Mean Decrease Research Articles

Scar Decompression in Managing Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Is it Needed?

Mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and irradiation for breast cancer commonly result in perivascular and axillary scarring. This scarring is thought to cause functional venous stenosis that leads to downstream venous hypertension in the affected extremity. Standard surgical practice is to decompress perivascular scarring at the time of physiologic lymphedema surgery in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). However, it is unknown whether this scar release influences surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of functional venous stenosis in patients with BCRL and determine whether scar decompression is a necessary step in physiologic lymphedema surgery. The authors conducted a retrospective review of 64 patients with unilateral BCRL that presented to our lymphedema center between January 2020 and October 2022. Radiologist reports of venous duplex ultrasound for the bilateral upper extremities identified any disturbances in venous flow or indications of venous stenosis. Of the 64 patients with BCRL, 78% (n = 50) had prior axillary lymph node dissection. Forty-seven (73%) patients completed ultrasound imaging, of which, one patient (2%) had venous stenosis in the affected lymphedematous extremity identified on duplex ultrasound that may have suggested functional scarring. Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) without scar decompression was performed in six patients (9%). Average preoperative Lymphedema Life Impact Scale and Lymphedema Index scores were 35 and 19 units, with a mean decrease of 23 (67%) and 6 (30%) units postoperatively. Most patients with BCRL did not have identifiable functional venous stenosis on duplex ultrasound, apart from one patient with suspected postthrombotic changes. All six patients that received VLNT without scar decompression had a successful outcome with decreased measures of lymphedema postoperatively. Scar decompression may therefore be unnecessary in physiologic lymphedema surgery, reducing operative times and avoiding risk of injury to neurovascular structures of the axilla.

Clinical Effects and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Intramuscular Dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg) in Cats.

This study investigated the pharmacokinetic profile of and pharmacodynamic response to dexmedetomidine administered intramuscularly (IM) at a dose of 10 μg/kg in healthy cats. Nine adult cats were evaluated before and after administration of the drug, with serial collections of plasma samples. Dexmedetomidine induced deep sedation, with a rapid onset of action and a duration of one hour, reaching a peak between 20 and 30 min after administration. The half-life (T½) was 70.2 ± 48 min, with a maximum concentration (Cmax) of 2.2 ± 1.9 ng/mL and time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax) of 26.4 ± 19.8 min. The area under the curve (AUC) was 167.1 ± 149.1 ng/mL*min, with a volume of distribution (Vd) of 2159.9 ± 3237.8 mL/kg and clearance (Cl) of 25.8 ± 33.0 mL/min/kg. There was a reduction in heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) in relation to the baseline, with a slight decrease in systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean (MAP) blood pressure in the first hour. Blood glucose increased after 60 min. Dexmedetomidine proved to be effective and safe, with rapid absorption, metabolization, and elimination, promoting good sedation with minimal adverse effects after IM administration in healthy cats.

Analysis of team success based on technical match-play performance in the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) competition

ABSTRACT An understanding of the effect contextual data may have on key match-play technical performance indicators in the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) competition is warranted due to its rapid evolution. To address this, predictive models were fit to determine which technical match-play data, including new contextual information, more accurately predict AFLW match outcomes (win/loss, margin), and what are the most important contexts and technical predictors of team performance? Thirteen random forest models were fit, each with greater data contextual interaction including relative to opposition and harder-to-attain match-play variables, field location, and individual player contributions. Models were assessed by prediction performance on match outcome in a holdout sample and variable importance through Mean Decrease in Gini Index. Effective kicks and entries into attacking locations were important in models. Territory gained, contexts of relative performance to the opposition, and locational information around actions improved prediction. This methodology represents the most in-depth analysis of women’s Australian football technical match-play performance to date. Commentary presented surrounded issues of using aggregated datasets, prediction with match-play success as a dependent variable, and that detailed, process-oriented approaches are needed in future to avoid large assumptions.

Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery in an Inner-City Minority Population: A Pre and Postoperative Comparison Between Patients With and Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background Obese patients are at an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery is an important therapeutic measure in obese patients for the management of weight and comorbidities. Data are scarce in inner-city Hispanic and Black patients who undergo bariatric surgery, which eventually leads to health disparity in this minority population. Differences between patients with and without OSA have not been assessed in this population. This study aims to answer these questions. Methodology The study was conducted in a high-volume hospital in the Bronx, New York. Before bariatric surgery, patients underwent a preoperative evaluation that included a variety of blood tests, a sleep study, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and echocardiography. They also underwent basic anthropometric measurements, such as weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), before surgery and 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. Additional calculations were made using these anthropometric measures, namely, total weight loss, excess weight loss, and delta BMI. Results Most patients were Hispanic (85.2%), with a mean age of 41.9 ± 10.8 years. We found that of the 108 patients included in the study, 69.4% (70/108) had OSA.Preoperative BMI in the study was 43.9 ± 13 kg/m2. Postoperatively, the mean decrease in BMI was 12.3 ± 14.5 kg/m2. Total weight loss and excess weight loss were 30.2 ± 14.3 and 52.6 ± 16.6, respectively. Conclusions In this study, no significant difference was noted in patients with or without OSA in either the laboratory or anthropometric parameters.

The Impact of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-Induced Skin Toxicity on Patients Quality of Life and the Role of Dermatologic Intervention.

Data regarding quality of life (QoL) of oncologic patients experiencing dermatologic immune-related adverse events (dirAEs) and their course after dermatologic intervention are scarce. To assess the impact of dirAEs on patients QoL and to investigate the correlation between dermatologic and oncologic indexes used for estimating QoL. We enrolled oncologic patients with dirAEs managed in two supportive onco-dermatology outpatient clinics in Greece. Patient-reported outcomes included DLQI, EORTC-QLQ-C30 and Numerical Rating Scale for pruritus (pNRS). Overall, 110 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean (standard deviation) DLQI and pNRS scores were 15.54 (5.44) and 7.25 (2.95), correspondingly, while functional, symptom and summary scores of EORTC-C30 were 79.17 (2.11), 17.66 (3.60) and 80.67 (3.08), respectively. After therapeutic interventions, there was a statistically significant decrease in DLQI scores after first intervention compared to baseline, and second intervention compared to first (mean decrease 4.38 (2.91), P < 0.001 and 5.16 (3.99), P < 0.001, respectively). DLQI showed no correlation with global health status/QoLs (rho 0.01, P = 0.90) of EORTC-C30. DirAEs negatively affect QoL. Dermatologic intervention improves patients QoL, facilitating an unimpaired oncologic treatment. Poor correlation between DLQI and EORTC-QLQ-30 highlights the need for adapted QoL measurement tools in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment.

The effects of physical activity on adolescents' depression: evidence from China.

Depression is becoming a common threat to the mental health of Chinese adolescents. As an intermediate stage between being healthy and having depression, identifying factors influencing depressive may contribute to providing more options for the prevention and treatment of depression. The study aims to explore the effects of physical activity on adolescent depression, focusing on the times and hours of activity per week. The study used a cross-sectional dataset collected in Ruyang County, Henan Province in September 2022, including a sample of 5,629 adolescents in 31 compulsory public schools in the county. We utilized Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) to analyze the impact of physical activity on adolescents' depression scores, and probit model to analyze the influence of physical activity on adolescents' depression. To examine whether there is a U-shaped relationship between physical activity and depression, we included the squared terms of times and hours of activity in models. The results showed that: (1) The times of physical activity significantly reduces Chinese adolescent depression. An increase in physical activity by one time per week is associated with a mean decrease of 0.354 points in depression scores (p < 0.01). However, an increase of one time of physical activity per week is associated with an average 1% increase in the likelihood of experiencing depression(p < 0.05), while the hours of physical activity was statistically insignificant. (2) Physical activity has a U-shaped (not linear) relationship with adolescent depression, with 7-8 times per week or 7-9 h of physical activity per week being the optimal range. The study found that increasing the frequency of physical activity positively impacts adolescent depression, while increasing the hours does not show a significant association. Furthermore, a U-shaped relationship exists between times of activity, hours of activity, and adolescent depression, suggesting that moderate activity is optimal.

