor prognosis. In patients with malignancies, thrombocytosis has previously been related disease stage, histological type and survival. In this study, the prevalence of thrombocytosis and the prognostic information provided by platelet count were analyzed in patients with stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with an aim to assess elevated platelet count as a prognostic factor in patients with stage IV NSCLC and to investigate whether there is relationship between thrombocytosis, other clinico-pathologic factors and median survival. This prospective observational study was conducted in National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2019 to August 2020. A total of 108 patients were enrolled purposively. Detail history taking, thorough physical examination was done along with relevant investigations. Data were collected by semi structured questionnaire and analysis was done with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 21.0. The mean age of the patients was found 56.4±12.2 years with range from 35 to 75 years. Majority (79.6%) patients were male, 52.8% patients came from low income and 36.1% were farmer. Majority (40.7%) were symptomatic; in bed >50.0% of day. Almost two third (59.3%) had <5.0% weight loss. Almost three fourth (69.4%) had squamous cell carcinoma. At the time of first assessment 75(69.4%) patients had normal and 33(30.6%) had elevated platelet count level. Age, sex and histological type were statistically not significant between normal and elevated platelet count level groups. But performance status, weight loss were statistically significant (p<0.05) between two groups. According to univariate analysis, age, performance status at presentation, weight loss more than 10.0% for 3 months and platelet count prior the start of treatment were all significant predictors for the overall survival. In multivariate analysis age, performance status at presentation and initial thrombocytosis were independent prognostic determinants for overall survival. Median survival time was significantly higher for the normal platelet count group and elevated platelet count group (7.5 months versus 5.5 months) respectively (95% CI, 5.5-7.5), p<0.001. The frequency of thrombocytosis in patients with stage-IV NSCLC at first presentation was 30.6% and median survival time in these patients was significantly shorter compared in patients without thrombocytosis. These results concluded that an elevated platelet count could be a useful prognostic factor for survival in patients with stage-IV NSCLC.

PMID:36189536

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Study on Serum Calcium Level in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Mymensingh Med J. 2022 Oct;31(4):920-924.

ABSTRACT

Patients often present with chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicated with hypocalcaemia. Lower serum calcium is independently associated with chronic kidney disease. Aim of this study was to assess of serum calcium level in chronic kidney diseased patients in order to compare this parameter with healthy subjects. This analytical type of cross-sectional study was carried out in the Physiology department, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2018 to June 2019. A total number of 200 subjects, age range 30-70 year were included in this study. Among 200 subjects, 100 healthy were taken as control group (Group I) and 100 chronic kidney diseased patients were taken as study group (Group II). Control group (Group I) subdivided into male healthy subject (Group IA) and female healthy subject (Group IB). Also study group (Group II) subdivided into male chronic kidney diseased patient (Group IIA) and female chronic kidney diseased patient (Group IIB). The results were calculated and analyzed by using SPSS version-21. Expression of data as mean±SE and statistical significance of difference among the group was calculated by unpaired student’s ‘t’ test. In this study we found that mean±SE serum calcium of Group IA and Group IIA were 9.60±0.09mg/dl & 8.04±0.03mg/dl respectively. The mean±SE serum calcium of Group IB and Group IIB were 9.38±0.096mg/dl & 8.19±0.05mg/dl respectively. Serum calcium was significantly decreased in study groups in comparison with control groups (p<0.001). By this study we therefore recommended that routine estimation of this parameter is important for prevention of complication related to chronic kidney disease for leading a healthy life.

PMID:36189533

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Evaluation of Liver Function Tests in β-Thalassemia Major Children

Mymensingh Med J. 2022 Oct;31(4):894-899.

ABSTRACT

Thalassemia is the most prevalent single gene defect in human beings worldwide. Repeated blood transfusions along with chelation therapy are mainstay of treatment in thalassemia patients. However these recurrent blood transfusions result in iron overload which along with chelation therapy causes deterioration of liver function. Aim of the study was to evaluate the liver function tests in β-thalassemia major patients. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2017. In this study, 50 diagnosed patients of β Thalassemia major (Group A) and 50 apparently healthy children (Group B) of both sexes were selected from the department of Paediatrics, Dhaka medical college. The study parameters were serum ferritin, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP. The results were compared statistically between groups. Serum ferritin level (mean±SD) in thalassemic major patients in Group A (890±446.38 microgram/L) which is significantly higher above normal level. Serum bilirubin in Group A (3.27±2.62 mg/dl) and in Group B (0.48±0.24 mg/dl), Serum ALT in Group A (53.06±34.0 U/L) and in Group B (16.70±4.81 U/L), AST in Group A (84.56±33.54 U/L) and in Group B (11.60±2.72 U/L) and ALP levels in Group A (422.42±226.99 IU/L) and in Group B (221.86±80.54 IU/L). All the values were significantly higher (p<0.001) in β-thalassemia patient than that of normal children. This study concludes that liver function parameters are significantly higher in β thalassemia major patients. So routine evaluation of liver function tests may be advocated for thalassemic patients to predict early onset of hepatic dysfunction.

