Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different images in gross target volume delineating on VX2 nasopharyngeal transplantation tumor models

Background: To determine the optimum conditions for diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, we established VX2 rabbit model to delineate gross target volume (GTV) in different imaging methods. Methods: The orthotopic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was established in sixteen New Zealand rabbits. After 7-days inoculation, the rabbits were examined by CT scanning and then sacrificed for pathological examination. To achieve the best delineation, different GTVs of CT, MRI, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and 18F-FLT PET/CT images were correlated with pathological GTV (GTVp). Results: We found 45% and 60% of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) as the optimal SUV threshold for the target volume of NPC in 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-FLT PET/CT images, respectively (GTVFDG45% and GTVFLT60%). Moreover, the GTVMRI and GTVCT were significantly higher than the GTVp (P ≤ 0.05), while the GTVFDG45% and especially GTVFLT60% were similar to the GTVp (R = 0.892 and R = 0.902, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Notably, the results suggested that 18F-FLT PET/CT could reflect the tumor boundaries more accurately than 18F-FDG PET/CT, MRI and CT, which makes 18F-FLT PET-CT more advantageous for the clinical delineation of the target volume in NPC.
The assessment of functional fitness and risk of falls in people aged 70 and older

Introduction. One of the key elements of successful aging is to maintain autonomy and independence in daily activities and performance. Aim. The aim of this dissertation is to evaluate the functional capacity of elders. Due to the growing proportion of elderly people in the society, the next objective of the research was to assess the risk of falls in people over 70 years of age. Material and methods. The study included 72 people with an average age of 78.74 years +/- 6.50 years, including 44 women and 28 men. The inclusion criteria for the study group was completing 70 years of age and the result above 23 points obtained in the MMSE test (The Mini Mental State Examination). To evaluate balance, a few tests such as Berg Balance Scale, “get up and go” test, Tinetti Test, and Senior Fitness Test were used. In addition, I used Barthel scale to assess functional capacity. The assessment of the balance was based on the Tinetti test and Berg scale. These tests also assess the seniors’ exposure on downs. Results. The results reflect the occurrence of deficits during gait and in the process to maintain balance. For 72 subjects in the test Tinetti only 17 participants showed minor threat of falling, and in 24, risk was five times higher than in others. Test ‘get up and go’, showed that the increased risk of falls in the study group concerns 28 people, while a high risk of 20 respondents. Conclusions . The dependence between the risk of falls and reduced functional efficiency points to the need of implementing exercises in geriatric care that could improve the efficiency and the body balance.
A case of familial hypercholesterolemia caused by homozygous deletion in the LDLR gene diagnosed by targeted next-generation sequencing

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is associated with severely elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels that lead to premature onset coronary artery disease (CAD) and is responsible for 2-3% of the cases of myocardial infarction in individuals aged <60 years[1]. In the majority (75-95%) of cases, FH is caused by a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genes with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with an incidence of 1 in 250 individuals [1,2]. In rare cases, biallelic pathogenic variants (homozygous or compound heterozygous) in the LDLR, APOB, PCSK9, or low-density lipoprotein receptor adaptor protein 1 (LDLRAP1) genes have been reported, with an estimated incidence varying from 1 in 1 million in the Lebanese population to 1 in 275,000 in the French Canadian population, resulting in homozygous FH (HoFH) [1,3]. In the untreated state, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) events have been reported in children younger than 6 years with a mean age of death at 18–20 years[3]. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are necessary to prevent complications. We present a case of a young girl with HoFH caused by a homozygous deletion in the LDLR gene.
Thyroidectomy at El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan

Background: Enlargement of the thyroid gland is an endemic health problem in Western Sudan and thyroidectomy is often performed in hospitals with different surgical approach for various reasons. Objectives: To study the indications, types, complications and outcome of thyroidectomy at El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study. The medical records of patients who underwent thyroidectomy during 2000 to 2007 at the University Surgical Unit, in El Obeid Teaching Hospital were reviewed. The data were analyzed for gender, age, clinical diagnosis, indications, type of operations performed and treatment outcomes. Results: There were 216 females and 30 males. 74.8% were between 21 and 50 years old. 60.2% of the operations were for endemic multinodular goitre mainly for pressure symptoms or signs, 14.6% for solitary thyroid nodules, 13% for simple diffused goitre, 6.5% for toxic goitre, and 5.7% for cancer. Near-total thyroidectomy was performed in 75.6% of cases, total thyroidectomy in 11.4%, unilateral lobectomy plus isthmus in 11% and nodulectomy in 2%. 36 patients needed blood transfusion, drains were inserted in all patients and 3 patients had tracheotomies. The mortality rate was 2%. Conclusion: Thyroidectomy was a common operation at El Obeid Hospital. Near-total thyroidectomy was performed for benign goitre, whereas total thyroidectomy was done for cancer. Both procedures were effective and relatively safe within the current hospital setup. A more effective method for long term follow up is needed. More surgical training and provision of intensive postoperative care facilities must precede adoption of more radical approach for benign lesions as recommended elsewhere. *Corresponding author: The University Surgical Department, El Obeid Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Kordofan, e.mail: elbushradoumi@hotmail.com.
Evaluation of auditory efferent system function in children with autism

زمینه و هدف: مطالعات مختلف نشان داده اند که سیستم وابران شنیداری در توجه انتخابی نقش دارد و از این رو بررسی این سیستم در کودکان اوتیسمی بسیار ارزشمند است. هدف از این مطالعه بررسی مسیر وابران شنوایی در کودکان مبتلا به اوتیسم در مقایسه با کودکان با رشد هنجار بوده است. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه توصیفی-تحلیلی تعداد 34 کودک 11-5 ساله در قالب دو گروه هنجار (17 نفر) و مبتلا به اوتیسم (17 نفر) مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. کلیه کودکان در آزمون های ادیومتری تون خالص (Pure-tone audionetry)، ادیومتری گفتاری (Speech audiometery)، تمپانومتری (Tympanometry) و گسیل های صوتی گوشی گذرا (otoacoustic emissions=TEOAE-evoked Transient)دارای نتایج طبیعی بودند. عملکرد سیستم وابران از طریق ثبت پاسخ های TEOAE در دو حالت ارائه نویز دگر طرفی و بدون ارائه نویز بررسی گردید. جهت آنالیز نتایج از از نرم افزار آماری SPSS و آزمون های تی مستقل و تی زوجی استفاده شد. یافته ها: نتایج این پژوهش نشان داد که تفاوت قابل ملاحظه ای بین میانگین میزان مهار در دو گروه وجود دارد (001/0=P). میانگین دامنه TEOAE در حالت بدون نویز دگر طرفی در گروه هنجار (09/4 ± 63/17) و در گروه اوتیسم (78/3 ± 40/17) به دست آمد که از لحاظ آماری نشان دهنده تفاوت معنی داری نبود (83/0=P). نتیجه گیری: یافته های کسب شده در مطالعه حاضر نشان دهنده کاهش فعالیت سیستم وابران شنوایی در کودکان مبتلا به اوتیسم نسبت به کودکان با رشد هنجار بود. با توجه به اینکه آزمون مورد استفاده در این مطالعه، مهار گسیل های صوتی گوشی گذرا (TEOAE suppression) است، می توان نتیجه گرفت این آزمون ابزار بالینی حساس، غیر تهاجمی، عینی و مناسب برای بررسی عملکرد سیستم وابران در کودکان مبتلا به اوتیسم است.
Occupational exposures and risk of kidney and renal pelvis cancer in the Nordic countries

