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ObjectiveScalp inflammation and alopecia are distressing conditions for which patients regularly present to dermatology. Although some diagnoses can be made clinically, others require biopsy, which carries the risk of pain, infection, bleeding, and scarring. This review examines the existing literature regarding noninvasive in vivo imaging techniques and their evidence and utility in evaluating scalp pathology, with a focus on the diagnostics of hair conditions.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines without timeframe restrictions. The PubMed and Clarivate (Web of Science) databases were searched using the terms ("imaging" OR "in-vivo imaging" OR "non-invasive imaging" OR "non-invasive in vivo imaging" "imaging," "in-vivo imaging) AND ("human scalp disorders" OR "scalp" OR "hair loss" OR "alopecia"). Peer-reviewed randomized control trials (RCTs), prospective studies, retrospective studies, and case series or reports discussing in vivo imaging of the scalp published before 2022 were selected.ResultsForty-two studies were included and discussed; modalities included laser devices (n = 27), ultrasound (US) (n = 13), infrared thermography (n = 1), skin capacitance imaging (SCI), and ultraviolet light-enhanced visualization (ULEV) (n = 1). The most common laser devices used were reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), multiphoton microscopy (MPM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). US techniques included high-frequency US (HFUS) and US biomicroscopy (UBM).ConclusionQuality imaging of the scalp in the setting of alopecic, neoplastic, and inflammatory diseases is highly sought after. Many of these noninvasive imaging techniques show promise, each with individual advantages and disadvantages in imaging-specific conditions. Ultimately, noninvasive imaging techniques may be used to optimize patient management and minimize morbidity associated with scalp biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Recanalization of target veins after treatment of superficial venous incompetence has clinical implications and may depend on the type of intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient and procedural factors associated with truncal vein recanalization in a large study cohort using the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) Varicose Vein Registry. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review using the VQI Varicose Vein Registry from 2014 to 2018. We evaluated all procedures performed for truncal venous insufficiency. Demographic data and information about treatment modality were collected. Patients were separated into recanalization and nonrecanalization groups based on the status of the treated vein at follow-up ultrasound examination. The vein was only considered recanalized if the VQI noted complete recanalization of the target vein. Univariate and multivariate comparisons were performed as appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 10,604 procedures were performed in 7403 patients. The average age was 55.9 years and 70.3% of the patients were female. Patients with recanalization were more likely to have a history of phlebitis (P < .001) and had a higher mean body mass index (30.5 vs 32., kg/m2 ; P = .006) compared with those without recanalization. There was no difference in the use of compression therapy, anticoagulation, deep venous reflux, number of pregnancies, prior deep vein thrombosis, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology between patients with and without recanalization. The number of truncal veins treated per procedure was higher in the recanalization group compared with the nonrecanalization group (2.36 vs 1.88; P = .001). After multivariate logistic regression, laser ablation was associated with higher rate of recanalization compared with radiofrequency ablation (P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to use VQI based data to describe risk factors for recanalization following treatment of truncal venous reflux. The use of laser ablation for truncal veins is associated with a higher risk for recanalization compared with radiofrequency ablation. Obesity, prior phlebitis, and number of veins treated were independently associated with increased rate of recanalization.

