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Yashvi Patel,1,&ast; Hasan Alsaedi,1,&ast; Zahra Majd,2 Issra Altaie,1 Sama Rahimi,1 Bilqees Fatima,2 Onyebuchi Ononogbu,1 Susan Abughosh,2 Meghana V Trivedi1 1Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA; 2Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Meghana V Trivedi, University of Houston, College of Pharmacy, Health 2, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX, 77204-5000, USA, Tel +1 832 842 8335, Fax +1 832 842 8383, Email mtrivedi@uh.eduBackground: Poor adherence to oral endocrine therapy (OET) is a significant problem among patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer as it results in higher risk of recurrence and mortality. Non-adherence to OET is prevalent among underserved patients, often attributable to socioeconomic factors and limited healthcare access. We evaluated OET adherence patterns over time using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) and identified predictors of suboptimal adherence trajectory among patients seen at Harris Health System, serving underserved patients in Houston, Texas.Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted from October 2019 through December 2020. OET adherence was measured using proportion of days covered (PDC). A logistic GBTM was conducted using 2– 5 adherence groups considering the Bayesian information criteria, clinical relevance, and a 5% minimum membership requirement. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of non-adherence trajectories.Results: Among 496 patients, majority were Hispanic (62.50%) or African American (15.12%) and < 65 years of age (82.66%). Four distinct adherence trajectories were identified: consistent high adherence (41.4%); constant PDC at ~0.6 (32.6%); rapid decline (14.6%); low adherence with gradual decline (11.5%). African Americans had higher likelihood of having low adherence with gradual decline [odds ratio (OR): 2.462 (confidence interval (CI): 1.1149– 5.276), p=0.0205]. Patients with diabetes were more likely to have constant PDC at ~0.6 [OR: 1.714 (CI: 1.042– 2.820), p=0.0338]. Longer time (4 or greater years) on therapy predicted low adherence with gradual decline [OR: 2.463 (CI: 1.266– 4.793), p=0.008) and constant PDC at ~0.6 (OR: 1.966 (CI: 1.141– 3.388), p=0.0149] trajectories.Conclusion: The identified predictors, including comorbidities like diabetes, African American descent, and longer OET treatment are crucial considerations when developing patient-centered interventions to enhance OET adherence among underserved populations. These insights can guide the implementation of initiatives such as mobile health applications, community-based educational programs, and financial aid efforts.Keywords: oral endocrine therapy, breast cancer, medication adherence, group-based trajectory modeling, minority, underserved

The cognitive neuroscience of language aims at revealing how linguistic information is represented and manipulated in the brain to enable communication and meaningful behaviour. An important aspect of the underlying brain processes is the integration and transformation of information across multiple brain systems. In order to understand these processes, a detailed characterisation of brain connectivity is key. For the most accurate characterisation of brain connectivity, connectivity methods should make use of the full multivariate and multidimensional information available from neuroimaging data. This should include a characterisation of transformations between patterns of activation across brain regions, and in particular their dependence on stimulus features, task and context. Methods for this type of analysis in event-related experimental designs have only recently begun to emerge. This paper describes these novel developments and their potential to transform the neuroscience of language, with a focus on fMRI and EEG/MEG research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

© 2015, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All right reserved.Introduction: Oral intake of vitamins which present antioxidant characteristics can protect living organisms against oxidative damage caused by exposure to ionizing radiation. It was previou

Background: Estimating dosimetric parameters for small fields under non-reference conditions leads to significant errors if done based on conventional protocols used for large fields in reference conditions. Hence, further correction factors have been introduced to take into account the influence of spectral quality changes when various detectors are used in non-reference conditions at different depths and field sizes. Objective: Determining correction factors (KNR and KNCSF) recommended recently for small field dosimetry formalism by American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) for different detectors at 6 and 18 MV photon beams. Methods: EGSnrc Monte Carlo code was used to calculate the doses measured with different detectors located in a slab phantom and the recommended KNR and KNCSF correction factors for various circular small field sizes ranging from 5-30 mm diameters. KNR and KNCSF correction factors were determined for different active detectors (a pinpoint chamber, EDP-20 and EDP-10 diodes) in a homogeneous phantom irradiated to 6 and 18 MV photon beams of a Varian linac (2100C/D). Results: KNR correction factor estimated for the highest small circular field size of 30 mm diameter for the pinpoint chamber, EDP-20 and EDP-10 diodes were 0.993, 1.020 and 1.054; and 0.992, 1.054 and 1.005 for the 6 and 18 MV beams, respectively. The KNCSF correction factor estimated for the lowest circular field size of 5 mm for the pinpoint chamber, EDP-20 and EDP-10 diodes were 0.994, 1.023, and 1.040; and 1.000, 1.014, and 1.022 for the 6 and 18 MV photon beams, respectively. Conclusion: Comparing the results obtained for the detectors used in this study reveals that the unshielded diodes (EDP-20 and EDP-10) can confidently be recommended for small field dosimetry as their correction factors (KNR and KNCSF) was close to 1.0 for all small field sizes investigated and are mainly independent from the electron beam spot size.

