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Spontaneous intraparenchymal cerebral hemorrhages (SIPH) account for 10–15% of acute strokes. Sorting these patients according to the risk of harboring an underlying vascular etiology may help selecting the patients who would mostly benefit from Multidetector CT Angiography (MDCTA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Non-Contrast brain CT (NCCT) in predicting possible vascular etiologies in patients with SIPH. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the NCCT of 334 patients who presented with SIPH from March 2017 to March 2021 and we looked for vascular etiologies in the CTA which was performed for these patients. We used NCCT criteria to predict the presence of any vascular etiologies in SIPH patients and proposed a scoring system based on these criteria which might predict the risk of vascular ICH (VICH score). Out of 334 evaluated patients, 9.3% had an underlying vascular etiology. Independent predictors of the vascular etiology included: age < 46 years, no history of hypertension and coagulation disorders, lobar hemorrhages, and presence of significant perilesional edema. We used these criteria and NCCT classification to create a practical scoring system to predict the risk of vascular ICH (VICH). In our study, VICH score ≥ 4 had 51.6% sensitivity and 96.4% specificity for predicting a positive MDCTA as the maximum optimal cut-off point. The VICH score seemed to be successful in predicting vascular etiologies in this retrospective cohort of 334 patients. This scoring system can be used to select patients if there are limited resources to perform CT angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Health care systems all over the world face numerous challenges as a result of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus that has resulted in increased mortality rates. About 40% of ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients were not severely ill at the time of admission. Thus, by using appropriate ICU admission predictors, clinicians can identify potential critical patients early on. It can also result in suitable resource allocation and consideration for these patients. Therefore, the current study was done with the aim of identifying clinical characteristics and laboratory data that could predict ICU admission in cases with COVID-19. Methods: This two-center retrospective observational study was done in Imam Reza and Ghaem Hospitals, Mashhad, Iran. Overall, 334 COVID-19 patients who referred to these hospitals from February to May 2020 were enrolled in this study. The participants were separated into two groups according to ICU admission status. All demographic, clinical, and paraclinical information were extracted from the medical records of the patients. Results: The present study composed of 88 ICU and 246 non-ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients. No significant differences were found in age between the two groups of patients (P=0.154). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that higher levels of CRP (OR=1.01, 95%CI 1.001-1.010, P=0.016), WBC (OR=1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22, P=0.03), and HRCT scores (OR=1.08, 95%CI=1.01-1.16, P=0.037) were linked to higher odds of ICU admission. Conclusion: This study suggests that higher levels of CRP, WBC, and LDH, as well as the HRCT score at the time of admission, were potential independent predictors of ICU admission during inpatient treatment in COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Farrokh. Seilanian-Toosi, Majid. Shams, Reza. Akhavan, Bita. Abbasi Central nervous system (CNS) involvement can be an isolated recurrence or as a part of the progressive systemic disease in secondary [...]

Background: Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (CTEPH) is an unusual complication of acute pulmonary embolism (PE), which is now considered to be treatable. In modern multi- detector scanners, a detailed evaluation of pulmonary artery geometry is currently possible. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in pulmonary artery bifurcation angle (PABA) in the follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA) of patients with acute PE. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the records of two tertiary-level academic hospitals were gathered from 2012 to 2019. Pulmonary artery (PA) bifurcation angle and diameter were measured. Chi square test, independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney, and Pearson's tests were employed to compare data. To evaluate the cut-off point, we utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of pulmonary artery bifurcation angle changes were calculated. A P value <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Forty-six patients were included in the study. No significant differences were found between patients with and without CTEPH, and PABA in the dimeters of PA trunk, right PA, and left PA in the first CTA images (P values of 0.151, 0.142, 0.891, and 0.483, respectively), while in the secondary CTA, the mean PABA was significantly smaller in patients with CTEPH (P=0.011). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, delta angle revealed an area under the curve of 0.745 and an optimal cutoff of 0, leading to a sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 87%, and accuracy of 76% for diagnosing CTEPH. Conclusion: We showed a significant decrease in PABA in patients developing CTEPH. This parameter can be easily measured in lung CTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The normal range of kidney size is a controversial issue among different populations given to its impressibility by multiple factors, therefore, this study aimed to provide valid reference ranges for kidney dimensions in the adult population of Mashhad. Also, we assessed the association of kidney size characteristics with some personal predisposing factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 938 healthy individuals. Ultrasound measurement, physical examination, and laboratory analysis were performed. Demographic, dietary, and anthropometric data were obtained. The variables were categorized into 5 groups each, and data analysis were performed using the following statistical tests: Pearson correlation test, variance analysis, t-test, and chi-square test. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Weight had the most association with kidney size followed to a lesser extent by height and age. Even after adjustment for other confounding variables, weight remained as an independent factor, while this effect was resolved for height and age. Also, all values for renal function, body bio-impedance, blood pressure components, and water intake were notably correlated with kidney size. Conclusion: This study determined the normal kidney size in healthy adults. We also declared the normal range of kidney size is a dynamic concept and should be assessed for each individual separately according to their personal determinative factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apart from infecting a large number of people around the world and causing the death of many people, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have changed the healthcare processes of other diseases by changing the allocation of health resources and changing people's access or intention to healthcare systems.Objective: To compare the incidence of endpoints marking delayed healthcare seeking in medical emergencies, before and during the pandemic.Methods: Based on a PICO model, medical emergency conditions that need timely intervention was selected to be evaluated as separate panels. In a systematic literature review, PubMed was quarried for each panel for studies comparing the incidence of various medical emergencies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Markers of failure/disruption of treatment due to delayed referral were included in the meta-analysis for each panel.Result: There was a statistically significant increased pooled median time of symptom onset to admission of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients; an increased rate of vasospasm of aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage; and perforation rate in acute appendicitis; diabetic ketoacidosis presentation rate among Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus patients; and rate of orchiectomy among testicular torsion patients in comparison of pre-COVID-19 with COVID-19 cohorts; while there were no significant changes in the event rate of ruptured ectopic pregnancy and median time of symptom onset to admission in the cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients.Conclusions: COVID-19 has largely disrupted the referral of patients for emergency medical care and patient-related delayed care should be addressed as a major health threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There is scarce data available on the prognostic application of chest CT. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a semi-quantitative CT severity score in identifying the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed on 262 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The CT severity score was assessed by two independent radiologists using a method previously used to score the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome on thin slice lung CT.Results: Multivariate regression analysis showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with older age, and the presence of coronary artery disease at the time of admission. The mean CT severity score was 7.5 in the survivor group and 14.5 in the deceased group. Overall, the lower zones were the most frequently affected sites in COVID-19. There was significant difference between the survivor and deceased groups regarding CT severity scores. Multivariate regression analysis showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with higher CT severity score at admission.Conclusions: Our results show that mortality was significantly higher in patients with higher CT severity score even after adjustment for clinical, demographics and laboratory parameters. However, this study is performed retrospectively and needs to be validated in a prospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare hereditary disorder in which excess homogentisic acid (HGA) deposits in connective tissues (ochronosis). Here, we report the unusual presentation of a lumbar disc herniation occurring in a patient with AKU warranting surgical intervention. Case Description: A 28-year-old male presented with 1 year of low back pain. The lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed an extruded disc at the L4-L5 level accompanied extensive disc space narrowing and osteophyte formation. At surgery, the interspinous ligaments, facet joints, and disc herniation were black. In addition, the postoperative re-examination revealed a black discoloration of the nasal and ear cartilage. Finally, the diagnosis of AKU was confirmed when the urine specimen was positive for HGA. Conclusion: Rarely, younger patients with AKU who develop excess black deposits of HGA in connective tissues (i.e., ochronosis) may present with lumbar disc herniations and spondylosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Theranostic nanoparticles (NPs) are promising for opening new windows toward personalized disease management. Using a single particle capable of both diagnosis and drug delivery, is the major benefit of such particles. In the present study, chitosan NPs were used as a dual action carrier for doxorubicin (DOX; chemotherapeutic agent) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs; imaging agent). SPIONs and DOX were loaded at different concentrations within poly‐l‐arginine‐chitosan‐triphosphate matrix (ACSD) using the ionic gelation method. NPs' size were in the range of 184.33 ± 4.4 nm. Drug release analysis of DOX loaded NPs (NP‐DOX) showed burst release at pH 5.5 (as in tumor environment) and slow release at pH 7.4 (physiological condition), demonstrating pH‐sensitive drug release profile. NP‐DOX internalization was confirmed by flowcytometry and fluorescent microscopy. Uptake process results were corroborated by accumulation of drug in the intracellular space. Iron content was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma and prussian blue staining. In vitro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a decline in T 2 relaxation times by increasing iron concentration. MRI analysis also confirmed uptake of NPs at the optimum concentration in C6 glioma cells. In conclusion, ACSD NPs could be utilized as a promising theranostic formulation for both diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma. Illustration of ACSD nanoparticles (NPs) preparation by the ionic gelation method, and subsequent hypothetical scheme of ACSD NPs internalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Cognitive dysfunction is one of the manifestations that could present prior to the emergence of any other neuropsychiatric involvements in SLE. Cognitive dysfunction is a subtle condition occurring with a high frequency. However, there is no data on the correlation of cognitive dysfunction with central nervous system (CNS) imaging findings, in particular single-photon emission computed tomography scan (SPECT) and functional MRI. We decided to perform a systematic review of brain SPECT and fMRI in SLE patients with cognitive dysfunction. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched until April 2017 with the following keywords: "SLE OR systemic lupus erythematous OR lupus" AND "functional MRI OR functional magnetic resonance imaging OR fMRI OR SPECT or SCAN". A total of 1,767articles were found. Two rheumatologists reviewed the articles and finally 14 articles were selected for the final systematic review. Results: The fMRI and SPECT imaging techniques could provide valuable information regarding the SLE patients with cognitive dysfunction at the early stages of the disease. Conclusion: Brain SPECT scan and fMRI are used as functional imaging tools in SLE. Both of these diagnostic modalities are sensitive in reflecting the subtle brain damages in SLE patients with cognitive dysfunction. Brain fMRI and SPECT scan could be significantly beneficial in the diagnosis and initial management of cognitive dysfunction in SLE. Nevertheless, prospective studies could be useful in confirming the application of these diagnostic modalities in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and Objective To evaluate the association between ultrasonographic findings of inflammation (effusion, synovitis) and clinical findings in patients with primary painful knee osteoarthritis. Method This cross-sectional study was performed on 142 patients with primary painful knee osteoarthritis (American College of Rheumatology criteria) in whom the visual analogue scale of pain was 30 or more. Clinical parameters were evaluated by a rheumatologist using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index ( WOMAC) score while the ultrasonographic examination was performed by a musculoskeletal radiologist in our center. Knee joint synovitis and effusion were defined as synovial thickness ≥ 4 mm and depth of fluid in the suprapatellar recess ≥ 4 mm, respectively. Results Sixty-eight (47.9%) patients demonstrated neither synovitis nor effusion, 37 (26.1%) had only effusion, 11 (7.7%) had only synovitis and 26 (18.3%) had both effusion and synovitis in the ultrasonographic examination. There was significant association between ultrasonographic knee arthritis (defined as presence of synovitis or effusion) and WOMAC pain sub-score, WOMAC physical function sub-score and WOMAC total score. No significant association was noted between sonographic signs of arthritis and WOMAC joint stiffness sub-score. We also found significant correlation between ultrasonographic synovitis and WOMAC pain sub-score ( P < 0.001), WOMAC physical function sub-score ( P < 0.001) and total WOMAC score ( P < 0.001). Conclusion This study revealed a positive correlation between ultrasonographic synovitis and total WOMAC score, WOMAC pain and physical function sub-score. There was no association between sonographic signs of arthritis and WOMAC joint stiffness sub-score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SS) is a collagen vascular disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by connective tissue abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate the extra-pulmonary manifestations of SS on chest high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients with SS who presented to our hospital in a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Forty patients with SS were included in this study. The extra pulmonary manifestations of SS were evaluated in these patients, including esophageal involvement, pulmonary arterial dilatation, pleural abnormalities, pericardial disease and mediastinal lymph node involvement. Results: The most common extra-pulmonary manifestation was esophageal dilatation, which was detected in 70% of the cases followed by pleural involvement. Pulmonary arterial dilatation was seen in 20%, pleural involvement in 40%, pericardial involvement in 40% and mediastinal lymphadenopathy in 30%. The most common pleural abnormality was diffuse pleural thickening and the most common pericardial abnormality was pericardial effusion. There was an association between the severity of lung fibrosis with the incidence of esophageal dilatation and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in our series. Patients with SS and interstitial lung disease (ILD) who had PAH, had more severe lung fibrosis than those without PAH. Conclusion: Patients with SS may have a variety of extra-pulmonary manifestations, which can be detected using HRCT. Our study evidenced that HRCT was useful for detecting extra-pulmonary findings of SS such as esophageal dysmotility and dilatation, enlargement of main pulmonary artery and PAH, pleuropericardial involvement and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galactoceles are the most common benign breast lesions during breastfeeding period that can mimic carcinomas. We report a galactocele with malignant appearance on ultrasound in the accessory breast. The patient was a 32-year-old lactating woman presented to our hospital for considerable swelling in the left axilla. Ultrasound examination revealed a hypoechoic mass with heterogeneous echogenicity and irregular shape and margins. Sonography-guided aspiration was performed. Aspiration of milky fluid and resolution of the axillary lump after aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of galactocele. Galactocele can present as a suspicious tumoral lesion in the axillary accessory breast and diagnostic aspiration can help in correct diagnosis of this rare lesion in the accessory breast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloid cysts are benign slow-growing cystic lesions located on the roof of the third ventricle that usually present with symptoms related to gradual rise of intracranial pressure. They mostly remain asymptomatic and sometimes grow progressively and cause diverse symptoms associated with increased intracranial pressure such as headache, diplopia, and sixth cranial nerve palsy. Here we report a 47-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with acute severe headache and nausea/vomiting. On MRI examination acute hydrocephaly due to hemorrhagic colloid cyst was detected. Acute hemorrhage in colloid cysts is extremely rare and may present with symptoms of acute increase in the intracranial pressure. Intracystic hemorrhage is very rarely reported as a complication of colloid cyst presenting with paroxysmal symptoms of acute hydrocephaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung metastasis is a rare cause of hemoptysis. Bronchial artery embolization is an effective intervention for treatment of hemoptysis with various underlying etiologies. A 28-year-old man with a known history of malignant melanoma in the neck from 6 years ago and lung metastasis from 1 year ago referred to the Emergency Department of our teaching hospital with the chief complaint of hemoptysis. Chest x-ray and pulmonary CT-scan showed multiple pulmonary nodules with different sizes in both lung parenchyma. The patient's hemoptysis did not resolve completely in spite of appropriate medical treatment. The patient was then referred to the endovascular unit of the vascular department in our hospital and underwent bilateral bronchial artery embolization. With this procedure his symptoms resolved completely and he was discharged after a week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The aim of this article is to represent the first reported case with cooccurrence of two rare alcohol related complications. Case Report. We report a 38-year-old man with chronic alcoholism who presented with both cranial and peripheral nerve palsy. On MRI examination characteristic findings of Marchiafava-Bignami disease were recognized. Discussion. Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare complication of long-term, heavy alcohol abuse that has characteristic MRI findings. Acute alcohol related polyneuropathy (AARP) is another rare and not-well-understood complication of chronic alcohol abuse. We could not find any previous report of the cooccurrence of these two complications in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Bone involvement in hydatid disease is rare, and when it does occur, the most common sites of involvement are the spine and pelvis. A case of bone hydatid disease involving the sacrum is reported here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 46‐year‐old man suffered with a hard and tender mass in the right breast. Topics discussed include core needle biopsy and histologic examination showed inflammatory reaction of epithelioid macrophages aggregates; mentions diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis with steroid therapy; and information on the Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis that is rare inflammatory breast disease which affect men.

The article presents a case study of a 42 year old woman who presented with a growing mass in her breast after a breast core needle biopsy two weeks prior. The patient was diagnosed with a pseudoaneurysm and no surgical intervention was planned due to its benign nature. Treatment with ultrasound guided compression for 3 days resulted in complete thrombosis.