Impact of Idiopathic Scoliosis on the Cardiopulmonary Capacity of Adolescents.

Chest deformities in children with scoliosis may result in cardiopulmonary disorders, lowering cardiopulmonary capacity levels. However, results regarding the dependence of cardiopulmonary capacity on the severity level of scoliosis remain controversial. We aimed to use dynamic cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to investigate exercise capacity in reference to spinal deformity in patients with mild or moderate idiopathic scoliosis by means of multivariate analyses. Methods: We included 92 children and adolescents aged 10-17 years with mild and moderate idiopathic scoliosis and 94 healthy peers. The study consisted of three parts: (1) medical record analyses; (2) anthropometric measurements; and (3) CPET. Results: Our results revealed that the mean VO2peak and VO2peak/kg values of the participants with scoliosis were 0.27 L/min and 0.37 mL/min/kg lower than their healthy peers, respectively, regardless of age and gender. Furthermore, the occurrence of scoliosis correlates with a mean decrease in minute ventilation volume by 10.10 L/min, tidal volume by 0.11 L, breathing frequency by 3.78 bpm, and breathing reserve by 14.34%, regardless of the age and gender of the participants. Children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate scoliosis during CPET exhibit a lower ventilation capacity and lower VO2 max than healthy adolescents matched in age but their cardiorespiratory fitness parameters do not depend on the Cobb angle value and the angle rotation of the primary spinal curvature. Conclusions: Physical therapy and activity should be recommended to prevent cardiorespiratory failure in later life in patients with scoliosis. This study may also provide CPET reference values for healthy children and adolescents with scoliosis.

Evaluation of daily eating patterns on overall diet quality using decision tree analyses

BackgroundPreliminary evidence suggests that meal timing is associated with higher quality diets. Less is known about whether types of food consumed during specific eating episodes (i.e., day-level eating patterns) predict diet quality. ObjectivesWe investigated the association between day-level eating patterns and diet quality. MethodsDecision tree models were built using 24-h dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015 and 2017 cycles in a cross-sectional study. Sixteen food groups and 12 eating episodes (e.g., breakfast, lunch) were included as input parameters. Diet quality was scored using the Healthy Eating Index-2020 and categorized as higher or lower quality diets based on the median score. Mean decrease in impurity (MDI) ± standard deviation determined the relative contribution that day-level eating patterns had on diet quality; higher values represented greater contributions. ResultsWe analyzed 12,597 dietary recalls from 9347 United States adults who were aged 18 y and older with ≥1 complete recall. Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and respective snacking episodes had the greatest variety of dietary groups that contributed to the Healthy Eating Index-2020 score. Any whole-grain intake at breakfast predicted a higher quality diet (MDI = 0.08 ± 0.00), followed by lower solid fat intake (<8.94 g; MDI = 0.07 ± 0.00) and any plant protein intake at dinner (MDI = 0.05 ± 0.00). ConclusionsDay-level eating patterns were associated with diet quality, emphasizing the relevance of both food type and timing in relation to a high-quality diet. Future interventions should investigate the potential impact of targeting food type and timing to improve diet quality.

Managing Glycemic Control in Pregnancy: Comparing Antidiuretic Medications and Insulin Regimens"

