Nasal Glial Hamartoma: A New Type of Sinonasal Hamartomas.

Hamartomas are rare, tumour-forming, benign lesions that have been reported throughout the body that can resemble other malignant entities. Hamartoma subtypes can be distinguished based on their histological features. Sinonasal hamartomas may have presenting symptoms and radiological features that mimic other nasal neoplastic lesions. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose it accurately, as the treatment approaches can range from radical surgeries in malignant cases to a simple excision in hamartoma. In this paper, we report a novel case of sinonasal hamartoma, which demonstrates an unprecedented histological feature of glial tissue with astrocyte-like cells. Furthermore, we present the unconventional presenting symptoms and radiological features seen in this case that mimic the behaviours of nasal inverted papilloma (IP) lesions, thereby highlighting the need for careful investigation of such patients in order to distinguish both glial hamartoma and IP lesions. Concluding that identification of glial hamartoma as a new subtype of sinonasal hamartoma is crucial, as mistaking it for other lesions may subject patients to overly aggressive treatment and potential unnecessary harm.

Glandular Fever Testing in Patients Presenting With Tonsillitis: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillitis, the inflammation of the palatine tonsils, typically arises from infections and predominantly affects children of primary school age. Most cases stem from viral or bacterial infections. Glandular fever, a subtype, is primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This specific type of tonsillitis can lead to severe complications, including splenic rupture, encephalitis, chronic fatigue, and acute acalculous cholecystitis. As a result, early identification is vital to establish proper safety measures and prevent the onset of these potentially dangerous complications in patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the number of missed glandular fever cases diagnosed as simple tonsillitis and raises considerations in managing these patients. METHODS: A 12-month retrospective single-centre cohort study was carried out in Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, England. A total of 185 patients diagnosed with tonsillitis were included, along with their presenting symptoms and investigations, including liver blood tests and glandular fever screening. RESULTS: Among the 185 patients, averaging 26 years old, 112 were screened for EBV infection, revealing 35 positive cases (31.3%). Notably, 74% of these positive cases (26 out of 35) displayed abnormal liver function test results. CONCLUSION: Applying the percentage of EBV-positive cases to the 73 unscreened patients results in a likelihood of 23 missed cases of EBV infection. These form 12% of the study group, indicating a significant potential missed number of cases. Given the associated risks and complications with EBV, we note the importance of screening to identify cases and apply relevant considerations in their management.

Long COVID and psychological distress in young adults: Potential protective effect of a prior mental health diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Although young adulthood is a period characterized by marked psychological vulnerability, young adults are typically considered to be in good physical health and are therefore understudied with respect to the effects of COVID-19 infection and long COVID. The present study examined associations between post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and serious psychological distress during young adulthood, and tested whether prior mental health diagnosis moderated this association. METHODS: Participants were 44,652 young adults who completed the Spring 2022 administration of the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III (ACHA-NCHA). Blockwise logistic regressions tested the odds of meeting the clinical threshold for serious psychological distress. RESULTS: PASC was associated with 53 % increased likelihood of meeting the clinical threshold for serious psychological distress. Among young adults with a prior mental health diagnosis, PASC predicted 36 % increased odds of serious psychological distress; among those without a diagnosis, PASC predicted 81 % increased odds. LIMITATIONS: PASC was assessed using a single self-report item rather than a clinical diagnosis of specific symptomatology. The analyses were cross-sectional and relied on concurrent reports of PASC and psychological distress which precluded us from making claims regarding directionality of the associations. The outcome of generalized psychological distress limited us from generating targeted treatment recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: PASC may confer elevated psychological distress among young adults. The association of PASC to serious psychological distress was stronger in young adults without a mental health diagnosis than those with a diagnosis. Prior experience with mental illness may mitigate the psychological burden of long-term symptomatology.

Automatic Segmentation of Calcification Areas in Digital Breast Images.

In this study, the authors hope to demonstrate that when mammography is combined with intelligent segmentation techniques, it can become more effective in diagnosing breast abnormalities and aiding in the early detection of breast cancer. In conjunction with intelligent segmentation techniques, mammography can be made more effective in diagnosing breast abnormalities and aiding in the early diagnosis of breast cancer, hence increasing its overall effectiveness. The methodology, which includes some concepts of digital imaging and machine learning techniques, will be described in the following section after a review of the literature on breast cancer (categories, prevention involving the environment and lifestyle, diagnosis, and tracking of the disease) has been completed (neural networks and random forests). It was possible to achieve these results by working with an image collection that previously had questionable regions (per the given technique). Fiji software extracted problematic candidate regions from mammography images, which were subsequently subjected to further examination. To categorize the results of the picture segmentation, they were sorted into three groups, which were as follows: random forest and neural networks both generated promising results in the segmentation of suspicious parts that were emphasized in the highlight of the image, and this was true for both algorithms. Detection of contours of the regions was carried out, indicating that cuts of these segmented sections may be created. Later on, automatic categorization of the targets can be carried out using a learning algorithm, as illustrated in the experiment.

Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with the Help of Data Mining Tools.

Autism is a disorder of neurobiological origin that originates a different course in the development of verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, the flexibility of behavior, and interests. The results obtained offer relevant information to reflect on the practices currently used in assessing the development of children and the detection of ASD and suggest the need to strengthen the training of health professionals in aspects such as psychology and developmental disorders. This study, based on genuine and current facts, used data from 292 children with an autism spectrum disorder. The input dataset has 20 characteristics, and the output dataset has one attribute. The output property indicates whether or not a certain person has autism. The research study first and foremost performed data pretreatment activities such as filling in missing data gaps in the data collection, digitizing categorical data, and normalizing. The features were then clustered using k-means and x-means clustering methods, then artificial neural networks and a linguistic strong neurofuzzy classifier were used to classify them. The outcomes of each strategy were examined, and their respective performances were compared.

Hyperspectral Image Analysis of Colon Tissue and Deep Learning for Characterization of Health care.

Colon cancer is a disease characterized by the unusual and uncontrolled development of cells that are found in the large intestine. If the tumour extends to the lower part of the colon (rectum), the cancer may be colorectal. Medical imaging is the denomination of methods used to create visual representations of the human body for clinical analysis, such as diagnosing, monitoring, and treating medical conditions. In this research, a computational proposal is presented to aid the diagnosis of colon cancer, which consists of using hyperspectral images obtained from slides with biopsy samples of colon tissue in paraffin, characterizing pixels so that, afterwards, imaging techniques can be applied. Using computer graphics augmenting conventional histological deep learning architecture, it can classify pixels in hyperspectral images as cancerous, inflammatory, or healthy. It is possible to find connections between histochemical characteristics and the absorbance of tissue under various conditions using infrared photons at various frequencies in hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Deep learning techniques were used to construct and implement a predictor to detect anomalies, as well as to develop a computer interface to assist pathologists in the diagnosis of colon cancer. An infrared absorbance spectrum of each of the pixels used in the developed classifier resulted in an accuracy level of 94% for these three classes.

Awareness of medical emergencies among dental practitioners in three Egyptian dental schools: A cross-sectional study / Conscientização sobre emergências médicas entre dentistas em três Faculdades de Odontologia Egípcias: um estudo transversal

Objective: To evaluate the awareness of medical emergencies among dental practitioners in three dental schools. Material and methods: The study group included 384 dental practitioners, including dental staff members, post-graduate students, and dental interns. These professionals were attending three dental educational institutions in Egypt. Two of them were governmental and one was a private school. The educational model is almost the same in most Egyptian dental schools. Results: The response rate was 100%. Most of the participants worked in private academia (44.16%) or practice (42.34%) and 65.20% of them were females. The participants who recorded the medical history and filled a form (91.17%, 80.52 % respectively) while only 41.82% obtained the vital signs. Among the participants, 48.57 % were confident about handling medical emergency and 74.29 % reported their capability of intramuscular injection while only 25.71 % for intravenous injection and 49.35% knew about emergency kits. Management knowledge of airway obstruction and prosthetic heart valve patients was reported by 80.27 % and 71.94 % respectively, while less percentage for activation of EMS, chest compression, CPR ratio, and infant rescue breathing. The mean preparedness percent score was 54.57% and it was inversely correlated to the years of experiences and directly correlated to the degree of confidence in their ability to manage the dental emergency. Conclusion: The current study results reflected a deficiency in the dental practitioner awareness about the medical emergency especially the practical part. (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar a consciência das emergências médicas entre os dentistas de três faculdades de odontologia. Material e Métodos: O grupo de estudo incluiu 384 dentistas, abrangendo membros da equipe odontológica, alunos de pós-graduação e estagiários de odontologia. Esses profissionais frequentavam três instituições de ensino de odontologia no Egito. Duas eram governamentais e uma era uma instituição particular. O modelo educacional é similar na maioria das escolas de odontologia egípcias. Resultados:A taxa de resposta foi de 100%. A maioria dos participantes trabalhava na área acadêmica (44,16%) ou clínica privadas (42,34%) e 65,20% deles eram do sexo feminino. Os participantes registraram o histórico médico e preencheram um formulário (91,17%, 80,52% respectivamente) enquanto apenas 41,82% obtiveram os sinais vitais. Entre os participantes, 48,57% estavam confiantes para lidar com emergências médicas e 74,29% relataram sua capacidade de injeção intramuscular, enquanto apenas 25,71% para injeção intravenosa e 49,35% sabiam sobre kits de emergência. O conhecimento do manejo de pacientes com obstrução das vias aéreas e válvula cardíaca protética foi relatado por 80,27% e 71,94%, respectivamente, enquanto menos porcentagem para a ativação do serviço de emergência médica (SEM), compressão torácica, índice de reanimação cardiorrespiratória (RCP) e respiração de resgate infantil. A pontuação percentual média de preparação foi de 54,57% e foi inversamente correlacionada aos anos de experiência e diretamente correlacionada ao grau de confiança em sua capacidade de gerenciar a emergência odontológica. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo refletiram uma deficiência na conscientização do dentista sobre a emergência médica principalmente a parte prática (AU)