Global climate models (GCMs) are unable to produce detailed runoff conditions at the basin scale. Assumptions are commonly made that dynamical downscaling can resolve this issue. However, given the large magnitude of the biases in downscaled GCMs, it is unclear whether such projections are credible. Here, we use an ensemble of dynamically downscaled GCMs to evaluate this question in the Sierra‐Cascade mountain range of the western US. Future projections across this region are characterized by earlier seasonal shifts in peak flow, but with substantial inter‐model uncertainty (−25 ± 34.75 days, 95% confidence interval (CI)). We apply the emergent constraint (EC) method for the first time to dynamically downscaled projections, leading to a 39% (−28.25 ± 20.75 days, 95% CI) uncertainty reduction in future peak flow timing. While the constrained results can differ from bias corrected projections, the EC is based on GCM biases in historical peak flow timing and has a strong physical underpinning. Plain Language Summary: Global climate models (GCMs) provide information on projected changes. However, their resolution is too coarse to assess future land surface changes at the regional scale. Dynamical downscaling resolves this issue, by refining the representation of hydroclimate conditions at a higher‐resolution. However, GCMs have unique historical biases that remain despite dynamical downscaling. Typically these GCM biases are ignored, resulting in assessments at the regional scale with large uncertainty. Here, we use an approach, called emergent constraint (EC), to reduce the uncertainty in projected changes in the timing of high flow conditions across the Sierra Nevada and Cascade region of the western United States. While this approach was introduced nearly two decades ago with coarse‐resolution GCM data, this is the first time the EC approach has been used at the regional scale with dynamical downscaling. From our analysis, we find high flow events are likely to occur earlier in the future for the Sierra‐Cascade region. This conclusion contains substantial uncertainty without the use of the EC approach. While this study focuses on the timing of high flows, it opens the door to a variety of follow‐on studies, seeking to produce more robust projections of hydroclimate change across the western US. Key Points: For the first time, an emergent constraint (EC) is used to reduce uncertainty in hydroclimate projections from a dynamically downscaled ensembleWe show that snowmelt‐driven basins in the western United States are very likely to experience earlier peak flows in the futureWith EC, uncertainty in future peak flow timing is reduced by roughly 39%; however, bias corrected results can differ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with diabetes mellitus frequently experience urinary tract infections (UTIs). In the present study, we looked at how glycemic control affects diabetic patients' rates of UTI, the causing pathogens, the presence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant organisms, and the infections' relation to diabetes. Diabetes patients' midstream urine samples were included, after collecting and identifying the organisms, disc diffusion antibiotic sensitivity tests were conducted. The HbA1c was measured for all patients. A total of 500 diabetic patients provided urine samples for this study, and 189 (37.2%) of them had UTIs. Compared to 59 patients with managed glycemia, 130 individuals in the uncontrolled glycemic group experienced the most UTI cases. In both diabetic groups, females had a significantly higher prevalence of UTI than males (88.4% and 11.6%, respectively). The most common bacterial isolate, E. coli, displayed 58.4% MDR. Regardless of age or gender, glycemic control in diabetes patients is essential for decreasing UTI rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli is a normal gut inhabitantthat can cause various diseases, such as intestinal, urinary tract, bladder infections and systemic infections in humans and animals. The alarming increase in profiles for extended-spectrum ß-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli isolates is a serious problem throughout the world. Colistin is known as a lastresort agent for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Inappropriate use of colistin and other classes of antibiotics combined with inadequate infection control, especially in developing countries, can lead to serious public health complications. The global increase in colistin resistance has been reported in many parts of the world, including the Middle East. Colistin is used to treat infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. There are few reliable epidemiologic data on colistin-resistant E. coli isolates, and information on colistin-resistant E. coli from Asia, the largest, most populous, and most diverse continent in the world, is generally limited compared with Europe and the United States. The data in this review article were compiled from related articles associated with isolated colistin-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from humans, animals, and food-producing animals. In the Middle East, colistin-resistant E. coli isolates were reported from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Israel, and Lebanon between 2010 and 2023. While colistin resistance is most commonly observed in E. coli isolates, data have shown that mcr genes are the most common genes associated with colistin resistance in E. coli isolatescompared to mutations in pmrAsB, phoQ, and mgrB genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barmak Abdolrahimzadeh,1 Domenica Carmen Piraino,2 Giorgio Albanese,2 Filippo Cruciani,2 Siavash Rahimi3 1Polimed Beltramelli Medical Center, Rome, Italy; 2Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy; 3Pathology Centre, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK Abstract: Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a multisystem disorder and tumor predisposition syndrome caused by genetic mutation on chromosome 17-17q11.2 in NF type 1 (NF1), and on chromosome 22-22q12.2 in NF type 2. The disorder is characterized by considerable heterogeneity of clinical expression. NF1 is the form with the most characteristic ocular manifestations. Lisch nodules of the iris are among the well-known diagnostic criteria for the disease. Glaucoma and associated globe enlargement have been described in a significant proportion of patients with NF1 and orbital–facial involvement. Optic nerve glioma may cause strabismus and proptosis, and palpebral neurofibroma may reach considerable size and occasionally show malignant transformation. Near infrared reflectance has greatly contributed to enhancing our knowledge on choroidal alterations in NF1. Indeed, some authors have proposed to include these among the diagnostic criteria. Optical coherence tomography has given new insight on retinal alterations and is a noninvasive tool in the management of optic nerve gliomas in children. Ocular manifestations in NF type 2 can range from early-onset cataracts in up to 80% of cases to optic nerve hamartomas and combined pigment epithelial and retinal hamartomas. Keywords: neurofibromatosis, ophthalmic, optical coherence tomography, infrared reflectance, choroideal nodules, Lisch nodules