Background: The disease known as gestational diabetes mellitus, or GDM, was first identified as a result of reduced glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Glycemic management must be maintained to prevent negative effects for both the mother and the foetus. We evaluate the efficacy of insulin and anti-diabetic regimens in the treatment of GDM in this research. Objectives: to assess the effectiveness of insulin regimens and anti-diabetic medications in controlling blood sugar levels during pregnancy in relation to the family objectives of the patient, such as a healthy baby, and to provide medical professionals with information on the best ways to treat gestational diabetes mellitus. Study design: A cross sectional study. Place and duration of study. Department of endocrinology hmc peshwar from 10-Feb 2022 to july Feb-2022 Methods:The study used a cross-sectional methodology. To locate relevant randomised controlled trials comparing different insulin regimens and antidiabetic drugs in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a thorough search was carried out across major electronic databases. Included were studies that reported on glycemic control outcomes, such as HbA1c levels, fasting blood glucose levels, and the incidence of unfavourable outcomes for either the mother or the foetus. Both the quality evaluation and data extraction were carried out separately by two reviewers. To analyse the effectiveness of various therapies while taking both direct and indirect evidence into account, a network meta-analysis was carried out. Sensitivity analysis were carried out to evaluate how solid the results were. Based on variables such maternal health condition and gestational age, subgroup analyses were carried out. The objective of the synthesised data was to enhance the outcomes for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by offering insights into the relative effectiveness of insulin regimens and antidiabetic drugs in glycemic management during pregnancy. Results:There were 100 participants in the research, with an average age of 28. The biggest impact on HbA1c levels was from insulin treatment (mean decrease = -1.5%), which was followed by oral hypoglycemic medications (mean reduction = -1.2%) and modifying one's lifestyle (mean reduction = -0.8%). The trends in fasting blood glucose levels were comparable. The results for mothers and foetuses, including birth weight and Apgar ratings, did not vary statistically across the treatment groups, suggesting that glycemic management is essential irrespective of the therapeutic approach. Conclusion: Our study emphasises the value of individualised methods to treating GDM, with a focus on the effectiveness of oral hypoglycemic medications, insulin therapy, and lifestyle changes in achieving glycemic control. Further investigation into the long-term impacts on maternal and foetal outcomes is necessary to enhance clinical practice. Keywords: gestational diabetes, glycemic control, antidiabetic medications, insulin therapy

Prognosis Prediction in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Radiomics and Clinical Information.

(1) Background: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer whose prognosis is affected by its heterogeneous nature. We aim to predict 5-year overall survival in HNSCC radiotherapy (RT) patients by integrating radiomic and clinical information in machine-learning models; (2) Methods: HNSCC radiotherapy planning computed tomography (CT) images with RT structures were obtained from The Cancer Imaging Archive. Radiomic features and clinical data were independently analyzed by five machine-learning algorithms. The results were enhanced through a voted ensembled approach. Subsequently, a probability-weighted enhanced model (PWEM) was generated by incorporating both models; (3) Results: a total of 299 cases were included in the analysis. By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, PWEM achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86, which outperformed both radiomic and clinical factor models. Mean decrease accuracy, mean decrease Gini, and a chi-square test identified T stage, age, and disease site as the most important clinical factors in prognosis prediction; (4) Conclusions: our radiomic-clinical combined model revealed superior performance when compared to radiomic and clinical factor models alone. Further prospective research with a larger sample size is warranted to implement the model for clinical use.

Highly accurate heat release rate marker detection in NH3–CH4 cofiring through machine learning and domain knowledge-based selection integration

Ammonia emerges as a promising substitute for traditional fuels, offering a potential reduction in fossil fuel consumption and the associated emissions. Given its weak reactivity, an effective strategy to harness the potential of ammonia involves cofiring it with methane, to establish a self-sustaining combustion process. The understanding of heat release rate (HRR) in the cofiring process of ammonia and methane is crucial for burner design. This study introduces novel HRR indicators through a machine learning-based approach, focusing on species significantly contributing to HRR. Kinetic analysis is carried out utilizing a one-dimensional freely propagating flame model, applying a mechanism including 59 species and 356 reactions. Domain knowledge-based feature selection narrows down the search space, enhancing computational efficiency during HRR indicator identification. A random forest model is then employed to identify radical/radical combinations and their respective reaction orders, representing HRR optimally based on mean decrease impurity. The proposed HRR markers are [CH4]0·76[OH]1.08, [HCO]0·65[NO]0.24, [CH3]0.65[O]0.63, [NH2][O]0.59, and [NH3]0·93[OH]0.96. The root mean square error for each marker was extracted and compared with literature data, demonstrating higher reliability of the proposed indicators over those previously suggested. Additionally, the paper concludes with a discussion of the feasibility of measuring these markers from an experimental perspective.

