Association of serum uric acid with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the independent correlation between serum uric acid and low-grade inflammation (measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hs-CRP) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 378 healthy Iranian postmenopausal women were randomly selected in a population-based study. Circulating hs-CRP levels were measured by highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and an enzymatic calorimetric method was used to measure serum levels of uric acid. Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between uric acid and hs-CRP levels. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation was seen between serum levels of uric acid and log-transformed circulating hs-CRP (r = 0.25, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age and cardiovascular risk factors (according to NCEP ATP III criteria), circulating hs-CRP levels were significantly associated with serum uric acid levels (β = 0.20, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age and cardiovascular risk factors, hs-CRP levels ≥3 mg/l were significantly associated with higher uric acid levels (odds ratio =1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.18-1.96). CONCLUSION: Higher serum uric acid levels were positively and independently associated with circulating hs-CRP in healthy postmenopausal women. KEYWORDS: C-reactive protein; Uric acid; inflammation; postmenopaus

An acceptance model for the adoption of smart glasses technology by healthcare professionals

In the recent years, there has been an increase in the interest from different industries in the adoption of smart wearable devices in the light of their inevitable ubiquity. One type of these devices is the Augmented Reality Smart Glasses (ARSGs), which can have great effect in different areas through providing timely information to users. One of the industries that can significantly reap the benefits of this technology is healthcare. However, as healthcare is a very multi-dimensional industry, there is a need for a multifaceted look into the adoption and acceptance of smart glasses by health professionals. This study tends to examine the acceptance of smart glasses by healthcare professionals based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as there is an imperative for empirical studies on user perceptions, attitudes, and intentions. For this purpose, five external factors are extracted from the literature and field study, being integration with information systems, external effects, hands-free feature, technological compatibility, and documentation. The model is examined by using PLS-SEM methodology. This study found documentation to have the strongest impact on intention due to the substitution of paperwork by mobile devices and facilitation of continuous documentation

Protective effect of zinc on serum parameters related to thyroid and parathyroid glands in rats exposed to cadmium

Background: Cadmium is one of the toxic metals, which can enter the body through several routes due to its numerous applications and lead to some disorders. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of zinc on cadmium-induced damages in the serum parameters related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 male rats weighting 201±30g were divided into the four separated groups (consisting of 5 rats): the cadmium treatment, zinc treatment, combination of zinc and cadmium and control groups. The normal saline containing 1 mg cadmium was injected intrapritoneally to the rats as the first treatment. The second group was treated with 0.5 mg zinc, the third one received the combined doses of cadmium (1mg) and zinc (0.5mg) and the control group received only the normal saline injection. At the end of the experiment (30 and 60 d), all rats were decapitated and sera collected to measure the serum parameters related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Results: The obtained results showed that cadmium significantly (P<0.05) decreased the concentration of serum calcium, T3, T4 and calcitonin, but increased the Pi concentration and the activity of Paratormone and alkaline phosphatase. Zinc treatment in animals either maintained all the aforementioned serum parameters at their normal levels or at least showed a preventive-like role. Conclusion: Although a long-term injection of cadmium provides hypothyroidism as well as hyperparathyroidism, zinc can be able to reduce the toxic effects of cadmium

Validity and reliability of farsi version of Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)

Background and Aims Tools for evaluation of code discomfort are tools that can be used for the prevention of musculoskeletal discomfort in industrial settings. Musculoskeletal disorders are serious health cancern in the developed world. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) that are designed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders by the time being, are translate in diverse languages and being implemented in many coun tries. However, CMDQ is not translated into Persian language in Iran. The aim of this study was to translate, accridate and validated the CMDQ in Persian version in order to implementation of this tool in Iran and to establish the standard tool for ergonomic research. Methods This analytical study was performed to determine the validity and reliability of translated Persian version of the CMDQ for implementation in steel industrial settings. In order to implement this tool for Iranian workers, the Farsi version of the CMDQ was prepared using the Forward-Backward translation method. Then the translated version of the questionnaire was distribute between 100 of workers in Kashan city of steel industries in a randomized manner. In order to determine the validity for the severity of discomfort, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was completed by all workers. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach\u27s alpha Coefficient. Results In order to analysis the validity of the questionnaire for the severity of the pain and discomfort the Kappa coefficient was implemented and for the frequency of pain and discomfort the Spearman correlation coefficient was used. However, in order to analysis the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach\u27s alpha Coefficient 0.986 were determined. The Cronbach\u27s alpha Coefficient for all three sections of frequency of discomfort, severity of discomfort and interference scales were determined 0.955, 0.961, 0.969 respectively. Conclusion The Farsi version of the CMDQ is the appropriate tool for investigation of the level of musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian workers that can be used as a part of ergonomic research and Health surveillance programs in order to prevent the musculoskeletal disorders

Long-term survival following two recurrences and re-irradiation courses for a nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a case report

&quot;nBackground: Local recurrence in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) presents is a major challenge. Patients experience substantial morbidity as well as poor survival if no further treatment is offered. Residual or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma is usually managed by chemotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), interstitial, and intracavitary brachytherapy or salvage surgery. This case presents the treatment of two consecutive localized recurrences of NPC.&quot;n &quot;nCase presentation: The patient was a 59-year-old man who underwent a course of radical external-beam radiotherapy for a primary NPC in 1999, then another course of external radiation in 2004 for his first recurrence, and finally a course of brachytherapy for the second recurrence in 2005. The patient is well now in 2010, with no signs of disease five years after the third radiotherapy.&quot;n &quot;nConclusion: Our experience of re-irradiation for this twice recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been promising with encouraging tumor control and acceptable treatment-related toxicity profile. This case indicates the efficacy of definitive re-irradiation for regional recurrence and the necessity for long-term observation for the salvageable early-stage local failure

