Dosimetric Study of Rhizophora Spp. Particle Board Using Gafchromic XRQA2 Film

@#Introduction: Various phantom with varied materials has been proposed to replace the human body. Besides, there is always a demand to use the local material as a phantom material, which is readily available and inexpensive. Wood is usually preferred because it is multifunction, environmentally friendly, low in toxic, inexpensive, as well as easy to use and prepare. Previous studies have found that Rhizophora spp. is a suitable natural source material and has been suggested due to its comparable dosimetric properties to commercial phantom. Methods: In this study, fabricated Rhizophora spp. particleboards phantom was opted as a solid-equivalent phantom medium at low energy photon beams using Gafchromic film x-ray quality assurance 2 (XRQA2). Additionally, the characteristics of XRQA2 film in the diagnostic energy range were generated. Results: Interestingly, the density of the fabricated Rhizophora spp particleboards was observed to have the same density with the water equivalent material (ρ= 1.00 g.cm-3) and has shown to have loosened agreement with PDD of water phantom at approximately 25% of the dose error. Also, further analysis using XRQA 2 film showed that energy was independent at different ranges. Conclusion: The analysis of fabricated Rhizophora spp particleboards undertaken here has extended our knowledge of the possibility of manufacturing cost-effective water equivalent phantom by using binder-less particleboard from Rhizophora spp. Therefore, a definite need for smaller interspacing particles should be considered to elevate the potential of Rhizophora spp particle boards as water equivalent materials.

Evaluation of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in short-stature children

Growth Hormone Deficiency [GHD] is conventionally diagnosed and confirmed by diminished peak Growth Hormone [GH] levels to provocative testing. Serum Insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 [IGFBP-3] are under the influence of GH and reflect the spontaneous endogenous GH secretion. Owing to the absence of a circadian rhythm, it is possible to take individual measurements of IFG-1 and IGFBP-3 assays with Exercise and L-Dopa stimulation tests in the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in short stature children using ITT as gold standard. This validation study was conducted at Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, AFIP, Rawalpindi, from November 2005 to October 2006. Fifty-two short stature children were included in the study. Basal samples for GH levels and simultaneous IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 measurements were obtained and afterwards all children were subjected to sequential exercise and L-Dopa stimulation tests. Insulin Tolerance Test [ITT] was performed one week later with all the necessary precautionary measures. On the basis of ITT results, children were divided into two groups, i.e., 31 growth hormone deficient and 21 Normal Variant Short Stature [NVSS]. The diagnostic value of exercise stimulation test remained highest with sensitivity 90.3%, specificity 76.0%, Positive Predictive Value [PPV] 84.84%, Negative Predictive Value [NPV] 84.2% and accuracy 84.6%. The conventional L-Dopa stimulation had sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 38.0%, PPV 69.7%, NPV 88.8% and accuracy 73.0%. The serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were positively correlated with post ITT peak GH levels [r=0.527, r=0.464 respectively, both p<0.001]. The diagnostic value of IGF-1 had sensitivity 83.87%, specificity 76.2%, PPV 83.87%, NPV 76.2% and accuracy 80.76%. The diagnostic value of IGFBP-3 had sensitivity 54.83%, specificity 90.47%, PPV 89.47%, NPV 57.57% and accuracy 69.23%. With combined use of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 diagnostic value had sensitivity 69.35%, specificity 83.33% PPV 86%, NPV 64.81% and accuracy 75%. Growth Hormones provocative tests still remain the most useful investigations for the diagnosis of GHD. Measurements of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 have shown comparable diagnostic performance with growth hormone stimulation tests and are valuable for patients' convenience and ease of performance and can be useful in the initial workup of short stature

Carcinoma of Unknown primary site

To verify the spectrum of manifestations of carcinoma of unknown primary site, histopathological type and outcome, as well as to identify the prognostic factors for patient's outcome and their survival rate. From January 2001 to July 2002, in Basrah Teaching Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, 60 patients [27 males and 33 females], [mean age 58.8 +/- 11.1 years] who had fulfilled the criteria for carcinoma of unknown primary site were studied. Forty-one patients were with one site of metastasis and 19 patients were with multiple site of metastasis. Liver was the most common site of metastasis [in single site group] with 42% of the patients while in the bone with 22% of patients. The mean age of male patients was higher than the female patients [62.1 versus 55 years]. Twenty-three female patients were less than 60-years-old [70%], while 10 male patients were less than 60 years [30%]. These findings were statistically significant. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histopathological type [63% of cases], while sequamous cell carcinoma was the least [13%]. Fifty% of patients were smokers. Weight loss was the most common presentation [37% of cases]. Follow up was made for 48 patients [20 males and 28 females]. The mean survival was 2.4 +/- 1.8 months. Age >= 60, smoking, adenocarcinoma type and multiple site of metastasis were bad prognostic factors for the outcome

Patient satisfaction with dental services at Ajman University, United Arab Emirates

To provide information about the level of patient satisfaction with the dental care provided at the Faculty of Dentistry at Ajman University, 135 randomly selected patients, 50 males and 85 females, were surveyed. A questionnaire was used to collect data on personal details and information regarding current visit and use of the dental service. Most patients were Arabs; a minority were Indian. Most were satisfied with the care provided except for explanation of treatment options and the remoteness of the clinic. Measuring level of satisfaction is an important factor towards improving the service provided and should be monitored regularly