Evaluating the safety of bipolar nephrostomy tract cauterization “BNTC” towards a safe tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomized controlled trial

To assess the safety and effectiveness of tubed versus tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) after tract inspection and bipolar cauterization of the significant bleeders. Patients who were scheduled for PCNL were screened for enrollment in this prospective randomized controlled trial. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups; Group 1 received tubeless PCNL with endoscopic inspection of the access tract using bipolar cauterization of the significant bleeders only, while Group 2 had a nephrostomy tube was inserted without tract inspection. We excluded patients with multiple tracts, stone clearance failure, and significant collecting system perforation. We recorded blood loss, hemoglobin drop after 6 h, postoperative analgesia requirements, hospital stay, and the need for angioembolization. A total of 110 patients completed the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in in terms of demographic characteristics. Likewise, there was no significant difference in the mean decrease in hemoglobin after 6 h and the frequency of blood transfusion. However, the incidence of hematuria within the first 6 h (p = 0.008), postoperative pain scale (p = 0.0001), the rate of analgesia requirement (p = 0.0001) and prolonged hospital stay (p = 0.0001) were significantly higher in Group 2. Only 9 cases of tract screened patients (16% of group 1) required cauterization. Tubeless PCNL with tract inspection and cauterization of bleeders can provide a safer tubeless PCNL with less postoperative pain, analgesia requirement, and same-day discharge.

A randomized controlled pilot study of daily intravenous ketamine over three days for treatment-resistant depression

BackgroundStudies have confirmed the rapid antidepressant action of ketamine in depressive episodes. Nevertheless, a standardized procedure for the delivery of ketamine infusion in individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression, particularly in terms of infusion frequency and total dosage, remains undetermined. In addition, an efficacious ketamine regimen for persistent pain management involved a continuous 10-day infusion period with no notable adverse effects. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant capacity of consecutive ketamine infusions spanning over three successive days, the duration of therapeutic response, and the overall safety profile of the treatment.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, participants aged 18–64 with treatment-resistant depression were randomized to receive either intravenous ketamine or midazolam (used as an active placebo) for 40 min daily over three consecutive days. Statistical analysis using repeated measures ANOVA was employed to assess the changes in the total score of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the clinical global impression-Severity from the initial assessment to 10 and 31 days post-infusion. Additionally, the duration of response and remission was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.ResultsOut of 33 randomized participants, 20 underwent the treatment as planned. By day 10th, the ketamine group had a mean reduction in MADRS score of 12.55 (95% CI = 6.70–18.09), whereas the midazolam group had a decrease of 17.22 (95% CI = 11.09–23.36). This pattern continued to day 31, with ketamine showing a mean score decrease of 13.73 (95% CI = 7.54–19.91) and midazolam a fall of 12.44 (95% CI = 5.61–19.28). Both treatments were well tolerated, with dissociative symptoms in the ketamine group being temporary and ceasing by the end of each infusion.ConclusionIntravenous ketamine given for three consecutive days did not show a notable antidepressant advantage when compared to the active placebo midazolam, highlighting the need for further research into effective treatments schedules for treatment-resistant depression.Trial registrationNCT05026203, ClinicalTrials.gov, registered on 24/08/2021.

