scholarly journals Low and High Frequency Vibration Perception Thresholds Can Improve the Diagnosis of Diabetic Neuropathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 3073
Author(s):  
Tina J. Drechsel ◽  
Renan L. Monteiro ◽  
Claudio Zippenfennig ◽  
Jane S. S. P. Ferreira ◽  
Thomas L. Milani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Metatarsal Head ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vibration Exciter ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
First Metatarsal ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Pearson Correlations ◽  
Vibration Perception

Recent studies demonstrate neuropathic changes with respect to vibration sensitivity for different measurement frequencies. This study investigates the relationship between vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) at low and high frequencies at two plantar locations and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) severity in diabetes mellitus (DM) subjects with DPN. We examine differences of VPTs between participants with DM, with DPN, as well as healthy controls. The influence of anthropometric, demographic parameters, and DM duration on VPTs is studied. Thirty-three healthy control group subjects (CG: 56.3 ± 9.9 years) and 33 with DM are studied. DM participants are subdivided into DM group (DM without DPN, n = 20, 53.3 ± 15.1 years), and DPN group (DM with DPN, n = 13, 61.0 ± 14.5 years). VPTs are measured at the first metatarsal head (MTH1) and heel (30 Hz, 200 Hz), using a customized vibration exciter. Spearman and Pearson correlations are used to identify relationships between VPTs and clinical parameters. ANOVAs are calculated to compare VPTs among groups. Significant correlations are observed between DPN severity (by fuzzy scores) and VPTs at both locations and frequencies (MTH1_30 Hz vs. fuzzy: r = 0.68, p = 0.011; Heel_30 Hz vs. fuzzy: r = 0.66, p = 0.014; MTH1_200 Hz vs. fuzzy: r = 0.73, p = 0.005; Heel_200 Hz vs. fuzzy: r = 0.60, p = 0.032). VPTs in CG and DM groups are significantly smaller than the DPN group, showing higher contrasts for the 30 Hz compared to the 200 Hz measurement. The correlations between fuzzy scores and VPTs confirm the relevance of using low and high frequencies to assess a comprehensive foot sensitivity status in people with DM.

scholarly journals The Mechanoreceptor’s Role in Plantar Skin Changes in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2537
Author(s):  
Claudio Zippenfennig ◽  
Tina J. Drechsel ◽  
Renan L. Monteiro ◽  
Isabel C. N. Sacco ◽  
Thomas L. Milani
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Metatarsal Head ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Thickness ◽  
Vibration Exciter ◽  
Fuzzy Decision ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Metatarsal ◽  
Healthy Control

Mechanical skin properties (MSPs) and vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) show no relationship in healthy subjects. Similar results were expected when comparing MSP and VPT in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and with diabetic (peripheral-)neuropathy (DPN). A healthy control group (33 CG), 20 DM and 13 DPN participated in this cross-sectional study. DM and DPN were classified by using a fuzzy decision support system. VPTs (in µm) were measured with a modified vibration exciter at two different frequencies (30 and 200 Hz) and locations (heel, first metatarsal head). Skin hardness (durometer readings) and thickness (ultrasound) were measured at the same locations. DPN showed the highest VPTs compared to DM and CG at both frequencies and locations. Skin was harder in DPN compared to CG (heel). No differences were observed in skin thickness. VPTs at 30 and 200 Hz correlated negatively with skin hardness for DPN and with skin thickness for DM, respectively. This means, the harder or thicker the skin, the better the perception of 30 or 200 Hz vibrations. Changes in MSP may compensate the loss of sensitivity up to a certain progression of the disease. However, the influence seems rather small when considering other parameters, such as age.

Self-monitoring in patients with schizophrenia

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1561-1569 ◽  
Author(s):  
GÜNTHER KNOBLICH ◽  
FRANK STOTTMEISTER ◽  
TILO KIRCHER
Keyword(s):  
Hand Movements ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Formal Thought Disorder ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
The Core ◽  
Matched Healthy Control ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
The Relationship

Background. The present study investigated whether a failure of self-monitoring contributes to core syndromes of schizophrenia.Method. Three groups of patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia (n=27), with either prominent paranoid hallucinatory or disorganization syndrome, or without these symptoms, and a matched healthy control group (n=23) drew circles on a writing pad connected to a PC monitor. Subjects were instructed to continuously monitor the relationship between their hand movements and their visual consequences. They were asked to detect gain changes in the mapping. Self-monitoring ability and the ability to automatically correct movements were assessed.Results. Patients with either paranoid-hallucinatory syndrome or formal thought disorder were selectively impaired in their ability to detect a mismatch between a self-generated movement and its consequences, but not impaired in their ability to automatically compensate for the gain change.Conclusions. These results support the claim that a failure of self-monitoring may underlie the core symptoms of schizophrenia.

