Clinically relevant investigation of flattening filter-free skin dose

As flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beams become readily available for treatment delivery in techniques such as SBRT, thorough investigation of skin dose from FFF photon beams is necessary under clinically relevant conditions. Using a parallel-plate PTW Markus chamber placed in a custom water-equivalent phantom, surface-dose measurements were taken at 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 6 × 6, 8 × 8, 10 × 10, 20 × 20, and 30 × 30 cm2 field sizes, at 80, 90, and 100 cm source-to-surface distances (SSDs), and with fields defined by jaws and multileaf collimator (MLC) using multiple beam energies (6X, 6XFFF, 10X, and 10XFFF). The same set of measurements was repeated with the chamber at a reference depth of 10 cm. Each surface measurement was normalized by its corresponding reference depth measurement for analysis. The FFF surface doses at 100 cm SSD were higher than flattened surface doses by 45% at 2 × 2 cm2 to 13% at 20 × 20 cm2 for 6 MV energy. These surface dose differences varied to a greater degree as energy increased, ranging from +63% at 2 × 2 cm2 to -2% at 20 × 20 cm2 for 10 MV. At small field sizes, higher energy increased FFF surface dose relative to flattened surface dose; while at larger field sizes, relative FFF surface dose was higher for lower energies. At both energies investigated, decreasing SSD caused a decrease in the ratios of FFF-to-flattened surface dose. Variability with SSD of FFF-to flattened surface dose differences increased with field size and ranged from 0% to 6%. The field size at which FFF and flattened beams gave the same skin dose increased with decreasing beam energy. Surface dose was higher with MLC fields compared to jaw fields under most conditions, with the difference reaching its maximum at a field size between 4 × 4 cm2 and 6 × 6 cm2 for a given energy and SSD. This study conveyed the magnitude of surface dose in a clinically meaningful manner by reporting results normalized to 10 cm depth dose instead of depth of dose maximum

A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea using a simple acupressure protocol

Objective: To evaluate a simple acupressure protocol in LIV3 and LI4 acupoints in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: This paper reports a randomized, single blinded clinical trial. 90 young women with dysmenorrhea were recruited to three groups to receive 20 minutes acupressure every day in either LIV3 or LI4, or placebo points. Acupressure was timed five days before menstruation for three successive menstrual cycles. On menstruation, each participant completed the Wong Baker faces pain scale, and the quality of life short form -12 (QOL SF-12). Results: Intensity and duration of pain between the three groups in the second and third cycles during the intervention (p<0.05) differed significantly. Significant differences were seen in all domains of QOL except for mental health (p=0.4), general health (p=0.7) and mental subscale component (p=0.12) in the second cycle, and mental health (p=0.9), and mental subscale component (p=0.14) in the third cycle. Conclusion: Performing the simple acupressure protocol is an effective method to decrease the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea, and improve the QOL

Gamma oscillation underlies hyperthermia-induced epileptiform-like spikes in immature rat hippocampal slices

BACKGROUND: Recently a hyperthermic rat hippocampal slice model system has been used to investigate febrile seizure pathophysiology. Our previous data indicates that heating immature rat hippocampal slices from 34 to 41°C in an interface chamber induced epileptiform-like population spikes accompanied by a spreading depression (SD). This may serve as an in vitro model of febrile seizures. RESULTS: In this study, we further investigate cellular mechanisms of hyperthermia-induced initial population spike activity. We hypothesized that GABA(A) receptor-mediated 30–100 Hz γ oscillations underlie some aspects of the hyperthermic population spike activity. In 24 rat hippocampal slices, the hyperthermic population spike activity occurred at an average frequency of 45.9 ± 14.9 Hz (Mean ± SE, range = 21–79 Hz, n = 24), which does not differ significantly from the frequency of post-tetanic γ oscillations (47.1 ± 14.9 Hz, n = 34) in the same system. High intensity tetanic stimulation induces hippocampal neuronal discharges followed by a slow SD that has the magnitude and time course of the SD, which resembles hyperthermic responses. Both post-tetanic γ oscillations and hyperthermic population spike activity can be blocked completely by a specific GABA(A) receptor blocker, bicuculline (5–20 μM). Bath-apply kynurenic acid (7 mM) blocks synaptic transmission, but fails to prevent hyperthermic population spikes, while intracellular diffusion of QX-314 (30 mM) abolishes spikes and produces a smooth depolarization in intracellular recording. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the GABA(A) receptor-governed γ oscillations underlie the hyperthermic population spike activity in immature hippocampal slices