Detection of Cliff Top Erosion Drivers through Machine Learning Algorithms between Portonovo and Trave Cliffs (Ancona, Italy)

Rocky coastlines are characterised by steep cliffs, which frequently experience a variety of natural processes that often exhibit intricate interdependencies, such as rainfall, ice and water run-off, and marine actions. The advent of high temporal and spatial resolution data, that can be acquired through remote sensing and geomatics techniques, has facilitated the safe exploration of otherwise inaccessible areas. The datasets that can be gathered from these techniques, typically combined with data from fieldwork, can subsequently undergo analyses employing/applying machine learning algorithms and/or numerical modeling, in order to identify/discern the predominant influencing factors affecting cliff top erosion. This study focuses on a specific case situated at the Conero promontory of the Adriatic Sea in the Marche region. The research methodology entails several steps. Initially, the morphological, geological and geomechanical characteristics of the areas were determined through unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and conventional geological/geomechanical surveys. Subsequently, cliff top retreat was determined within a GIS environment by comparing orthophotos taken in 1978 and 2022 using the DSAS tool (Digital Shoreline Analysis System), highlighting cliff top retreat up to 50 m in some sectors. Further analysis was conducted via the use of two Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, namely Random Forest (RF) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). The Mean Decrease in Impurity (MDI) methodology was employed to assess the significance of each factor. Both algorithms yielded congruent results, emphasising that cliff top erosion rates are primarily influenced by slope height. Finally, a validation of the ML algorithm results was conducted using 2D Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) codes. Ten sections extracted from the sector experiencing the most substantial cliff top retreat, as identified by DSAS, were utilised for 2D LEM analysis. Factor of Safety (FS) values were identified and compared with the cliff height of each section. The results from the 2D LEM analyses corroborated the outputs of the ML algorithms, showing a strong correlation between the slope instability and slope height (R2 of 0.84), with FS decreasing with slope height.

Evaluation of Interdental Papilla Regeneration Using Injectable Hyaluronic Acid: A Clinical Study.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel injections in deficient papillae and record the effects for four weeks. Fifteen deficient class 1 papilla sites according to Nordland and Tarnow classification were included. After scaling and root planing, 0.5 ml HA gel was injected into the papillae. Measurements of black triangle height (BTH) and black triangle area (BTA) from the contact point to the most coronal level of the visible papilla tip weredone on the clinical photographs using ImageJ software at baseline, one week, and four weeks postoperatively, and a comparison was made. Descriptive data were examined using the mean and standard deviation (SD). Paired t-test was used for intragroup comparisons, with p-values <0.05 considered significant. All the data analysis was done using SPSS software version 25.0. There was a mean decrease in the BTA from baseline (0.54 mm2), one week (0.13 mm2), to four weeks (0.26 mm2) with a slight loss of papilla volume from the first week to the fourthweek, and this decrease in area was statistically significant. A mean decrease in the BTH throughout the follow-ups from baseline (1.36 mm) to the first week (0.30 mm) to the fourth week (0.73) was recorded with a slight loss of papilla volume from the first week to the fourthweek, and this decrease in height was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, the decrease in the BTA and BTH recorded was more from baseline to the first week as compared to baseline to the fourth week postoperatively. HA gel is an effective treatment for minimally invasive papilla augmentation, particularly in class I Nordland and Tarnow papilla deficits.

Role of adaptive radiotherapy during concomitant chemoradiotherapy for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer.

Tumor shrinkage is frequently observed during conventionally fractionated chemoradiotherapy for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The specific goals of this study are to evaluate the gross tumor volume (GTV) changes due to treatment-induced tumor reduction during the course of radiotherapy (RT) and to examine its potential use in adaptive radiotherapy (ART) for tumor dose escalation or normal tissue sparing in patients with SCLC. A total of 10 patients with SCLC eligible for chemoradiotherapy underwent computed tomography (CT) scan after Fractions 13 and 23 (at nominal doses of 23.4 Gy and 41.4 Gy, respectively). The GTV was delineated on the repeat CT scans, and two treatment plans were generated with or without adaptation to tumor shrinkage during RT for each patient. Dosimetric and volumetric analyses were performed. The average GTV reduction observed over 13 fractions was 58.5% (range: 13.2%-92.3%; P < 0.001) and over 23 fractions was 70% (range: 36.9%-84.5%; P < 0.001). Compared with the plan without adaptation, ART resulted in mean lung dose relative decreases of 8.7%, mean lung volume receiving ≥20 Gy relative decreases of 5%, mean lung volume receiving ≥5Gy relative decreases of 10%, mean medulla spinalis dose relative decreases of 21 cGy, mean esophagus volume receiving ≥50 Gy relative decreases of 19%, and mean heart volume receiving ≥42 Gy relative decreases of 13%. The benefits of ART were the greatest for tumor volumes ≥30 cm3 and are directly dependent on GTV reduction during treatment. ART for SCLC achieved a significant benefit in terms of organ at risk (OAR) and dose escalation.