PMID:36189529

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Status of Serum Ferritin Level among Iron Deficiency Anemic Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh

Mymensingh Med J. 2022 Oct;31(4):891-893.

ABSTRACT

Adolescence explained as a period of age between 10 to 19 years. This is a major contributing period to build up the health of girls. Ferritin is an intracellular protein that contains iron and releases it in a controlled fashion and it reflects body iron stores and systemic inflammation during adolescent period. It is considered the best single test for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia during adolescent because its concentration is directly proportional to total body iron stores in adolescent period. This study was done in the Department of Physiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh to evaluate the changes of serum ferritin levels among iron deficient anemic adolescent girls in comparison to healthy adolescent girls in Bangladesh. This was a cross sectional, prospective, analytical type of study. This study ranged from 10-19 years of adolescent girls. Seventy (70) healthy adolescent girls, as control group (Group I). Seventy (70) iron deficiency anemic adolescent girls as study group (Group II). Serum ferritin was estimated by Micro-particle Enzyme Immunoassay Test Kit. Data were expressed as mean (±SD). Statistical significance of difference among the Group I and Group II were calculated by unpaired students ‘t’ test. The mean±SD level of serum ferritin among Group I and Group II were 26.22±4.03μg/L and 13.33±3.18μg/L respectively. Mean values ±SD of serum ferritin significantly lower in (Group II) in comparison with (Group I). Higher numbers of adolescent girls are still suffering from anemia along with low level of serum ferritin in Bangladesh. For combat this situation, immediate, sustainable and long term public health intervention and nutritional supplementation must be required.

PMID:36189528

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Remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic: Computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms in university staff

Work. 2022 Sep 29. doi: 10.3233/WOR-220235. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mandatory remote working for workers in many sectors, including education.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the physical characteristics of workspaces, computer use, and prevalence, associated factors, and reported impact of computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among university staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of staff in a university in Ireland was conducted in March 2021. An anonymous online survey of computer use, work practices and 3-month prevalence and the reported impact of computer-related MSS (modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire) was conducted. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and factors associated with MSS were ascertained using chi-squared analysis.

RESULTS: The analysis included 1045 responses. The majority (63%) worked solely from home, used a laptop more frequently than a desktop computer, and worked a greater number of hours. Almost half (48%) did not have a dedicated home workspace. More respondents reported their university workspace (72%) was more comfortable than their home workspace (51.2% ; p < 0.0001). Prevalence of computer-related MSS was 83% : neck (62%), shoulder (57%), lower back (47%). Laptop-related MSS was reported more frequently (82%) than desktop-related MSS (65% ; p < 0.05). Computer-related MSS was associated with workspace, equipment at home, laptop use, female gender, and righthandedness (p < 0.05). A reduction in non-work-related activities (35%), work activities (18%) and seeking medical attention (24%) was reported.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of computer-related MSS was high and associated with remote working. Further studies that aim to mitigate the risks of computer-related MSS in those working remotely or in hybrid models are required.

PMID:36189523 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-220235

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In a digitalising Europe: Unfolding knowledge from working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy and Denmark

Work. 2022 Sep 29. doi: 10.3233/WOR-220137. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Digital applications have been vital to ensuring business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, digital transformation is considered key to shaping Europe’s future, including the opportunity for hybrid work. Consequently, a central issue is the experience and perception of workers and the effect on their mental well-being.

OBJECTIVE: Building on the assumption that the more ‘digitalized’ and ‘experienced with working from home (WFH),’ the more positive peoples’ perceptions are, this paper explores how workers in Italy and Denmark perceived WFH during the first COVID-19 lockdown from a psychosocial perspective and what lessons could be drawn for policy and industry.