Prevalence of obesity and overweight in preschool children in northwest of Tehran, Iran

Background: Nowadays childhood overweight and obesity are considered as a global epidemic, the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing in the Iran. Aim and Objectives: For prevention and control the disease, knowledge of population statistics of obesity and overweight is essential, so this study aimed to determine the prevalence obesity and overweight and related factor in preschool children in northwest of Tehran in 2015. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 17484 preschool children aged 5-7 in northwest of Tehran (Regions 2, 5 and 6 of Tehran Municipality), capital of Iran. Data collection was performed by 11 general practitioner and 24 trained experts that measuring height by Non-elastic tape measure with an accuracy of 1 cm, and weight by Analog scales SECA brand with accuracy 100 g between May until the end of October 2014, and WHO Child Growth Standards is used to classify overweight and obesity. Data analysis is done by using SPSS.11.5 software and chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children was respectively 20 and 6.8, prevalence of obesity and overweight was different based on sex (p=0.001), so the prevalence of obesity in girls was higher than boys and the prevalence of overweight in boys was higher than girls. Also prevalence of obesity children in 7 year age was higher compared children 5, 6 years old. Conclusion: Our findings showed a relatively high prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool children, therefore, the plan for the control and prevention of the problem must be a high priority for health policy maker, also further epidemiological studies into the etiology and trend are essential. © Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University

Cooling abolishes neuronal network synchronization in rat hippocampal slices.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine whether cooling brain tissue from 34 to 21 degrees C could abolish tetany-induced neuronal network synchronization (gamma oscillations) without blocking normal synaptic transmission. METHODS: Intracellular and extracellular electrodes recorded activity in transverse hippocampal slices (450-500 microm) from Sprague-Dawley male rats, maintained in an air-fluid interface chamber. Gamma oscillations were evoked by afferent stimulation at 100 Hz for 200 ms. Baseline temperature in the recording chamber was 34 degrees C, reduced to 21 degrees C within 20 min. RESULTS: Suprathreshold tetanic stimuli evoked membrane potential oscillations in the 40-Hz frequency range (n = 21). Gamma oscillations induced by tetanic stimulation were blocked by bicuculline, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A-receptor antagonist. Cooling from 34 to 21 degrees C reversibly abolished gamma oscillations in all slices tested. Short, low-frequency discharges persisted after cooling in six of 14 slices. Single-pulse-evoked potentials, however, were preserved after cooling in all cases. Latency between stimulus and onset of gamma oscillation was increased with cooling. Frequency of oscillation was correlated with chamber cooling temperature (r = 0.77). Tetanic stimulation at high intensity elicited not only gamma oscillation, but also epileptiform bursts. Cooling dramatically attenuated gamma oscillation and abolished epileptiform bursts in a reversible manner. CONCLUSIONS: Tetany-induced neuronal network synchronization by GABAA-sensitive gamma oscillations is abolished reversibly by cooling to temperatures that do not block excitatory synaptic transmission. Cooling also suppresses transition from gamma oscillation to ictal bursting at higher stimulus intensities. These findings suggest that cooling may disrupt network synchrony necessary for epileptiform activity

Progress report towards preventing cow rabies in Mallard, Iran: policies and monitoring measures

Rabies is one of the most common viral and fetal diseases between humans and animals known as a zoonotic disease. Approximately 99% human rabies deaths occur in developing countries. Health care and follow up programs conducted for all the rabies cases are one of the important priorities for health care system in Iran to prevent the rabies incidence. The purpose of this study is to describe the cow rabies status and the health care programs conducted to the successful elimination of this deadly disease in one of the largest cowsheds in Mallard city in Iran during 2014. After founding the rabies incidence in one of the largest cowsheds in Mallard city in Iran, the crisis committee was held immediately and control measures including isolation, complete quarantine, vaccination of residents, and other sanitation measures were achieved in cooperation with the responsible organizations. During this incidence, 23 calves, cows and heifers were died. By conducting an integrated program and method, the numerous stakeholders contributed to the successful elimination of this fatal disease. In order to control the rabies, it is essential to educate the public on the prevention of the disease, especially in areas where the disease is more prevalence. Therefore, cooperation between the institutions involved in the disease control and planning for emergency disease eradication are essential to prevent the rabies infection among pets, especially livestoc

