A Comparison of Different Machine Learning Classifiers in Predicting Xerostomia and Sticky Saliva due to Head and Neck Radiotherapy using a Multi-objective, Multimodal Radiomics Model.

Although radiotherapy techniques are the primary treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), they are still associated with substantial toxicity, and side effect. Machine learning (ML) based radiomics models for predicting toxicity mostly rely on features extracted from pre-treatment imaging data. This study aims to compare different models in predicting radiation-induced xerostomia and sticky saliva in both early and late stage of HNC patients using CT and MRI image features along with demographics and dosimetric information.

Left atrial appendage velocity, association with inflammatory indices in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.

Introduction: Decreased left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAV) is a marker for thrombus formation. This study evaluates the association between LAAV and inflammatory indices in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

Methods: The study population was 1428 patients with AF, 875 of whom enrolled.

A rare presentation of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) on the cheek: Case report and two-year follow-up.

Introduction And Importance: Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare benign vascular tumor characterized by abnormal endothelial proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration, primarily affecting the head and neck region. The diverse clinical presentations of ALHE pose significant diagnostic challenges, often leading to misdiagnosis. Accurate histopathological examination is crucial for differentiating ALHE from other vascular lesions and guiding appropriate treatment.

Isolated subsegmental pulmonary embolism identification based on international classification of diseases (ICD)-10 codes and imaging reports.

Background: Isolated subsegmental pulmonary embolism (issPE) is a commonly encountered diagnosis. Although the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes are used for research, their validity for identifying issPE is unknown. Moreover, issPE diagnosis is challenging, and the findings from radiology reports may conflict with those from expert radiologists.

Updates on CAD risk assessment: using the coronary artery calcium score in combination with traditional risk factors.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, so prevention and early diagnosis play important roles to reduce mortality and morbidity. Traditional risk-score assessments were used to find the at-risk patients in order to prevent or early treatment of CAD. Adding imaging data to traditional risk-score systems will able us to find these patients more confidently and reduce the probable mismanagements.

Atherogenic index of plasma and coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Background: Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a novel logarithmic index that combines fasting triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, is associated with the burden of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between AIP and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk, severity, and prognosis in populations with and without established CAD.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched from the inception of each database to August 13, 2024.

The Relationship between Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Parameters and Coronary Artery Disease Severity.

Background: The relationship between diastolic function parameters and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is controversial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between left ventricular diastolic function and the severity of CAD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 63 patients with Ischemic heart disease (IHD) or those suspected of having IHD, who underwent angiography.

Home Healthcare Medication Safety risks among older adults with chronic diseases: a qualitative study.

Background: Older adults receiving home care often face significant safety risks related to medication management due to their chronic diseases and complex health needs. Despite the increasing reliance on home healthcare services, the specific factors contributing to medication safety risks in this demographic remain inadequately explored.

Objective/aim: This study aims to explore the key factors involved in medication safety risks among older adults with chronic diseases receiving home healthcare in Iran.

Investigating papillary thyroid cancer risk factors among women living at the central region of Iran: a case-control study.

Background: The etiology of thyroid cancer especially in women in not well recognized in Yazd, at the center of Iran. The aim of present study was to investigate the risk factors of thyroid cancer among women living in this province.

Methods: The present study was carried out as a case-control study, comprising women diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) as the case group, along with two distinct control groups sourced from different origins (i.

Severe Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis as the First Finding in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Incidence and Clinical Predictors.

Severe left main coronary artery (LMCA) lesions (≥50% stenosis) portend a poor prognosis and require urgent revascularization. In this study, we identified the incidence and clinical predictors of severe LMCA stenosis in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) who had undergone coronary angiography for the first time. Using a nationwide database registry, all the patients with CCS who had undergone coronary angiography were included.

Predictive value of inflammatory indices for one year outcome of primary percutaneous coronary intervention on saphenous vein graft in post-coronary artery bypass grafting patients.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of the inflammatory indices i.e. Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII) as potential predictors of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Event (MACE) in patients undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) on Saphenous Vein Graft (SVG) with a history of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).

Comparison of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings and Prognostic Measures in Nondilated Cardiomyopathy and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Nondilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC) is a newly defined category of cardiomyopathy. We sought to evaluate and compare the phenotype of NDLVC with DCM using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and to investigate the prognostic significance of these conditions. One hundred and fifty patients suspected of having cardiomyopathy referred for CMR were recruited.

Prognostic value of albumin-bilirubin grade in patients with cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of cancer that develops in the biliary tract. CCA accounts for 10% of primary hepatic cancers and is characterized by its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the prognostic value of the novel hepatic function assessment measure known as albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade in patients with CCA.