Lupine as a potential agent against diet-induced obesity through adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway: crude oil versus nanoemulsion formulations

Obesity represents a major challenge to the pharmaceutical community due to the minimal availability of anti-obesity drugs and the drawbacks of current weight-loss agents. The study described herein presents lupine oil, in two pharmaceutical formulations, as a potential anti-obesity agent via its effect on different physiological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters. Rats were divided into two groups; one group was continued on a standard commercial rodent diet and served as the non-obese control. The other group was fed a high-fat diet for 7 weeks to prepare an obese rat model. Then, the obese rats were divided into groups to receive 100 mg/kg of the crude lupine oil or nanoemulsion for 10 or 20 days. Lupine oil showed a potent body weight-reducing effect and improved insulin resistance. The oil altered obesity-induced hyperlipidemia and it enhanced the leptin/adiponectin/AMPK hormonal system in epididymal fat, serum, and liver, to which all the above physiological activities could be attributed. The nanoemulsion formulation of lupine oil significantly amplified the activity for all the above physiological and hormonal parameters when compared to the crude oil formulation. Lupine oil nanoemulsion could be used as a potential drug against diet-induced obesity.

Restenosis Predictors after Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting and Its Influence on Procedure Durability, Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: This article reports our experience regarding in-stent restenosis in the carotid arteries with special focus was given to angiographic morphology and clinical predictors of in-stent restenosis. METHODS: Between July 2008 and August 2011, 245 carotid angioplasty and stenting procedures were performed in 243 patients (172 men and 71 women). Stenting for de novo stenoses was performed in 214 (87.3%) carotid arteries, and 31 (12.7%) vessels were treated because of postsurgical restenosis. Symptomatic lesions were detected in 187 patients (76.3%). Angiography confirmed any significant recurrent lesion detected on the ultrasound scan. Symptomatic or significant (70%) recurrent lesions detected on the ultrasound scan were an indication for retreatment. RESULTS: During the follow-up period of 821 days (range: 62-1750 days), there were 10 deaths, all non-procedure related. Stent restenosis was defined as greater than 30% narrowing of the vessel lumen diameter and could be detected in 35 (14.3%) patients. Retreatment was indicated in 16 (6.5%) patients. Three types of restenosis were differentiated: tandem type restenosis (n = 5 of 35); "in-stent" restenosis (n = 18 of 35); and "end-stent" restenosis (n = 12 of 35). Interventions, either dilation alone (n = 12) or dilation with restenting (n = 4) for restenosis, were performed with 1 procedure-related dysphasia that resolved in 30 days. Female gender, hypercholesterolemia, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), initial stenosis, and surgical graft were predictors of target lesion revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, history of surgical endarterectomy, female gender, hypercholesterolemia, PVD, and initial stenosis were predictors of in-stent restenosis. Three types of restenosis were identified in our cohort.

Cytomorphology of palpable breast lesions: Diagnostic utility of FNAC in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Breast lesions including breast cancer represent a major public health issue in Sudan. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an established, simple, highly accurate, minimally invasive, and cost-effective method of diagnosing most breast lesions. The aim of this study is to document the most common breast conditions diagnosed by means of FNAC over a two-year period in Atbara, a city in north Sudan. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional, laboratory-based study in which records of all palpable breast lesions diagnosed by FNAC in the years 2012 and 2013 were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The total number of cases studied was 232; most subjects, 222 (95.7%), were females. The age range was 15-90 years (mean 38.2). Painless lump was the most common 190 (81.9%) clinical presentation. The left breast was affected more often than the right breast, 56.0% vs. 40.5%. Benign conditions were 167 (72%). Malignant neoplasms were 65 (28.0%). The most important associations with malignancy were female sex, age above 35 years, multiparity, painless lump at upper outer quadrant of left breast, lump size above 2 cm and the presence of an enlarged ipsilateral axillary lymph node at presentation. CONCLUSION: In the northern part of Sudan, the prevalence of malignant breast lesions diagnosed by FNAC is more than one fourth of all cases presenting with palpable breast lumps. FNAC is a technique that is ideal for use in resource-limited health settings.