A Case-Control Study of Comparison of Plasma Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Inhaled Opium Addicts and Clinically Healthy Persons

cancer invasion and lymphatic metastasis. Smoking has been reported to increase the metalloproteinase level, but the role of opium consumption in metalloproteinase level has not yet been examined. The current research intended to examine the impacts of opium consumption on the serum levels of metalloproteinase.Methods: This case-control research was conducted in Kerman (in the southeast of Iran), after getting medical approve by the ethics committee. Case group of 33 non-smokers with no active inflammatory diseases who had the experience of inhaled opium and its derivatives were compared with a control group of 40 non-smokers with no active inflammatory disease and no experience of inhaled opium and its derivatives. Student’s t-test, mean, and chi-square test were employed to determine the correlation between the variables.Findings: No statistically meaningful variation was detected in plasma metalloproteinase concentration between the case and control groups (P = 0.160). Also, there was no significant relation between the plasma metalloproteinase concentration and urinary morphine in case groups (P = 0.410), but a statistically significant correlation was found between gender and metalloproteinase in both the case and control groups (P = 0.003)

Relationship Between Sterol Regulatory Element- Binding Protein-2 Gene Expression Level and Lipid Profile

Background and purpose: Atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis that is one of the main causes of death in the world. In coronary artery disease, the vessels are stenosed due to lipid aggregation and inflammation. Epidemiologic studies have shown that in addition to demographic factors such as age and sex, blood pressure, smoking, obesity diabetes and genetics are also associated with development of atherosclerosis process. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between these factors and atherosclerosis. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty six Iranian subjects (68 males, 58 females) were recruited based on the study�s inclusion criteria. Total RNA was extracted from WBC and, the gene expression level was determined by RT-qPCR method. Results: Significant relationship was found between sex (P0.05). Conclusion: We found that among factors affecting atherosclerosis, sex and LDL-C could change the Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-2 gene expression. © 2016, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating quality of life when using a simple acupressure protocol in women with primary dysmenorrhea

Objective: To evaluate a simple acupressure protocol in LIV3 and LI4 acupoints in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: This paper reports a randomized, single blinded clinical trial. 90 young women with dysmenorrhea were recruited to three groups to receive 20 minutes acupressure every day in either LIV3 or LI4, or placebo points. Acupressure was timed five days before menstruation for three successive menstrual cycles. On menstruation, each participant completed the Wong Baker faces pain scale, and the quality of life short form -12 (QOL SF-12). Results: Intensity and duration of pain between the three groups in the second and third cycles during the intervention (p<0.05) differed significantly. Significant differences were seen in all domains of QOL except for mental health (p=0.4), general health (p=0.7) and mental subscale component (p=0.12) in the second cycle, and mental health (p=0.9), and mental subscale component (p=0.14) in the third cycle. Conclusion: Performing the simple acupressure protocol is an effective method to decrease the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea, and improve the QOL. Key words: Dysmenorrhea, acupressure, quality of life Registration ID in IRCT: IRCT2016052428038N

Assessment of the association between body composition and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as the condition of fat accumulation in the liver. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition and fatty liver and determine of cut-off point for predicting NAFLD. Samples were selected from the nutrition clinic from 2016 to 2017 in Tehran, Iran. The liver steatosis was calculated using the CAP score through the FiroScan� and body composition was measured using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan method. A total of 2160 patients participated in this study, 745 (34.5) subjects had NAFLD. We found that fat-free tissue was inversely and fat tissue was directly correlated with the risk of NAFLD in almost all factors and the risk of developing NAFLD increases if the total fat exceeds 32.23 and 26.73 in women and men and abdominal fat exceeds 21.42 and 13.76 in women and men, respectively. Finally, we realized that the total fat percent had the highest AUC (0.932 for men and 0.917 for women) to predict the risk of NAFLD. Overall, the likelihood of NAFLD development rose significantly with increasing the amount of total fat and abdominal fat from the cut-off point level. Copyright: © 2021 Ariya et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited