A Heterogeneous Patient-Specific Biomechanical Model of the Lung for Tumor Motion Compensation and Effective Lung Radiation Therapy Planning

Radiation therapy is a main component of treatment for many lung cancer patients. However, the respiratory motion can cause inaccuracies in radiation delivery that can lead to treatment complications. In addition, the radiation-induced damage to healthy tissue limits the effectiveness of radiation treatment. Motion management methods have been developed to increase the accuracy of radiation delivery, and functional avoidance treatment planning has emerged to help reduce the chances of radiation-induced toxicity. In this work, we have developed biomechanical model-based techniques for tumor motion estimation, as well as lung functional imaging. The proposed biomechanical model accurately estimates lung and tumor motion/deformation by mimicking the physiology of respiration, while accounting for heterogeneous changes in the lung mechanics caused by COPD, a common lung cancer comorbidity. A biomechanics-based image registration algorithm is developed and is combined with an air segmentation algorithm to develop a 4DCT-based ventilation imaging technique, with potential applications in functional avoidance therapies

Designing the fit model for selection and promotion of managers by Fuzzy AHP approach. A Case study (Mazandaran universities)

In this study, we reviewed designing of the fit Model for selection and promotion of managers by FAHP approach. The Statistical population of this research included all of the units in the various levels of codes in the University of Mazandaran. This research is done based on data collecting from August 91 to January 91. In this study, for data analysis, identification and ranking of each one of the agents FAHP approach is used. In addition based on AHP-FUZZY Test to rank agents and options, the degree of importance of technical skills acquired 0.44 0.5 which means it has crucial importance in selecting managers. And human skills and conceptual skills respectively got 0.3926 and 0.1668, degree of importance located on second and third level. As it is noted, human skills variables have crucial importance in selecting management, so, designers and decision-makers in taking decision should have more consideration to these factors

Designing the fit model for selection and promotion of managers by Fuzzy AHP approach. A Case study (Mazandaran universities)

In this study, we reviewed designing of the fit Model for selection and promotion of managers by FAHP approach. The Statistical population of this research included all of the units in the various levels of codes in the University of Mazandaran. This research is done based on data collecting from August 91 to January 91. In this study, for data analysis, identification and ranking of each one of the agents FAHP approach is used. In addition based on AHP-FUZZY Test to rank agents and options, the degree of importance of technical skills acquired 0.44 0.5 which means it has crucial importance in selecting managers. And human skills and conceptual skills respectively got 0.3926 and 0.1668, degree of importance located on second and third level. As it is noted, human skills variables have crucial importance in selecting management, so, designers and decision-makers in taking decision should have more consideration to these factors

Designing the fit model for selection and promotion of managers by Fuzzy AHP approach. A Case study (Mazandaran universities)

In this study, we reviewed designing of the fit Model for selection and promotion of managers by FAHP approach. The Statistical population of this research included all of the units in the various levels of codes in the University of Mazandaran. This research is done based on data collecting from August 91 to January 91. In this study, for data analysis, identification and ranking of each one of the agents FAHP approach is used. In addition based on AHP-FUZZY Test to rank agents and options, the degree of importance of technical skills acquired 0.44 0.5 which means it has crucial importance in selecting managers. And human skills and conceptual skills respectively got 0.3926 and 0.1668, degree of importance located on second and third level. As it is noted, human skills variables have crucial importance in selecting management, so, designers and decision-makers in taking decision should have more consideration to these factors

How does multiple sclerosis affect sexual satisfaction in patients' spouses?

BackgroundSexual dysfunction (SD) is a common complaint among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of afflicted couples. The purpose of this study was to determine sexual satisfaction (SS) in the spouses of MS patients and its impact on the QoL.MethodsA total of 214 spouses of MS patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. They completed the Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire and SF-8 Health Survey.ResultsThe mean ± SD age of the spouses was 39.8 ± 9.7 years, and the duration of MS was 5 years or less in most of their partners. The mean ± SD score of QoL was 71.0 ± 20.3 (out of 100), and the mean SS score was 89.2 ± 18.6 (out of 125), showing moderate satisfaction. The highest score was among male spouses younger than 40 years old. The SS scores were also lower among female spouses. In the final model, it was found that SD, psychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairment, and the level of disability of patients were independent explanatory factors for the SS of their spouses.ConclusionThe findings supported the role of SS in the QoL of spouses of MS patients. Therefore, the attention of physicians to this hidden aspect of the life of MS patients is crucial

Fabrication of Fibrous Materials Based on Cyclodextrin and Egg Shell Waste as an Affordable Composite for Dental Applications

In this study, the fibrous nanostructures based on cyclodextrin from egg shell waste were fabricated using electrospinning technique under optimal conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal stability analysis and abrasion testing were used to characterise the final products. The cyclodextrin nanofibrous products were used as new nanostructures in the field of dental coatings due to the obtained properties such as uniform shape, small particle size distribution, high thermal stability and optimal abrasion resistance. The DFT calculations confirmed the chemical stability of the final products. The MTT test results confirmed that the fibrous nanocoatings of the egg shell have no significant side effects on healthy cells. These fibrous nanostructures could be a promising candidate for use as a dental nanocoating material