RETINAL STRUCTURAL CHANGES AFTER CESSATION OF PENTOSAN POLYSULFATE SODIUM.

To quantify baseline and longitudinal structural changes post-cessation in patients with pentosan polysulfate sodium retinopathy. This is a retrospective cohort study. Retinal thickness and volume of choroidal and hyperreflective retinal pigment epithelium excrescences were manually segmented from optical coherence tomography volume scans. Baseline measurements were compared against age-matched control subjects. Longitudinal measurements were performed on patients with follow-up data. Twenty-four eyes of 13 patients were included. At baseline, the mean total retinal thickness was lower in the pentosan polysulfate sodium retinopathy cohort than in age- and sex-matched control subjects (269.1 µ m vs. 290.2 µ m, P = 0.006). The median (range) of follow-up was 18.6 (4.1-34.7) months, with the mean last follow-up of 35.2 months after cessation. During the follow-up period, the thickness of the retina decreased significantly by 11.3 µ m (CI: 16.8, 5.8) ( P < 0.001), with an annual mean decrease of 6.70 µ m. However, the mean hyperreflective retinal pigment epithelium excrescence volume did not change significantly ( P = 0.140) over the follow-up period. After pentosan polysulfate sodium discontinuation, although retinal pigment epithelium excrescence volume do not change significantly, there continues to be a progressive long-term thinning of the retina, which continues at a rate greater than that associated with normal aging. Consequently, long-term follow-up is suggested to monitor patients with pentosan polysulfate sodium retinopathy.

Physiological Impacts of Cauliflower in Hyperthyroid Rabbits

This study aimed to investigate the effect of cauliflower extract as a remedy for hyperthyroid in rabbits. Twenty rabbits with mean weight 1700 ±95 g and age of 6-7 months were chosen. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (five in each group). The first group (GI) was the control and received normal diet and given tap water. The second and third groups (GII &amp; GIII) were received 30 μg/Kg BW sodium L-Thyroxin injected subcutaneously to induce hyperthyroidism for three weeks. After that, these groups (GII &amp; GIII) were administrated 20 &amp; 30 mg/kg of body weight cauliflower extract for four weeks. Blood samples were collected from hyperthyroid and treated groups after two and four weeks. Serum was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes. The collected serum was used in the assessment of the levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) by analytical kits which determined on ELISA method. Further, a molecular study was performed to estimate TSHR gene expression. The results of the present work showed that there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in T3 and T4 hormone levels means in rabbits treated with cauliflower extract as compared with hyperthyroid. It concluded from the present study that the natural products such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid from cauliflower might be used as a remedy to recover from hyperthyroid states in order to reduce the intake of chemical drugs.

NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION EFFECT ON WRIST SPASTICITY AND FUNCTION IN POST-STROKE PATIENT WITH UPPER EXTREMITY RECOVERY EXERCISE

