Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy generates anxiety and uncertainty for expecting parents. The ability to determine pregnancy outcome through a first trimester ultrasound scan ...remains a challenge in obstetrics. Several first trimester ultrasound markers used individually or in combination, as well as ultrasound markers used in combination with biochemical markers, have been studied to determine their predictive value in pregnancy outcome. This scoping review was performed to determine which markers have already been investigated for this purpose.
An extensive and systematic database search was performed using four different categories of keywords which were combined using Boolean terms. A total of 14 variables were included on the final data charting forms. Data was synthesised collectively for each variable and then separately for the studies analysing only one marker. For the studies which analysed multiple markers, data was synthesised based on the number of markers per study.
The search yielded 3608 studies, of which 128 were ultimately used for this review. Data extraction, based on predetermined eligibility criteria, was performed by two authors independently. Seventy-seven (62.6%) studies investigated the predictive value of a single ultrasound marker. The remaining 46 (37.4%) studies explored multiple markers, of which at least one was an ultrasound marker.
This review identified several discrepancies among different studies. This highlights the need for better consensus among researchers to allow for the design of a predictive model which enables extrapolation of findings to all pregnant women.
Through the study of ultrasound and biochemical markers in the first trimester of pregnancy, clinicians may provide a more accurate prediction of pregnancy outcome following threatened miscarriage.
The head and neck region is highly complex in terms of its anatomy and physiology. Head and neck cancer (HNC) and the treatment thereof can significantly affect both the structure and function of ...this area, especially in terms of swallowing, breathing and speaking. This may lead to a significant reduction in quality of life (QOL), and present challenges to both patients and their caregivers. There is increasing evidence that physical activity (PA) after a diagnosis of cancer is associated with improved overall mortality. This is well established in colon, prostate, ovarian and breast cancer. 2 recent metanalyses have determined that exercise interventions following cancer diagnosis are associated with a 41% reduction in risk of all-cause mortality, and an improvement in QOL. PA has also been found to be valuable in counteracting symptoms that reduce QOL, including depression, fatigue, worry and anxiety. Given that HNC patients face their own unique set of challenges, and may have different needs than other cancer patients, we have reviewed the available literature on the interactions between exercise and QOL in HNC patients.
There is a growing concern regarding the environmental and public health risks associated with airborne particulate matter (PM). The basic oxygen furnace is one of the most important atmospheric dust ...sources of the steel manufacturing process. It emits dust enriched in heavy metal such as Zn, which is assumed to contribute to the toxic potential of atmospheric PM. Dust collected before and after the filtration system was analyzed to determine Zn speciation. To this end, a variety of analytical tools were used and a sequential extraction protocol has been specifically developed for iron and steel dust. The Zn speciation results obtained by EXAFS and sequential extraction were in excellent agreement. Before filtration, the speciation of Zn in BOF was 43% ZnFe
2O
4, 23% ZnCO
3 and 16% ZnO. The same species were detected after filtration with different proportions. BOF dust after filtration contains more soluble Zn phases which may play a role in the toxic effects of the emissions.
Background
Head and neck cancer (HNC), and its treatment, is associated with significant side‐effects which can affect quality of life (QOL). Physical activity (PA) is known to improve a number of ...QOL measures. We aimed to determine the prevalence of PA pre‐ and post‐treatment of HNC and to determine associations with QOL.
Methods
A questionnaire‐based survey of 172 patients pre‐ and post‐treatment for HNC.
Results
A total of 62.2% of patients met current UK PA guidelines pre‐treatment, reducing to 40.1% following treatment. There was a significant decrease in Metabolic equivalent task minutes/week post‐treatment, with 71% of participants reporting less PA after diagnosis (P < 0.001). Swimming and cycling remained the two most practiced sports. There was a positive correlation between the post‐treatment PA and QOL (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
These data suggest that PA may improve QOL following treatment for HNC. We believe that further studies are warranted.
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