Multiple sclerosis and COVID-19: A retrospective study in Iran

Objectives Previous studies suggested a higher rate of COVID-19 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis than in the general population, and limited studies addressed the impact of COVID-19 and its vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis in Iran. We decided to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 infection, the effects and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We used the data of the patients with multiple sclerosis registered in a referral clinic in Kerman, one of the large cities in Iran (a population of 537,000 inhabitants), to explore the association between demographic variables, the history of COVID-19 vaccination, and the clinical outcomes. Results Of the 367 participants in this study, 88.3% received the COVID-19 vaccine, 35.4% were confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the incidence of COVID-19 was much higher before vaccination (24.5% before vaccination versus 10.1% after vaccination). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that male gender (OR = 2.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.21, 5.74) and current employment (OR = 3.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.59, 5.80) were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19. The only factor associated with the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination was the type of vaccine (AstraZeneca). Conclusion Our findings showed that the vaccination protected MS cases considerably against COVID-19. In addition, the side effects of the vaccines were not noticeably high in these cases as well. Among all COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca had the most common side effects, so people must be aware of them before vaccination. The male gender and employment were the most important variables in the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis in our study

Multiple sclerosis and COVID-19: A retrospective study in Iran.

ObjectivesPrevious studies suggested a higher rate of COVID-19 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis than in the general population, and limited studies addressed the impact of COVID-19 and its vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis in Iran. We decided to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 infection, the effects and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsWe used the data of the patients with multiple sclerosis registered in a referral clinic in Kerman, one of the large cities in Iran (a population of 537,000 inhabitants), to explore the association between demographic variables, the history of COVID-19 vaccination, and the clinical outcomes.ResultsOf the 367 participants in this study, 88.3% received the COVID-19 vaccine, 35.4% were confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the incidence of COVID-19 was much higher before vaccination (24.5% before vaccination versus 10.1% after vaccination). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that male gender (OR = 2.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.21, 5.74) and current employment (OR = 3.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.59, 5.80) were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19. The only factor associated with the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination was the type of vaccine (AstraZeneca).ConclusionOur findings showed that the vaccination protected MS cases considerably against COVID-19. In addition, the side effects of the vaccines were not noticeably high in these cases as well. Among all COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca had the most common side effects, so people must be aware of them before vaccination. The male gender and employment were the most important variables in the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis in our study

Incorporating Pathology-Induced Heterogeneities in a Patient-Specific Biomechanical Model of the Lung for Accurate Tumor Motion Estimation.

Radiation therapy (RT) is an important component of treatment for lung cancer. However, the accuracy of this method can be affected by the complex respiratory motion/deformation of the target tumor during treatment. To improve the accuracy of RT, patient-specific biomechanical models of the lung have been proposed for estimating the tumor\u27s respiratory motion/deformation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a high incidence among lung cancer patients and is associated with heterogeneous destruction of lung parenchyma. This key heterogeneity element, however, has not been incorporated in lung biomechanical models developed in previous studies. In this work, we have developed a physiologically and patho-physiologically realistic lung biomechanical model that accounts for lung tissue heterogeneity. Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) images were used to build a patient-specific finite element (FE) model of the lung. Image information was used to identify and incorporate inhomogeneities within the model. Mechanical properties of normal and diseased regions in the lung and the transpulmonary pressure driving the respiratory motion were estimated using an optimization algorithm that maximizes the similarity between the actual and simulated tumor and lung image data. Results from this proof of concept study on a lung cancer patient indicated improved accuracy of tumor motion estimation when COPD-induced lung tissue heterogeneities were incorporated in the model

4DCT Ventilation Map Construction Using Biomechanics-base Image Registration and Enhanced Air Segmentation.

Current lung radiation therapy (RT) treatment planning algorithms used in most centers assume homogeneous lung function. However, co-existing pulmonary dysfunctions present in many non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, particularly smokers, cause regional variations in both perfusion and ventilation, leading to inhomogeneous lung function. An adaptive RT treatment planning that deliberately avoids highly functional lung regions can potentially reduce pulmonary toxicity and morbidity. The ventilation component of lung function can be measured using a variety of techniques. Recently, 4DCT ventilation imaging has emerged as a cost-effective and accessible method. Current 4DCT ventilation calculation methods, including the intensity-based and Jacobian models, suffer from inaccurate estimations of air volume distribution and unreliability of intensity-based image registration algorithms. In this study, we propose a novel method that utilizes a biomechanical model-based registration along with an accurate air segmentation algorithm to calculate 4DCT ventilation maps. The results show a successful development of ventilation maps using the proposed method