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prevalent comorbidities in aging populations. Advances in BC treatment have improved survival rates but increased the risk of CVD, particularly among younger patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. BRCA1/2 gene mutations, prevalent in younger BC patients, impair cardioprotective effects, elevating CVD risk alongside cancer treatments. This study examined the prevalence and incidence of CVD and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) before and after BC diagnosis in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (BRCA-BC) and those with sporadic BC (Sporadic-BC). Methods This descriptive retrospective cohort study analyzed BC patients from 1995 to 2020 in Stockholm-Gotland, Sweden. Data from regional and national registries provided insights into CVRFs, pre-existing CVDs, demographics, and cancer treatments. Analyses focused on single and multiple CVD events, comparing inpatient and outpatient settings across subgroups. Results The cohort included 438 BRCA-BC and 32,626 Sporadic-BC patients. BRCA-BC patients were younger at BC diagnosis (median: 45 years, IQR 37–53) and first CVD event (median: 62 years, IQR 53–68) compared to Sporadic-BC patients (median: 61 years, IQR 51–71; and 74 years, IQR 65–81, respectively). Before BC diagnosis, CVD prevalence was lower in BRCA-BC patients (4.2%) than in Sporadic-BC patients (11.1%). Post-diagnosis, CVD prevalence increased in both groups, reaching 19.7% in BRCA-BC and 24.6% in Sporadic-BC patients. Heart failure (HF) was the most common major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), affecting 4.6% of BRCA-BC and 9.5% of Sporadic-BC patients. Sporadic-BC patients exhibited a higher overall cardiovascular burden, including arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Conclusions Distinct cardiovascular profiles between BRCA-BC and Sporadic-BC patients underscore the need for tailored survivorship care. Early cardiovascular screening benefits BRCA-BC patients, while Sporadic-BC patients require comprehensive management of pre-existing CVRFs. These findings align with international cardio-oncology guidelines advocating integrated cardiovascular care for BC survivors.

Abstract Background The effectiveness of Health Services Management curricula relies heavily on practical experiences that reflect the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. This study focuses on revising Field Practicum 4 for undergraduate students to better prepare them for leadership roles in healthcare. Methods This qualitative and cross-sectional case study was conducted during the 2022–2023 academic year at Zabol University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and document analysis of the undergraduate curriculum. Purposeful sampling was used to select a diverse group of interviewees, including faculty members, healthcare managers, graduates, and current students, with a total of 38 interviews conducted until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was performed using MAXQDA software version 11. The CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) evaluation model was applied to systematically assess and enhance the practicum program.For the quantitative data analysis, SPSS version 23 was utilized. Results The central finding from this study was the enhancement of productivity in Field Practicum 4. Thirteen core issues were identified and categorized into primary codes, including causal, contextual, intervening, focal, strategies, and outcomes. To achieve desirable outcomes through a fundamental revision strategy, it was decided that, in addition to students’ presence in hospitals (including the office of senior hospital managers and the quality improvement and accreditation unit), students should also be present in the deputyships and central units of Zabol University of Medical Sciences (treatment, resource development and management, food and drug administration, and the center for management of medical emergencies). Furthermore, students should engage with the county health insurance organization and a private insurance company to gain comprehensive familiarity with their operations. The level of consensus among the faculty members of the Health Services Management Department was at least 90%. The findings indicate that both students and internship supervisors generally rated the program positively (Mean > 4.5), although areas for improvement are highlighted, particularly in aspects of process and product. Conclusions The study concludes that revising Field Practicum 4 using the CIPP model provides a structured approach to enhancing practical training for Health Services Management students. Implementing these modifications in the apprenticeship syllabus is expected to improve the capabilities of graduates, better preparing them to meet the needs of healthcare system.

Abstract Recent studies have suggested that the interaction between diet and an individual’s genetic predisposition can determine the likelihood of obesity and various metabolic disorders. The current study aimed to examine the association of dietary branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids(AAAs) with the expression of the leptin and FTO genes in the visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues of individuals undergoing surgery. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 Iranian adults, both men and women, aged ≥18 years. The samples were selected from patients admitted for abdominal surgeries. The dietary intake of BCAAs and AAAs was determined using a valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Using the quantitative PCR method, leptin and FTO mRNA expression was measured in both visceral and subcutaneous fat tissues. The mean age of the participants was 39.8 ± 12.7 years, and the mean intake of BCAAs and AAAs was 17.7 ± 0.9 and 9.3 ± 0.3% of protein per day, respectively. In overweight-obese patients(body mass index = 25–34.9 kg/m2), the intake of BCAAs(β:-0.75,95%CI:-1.47,-0.03), valine(β:-0.78,95%CI:-1.51,-0.05), and tyrosine(β:-0.81,95%CI:-1.55,-0.06) was inversely associated with FTO gene expression in subcutaneous fat tissue in adjusted model. In morbidly obese patients(body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2), a higher intake of total BCAAs(β:1.10,95%CI:0.07–2.13), leucine(β:1.07,95%CI:0.03–2.13), and isoleucine(β:1.49,95%CI:0.46–2.52) was associated with an increase of leptin gene expression in subcutaneous fat tissue. Our findings suggest that dietary BCAA may associated with gene expression in adipose tissues, potentially influencing obesity-related metabolic pathways. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate results and elucidate the potential for dietary interventions targeting amino acids intake in obesity management.

