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American Journal of Nuclear Medicine... 2022We performed this study to evaluate the correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Exposure Rate (ER) of hyperthyroid patients treated with iodine-131 so that in case...
We performed this study to evaluate the correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Exposure Rate (ER) of hyperthyroid patients treated with iodine-131 so that in case of any relationship, we can improve the prescribed dose for the treatment of hyperthyroid patients and its side effects on the body and the environment. In this analytical and cross-sectional study, 30 patients with hyperthyroidism treated with liquid iodine-131 were randomly selected. We recorded demographic indicators (age, height, and weight) and ER. Patients were treated with the activity of 8-29 mCi (mean 14.4 mCi) oral I-131. The external radiation of patients was measured from a distance of one meter parallel to the patient's thyroid gland at intervals of 6 to 24 hours post-iodine-131 administration. ER measurements and other acquired data were statistically analyzed by R software and its methods. Data were normalized using the Shapiro method, and due to the non-normality of the data in the correlation test, the Spearman method was used. The measurements of this study represent two main findings: 1. There is a significant relationship between ER and iodine-131 activity because the observed significance level (-value =0.002) is smaller than the predicted error value (0.01). 2. There is no significant relationship between ER and BMI because the observed significance level (-value =0.082) is greater than the predicted error value (0.05). The present study's findings show a negative relationship between BMI and ER. Still, since the -value is more than 0.05, this relationship is not statistically significant.
PubMed: 35874294
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience 2022Throughout the brain, parallel processing streams compose the building blocks of complex neural functions. One of the most salient models for studying the functional...
Throughout the brain, parallel processing streams compose the building blocks of complex neural functions. One of the most salient models for studying the functional specialization of parallel visual streams in the primate brain is the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the dorsal thalamus, through which the parvocellular and magnocellular channels, On-center and Off-center channels, and ipsilateral and contralateral eye channels are maintained and provide the foundation for cortical processing. We examined three aspects of neural processing in these streams: (1) the relationship between extraclassical surround suppression, a widespread visual computation thought to represent a canonical neural computation, and the parallel channels of the LGN; (2) the magnitude of binocular interaction in the parallel streams; and (3) the magnitude of suppression elicited by perceptual competition (binocular rivalry) in each stream. Our results show that surround suppression is almost exclusive to Off channel cells; further, we found evidence for two different components of monocular surround suppression-an early-stage suppression exhibited by all magnocellular cells, and a late-stage suppression exhibited only by Off cells in both the parvocellular and magnocellular pathways. This finding indicates that stream-specific circuits contribute to surround suppression in the primate LGN and suggests a distinct role for suppression in the Off channel to the cortex. We also examined the responses of LGN neurons in alert macaque monkeys to determine whether neurons that supply the cortex with visual information are influenced by stimulation of both eyes. Our results demonstrate that LGN neurons are not influenced by stimulation of the non-dominant eye. This was the case when dichoptic stimuli were presented to classical receptive fields of neurons, extraclassical receptive fields of neurons, and when stimuli were appropriate to produce the perception of binocular rivalry.
PubMed: 35177969
DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.818633 -
GigaScience May 2020Several prediction problems in computational biology and genomic medicine are characterized by both big data as well as a high imbalance between examples to be learned,...
BACKGROUND
Several prediction problems in computational biology and genomic medicine are characterized by both big data as well as a high imbalance between examples to be learned, whereby positive examples can represent a tiny minority with respect to negative examples. For instance, deleterious or pathogenic variants are overwhelmed by the sea of neutral variants in the non-coding regions of the genome: thus, the prediction of deleterious variants is a challenging, highly imbalanced classification problem, and classical prediction tools fail to detect the rare pathogenic examples among the huge amount of neutral variants or undergo severe restrictions in managing big genomic data.
RESULTS
To overcome these limitations we propose parSMURF, a method that adopts a hyper-ensemble approach and oversampling and undersampling techniques to deal with imbalanced data, and parallel computational techniques to both manage big genomic data and substantially speed up the computation. The synergy between Bayesian optimization techniques and the parallel nature of parSMURF enables efficient and user-friendly automatic tuning of the hyper-parameters of the algorithm, and allows specific learning problems in genomic medicine to be easily fit. Moreover, by using MPI parallel and machine learning ensemble techniques, parSMURF can manage big data by partitioning them across the nodes of a high-performance computing cluster. Results with synthetic data and with single-nucleotide variants associated with Mendelian diseases and with genome-wide association study hits in the non-coding regions of the human genome, involhing millions of examples, show that parSMURF achieves state-of-the-art results and an 80-fold speed-up with respect to the sequential version.
CONCLUSIONS
parSMURF is a parallel machine learning tool that can be trained to learn different genomic problems, and its multiple levels of parallelization and high scalability allow us to efficiently fit problems characterized by big and imbalanced genomic data. The C++ OpenMP multi-core version tailored to a single workstation and the C++ MPI/OpenMP hybrid multi-core and multi-node parSMURF version tailored to a High Performance Computing cluster are both available at https://github.com/AnacletoLAB/parSMURF.