Objectives: To determine whether occupational exposure to heavy metals (chromium (VI), iron, nickel, lead) and welding fumes is associated with the risk of kidney cancer and to describe whether other occupational exposures included in the Job Exposure Matrix of the Nordic Occupational Cancer (NOCCA) study are associated with the risk. Materials and methods: Nested case-control study among individuals registered in population censuses in Finland, Iceland, and Sweden in 1960–1990. A total of 59,778 kidney cancer cases, and 298,890 controls matched on sex, age, and country. Cumulative occupational exposures to metals (chromium (VI), iron, nickel, lead), welding fumes, and 24 other occupational exposure covariates, lagged 0, 10, and 20 years. Results: Overall, there was no or very little association between kidney cancer and exposures studied. The risk was elevated in individuals with high exposure to asbestos (OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.08–1.31). The risk was significantly decreased for individuals characterized with high perceived physical workload (OR 0.86, 95%CI 0.82–0.91), high exposure to ultraviolet radiation (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.79–0.92), and high exposure to wood dust (OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.71–0.94). The risk of kidney cancer under the age of 59 was elevated in individuals with high exposure to nickel (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.03–2.17). The risk of kidney cancer in age 59–74 years was elevated for individuals with high exposure to iron (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.07–1.85), and high exposure to welding fumes (OR 1.43, 95%CI 1.09–1.89). Conclusions: The only markedly elevated risks of kidney cancer were seen for the highest exposures of nickel and iron/welding fumes in specific age strata.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Labour in Cases Following Previous Caesarean Section

This prospective study was conducted in C.P.R. Hospital, Kolhapur. Considering the previous records regarding the proportion of Caesarean Section to normal delivery, 200 patients were included in present study from June 2006 to November 2006. Out of these 58 % cases were booked & 42 % were un-booked. The total incidence of vaginal delivery was 47 % of which 43 % delivered spontaneously & 4 % were assisted deliveries. 53 % required repeat caesarean section of which 80 cases underwent emergency C.S. & 25 cases underwent elective C.S. One case was diagnosed as rupture uterus in which subtotal hysterectomy was done. After studying 200 cases, we concluded that vaginal delivery is much safer than caesarean section as there are fewer complications with less maternal morbidity & mortality. To reduce overall caesarean section rates & prevent repeat caesarean section, vaginal delivery should be anticipated in favourable cases.
The Applicability of Thigh-Worn vs. Hip-Worn ActiGraph Accelerometers During Walking and Running

Accelerometers are widely used to measure physical activity, but limitations in the ability to differentiate between running intensities have been reported. This problem may relate to accelerometer placement. In this study, we compare the validity of accelerometers placed on the hip and the thigh for the measurement of walking and running speed under laboratory and field conditions. Young healthy men and women wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers on the hip and on the thigh while performing walking and running activities in laboratory (n = 31) and field conditions (n = 17). Vector magnitude counts per minute (VM cpm) were correlated with speed of locomotion and, during laboratory trials, with oxygen consumption (VO2, ml·min−1·kg−1). Both hip- and thigh-placed VM cpm showed strong correlations with walking speed ranging from 3 to 7 km·h−1 (r = 0.93 and r = 0.95, respectively) and VO2 (r = 0.85 and r = 0.91, respectively). Compared with the hip-placed VM cpm, thigh-placed VM cpm showed significantly stronger correlations with running speed ranging from 7 to 20 km·h−1 (r = 0.29 and r = 0.89, respectively) and the corresponding VO2 (r = 0.25 and r = 0.87, respectively). Regardless of accelerometer placement, VM cpm were similar between laboratory and field tests performed at comparable walking and running speeds. These results show that accelerometers placed on the thigh, but not on the hip, provide proportional output across a wide range of walking and running speeds. Thus, thigh-placed accelerometers are able to differentiate between running intensities in both laboratory and field conditions.
The meaning of significant others’ encounter with the ambulance clinicians in a non-emergency care context

The ambulance service is often summoned by a significant other. Therefore the ambulance clinician is expected to establish a trusting relationship with her/him and not focus solely on the patient. The aim of this study was to illuminate the meaning of significant others’ encounter with ambulance clinicians in a non-emergency ambulance care context, where patients were triaged to a level of care below that of the Accident and Emergency Department. The design was inductive. We used the phenomenological hermeneutic method developed by Lindseth and Norberg. Eleven significant others were interviewed using an open-ended method. A structural analysis resulted in a total of seven themes, covering the meaning of being de-burdened or the absence of de-burdening. When de-burdened, the significant other was empowered, irrespective of the outcome of the medical assessment and triage process. In the absence of de-burdening, the significant other felt inferior, petty, de-powered and not taken seriously by the ambulance clinicians. The majority of ambulance assignments are considered non-emergency care. The ambulance clinicians are the first to encounter significant others in these situations and therefore have a huge obligation to understand and handle their basic needs.
Cannabinoid receptor antagonists: pharmacological opportunities, clinical experience, and translational prognosis