scholarly journals Urine CA-2 as a biomarker for diagnosis urinary stone and prediction of its complications

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan-jing Leng ◽  
Hai-bin Zhou ◽  
Jiang-ling Fu ◽  
Wen-juan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Urinary Stone ◽  
Urinary Stones ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract PURPOSECarbonic anhydrase-2 (CA-2) plays a role in mineralization and calcification in organism. Strong evidence suggests that CA-2 is associated with urolithiasis. However, the relationship between CA-2 and urinary stone remains unclear. The study aimed to assess the association of urine CA-2 (uCA-2) level and the potential risk of urinary stone.METHODSFrom March 2017 to November 2019, a prospective cohort study was conducted on patients with urinary stones and healthy subjects to determine the pretreatment uCA-2 level detection by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The difference of uCA-2 level between patients with urinary stones and healthy subjects was compared. Then comparison between stone patients with complications and without complications was carried out as well as correlation analysis to detect factors associated with biomarker expression.RESULTS118 patients with urinary stones were into urinary stones group and 42 healthy subjects were into healthy control group. The mean pretreatment uCA-2 level was significantly higher in patients with urinary stones group than healthy controls group (P=0.028). Furthermore, The uCA-2 level was positive correlation with urinary stones complications (R=0.379, P=0.000), especially pain complications (R=0.524, P=0.000) and hematuria complications (R=0.374, P=0.000). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis that a uCA-2 level threshold of 10.94 ng/mL had 83.67% sensitivity and 68.12% specificity for predicting urinary stones complications. CONCLUSIONSExcessive uCA-2 excretion is a major risk factor for urinary stone. Our findings suggested that uCA-2 may be used as an unappreciated biomarker for the diagnosis urinary stone in patients and to predict its complications.

scholarly journals Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios in Patients with RetinalArtery Occlusion

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmut Atum ◽  
Gürsoy Alagöz
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Artery Occlusion ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Retinal Artery ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and plateletto- lymphocyte (PLR) ratios in patients with retinal artery occlusion (RAO) with those from a healthy control population and to identify the relationship between them. Methods: Forty-six patients with RAO and fifty-one healthy control subjects were included in this retrospective case-control study. RAO was diagnosed following an ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography (FA). Blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts were recorded for each of the 97 subjects, from which NLR and PLR values were calculated. Results: There were 46 patients (28 male [M], 18 female [F]) in the RAO group and 51 patients (27 M, 24 F) in the control group. No significant differences were found between patients with RAO and the control subjects in terms of gender and age (P > 0.05). Patients with RAO had significantly increased NLR values (2.85 ± 1.70) than the control subjects (1.63 ± 0.59, P < 0.001). The mean PLR in patients with RAO was 123.69 ± 64.98, while that in control subjects was 103.08 ± 36.95; there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.055). A logistic regression analysis revealed that NLRs were 3.8 times higher in patients with RAO than in control subjects (odds ratio = 3.880; 95% confidence interval = 1.94 to 7.74; P < 0.001). Conclusion: NLRs were significantly increased in patients with RAO compared to the control subjects.

scholarly journals The expression and significance of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-9 in the tears of the infected eye and contralateral uninfected eye in patients with fungal keratitis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Zhang ◽  
Hui-Min Wu ◽  
Xiang-Ni Cao ◽  
Xian-Qi Zhang ◽  
Gui-ping Gao
Keyword(s):  
Tear Film ◽  
Fungal Keratitis ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Tear Film Function