Descriptive case report of a 42-year old woman with coetaneous vasculitis, and severe abdominal pain, which was led to diagnostic laparotomy. These presentations are probably as a side effect of Methocarbamol injection. This is the first report according to our literature search (PubMed, google scholar, ISI web of knowledge, ProQuest, MD consult, Science Direct, SCOPUS) about Methocarbamol related vasculitis from 1966 since now. Vasculitis is not a known side effect of Methocarbamol. This case indicates, likely the potential for development of vasculitis with this medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of prolotherapy in the healing process of damaged tissues has been confirmed in patients with degenerative joint disease. Hypertonic dextrose has been introduced as the most common solution in prolotherapy for reducing pain and improving mobility in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to compare the KOA patients undergoing hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) with the placebo in terms of pain intensity and functional level. Methods: This triple-blind study randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on patients with mild to moderate KOA who were referred to the Rheumatic Diseases Research Center (RDRC), Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, in the year 2021. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups of the DPT (n = 47) and normal saline placebo prolotherapy (n = 50) intra- and peri-articular knee joints. Treatment was monthly for three months. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities’ Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) were completed before and after intervention (weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16). The variables were compared between the two study groups at a significance level of less than 0.05 (P < 0.05). Results: The WOMAC score improved significantly compared to the baseline in both groups (P < 0.005). An increase in WOMAC score (the last follow-up compared to baseline) was 97.4% and 85.7% in DPT and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.06). Before the intervention and also after the first injection, the AKPS score in the normal saline group was significantly better than the dextrose group (P = 0.03). The AKPS score did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05) in the next two visits and two-month follow-ups. Improvement of AKPS score in the last follow-up compared to baseline was reported in 66.7% and 68.4% of patients in the normal saline group and dextrose group, respectively, (P = 0.86). Conclusion: Prolotherapy as intra- and peri-articular injections of hypertonic dextrose could be used to relieve pain and improve functional status in patients with mild to moderate KOA as much as a placebo does. Although no remarkable difference was observed between dextrose and placebo in the outcomes, the rate of improvement (last follow-up compared to the baseline) was relatively higher in the dextrose group than in the normal saline group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraosseous pneumatocysts are benign gas-filled cavities within bones which are most commonly found in ilium, sacrum and vertebrae. The lesions are asymptomatic and found incidentally while evaluating for other injuries. Here, we present an intraosseous pneumatocyst of ilium in a 23-year-old male patient. Although once thought to be rare, intraossseous pneumatocyst are now believed to be more common. Thus, familiarity with their appearance is essential to avoid unnecessary workup. Intraosseous pneumatocysts are differentiated from more clinically significant differential diagnoses like osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis by their characteristic appearance of intraosseous air collections with sclerotic rim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To systematically review the recent alternative medical interventions on renal colic pain and compare their efficiency with conventional treatments. Materials and Methods: This was a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) study, based on the PRISMA guidelines on online databases of PubMed, Scopus, and web of science. We quarried these databases with relevant keywords for clinical trial studies that aimed at reducing renal colic pain in patients refereeing to the ED from after January 2011 to February 2022. Randomized clinical trials that used the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for assessment of renal colic pain before and after medical interventions in adult patients were included in this study. NMA was conducted based on the continuous values of the mean difference of the pain after 30 and 60 minutes of the medication administration. Results: Twenty-four studies that were meeting the inclusion criteria were included in our review with 2724 adult participants who were mostly male. Study arms included conventional medications (NSAID, Opioid, paracetamol), ketamine, MgSo4, desmopressin, and lidocaine. Based on the qualitative synthesis, ten studies (41.7%) did not find significant differences between conventional and alternative treatments. Also, there is no agreement on some more recent medications like using ketamine or desmopressin while MgSO4 and lidocaine use are supported by most studies. NMA revealed that desmopressin is significantly having worse pain reduction properties. NMA did not show any difference between ketamine, lidocaine, and MgSo4, versus the conventional treatment. Conclusion: To conclude, lidocaine and MgSo4 might be good alternative treatments for renal colic when conventional treatments are contraindicated or pain is