The endogenous cannabinoid (CB) (endocannabinoid) signaling system is involved in a variety of (patho)physiological processes, primarily by virtue of natural, arachidonic acid-derived lipids (endocannabinoids) that activate G protein-coupled CB1 and CB2 receptors. A hyperactive endocannabinoid system appears to contribute to the etiology of several disease states that constitute significant global threats to human health. Consequently, mounting interest surrounds the design and profiling of receptor-targeted CB antagonists as pharmacotherapeutics that attenuate endocannabinoid transmission for salutary gain. Experimental and clinical evidence supports the therapeutic potential of CB1 receptor antagonists to treat overweight/obesity, obesity-related cardiometabolic disorders, and substance abuse. Laboratory data suggest that CB2 receptor antagonists might be effective immunomodulatory and, perhaps, anti-inflammatory drugs. One CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, rimon-abant, has emerged as the first-in-class drug approved outside the United States for weight control. Select follow-on agents (taranabant, otenabant, surinabant, rosonabant, SLV-319, AVE1625, V24343) have also been studied in the clinic. However, rimonabant's market withdrawal in the European Union and suspension of rimonabant's, taranabant's, and otenabant's ongoing development programs have highlighted some adverse clinical side effects (especially nausea and psychiatric disturbances) of CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists. Novel CB1 receptor ligands that are peripherally directed and/or exhibit neutral antagonism (the latter not affecting constitutive CB1 receptor signaling) may optimize the benefits of CB1 receptor antagonists while minimizing any risk. Indeed, CB1 receptor-neutral antagonists appear from preclinical data to offer efficacy comparable to or better than that of prototype CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists, with less propensity to induce nausea. Continued pharmacological profiling, as the prelude to first-in-man testing of CB1 receptor antagonists with unique modes of targeting/pharmacological action, represents an exciting translational frontier in the critical path to CB receptor blockers as medicines.
Access to Internet and Using for Health Information in Women's That Referred to Health Centers of Universities in Tehran City"

Introduction: Internet a useful source for health information and it can be changed through the management and control of diseases. the aim of this study was to determine women's access to the Internet and Using the Internet for health information and correlation with demographic factor in women's whom will be visited in medical center of universities in Tehran city (Shahid Beheshti, Tehran). Material and method: this study was cross- sectional, for this study 450 women were enrolled by continuous sampling. Results: The findings indicate that 46/2 percent of the samples were had computer at home and 38 /2 percent had access to the Internet, While 44/4 percent of women and 38/9 percent of her husband's had knowledge about internet. 33/1% of all respondents (respondents with Internet access) had used the Internet to search for health information. 16/7% of them had search for reason that referred to health center. 5/1 percent of the respondents who did have Internet access never searched for health information. result of X 2 - test showed that there was difference between access to the Internet and age, education level, employment status, income level (p=0/00). conclusion: Considering that one-third of our patients without proper guidance, search for health information and the information found by a patient could become harmful rather than helpful, they should be directed towards reliable sites and easily accessible. Many organizations and companies now have their own web site, Provided more control in sites and informed client to consult about Information that obtained from the Internet with caregivers and other health provider. Recommended that have been designed sites for each health center with good quality and information will be available in sites for solving problem of patients and easily access for health information.
Muscle-skeletal symptoms in informal recyclers of Cartagena de Indias (Colombia)