Abstract Background: We investigated bilateral tear cytokine levels including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with fungal keratitis(FK). Meanwhile, we evaluated the relationship between the changes of tear cytokines with corneal perception and pain in infected eyes, and the relationship between tear cytokines and tear film function in contralateral uninfected eyes .Methods : A total of 60(20 FK, 20 contralateral, 20 healthy controls) tear samples were collected prospectively and analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Approximately 50 to 60 ul of tear samples in each case were collected. Meanwhile ,we analyzed the changes of visual analogue scale(VAS), tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer I test (SIT) and corneal perception compared with healthy controls. Results :The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-17 increased in bilateral eyes compared with healthy controls(P<0.05). The tear concentrations of MMP-9 , TNF-α only significantly increased in affected eyes (P <0.05). Patients with FK showed significant reduction in corneal perception of infected eyes compared with controls(P<0.05). Corneal perception of the normal eyes in FK patients was slightly lower than that of control group, but there was not statistical difference (P>0.05).TBUT and SIT of contralateral uninfected eyes were significantly lower than that of control group(P<0.05), which were significantly correlated with levels of IL-1β, IL-17(P<0.05). SIT were also negatively correlated with MMP-9(P<0.05), while the levels of IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α and MMP-9 in the tears of the healthy control group had no significant correlation with TBUT and SIT indicators(P>0.05).The corneal perception and VAS score of the affected FK eyes showed correlation with IL-1β, IL-17 and TNF-α(P<0.05).In addition, concentration of IL-10 inversely was correlated with VAS (P<0.05). Conclusion: Proinflammatory tear cytokines are elevated in bilateral eyes with unilateral FK as associated with tear film function ,pain and corneal sensitivity.

Reliability and Relevance of Radiographic Measures of Metatarsus Primus Elevatus and Arch Alignment in Individuals with Midfoot Arthritis and Controls

2013 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smita Rao ◽  
Katie Bell
Keyword(s):  
Inclination Angle ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Arch Height ◽  
First Metatarsal ◽  
Compressive Stresses ◽  
Metatarsal Angle ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Low arch alignment and metatarsus primus elevatus (MPE) have been postulated to increase dorsal compressive stresses in the joints of the medial column of the foot and to contribute to the development of degenerative changes. The primary purposes of this study were 1) to examine the relationship between radiographic measures of arch alignment and MPE and 2) to assess arch alignment and MPE in individuals with midfoot arthritis and in asymptomatic controls. The secondary aim was to examine the reliability of radiographic measures of arch alignment and MPE. Methods: Radiographic measures of arch height and MPE were quantified on 28 individuals with midfoot arthritis and 22 individuals in a control group. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Pearson product moment correlation (r) was used to assess the relationship between arch alignment and MPE. Between-group differences were assessed using a two-sample t test (α = 0.05). Results: Good to excellent reliability was noted for measures of arch height (ICC[2,3] = 0.919–0.994) as well as MPE (ICC[2,3] = 0.891–0.882). A modest positive association was noted between normalized cortical elevation and normalized navicular height (r = 0.274, P = .030) and calcaneal inclination angle (r = 0.263, P = .035). Individuals with midfoot arthritis demonstrated lower arch alignment, reflected in a significantly higher calcaneal–first metatarsal angle (P = .002), lower calcaneal inclination angle (P = .004), and lower normalized navicular height (P &lt; .001) compared with controls. No evidence was found to support between-group differences in lateral intermetatarsal angle (P = .495) and normalized cortical elevation (P = .146). Conclusions: These findings provide objective data establishing the reliability of measures of MPE and arch alignment and their potential clinical significance. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(5): 347–354, 2013)

scholarly journals THE PREVALENCE OF CELIAC DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS WITH FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedat IŞIKAY ◽  
Nurgül IŞIKAY ◽  
Halil KOCAMAZ
Keyword(s):  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Familial Mediterranean Fever ◽  
Tissue Transglutaminase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Marsh Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Mediterranean Fever ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Background Familial Mediterranean Fever and celiac disease are both related to auto-inflammation and/or auto-immunity and they share some common clinical features such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. Objectives We aimed to determine the association of these two diseases, if present. Methods Totally 112 patients diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever and 32 cases as healthy control were included in the study. All participants were examined for the evidence of celiac disease, with serum tissue transglutaminase IgA levels (tTG IgA). Results Totally 144 cases, 112 with Familial Mediterranean Fever and 32 healthy control cases were included in the study. tTG IgA positivity was determined in three cases with Familial Mediterranean Fever and in one case in control group. In that aspect there was no significant difference regarding the tTG IgA positivity between groups (P=0.81). Duodenum biopsy was performed to the tTG IgA positive cases and revealed Marsh Type 3b in two Familial Mediterranean Fever cases and Marsh Type 3c in the other one while the biopsy results were of the only tTG IgA positive case in control group was Marsh Type 3b. In HLA evaluation of the celiac cases; HLA DQ2 was present in two celiac cases of the Familial Mediterranean Fever group and in the only celiac case of the control group while HLA DQ8 was present in one celiac case of the Familial Mediterranean Fever group. Conclusions We did not determine an association of Familial Mediterranean Fever with celiac disease. Larger studies with subgroup analysis are warranted to determine the relationship of these two diseases.