not responding to those. Ketamine might be indicated in patient- based circumstances. Desmopressin may be agreeably avoided in further research or clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erysiphe adunca s. lat. is a common powdery mildew species, distributed almost worldwide, on hosts of Populus and Salix species. Based on its wide host range and distribution as well as its strong morphological variations, E. adunca s. lat. was previously divided into several species or, alternatively, into varieties. However, comprehensive phylogenetic examinations on the putative monophyly of this species or the existence of a possible E. adunca species complex have not been conducted based on combined morphological and molecular approaches. In this study, we retrieved rDNA (ITS and LSU) sequences of 22 powdery mildew specimens on Populus and Salix spp. collected in China, Germany, Iran, Japan, Russia, and the United States and conducted morphological examinations of these and additional specimens. The morphological and molecular data obtained clearly indicate that E. adunca is a species complex comprised of at least four species., viz., E. adunca s. str. (on Populus spp. in Asia, Europe, and North America), E. capreae, including E. pseudoregularis as a new synonym (on Salix spp., particularly on species in Salix subgen. Vetrix sect. Vetrix in Asia, Europe, and North America), the reinstated E. salicis (on Salix spp. belonging to various subgenera of Salix in Asia and Europe), and E. mandshurica (which has been confirmed as a species of its own on Populus spp., in Asia). In addition to the clear phylogenetic differentiation, the morphology of the asexual and sexual morphs of E. adunca s. str., E. capreae and E. salicis is easily distinguishable. Sequences retrieved from collections on Salix gracilistyla (Uncinula salicis-gracilistylae), a species that was previously considered a variety of Uncinula adunca and Erysiphe adunca, formed a small subclade within the E. salicis clade and are now referred to as Erysiphe salicis var. salicis-gracilistylae comb. nov. Alphitomorpha adunca; Erysiphe capreae and E. salicis are epitypified, and a neotype is designated for Alphitomorpha obtusata, with ex-epitype sequences and, in the latter case, an ex-neotype sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased subcutaneous fat thickness and depth of target organs in over-obese patients, results in weak signals and inadequate images. Tissue harmonic imaging has been used widely in obese patients and is believed to result in higher quality images. This superiority is not proved in modern machines with improved image quality in conventional mode. Objective: To compare the image quality between conventional and tissue harmonic ultrasound images. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2015 to June 2016. Seventy-six over-obese patients referred to Ghaem Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) for weight-correction surgeries, were enrolled into the study. Conventional and tissue harmonic images of their kidneys were blinded and compared back-to-back by four expert radiologists. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using Cochrane's Q test. Results: All raters reported image quality to be better in tissue harmonic compared to fundamental frequency ultrasound (p=0.000, Cochrane's Q test). Although better image quality in tissue harmonic mode was reported by the four raters, there was weak inter-observer agreement (p=0.081 for right kidney and p=0.21 for left kidney). Conclusion: Advances in ultrasound equipment and the introduction of tissue harmonic imaging can improve the diagnostic performance in over-obese patients and this mode of imaging should be used whenever evaluating over-obese subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as the most common chronic liver disease, which can contribute to some clinical conditions varying from simple steatosis to hepatic cirrhosis. Consequently, the early diagnosis of NAFLD is vital. The present study aimed at investigating the ability of FLI (fatty liver index) in predicting NAFLD. Methods: A total of 212 individuals over the age of 18 years (103 males and 109 females) were recruited from those admitted to a gastrointestinal clinic in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. Anthropometric parameters were measured and blood samples were collected. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were identified by FibroScan. FLI from body mass index, waist circumference (WC), triglyceride, and gamma glutamyltransferase data were calculated. Logistic regression was applied to establish a relationship among FLI, hepatic steatosis, and fibrosis. The sensitivity and specificity of FLI and its optimal cut-off point were detected by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.26 ± 14.18 years. FLI was significantly associated with NAFLD (OR = 1.062, 95%CI: 1.042 - 1.082, P < 0.001) and hepatic fibrosis (OR = 1.022, 95%CI: 1.011 - 1.032, P < 0.001). The AUC of FLI was 0.85 (95%CI = 0.79 - 0.9) in the diagnosis of NAFLD, and its optimal cut-off point was 26.2 (sensitivity = 0.83, specificity = 0.7). Also, the optimal cut- off point of FLI was 30.4 in males (sensitivity = 0.82, specificity = 0.71) and 20.7 in females (sensitivity = 0.89, specificity = 0.66). Conclusions: Fatty liver index (FLI) is a suitable and simple predictor for liver steatosis. However, performance of FLI in predicting NAFLD is not more effective than WC. Although FLI is a predictor for liver steatosis, it has a positive association with liver fibrosis and can perhaps predict liver fibrosis too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]