In this study, the musculoskeletal symptoms were determined in the informal recyclers of Cartagena de indias, during the year 2017. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study, the population studied was one hundred and fifteen informal recyclers of any age and gender, for the data collection for each of the individuals, with prior and informed consent of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Results 51.5% (n = 59) were men and 48.5% (n = 56) women, the anatomical region with the most symptoms was the lumbar region 66%, neck 61% and upper back 59%, and it was the ailments that had the greatest Interference with work: household chores, was also the illness that lasted longer in the last 12 months and which is still present in several respondents. There was no difference in the symptomatology with respect to the age range or sex. The perception of musculoskeletal symptoms in the informal recyclers of the city of Cartagena was predominantly in the lower back, neck and upper back, and were the ailments that had the greatest interference with work and home.
Interventions reducing sedentary behaviour of adults: An update of evidence

Objectives: This review updates evidence of previous reviews on interventions that target reducing sedentary behaviour among 18- to 69-year-old working aged adults. Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Informit, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science and ProQuest. Quality was assessed for individual articles using McMaster University Guidelines. Descriptive analysis was used to summarise findings across studies. Results: Fifteen studies were identified with critical appraisal scores ranging from 10 to 14 (of a possible 15), with a mean score of 11.7 indicating overall moderate quality. The majority of interventions were implemented in the workplace. Others were based in the neighbourhood and education institution settings. Just over half of the studies (n = 9) reported a significant decrease in sedentary behaviour, including in total sedentary behaviour and sitting time, work sitting time and leisure sitting time. Overall sitting time decreases ranged from 8 to 122 minutes per day across all settings. Conclusion: There is some emerging evidence that sedentary behaviour interventions have the potential to reduce sedentary behaviour of working aged adults. However, given the paucity of literature, the effectiveness of such interventions is currently inconclusive. Further high-quality research across different settings is needed using validated standardised measures of sedentary behaviour.
Cellular origin and microRNA profiles of circulating extracellular vesicles in different stages of diabetic nephropathy

Abstract Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes and the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small cell-derived vesicles that can alter disease progression by microRNA (miRNA) transfer. Methods In this study, we aimed to characterize the cellular origin and miRNA content of EVs in plasma samples of type 2 diabetes patients at various stages of DN. Type 2 diabetes patients were classified in three groups: normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria. The concentration and cellular origin of plasma EVs were measured by flow cytometry. A total of 752 EV miRNAs were profiled in 18 subjects and differentially expressed miRNAs were validated. Results Diabetic patients with microalbuminuria and/or macroalbuminuria showed elevated concentrations of total EVs and EVs from endothelial cells, platelets, leucocytes and erythrocytes compared with diabetic controls. miR-99a-5p was upregulated in macroalbuminuric patients compared with normoalbuminuric and microalbuminuric patients. Transfection of miR-99a-5p in cultured human podocytes downregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein expression and downregulated the podocyte injury marker vimentin. Conclusions Type 2 diabetes patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria display differential EV profiles. miR-99a-5p expression is elevated in EVs from macroalbuminuria and mTOR is its validated mRNA target.
EVALUATION OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY IN RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS

Statement of problem: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common ulcerative lesions of the oral cavity, but up to now no cure has been recognized for it. In some studies low level lasers had good efficacy in reducing pain intensity and healing time in recurrent aphthous stomatitis but in some other studies the results were controversial. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of LLLT in treatment of RAS as compared with the placebo effect. Materials and Methods: In this double blind clinical trial, 24 patients with minor RAS who didn't use any drugs for it or didn't have any other related systemic disease to RAS were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups of 12 cases and 12 controls. In the case group, laser was irradiated but for the control group, the procedure was similar but laser wasn't irradiated to lesions. In this research, diode laser (660 nm, 3 J/cm 2 , continuous) was applied. The pain intensity (VAS), the time of pain relief and healing time were evaluated. The data were analyzed by T-test, pair-T-test and covariance. Results: This study showed that healing time was 5±1.41 days in the laser group and 8.25±0.96 days in the placebo group. Difference between the two groups was significant statistically ( p <0.001). According to covariance analysis, the pain difference at the end between the two groups by considering the pain difference before treatment was significant ( p =0.009). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, low level laser can decrease the healing time, pain intensity and the time of pain relief in patients with aphtae. Key words: Aphthous stomatitis, low level laser therapy, healing, pain