The relationship between kidney function and cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometric indices, and dietary inflammatory index in the Iranian general population: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to be about 13.4% worldwide. Studies have shown that CKD accounts for up to 2% of the health cost burden.

Role of volumetric tumor enhancement on CT in predicting overall survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Purpose: To assess the utility of volumetric tumor enhancement on CT to predict tumor treatment response and the overall survival (OS) of patients with PDAC undergoing FOLFIRINOX-based systemic chemotherapy. Additionally, we aim to explore the performance of a novel model that incorporates relevant volumetric CT-derived parameters to the established RECIST 1.1 in predicting both treatment response and OS.

A universal calibration framework for mixed-reality assisted surgery.

Background: Mixed-reality-assisted surgery has become increasingly prominent, offering real-time 3D visualization of target anatomy such as tumors. These systems facilitate translating preoperative 3D surgical plans to the patient's body intraoperatively and allow for interactive modifications based on the patient's real-time conditions. However, achieving sub-millimetre accuracy in mixed-reality (MR) visualization and interaction is crucial to mitigate device-related risks and enhance surgical precision.

Portable Mini-Electrochemical Cell: Integrating Microsampling and Micro-Electroanalysis for Multipurpose On-Site Nitrite Sensing.

In modern analytical chemistry, one of the primary goals is to develop miniaturized, easy-to-use sensing tools, particularly those with multitasking capabilities. In this work, we designed a mini-voltammetric cell that integrates a modified Au microelectrode (Au/Au NPs as the working electrode) and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode installed within a micropipette tip. This combined tool not only enables portable and on-site microvolume sampling─requiring only a microvolume (around 20-40 μL) or a single droplet─but also facilitates direct micro-electroanalysis in a short time.

Radiographic and tomographic findings of excretory urography of avian kidneys after induced nephropathy in broiler chicken as a model.

Background: Although kidney diseases have a high prevalence, initial recognition and diagnosis of renal disease are complicated in avian medicine.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the intraosseous excretory urography (IOEU) in order to introduce a new method for evaluation of kidney's function in broilers as a primary model of birds.

Methods: A total of 10 male broiler chickens at the age of 20 days were included and evaluated with plain and serial post-contrast radiography and computed tomography (CT) scan to check the time and concentration of the contrast media (CM) passage from the kidney.

Value of radiomics features extracted from baseline computed tomography images in predicting overall survival in patients with nonsurgical pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: incorporation of a radiomics score to a multiparametric nomogram to predict 1-year overall survival.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the value of radiomics features derived from baseline computed tomography (CT) scans and volumetric measurements to predict overall survival (OS) in patients with nonsurgical pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treated with a chemotherapy combination regimen of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX).

Methods: In this retrospective single-institution study, 131 patients with nonsurgical PDAC who received FOLFIRINOX neoadjuvant chemotherapy between December 2012 and November 2021 were included. Pretreatment contrast-enhanced CT images were obtained for all patients before inclusion.

Reducing health disparities in providing care services in the intensive care unit: a critical ethnographic study.

Objective: The intensive care unit, with its structural complexity and the exposure of critically ill patients to various disparities, presents a significant setting for health disparities. This critical ethnographic study sought to uncover cultural knowledge and ethical practices for reducing health disparities in providing care services within the intensive care unit. The focus was on understanding how ethical considerations and cultural competence can address and mitigate these disparities effectively.

Health disparities in service delivery in the intensive care unit: A critical ethnographic study.

Background: The intensive care unit has structural complexities, and critically ill patients are exposed to disparities. Thus, the intensive care unit can be a potential health disparity setting.

Aim: This study explored cultural knowledge associated with health disparities in the intensive care unit.

Two metabolic enzymes, LDH and FASN, serum levels in Bladder cancer patients.

Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and is associated with high treatment costs and mortality. The role of different enzymes and molecules in this cancer has been the subject of extensive research in recent years. Among these, the role of metabolic enzymes such as FASN and LDH has been studied less than others.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) in Screening for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem that remains largely under-diagnosed, mainly due to the under-use of spirometry to establish the diagnosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Moroccan Arabic dialect version of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) in screening for COPD.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in primary care facilities in Morocco, involving participants aged 40 and over.

COVID-19 infections among health care workers at a university hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection among health care workers (HCWs) at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of HCWs confirmed to have COVID-19 infection from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022.

Results: A total of 746 HCWs were diagnosed with COVID-19.

Ageism and lookism as stereotypes of health disparity in intensive care units in Iran: a critical ethnography.