Topics: Algorithms; Computational Biology; Databases, Genetic; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Variation; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genomics; Humans; Machine Learning; Reproducibility of Results; Software
PubMed: 32444882
DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giaa052 -
The Journal of Cell Biology Jun 2021Immune synapses are formed between immune cells to facilitate communication and coordinate the immune response. The reorganization of receptors involved in recognition... (Review)
Review
Immune synapses are formed between immune cells to facilitate communication and coordinate the immune response. The reorganization of receptors involved in recognition and signaling creates a transient area of plasma membrane specialized in signaling and polarized secretion. Studies on the formation of the immune synapse between cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and their targets uncovered a critical role for centrosome polarization in CTL function and suggested a striking parallel between the synapse and primary cilium. Since these initial observations, a plethora of further morphological, functional, and molecular similarities have been identified between these two fascinating structures. In this review, we describe how advances in imaging and molecular techniques have revealed additional parallels as well as functionally significant differences and discuss how comparative studies continue to shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of both the immune synapse and primary cilium.
Topics: Animals; Cilia; Humans; Immunological Synapses; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic
PubMed: 33956049
DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202102089 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023Cardiometabolic conditions are closely associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Dietary berries may serve as a beneficial nutrition intervention to address the... (Review)
Review
Cardiometabolic conditions are closely associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Dietary berries may serve as a beneficial nutrition intervention to address the features of cardiometabolic dysfunction and associated oxidative stress. The high antioxidant status of dietary berries may increase antioxidant capacity and reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress. This systematic review was conducted to investigate these effects of dietary berries. The search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and citation searching. Through this search we identified 6309 articles and 54 were included in the review. Each study's risk of bias was assessed using the 2019 Cochrane Methods' Risk of Bias 2 tool. Antioxidant and oxidative stress outcomes were evaluated, and the magnitude of effect was calculated using Cohen's . A range of effectiveness was reported in the included studies and the quality of the studies differed between the parallel and crossover trials. Considering the inconsistency in reported effectiveness, future investigations are warranted to determine the acute and sustained reductions of oxidative stress biomarkers from dietary berry intake (PROSPERO registration# CRD42022374654).
PubMed: 37371912
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061182 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2022Neuropathic pain (NP) can be challenging to treat effectively as analgesic pharmacotherapy (MED) can reduce pain, but the majority of patients do not experience complete...
Neuropathic pain (NP) can be challenging to treat effectively as analgesic pharmacotherapy (MED) can reduce pain, but the majority of patients do not experience complete pain relief. Our pilot approach is to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an evidence-based photobiomodulation (PBM) intervention protocol. This would be as an alternative to paralleled standard analgesic MED for modulating NP intensity-related physical function and quality of life (QoL) prospectively in a mixed neurological primary burning mouth syndrome and oral iatrogenic neuropathy study population ( = 28). The study group assignments and outcome evaluation strategy/location depended on the individual patient preferences and convenience rather than on randomisation. Our prospective parallel study aimed to evaluate the possible pre/post-benefit of PBM and to allow for a first qualitative comparison with MED, various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) based on Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT-II) were used for up to a nine-month follow-up period in both intervention groups (PBM and MED). The PBM protocol applied to the PBM group was as follows: λ810 nm, 200 mW, 0.088 cm, 30 s/point, 9 trigger and affected points, twice a week for five consecutive weeks, whereas the MED protocol followed the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Our results showed that despite the severe and persistent nature of the symptoms of 57.50 ± 47.93 months at baseline in the PBM group, a notably rapid reduction in PIS on VAS from 7.6 at baseline (T0) to 3.9 at one-month post-treatment (T3) could be achieved. On the other hand, mean PIS was only reduced from 8.2 at baseline to 6.8 at T3 in the MED group. Our positive PBM findings furthermore support more patients' benefits in improving QoL and functional activities, which were considerably impaired by NP such as: , whereas the analgesic medication regimens did not. No adverse events were observed in both groups. To the best knowledge of the authors, our study is the first to investigate PBM efficacy as a monotherapy compared to the gold standard analgesic pharmacotherapy. Our positive data proves statistically significant improvements in patient self-reported NP, functionality, psychological profile and QoL at mid- and end-treatment, as well as throughout the follow-up time points (one, three, six and nine months) and sustained up to nine months in the PBM group, compared to the MED group. Our study, for the first time, proves the efficacy and safety of PBM as a potent analgesic in oral NP and as a valid alternative to the gold standard pharmacotherapy approach. Furthermore, we observed long-term pain relief and functional benefits that indicate that PBM modulates NP pathology in a pro-regenerative manner, presumably via antioxidant mechanisms.