Output Gap, Money Growth and Interest Rate in Japan: Evidence from Wavelet Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-184
Author(s):  
Aviral Kumar Tiwari ◽  
Olaolu Richard Olayeni ◽  
Reza Sherafatian-Jahromi ◽  
Olofin Sodik Adejonwo
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Money Growth ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Direction Of Causation ◽  
Cyclical Relationships ◽  
Frequency Coherence ◽  
The Relationship

This article investigated the relationship between output, money and interest rate, using wavelet tools for the period 1972–2017. Application of such tools is helpful in answering particularly two questions: first, what the strength and direction of the causal relationships between money, output and interest rate is, and second, whether the relationship is cyclical or anti-cyclical in nature. Findings from this article show that output and money are highly coherent in low, middle and high frequencies, and coherence increases while controlling for interest rate, with money growth as the leading variable most of the time across frequencies. Output and interest rate are equally highly coherent, mostly at high frequency and some bits of middle frequency; coherence increases with the control for money, and interest rate often times leads the relationship. Also, money and interest rate are coherent at low, middle and high frequencies with interest rate leading the relationship, and controlling the effect of output increases the coherence at some times and decreases at other times. There are observable evidences of both cyclical and anti-cyclical relationships among the variables. Policy decisions should be cautious of shortrun moves in order not to trigger undesired long-run outcomes since no difference is observed in the direction of causation over time–frequency. JEL: C49, E43, E52

scholarly journals An investigation into the relationship between anaerobic work capacity, percentage body fat and the grade of asthma in asthmatics and a healthy control group

1991 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
M. Burger ◽  
M. Geyer ◽  
W. Regel ◽  
G. M. Smit ◽  
E. Terblanche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Anaerobic Exercise ◽  
Healthy Control Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Working Capacity ◽  
Percentage Body Fat ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Relationship

The goal of this study was to compare the anaerobic working capacity of asthmatic children to that of a healthy control group and to ascertain the relationship between the degree of asthma, anaerobic exercise and percentage body fat. A total of 41 children, 21 asthmatics and 20 healthy children (13-18 years) were tested. Three variables - percentage body fat, pulmonary function and fitness - were measured. It was found that there is very little difference between the asthmatic and the healthy child, with regard to anthropometric measurements, fitness and anaerobic working capacity. A poor correlation was found between percentage body fat, pulmonary function and anaerobic working capacity. The results further showed that there is a slight correlation between the percentage body fat and anaerobic working capacity. This tendency can only be confirmed with a larger random sample of children.The researchers conclude that asthmatics, irrespective of the degree of asthma, are not restricted as far as anaerobic activities are concerned. They can  therefore lead a normal healthy life and, as far as anaerobic exercise is  concerned, can compete on equal terms with healthy children.

scholarly journals A Prospective Psychological Study of Patients with Undiagnosed Episodes of Disturbed Consciousness

1992 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-182
Author(s):  
L. D. Blumhardt ◽  
D. Barnes ◽  
S. J. Howell ◽  
E. Ghadiali
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Personality Profiles ◽  
Psychological Disturbance ◽  
Psychological Study ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Unexplained Symptoms ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy ◽  
The Relationship

We have carried out a prospective psychological and clinical study of neurological out-patients with episodes of disturbed consciousness that were mostly unexplained after clinical assessments and prolonged follow up. When compared with matched healthy subjects, both the undiagnosed patients and a control group with chronic epilepsy, had evidence of abnormal personality and psychological disturbance. However, in the undiagnosed patients there were significant differences between two subgroups defined by the results of clinical follow up. Patients whose symptoms resolved spontaneously were psychologically indistinguishable from healthy control subjects, whereas patients whose unexplained symptoms continued, with or without empirical treatment trials, had highly abnormal personality profiles. Although the basic psychological tests we used cannot reliably separate individual patients with epilepsy from those with non-epilepsy, they do have some predictive value with respect to the prognosis of unexplained symptoms. Further detailed prospective studies may help to establish the relationship between psychological disorder and unexplained symptoms and perhaps reduce the need for repeated, expensive investigations.

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