In recent decades, thermal-fluid specialists have made considerable efforts to investigate the boiling heat transfer process. Pool boiling of pure liquids and nanofluids has been widely studied in the last decade, but the existing knowledge on modeling of nanofluids pool boiling process is still limited. The boiling of fluids containing tinny solid particles is very complicated due to the interaction between the existing phases, their interface, and the heating surface. Some new research shows that many factors are effective in pool boiling of nanofluids. Among these factors, we can mention particle size, concentration, the structure of the boiling surface, and the dynamics of bubbles. In this research, the film pool boiling process of pure ethanol was numerically simulated. Then, the film pool boiling of nanofluids including two types of nanoparticles 〖Al〗_2 O_3 و SiO_2 and ethanol base fluid with two volumetric concentrations of 0.1% and 0.3% have been simulated. The results show that the presence of nanoparticles in film boiling in the base fluid has increased the heat transfer coefficient. The highest value coefficient for alumina and silica nanofluids with a volumetric concentration of 0.3% was obtained, respectively 0.32 (kW/m2°C) and 0.3 (kW/m2°C). In addition, the presence of nanoparticles in the boiling process has significantly increased the minimum heat flux. According to the results of numerical simulation, the minimum heat flux value in boiling of pure ethanol is 28.99 (kW/m2), in boiling of alumina-ethanol nanofluid with volumetric concentrations of 0.1% and 0.3%, is 37.11 (kW/m2) and 38.84 (kW/m2), respectively and in boiling of silica-ethanol nanofluid with volumetric concentrations of 0.1% and 0.3%, is 35.81 (kW/m2) and 38.31 (kW/m2), respectively. The highest heat transfer coefficient is achieved by alumina nanofluid with 0.3% concentration, while the highest minimum heat flux is achieved by silica nanofluid with 0.3% concentration. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental results. By comparing these values with the experimental results, there is a good consistency between the results.

Background: The marietal confilict have negative and deep effects on couple and family relation. Resilience increases the capacity of the family against conflicts. Rebuilding the emotional couple’s relationship can improved the family resilience. Until now, in Iran, a protocol based on local theories to improve the emotional couple relationship to increase the family resilience has not been investigated. Aims: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of the "Couple Exploration Circle" protocol on the resilience of families involved in marital conflicts. Methods: This research was conducted using a semi-experimental method of pre-test and post-test and a six-month follow-up. The statistical population of the research included all couples with marietal confilicts who referred to the counseling center in Tehran in 2020. Using the convinence sampling method, the statistical sample of the research included 16 couples with sever confilict. To collect information, the Marietal Confilict Questionair and the Sixbey’s Family Resilience Test were used. Results: Based on the results, the effect of participating in “Community of Couple Inquiry”was confirmed on all subscales of family resilience except for family spirituality (p< 0.05). Examination of the t-test showed that the intervention had the greatest effect on the family relationships component and the ability to make sense of difficulties component. The results of the follow-up test also showed that this effect on family resilience was still significant six months after the intervention (P≤ 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this research, it was found that the "Community of Couple Inquiry" protocol improves the family resilience by reviving the mature and caring components of the couple's emotional relationship. Therefore, in the management of marital conflicts, it is suggested to use protocols based on emotional cognitive correction, which are in line with the family-oriented culture of Iran.

Background and aims: Hypothyroidism and cardiovascular diseases are associated with oxidative stress. Vitamin C is widely recognized for its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin C during the neonatal and juvenile periods on oxidative stress induced by hypothyroidism in the hearts of rats. Methods: Sixteen pregnant rats were randomly divided into five groups after delivery: a control group, a group receiving propylthiouracil (PTU), and three treatment groups receiving PTU along with 10, 100, and 500 mg/kg of vitamin C. The experimental treatments continued for the first eight weeks of the offspring’s life, following the lactation period, and the offspring were treated in the same manner. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed, and serum, aortic, and cardiac tissues were collected for antioxidant evaluation. Results: In the group receiving PTU, levels of thyroxine and antioxidant enzymes were decreased in serum, heart, and aortic tissues. In contrast, the groups receiving PTU along with various doses of vitamin C demonstrated an attenuation of these parameters. Conclusion: Based on the findings, vitamin C supplementation improved cardiovascular oxidative stress induced by hypothyroidism in rats.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common cause of death in female cancers. The prognosis of OC is very poor due to delayed diagnosis and identification of most patients in advanced stages, metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to chemotherapy. As chemotherapy with platinum-based drugs such as cisplatin (DDP) is the main treatment in most OC cases, resistance to DDP is an important obstacle to achieving satisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Consequently, knowing the different molecular mechanisms involved in resistance to DDP is necessary to achieve new therapeutic approaches. According to numerous recent studies, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) could regulate proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance in many cancers, including OC. Most of these ncRNAs are released by tumor cells into human fluid, allowing them to be used as tools for diagnosis. CircRNAs are ncRNA family members that have a role in the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance regulation of various cancers. In the current study, we investigated the roles of several circRNAs and their signaling pathways on OC progression and also on DDP resistance during chemotherapy.

As the deadliest type of primary brain tumor, gliomas represent a significant worldwide health concern. Circular RNA (circRNA), a unique non-coding RNA molecule, seems to be one of the most alluring target molecules involved in the pathophysiology of many kinds of cancers. CircRNAs have been identified as prospective targets and biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous disorders, particularly malignancies. Recent research has established a clinical link between temozolomide (TMZ) resistance and certain circRNA dysregulations in glioma tumors. CircRNAs may play a therapeutic role in controlling or overcoming TMZ resistance in gliomas and may provide guidance for a novel kind of individualized glioma therapy. To address the biological characteristics of circRNAs and their potential to induce resistance to TMZ, this review has highlighted and summarized the possible roles that circRNAs may play in molecular pathways of drug resistance, including the Ras/Raf/ERK PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and metabolic processes in gliomas.

The medium of cinema, as a potent and influential art, consistently endeavors to present a more authentic representation of the narrative by intricately interweaving elements such as plot, characters, and scenes. This endeavor extends to the deliberate incorporation of explicit and implicit symbolism within the design and architecture of urban landscape. This research seeks to address: How does the description and placement of a location as a backdrop for narrative relate to the character development and thematic content in Marvel and DC cinematic productions? Specifically, this study aims to assess the alignment between prevalent architectural signifiers associated with superheroes and the thematic characterizations found in Marvel and DC films. This investigation aspires to decipher the underlying meanings and metaphors inherent in the concepts underpinning the design of residences and urban landscapes inhabited by superheroes. Production designers within the Marvel and DC film franchises deliberately craft diverse urban settings, with each showing emblematic of concepts such as gentrification and the physical and mental prowess of respective superheroes, often manifesting through variations in architectural styles, encompassing classical, high-tech, and bionic aesthetics. Notably, this architectural characteristic evolves in response to the narrative's temporal dimensions. Nevertheless, there remains a consistent thread of "mysterious architecture concealing hidden spaces and connections" and "precisely articulated juxtapositions beneath an ostensibly simplistic facade" recurring across the diverse residences featured in these cinematic worlds.