Cost-utility analysis of combination medical therapies in chronic coronary syndrome: a comparative study using real-world and patient-level data from Iran.

Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various medical therapy combinations in managing chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) in Iran, based on real-world and patient-level data.

Design: A cost-utility analysis employing a Markov model was conducted using data from a retrospective cohort study.

Setting: The study was conducted in the healthcare setting of Iran, focusing on primary and secondary care.

Immediate management of a cirrhosis-induced severe pericardial effusion: a case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition resulting from fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output and shock. Various etiologies can cause cardiac tamponade, including liver cirrhosis, which may be induced by autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory liver disease characterized by interface hepatitis, elevated transaminase levels, autoantibodies, and increased immunoglobulin G levels.

Direct oral anticoagulants or warfarin in patients with left ventricular thrombus after ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a pilot trial and a prespecified meta-analysis of randomised trials.

Background: The role of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the treatment of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains uncertain.

Aims: We aimed to compare the effect of rivaroxaban versus warfarin in patients with STEMI complicated by LVT.

Methods: Adult patients with STEMI and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography showing LVT were assigned to rivaroxaban (15 mg once daily) or warfarin (international normalised ratio goal of 2.

Unusual presentation of a patient with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections without a septal defect: a case report and literature review.

Introduction: Partial anomalous pulmonary vein connections (PAPVC) are rare congenital abnormalities in which one or more pulmonary veins drain into the right atrium. This pathological condition may present in various ways, such as chest pain and dyspnea, or it may be diagnosed incidentally. Consequently, missed or late diagnoses are common, highlighting the importance of optimal diagnostic modalities.

Leadless Pacemaker Implantation in the Presence of the Bioprosthetic Tricuspid Valve: Case Presentation and Literature Review.

A 21-year-old man, known case of the repaired congenital heart disease, developed complete atrioventricular block (AVB) one week after simultaneous bioprosthetic pulmonary and tricuspid valve replacement and atrial septal defect repair. Considering the persistence of the AVB, it was decided to implant a permanent pacemaker. After considering all available options and the issues related to the patient, it was decided to implant a leadless pacemaker (LLP).

Machine learning-based interpretation of non-contrast feature tracking strain analysis and T1/T2 mapping for assessing myocardial viability.

Assessing myocardial viability is crucial for managing ischemic heart disease. While late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for viability evaluation, it has limitations, including contraindications in patients with renal dysfunction and lengthy scan times. This study investigates the potential of non-contrast CMR techniques-feature tracking strain analysis and T1/T2 mapping-combined with machine learning (ML) models, as an alternative to LGE-CMR for myocardial viability assessment.

The Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters in Prognostication of Systemic Sclerosis in Patients with Cardiac Involvement: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune dysregulation disorder affecting multiple organs. Cardiac involvement, prevalently myocardial, is associated with poor outcomes in SSc patients. Several investigations explored the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the diagnosis of scleroderma-related cardiomyopathy and analyzed the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic correlations utilizing CMR examinations.

Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms diagnosis, management, caregiving, advanced treatments and associated challenges.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired reasoning. It is the leading cause of dementia in older adults, marked by the pathological accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These pathological changes lead to widespread neuronal damage, significantly impacting daily functioning and quality of life.

Chorioretinal microvascular changes in slow flow coronary phenomenon: a multi-center study.

We compared chorioretinal microvascular of Slow Coronary Flow Phenomenon (SCFP) patients using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) to healthy controls. We recruited 21 patients from September 2023 until January 2024 from two referral centers. We enrolled 21 age-sex-matched controls retrospectively.

The efficacy and safety of Empagliflozin on outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has garnered significant interest due to its potential cardiovascular benefits, particularly in patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Empagliflozin in improving clinical outcomes in this patient population. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effects of Empagliflozin on clinical outcomes in patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI.

Traditional vs. modified Ringer lactate-based del Nido cardioplegia impacts on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: Results from a prospective, randomized, blinded trial.

Introduction: Myocardial protection with cardioplegia is a crucial approach to mitigate myocardial damage during coronary bypass grafting surgery (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The major component of the del Nido cardioplegia solution, Plasma-Lyte A, is difficult to obtain in Iran due to high cost. The objective of the current study was to study if the lactated Ringer's solution as the base for del Nido solution (LR DN) usage is a viable option as a substitute for Plasma-Lyte A in adult patients presenting for CABG surgery.

Investigating the NF-κB signaling pathway in heart failure: Exploring potential therapeutic approaches.

Heart failure (HF) syndrome is of great interest as an emerging epidemic. Due to the increasing elderly population worldwide, the total number of HF patients is increasing every day. This disease places a significant economic burden on the healthcare and treatment systems of developing societies, and this situation is very concerning.