Background : Stroke is still a major health problem in the world and cause disability. Spasticity is one of the disability problems in stroke patients, which is more common in the wrist muscles. Recovery of spasticity is quite difficult and there is no definitive treatment that can speed up the recovery. Electrical stimulation is one of the rehabilitation intervensions that is believed to be able to recover spasticity based on neuroplasticity theory. There has been no consensus for the method of electrical stimulation that can give rise to optimal effects in stroke patients. New studies are still needed to determine effective therapeutic programs. Objective : The study aims to determine the effectiveness of the use of Wrist Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) against the recovery of spasticity and functional degrees of post-stroke patients who receive upper extremity recovery exercise (URE). Methods : The study used a randomized controlled trial. The study sample was stroke patients who are treated at dr. Saiful Anwar hospital policlinic. The study involved 30 post-stroke patients who were randomized into NMES combined with URE groups (15 patients) and URE groups (15 patients). Modified Asworth Scale and Fugl-Meyer Assesment of Upper Extremity total were measured before and after interventions. Modified Asworth Scale (MAS) is a scale than use for measure spasticity degree and have very good realibility. Fugl-Meyer Assesment Scaletha (FMA) is a scale for measure fungsionality of extremities which also have good realibility. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) device is BTL-5000 series. Results : NMES combined with URE can reduce the degree of spasticity and increase the functional degree of the wrist in post-stroke patients significantly (p&lt;0.05). URE can also significantly reduce the degree of spasticity and increase the functional degree of the wrist (p&lt;0.05). NMES compared to URE futher reduced the degree of spasticity and increased the functional degree of the wrist in post-stroke patients insignificantly (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion : The mean decrease in the degree of spasticity and increase in functional degree in the NMES group combined with URE measured by MAS scale showing that degree of spasticity with sig 0,101 &gt; alpha (0,05) is not significant, but the mean decrease MAS in the NMES with URE group is bigger than group URE alone. The mean decrease in the degree of spasticity and increase in functional degree in the NMES group combined with URE measured by FMA scale showing that degree of spasticity with sig 0,787 &gt; alpha (0,05) is also not significant, but the mean decrease FMA in the NMES with URE group is bigger than URE alone. This results mean that there is a significant score decrease in spasticity and increase of fungsionality degree before and after URE grop and there is not significant different score using NMES and URE group in MAS and FMA scale.

Can the Upper Vermilion and the Nasolabial Fold Be Changed With Orthognathic Surgery?

BackgroundRetrusive profiles show an appearance of aging with an under-projected vermilion and pronounced nasolabial folds due to deficient bone support. PurposeA study was made of the association between orthognathic surgery and changes in the nasolabial and vermilion areas in patients with retrusive profiles. Study design, setting, sampleA retrospective cohort study evaluated patients subjected to bimaxillary surgery according to the Barcelona Line (BL) protocol during 2021 at Teknon Medical Center (Barcelona, Spain). Subjects with craniofacial syndromes, facial aesthetic procedures, and dental rehabilitations involving lip changes, were excluded. Predictor variableThe predictor variable was the timing of cephalometric measures, reported as T0 (preoperatively), T1 (one month after surgery), and T2 (after one year of follow-up). Main outcome variableThe outcome variable corresponded to the soft tissue changes of the nasolabial and vermilion area, reported as the nasolabial fold length and angle, nasolabial angle, upper lip concavity, vermilion length, and upper lip sagittal distance from BL. CovariatesThe covariates comprised patient demographic data, the surgical-orthodontic protocol, and the magnitude and direction of the skeletal movements. AnalysesDescriptive and inferential analyses were performed based on analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Bonferroni test, Pearson’s linear coefficient, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regression models. Statistical significance was considered for p < 0.05. ResultsThe sample comprised 27 subjects with a mean age of 32.5 ± 11.2 years. A mean decrease in nasolabial angle of 5.5 ± 6º was recorded (p < 0.001), with a shortening of the nasolabial fold length of 4.4 ± 7.6 mm (p=0.019). An increase in upper lip concavity angle of 14.4 ± 12º was recorded (p < 0.001), along with a vermilion lengthening of 1.6 ± 1.3 mm (p < 0.001) and an increase in upper lip sagittal distance to BL of 5.7 ± 7.3 mm (p=0.001), indicating a more projected and everted upper vermilion. Conclusions and relevanceWhen adequate dentoskeletal support is provided by specific positional changes of the jaws planned through orthognathic surgery, the length of the nasolabial fold decreases, and the upper vermilion lengthens and becomes slightly everted.