Background and Objective: Diazinon is an organophosphate insecticide. , which inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Diazinon on pituitary-gonadal axis and histological alteration of seminferous tubules in adult rat testis. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups including control, sham and experimental 1, 2 and 3. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw of diazinon for 28 days, orally, respectively. Animals in control group did not receive any substance. Animals in sham group were received an equivalent amount of normal saline. The animals were euthanized after 28 days and a blood sample was collected via heart puncture and testes were removed for histological studies. Results: Diazinon significantly reduced serum testosterone concentration, sertoli cell, leydig cell count, primary spermatocyte and spermatid (P

Introduction: The rapid growth of wireless communication technologies has caused public concerns regarding the biological effects of electromagnetic radiations on human health. Some early reports indicated a wide variety of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on amphibians such as the alterations of the pattern of muscle extractions. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted from mobile phone jammers on the pulse height of contractions, the time interval between two subsequent contractions and the latency period of frog’s isolated gastrocnemius muscle after stimulation with single square pulses of 1V (1 Hz). Materials and Methods: Frogs were kept in plastic containers in a room. Animals in the jammer group were exposed to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted from a common Jammer at a distance of 1m from the jammer’s antenna for 2 hours while the control frogs were only sham exposed. Then animals were sacrificed and isolated gastrocnemius muscles were exposed to on/off jammer radiation for 3 subsequent 10 minute intervals. Isolated gastrocnemius muscles were attached to the force transducer with a string. Using a PowerLab device (26-T), the pattern of muscular contractions was monitored after applying single square pulses of 1V (1 Hz) as stimuli. Results: The findings of this study showed that the pulse height of muscle contractions could not be affected by the exposure to electromagnetic fields. However, the latency period was effectively altered in RF-exposed samples. However, none of the experiments could show an alteration in the time interval between two subsequent contractions after exposure to electromagnetic fields. Conclusion: These findings support early reports which indicated a wide variety of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on amphibians including the effects on the pattern of muscle extractions.

Background: The rapid development of wireless telecommunication technologies over the past decades, has led to significant changes in the exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields. Nowadays, people are continuously exposed to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as mobile phones, mobile base stations, cordless phones, Wi-Fi routers, and power lines. Therefore, the last decade witnessed a rapidly growing concern about the possible health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by these sources. Materials and Methods: In this study that was aimed at investigating the effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted by a GSM mobile phone on the pattern of contraction in frog’s isolated gastrocnemius muscle after stimulation with single square pulses of 1V (1 Hz), pulse height of contractions, the time interval between two subsequent contractions and the latency period were measured. Results: Our findings showed that the pulse height of contractions muscle could be affected by the exposure to electromagnetic fields. Especially, the latency period was effectively altered in RF-exposed samples. However, none of the experiments could show an alteration in the time interval between two subsequent contractions after exposure to electromagnetic fields. Conclusion: These findings support early reports which indicated a wide variety of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on amphibians including the effects on the pattern of muscle extractions