Validity and Reliability Farsi Version Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)

Background and Aims  Tools for evaluation of code discomfort are tools that can be used for the prevention of musculoskeletal discomfort in industrial settings. Musculoskeletal disorders are serious health cancern in the developed world. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) that are designed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders by the time being, are translate in diverse languages and being implemented in many coun tries. However, CMDQ is not translated into Persian language in Iran. The aim of this study was to translate, accridate and validated the CMDQ in Persian version in order to implementation of this tool in Iran and to establish the standard tool for ergonomic research.   Methods  This analytical study was performed to determine the validity and reliability of translated Persian version of the CMDQ for implementation in steel industrial settings. In order to implement this tool for Iranian workers, the Farsi version of the CMDQ was prepared using the Forward-Backward translation method. Then the translated version of the questionnaire was distribute between 100 of workers in Kashan city of steel industries in a randomized manner. In order to determine the validity for the severity of discomfort, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was completed by all workers. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach’s alpha Coefficient.     Results  In order to analysis the validity of the questionnaire for the severity of the pain and discomfort the Kappa coefficient was implemented and for the frequency of pain and discomfort the Spearman correlation coefficient was used. However, in order to analysis the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach’s alpha Coefficient 0.986 were determined. The Cronbach’s alpha Coefficient for all three sections of frequency of discomfort, severity of discomfort and interference scales were determined 0.955, 0.961, 0.969 respectively.     Conclusion The Farsi version of the CMDQ is the appropriate tool for investigation of the level of musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian workers that can be used as a part of ergonomic research and Health surveillance programs in order to prevent the musculoskeletal disorders

3-Dimentional radiotherapy versus conventional treatment plans for gastric cancer

&quot;n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: The current standard of adjuvant management for gastric cancer after curative resection based on the results of intergroup 0116 is concurrent chemoradiation. Current guidelines for designing these challenging fields still include two-dimensional simulation with simple AP-PA parallel opposed design. However, the implementation of radiotherapy (RT) remains a concern. Our objective was to compare three-dimensional (3D) techniques to the more commonly used AP-PA technique.&quot;n&quot;nMethods: A total of 24 patients with stages II-IV adenocarcinoma of the stomach were treated with adjuvant postoperative chemoradiation with simple AP-PA technique, using Cobalt-60. Total radiation dose was 50.4Gy. Landmark-based fields were simulated to assess PTV coverage. For each patient, three additional radiotherapy treatment plans were generated using three-dimensional (3D) technique. The four treatment plans were then compared for target volume coverage and dose to normal tissues (liver, spinal cord, kidneys) using dose volume histogram (DVH) analysis.&quot;n&quot;nResults: The three-dimensional planning techniques provided 10% superior PTV coverage compared to conventional AP-PA fields (p&amp;lt;0.001). Comparative DVHs for the right kidney, left kidney and spinal cord demonstrate lower radiation doses using the 3D planning techniques (p&amp;lt;0.0001), the liver dose is higher (p=0.03), but is still well below liver tolerance.&quot;n&quot;nConclusion: Despite the department protocol using conventional planning, 3D radiotherapy provides 10% superior PTV coverage. It is associated with reduced radiation doses to the kidneys and spinal cord compared to AP-PA techniques with the potential to reduce treatment toxicity

New insights into hydrogen trapping and embrittlement in high strength aluminum alloys

An attractive approach to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement (HE) is to use nano-sized particles to immobilize hydrogen. However, the atomic scale relationship between different particle-matrix characteristics in aluminum alloys and the susceptibility to HE is unknown. In this study, the effects of interactions between various interfaces and hydrogen in aluminum alloys are investigated using a comprehensive multiscale experimental and simulation-based approach that includes atomic-scale observations, simulation and advanced hydrogen mapping techniques. Depending on the nature of interfaces, e.g., coherency, size, and crystal structure, some are useful for mitigating HE, others provide hydrogen to sensitive sites, and some act as crack initiation sites.Team Poulumi De

Selective recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation using a penetrating electrode array in the feline model.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS:Laryngeal muscles (LMs) are controlled by the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), injury of which can result in vocal fold (VF) paralysis (VFP). We aimed to introduce a bioelectric approach to selective stimulation of LMs and graded muscle contraction responses. STUDY DESIGN:Acute experiments in cats. METHODS:The study included six anesthetized cats. In four cats, a multichannel penetrating microelectrode array (MEA) was placed into an uninjured RLN. For RLN injury experiments, one cat received a standardized hemostat-crush injury, and one cat received a transection-reapproximation injury 4 months prior to testing. In each experiment, three LMs (thyroarytenoid, posterior cricoarytenoid, and cricothyroid muscles) were monitored with an electromyographic (EMG) nerve integrity monitoring system. Electrical current pulses were delivered to each stimulating channel individually. Elicited EMG voltage outputs were recorded for each muscle. Direct videolaryngoscopy was performed for visualization of VF movement. RESULTS:Stimulation through individual channels led to selective activation of restricted nerve populations, resulting in selective contraction of individual LMs. Increasing current levels resulted in rising EMG voltage responses. Typically, activation of individual muscles was successfully achieved via single placement of the MEA by selection of appropriate stimulation channels. VF abduction was predominantly observed on videolaryngoscopy. Nerve histology confirmed injury in cases of RLN crush and transection experiments. CONCLUSIONS:We demonstrated the ability of a penetrating MEA to selectively stimulate restricted fiber populations within the feline RLN and selectively elicit contractions of discrete LMs in both acute and injury-model experiments, suggesting a potential role for intraneural MEA implantation in VFP management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:NA. Laryngoscope, 128:1606-1614, 2018