Background: The intensive care unit presents structural complexities, and the prevailing power imbalance between patients and staff can lead to health disparities. Hence, unveiling the underlying factors that give rise to and reinforce these disparities can contribute to their prevention. This study aims to shed light on the stereotypes linked to ageism and lookism, which perpetuate health disparities within the intensive care unit setting in Iran.

The full genome characterization of avian encephalomyelitis virus, Iran: a vertical transmission case.

Avian encephalomyelitis (AE) is an important infectious poultry disease worldwide that is caused by avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV). The causative virus can be transmitted both horizontally and vertically. In the present study, an AEV suspected outbreak with typical neurological signs occurred in broilers.

Annual performance evaluation of a hybrid concentrated solar-micro gas turbine based on off-design simulation.

As the adoption of solar hybrid systems continues to rise due to their potential to compensate for the fluctuation of solar irradiation, it becomes imperative to accurately evaluate their performance, considering the variation of off-design conditions. This paper introduces a detailed analysis method for evaluating the annual performance of a solar-MGT system under transient boundary conditions for a whole-year operation range. A hybrid system of a micro gas turbine, recuperator, and solar dish is considered, and an off-design simulation model is developed and verified with available experimental results.

Screening for exclusion of high-risk bleeding features of esophageal varices in cirrhosis through CT and MRI.

Background & Aim: Esophageal varices (EV) screening guidelines have evolved with improved risk stratification to avoid unnecessary esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in individuals with low bleeding risks. However, uncertainties persist in the recommendations for certain patient groups, particularly those with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and/or receiving non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) without prior endoscopy. This study assessed the efficacy of imaging in ruling out EVs and their high-risk features associated with bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and with HCC.

Exotic Animal Practice in West Asia/Middle East.

Middle East is a diverse and developing exotic animal market. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing professional development (CPD) education are noticeably absent except in few countries. Avian species are the most commonly kept due to traditional falconry or aviculture.

The effect of psychological first-aid virtual education on the communication skills of nurses in disasters: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Disasters have affected the physical and mental health of people around the world. Since nurses are frontlines in disasters, it seems necessary to prepare for this responsibility. This study investigates the effect of psychological first-aid virtual education on the communication skills of nurses in disasters such as COVID pandemic.

Propofol Sedation in Pediatric Upper Endoscopy: A Study of Pharmacodynamics and the Effects of Gastroenterologists, Anesthesiologists, and Supervised Participants on the Procedure Time and Sedation Time.

Background and aims Propofol combined with fentanyl is a commonly used sedative for pediatric upper endoscopies (UEs). The primary aim was to study the association between propofol dose and procedure and sedation time. The secondary aims were to assess the pharmacodynamics of propofol use with fentanyl and evaluate if gastroenterologists' and anesthesiologists' years of experience or the presence of supervised participants (such as students, residents, and fellows) have any influence on the procedure and sedation time.

Fulminant coronavirus disease 2019 meningitis in Iranian infants: a case series.

Background: Pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 infection usually presents with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. In this report we present fulminant meningitis as the main presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 without major signs and symptoms of other organs' involvement in 3 infants.

Cases: The first case was a 4 months Iranian male infant with fulminant meningitis as the main presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 without other organ involvement.

The Patterns of Impacted Third Molars and Their Associated Pathologies: A Retrospective Observational Study of 704 Patients.

The study aims to investigate parameters in patients attending Fujairah Dental Center, including assessing the prevalence of impacted teeth, determining the frequency of associated pathological conditions, and evaluating the patterns and angulations of impacted third molars. It is a retrospective descriptive study of the panoramic radiographs of patients who attended Fujairah Dental Center for dental care between January 2011 and December 2017. The minimum age for inclusion was 17 years.

Evaluation of the and efficiency of in-feed bacteriophage cocktail application to control Typhimurium and Enteritidis infection in broiler chicks.

Bacteriophage (BP) cocktail was partially resistant to different temperatures and pH values.The BP cocktail showed lytic effects on different isolates.The BP cocktail reduced colonization in the internal organs of broilers.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Assessment of Pancreatic Fat Strongly Correlates With Histology-Based Assessment of Pancreas Composition.

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based estimation of pancreatic fat and histology-based measurement of pancreatic composition.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective study, MRI was used to noninvasively estimate pancreatic fat content in preoperative images from high-risk individuals and disease controls having normal pancreata. A deep learning algorithm was used to label 11 tissue components at micron resolution in subsequent pancreatectomy histology.

Five-Year BAROS Score Outcomes for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Comparative Study.

Purpose: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been shown to enhance the quality of life (QoL) in individuals with obesity. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) is a highly reliable scoring system utilized to assess weight loss, obesity-associated medical conditions, and QoL following MBS. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in improving health outcomes for individuals with severe obesity, employing the BAROS questionnaire.