METHODS: Ranking top and bottom respectively on the European Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) and different pre-pandemic experiences of WFH, data about WFH perceptions and mental well-being were collected among Danes and Italians via a survey from March to May 2020. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-Tests, and ANOVA.

RESULTS: The combination of high rank and pre-experience of WFH did not result in a positive perception of WFH. Mental well-being of Danes were mostly affected and they experienced WFH to be more challenging than the Italians, where the key disadvantages were related to “Home office constraints” and the isolation that followed.

CONCLUSION: When digitalizing Europe and workplaces are likely to offer people the opportunity to have hybrid work, the results highlight how national conditions affect the prospects of the new ways of working including people’s mental well-being and where actions are most needed for policy and industry.

PMID:36189522 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-220137

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The effects of career development practices on expected retirement age of injured older workers

Work. 2022 Sep 29. doi: 10.3233/WOR-211249. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Work injury can put older workers at higher risk of disability and early retirement. Rapid population ageing has raised questions about the ability of older workers to continue working, especially for those who have experienced work injury. Career development practices have been highlighted as a form of rehabilitation support to enable longer working lives of injured older workers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore whether career development practices contribute to higher expected retirement age for injured older workers (aged 45 and above).

METHOD: A total of 274 older Australian workers employed at large organisations completed a survey about their health, retirement intentions, work injury, and engagement with career development practices. Hierarchical multiple regression and two-way analysis of variances were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS: Work injury contributed to significantly lower expected retirement age for older workers. Work training and development predicted a significant amount of variance in expected retirement age of injured older workers, and enabled them to work to later retirement ages. There was no statistically significant difference in injured older workers’ expected retirement age for those who participated in career discussion with their managers and those who did not participate.

CONCLUSION: Lack of career development support can affect injured older workers’ ability to participate in employment. The findings highlight the importance for rehabilitation and human resource professionals to have a proactive and educative role in providing career development support to injured older workers.

PMID:36189521 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-211249

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Prevalence, risk factors and effectiveness of falls prevention interventions for adults living with Mild Cognitive Impairment in the community: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Clin Rehabil. 2022 Oct 3:2692155221129832. doi: 10.1177/02692155221129832. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To identify falls prevalence, falls risk factors and evaluate the effectiveness of falls prevention interventions for community-dwelling people with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles (inception to 4 August 2022) from PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, EMBASE, Scopus, SportDiscus and the Cochrane library.

REVIEW METHODS: All types of methodological approaches were considered. Inclusion criteria were community-dwelling; diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment; aged 50+ years. Interventions needed to include falls prevention programs aiming to reduce falls and/or risk of falls. Outcomes of interest included number and/or rate of falls, falls prevalence and falls risk factors. For controlled trials, any control group was included. Quality assessment was completed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials and the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields for all other studies. Where statistical data pooling was not possible, narrative synthesis was used to present data in tables and figures.

RESULTS: Forty-seven studies were included. Prevalence of falls was 43% when data were gathered prospectively for 12 months. Confirmed falls risk factors included slow gait, dual-tasking, postural control and non-amnesic Mild Cognitive Impairment. Few studies evaluated interventions to reduce falls. Six meta-analyses were conducted, no significant reduction in falls was found.

CONCLUSIONS: Until further high-quality, adequately powered studies are available to guide practice, best practice guidelines recommend balance training as a core component of falls prevention programs for older people generally, as well as people with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

PMID:36189497 | DOI:10.1177/02692155221129832

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Support Nursing Researchers’ Need from Academic Societies During COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Survey

Nurs Health Sci. 2022 Oct 2. doi: 10.1111/nhs.12988. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The activities of nursing researchers have been constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the types of support and related factors that nursing researchers hope to receive from academic societies during the pandemic, and to obtain suggestions for the role of academic societies in supporting nursing researchers and expanding research. An online survey was conducted with 1,532 Japan Academy of Nursing Science members. The survey included 19 items of potential support from the society during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as open-ended questions. Data were analyzed statistically and qualitatively. For 9 of the 19 items, over 50% of respondents reported that they “needed” or “very much needed” support. Multivariate analysis results showed that younger respondents and those with family members requiring care were significantly more likely to report needs for some items. In the open-ended comments, there were several suggestions for activities, including “Lobbying for revision of regulations on research implementation.” Nursing researchers expressed needs for support that reflect their demographic characteristics and situations, including collaboration across organizations and securing research-promotion and skill-development opportunities online.

PMID:36184750 | DOI:10.1111/nhs.12988