PubMed: 35326183
DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030533 -
Biomicrofluidics Nov 2019Inertial microfluidic systems have been arousing interest in medical applications due to their simple and cost-efficient use. However, comparably small sample volumes in... (Review)
Review
Inertial microfluidic systems have been arousing interest in medical applications due to their simple and cost-efficient use. However, comparably small sample volumes in the microliter and milliliter ranges have so far prevented efficient applications in continuous bioprocesses. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that these systems are well suited for cell separation in bioprocesses because of their facile adaptability to various reactor sizes and cell types. This review will discuss potential applications of inertial microfluidic cell separation systems in downstream bioprocesses and depict recent advances in inertial microfluidics for bioprocess intensification. This review thereby focusses on spiral microchannels that separate particles at a moderate Reynolds number in a laminar flow ( < 2300) according to their size by applying lateral hydrodynamic forces. Spiral microchannels have already been shown to be capable of replacing microfilters, extracting dead cells and debris in perfusion processes, and removing contaminant microalgae species. Recent advances in parallelization made it possible to process media on a liter-scale, which might pave the way toward industrial applications.
PubMed: 31700559
DOI: 10.1063/1.5125264 -
Journal of Medical Education and... 2024We created a serious game to teach first year anesthesiology (CA-1) residents to perform general anesthesia for cesarean delivery. We aimed to investigate resident...
We created a serious game to teach first year anesthesiology (CA-1) residents to perform general anesthesia for cesarean delivery. We aimed to investigate resident knowledge gains after playing the game and having received one of 2 modalities of debriefing. We report on the development and validation of scores from parallel test forms for criterion-referenced interpretations of resident knowledge. The test forms were intended for use as pre- and posttests for the experiment. Validation of instruments measuring the study's primary outcome was considered essential for adding rigor to the planned experiment, to be able to trust the study's results. Parallel, multiple-choice test forms development steps included: (1) assessment purpose and population specification; (2) content domain specification and writing/selection of items; (3) content validation by experts of paired items by topic and cognitive level; and (4) empirical validation of scores from the parallel test forms using Classical Test Theory (CTT) techniques. Field testing involved online administration of 52 shuffled items from both test forms to 24 CA-1's, 21 second-year anesthesiology (CA-2) residents, 2 fellows, 1 attending anesthesiologist, and 1 of unknown rank at 3 US institutions. Items from each form yielded near-normal score distributions, with similar medians, ranges, and standard deviations. Evaluations of CTT item difficulty (item p values) and discrimination (D) indices indicated that most items met assumptions of criterion-referenced test design, separating experienced from novice residents. Experienced residents performed better on overall domain scores than novices ( < .05). Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20) reliability estimates of both test forms were above the acceptability cut of .70, and parallel forms reliability estimate was high at .86, indicating results were consistent with theoretical expectations. Total scores of parallel test forms demonstrated item-level validity, strong internal consistency and parallel forms reliability, suggesting sufficient robustness for knowledge outcomes assessments of CA-1 residents.
PubMed: 38357687
DOI: 10.1177/23821205241229778 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Feb 2022Computer use is a well-known source of chronic pain, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity and well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Computer use is a well-known source of chronic pain, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity and well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial. Several methodological variables defined trial feasibility.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty adults, daily computer users reporting pain, were recruited. Data collection took place at LABIOMEP. Participants were randomised into 1 of 3 parallel groups and received either osteopathic, sham or no treatment. Only the volunteers were blind to group assignments. The primary objective was to study the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol.
RESULTS
Of 77 participants interested, 30 were included and randomised into three groups of ten. All participants concluded the study, and all the data was analysed. The feasibility outcomes were deemed appropriate. No adverse events or severe side effects were reported or identified.
CONCLUSION
Studying the efficacy of osteopathic consultation on computer users by conducting an RCT is feasible and safe. With adjustments, a full-scale study can be designed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier: NCT04501575. Date registered August 06, 2020.
Topics: Adult; Chronic Pain; Computers; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Shoulder Pain
PubMed: 34753085
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101507 -
BMJ Open Dec 2023Assessment of near work-induced transient myopia (NITM) is important for permanent myopia development and progression. Atropine eye drop has been reported to be...
Protocol for a parallel assignment prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of 0.01% atropine for near work-induced transient myopia and myopic progression in China.
INTRODUCTION
Assessment of near work-induced transient myopia (NITM) is important for permanent myopia development and progression. Atropine eye drop has been reported to be beneficial in reducing initial NITM and slowing down myopic progression. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of 0.01% atropine in treating NITM and its possible association with the progression of refractive change in Chinese myopic children.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The study is designed as a parallel assignment prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted at He Eye Specialist Hospital in Shenyang, China. One hundred fifty participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive 0.01% atropine or placebo eye drop once nightly bilaterally for 1 year. Initial NITM, cycloplegic refraction, axial length, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and pupil diameter will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks and 48 weeks. Visual Function Questionnaire will be administered at baseline and each follow-up visit. Adverse events also will be monitored and documented at each subsequent follow-up visit.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
A parallel assignment prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of 0.01% atropine for near work-induced transient myopia and myopic progression registered on 10 September 2023. Ethics approval number: IRB (2023) K025.01. The study's findings will be shared regardless of the effect's direction.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT06034366.
Topics: Male; Child; Humans; Atropine; Prospective Studies; Myopia; Double-Blind Method; Ophthalmic Solutions; China; Disease Progression; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38128934
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079833