Purpose: The study aimed to measure the radiation-absorbed dose, effective dose, and associated risks of radiation-induced cancers during chest computed tomography (CT) imaging procedures at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 23 patients were examined using a 64-slice CT scanner and thermolumi nescence dosimeters. The dose-length product was recorded and converted into an equivalent effective dose using age-dependent conversion coefficients for multi-slice CT as provided by the European Guidelines. Organ doses were further converted into lifetime attributable risks (LARs) for cancer incidence and mortality based on data from the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII (BEIR VII) report. Results: The effective dose ranged from 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) to approximately 35.3 mSv. The mean LAR for cancer incidence was 20.6 cases per 100,000 males and 69.3 cases per 100,000 females. The LAR for cancer mortality was 21.5 cases per 100,000 males and 62.0 cases per 100,000 females. Female patients were found to face significantly higher risks than male patients. Conclusions The results highlight a noticeable increase in LAR for both cancer incidence and mortality due to chest CT examinations, particularly for female patients. These findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating the risks associated with CT imaging procedures.

Purpose: The study aimed to measure the radiation-absorbed dose, effective dose, and associated risks of radiation-induced cancers during chest computed tomography (CT) imaging procedures at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 23 patients were examined using a 64-slice CT scanner and thermolumi nescence dosimeters. The dose-length product was recorded and converted into an equivalent effective dose using age-dependent conversion coefficients for multi-slice CT as provided by the European Guidelines. Organ doses were further converted into lifetime attributable risks (LARs) for cancer incidence and mortality based on data from the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII (BEIR VII) report. Results: The effective dose ranged from 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) to approximately 35.3 mSv. The mean LAR for cancer incidence was 20.6 cases per 100,000 males and 69.3 cases per 100,000 females. The LAR for cancer mortality was 21.5 cases per 100,000 males and 62.0 cases per 100,000 females. Female patients were found to face significantly higher risks than male patients. Conclusions The results highlight a noticeable increase in LAR for both cancer incidence and mortality due to chest CT examinations, particularly for female patients. These findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating the risks associated with CT imaging procedures.

Purpose: The study aimed to measure the radiation-absorbed dose, effective dose, and associated risks of radiation-induced cancers during chest computed tomography (CT) imaging procedures at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 23 patients were examined using a 64-slice CT scanner and thermolumi nescence dosimeters. The dose-length product was recorded and converted into an equivalent effective dose using age-dependent conversion coefficients for multi-slice CT as provided by the European Guidelines. Organ doses were further converted into lifetime attributable risks (LARs) for cancer incidence and mortality based on data from the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII (BEIR VII) report. Results: The effective dose ranged from 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) to approximately 35.3 mSv. The mean LAR for cancer incidence was 20.6 cases per 100,000 males and 69.3 cases per 100,000 females. The LAR for cancer mortality was 21.5 cases per 100,000 males and 62.0 cases per 100,000 females. Female patients were found to face significantly higher risks than male patients. Conclusions The results highlight a noticeable increase in LAR for both cancer incidence and mortality due to chest CT examinations, particularly for female patients. These findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating the risks associated with CT imaging procedures.

Purpose: The study aimed to measure the radiation-absorbed dose, effective dose, and associated risks of radiation-induced cancers during chest computed tomography (CT) imaging procedures at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 23 patients were examined using a 64-slice CT scanner and thermolumi nescence dosimeters. The dose-length product was recorded and converted into an equivalent effective dose using age-dependent conversion coefficients for multi-slice CT as provided by the European Guidelines. Organ doses were further converted into lifetime attributable risks (LARs) for cancer incidence and mortality based on data from the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII (BEIR VII) report. Results: The effective dose ranged from 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) to approximately 35.3 mSv. The mean LAR for cancer incidence was 20.6 cases per 100,000 males and 69.3 cases per 100,000 females. The LAR for cancer mortality was 21.5 cases per 100,000 males and 62.0 cases per 100,000 females. Female patients were found to face significantly higher risks than male patients. Conclusions The results highlight a noticeable increase in LAR for both cancer incidence and mortality due to chest CT examinations, particularly for female patients. These findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating the risks associated with CT imaging procedures.

Purpose: The study aimed to measure the radiation-absorbed dose, effective dose, and associated risks of radiation-induced cancers during chest computed tomography (CT) imaging procedures at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 23 patients were examined using a 64-slice CT scanner and thermolumi nescence dosimeters. The dose-length product was recorded and converted into an equivalent effective dose using age-dependent conversion coefficients for multi-slice CT as provided by the European Guidelines. Organ doses were further converted into lifetime attributable risks (LARs) for cancer incidence and mortality based on data from the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII (BEIR VII) report. Results: The effective dose ranged from 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) to approximately 35.3 mSv. The mean LAR for cancer incidence was 20.6 cases per 100,000 males and 69.3 cases per 100,000 females. The LAR for cancer mortality was 21.5 cases per 100,000 males and 62.0 cases per 100,000 females. Female patients were found to face significantly higher risks than male patients. Conclusions The results highlight a noticeable increase in LAR for both cancer incidence and mortality due to chest CT examinations, particularly for female patients. These findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating the risks associated with CT imaging procedures.

Introduction: High-calorie diets, particularly the quality of dietary fats, are regarded as an independent risk factor for developing obesity, hyperlipidaemia, and liver diseases. The present study examined the impact of rice bran oil (RBO) on organ-specific fat deposition, lipid profile, and liver function enzymes in Long Evans rats. Methods: Long Evans rats (n=24) were fed for six weeks with a controlled high-fat diet (HFD) to induce hyperlipidaemia and abnormal liver function. Rats were then divided into two groups: one group continued feeding on HFD, and the other group was fed with a RBO diet, replacing the fat source. After six weeks of feeding, six rats from each group were sacrificed and required analytical tests were performed. The remaining obese rats (n=12) were divided into continued HFD and RBO diet, and after sacrificing, essential analytical tests were done. Results: RBO feeding to hyperlipidaemic rats for six weeks significantly reduced brown adipose tissue, abdominal adipose tissue, epididymal adipose tissue, and liver fat compared to continuing HFD group (p<0.05). Similarly, serum levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were all decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in response to RBO compared to HFD (p<0.05). Additionally, rats fed with RBO showed reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels when compared with continuing HFD-fed rats (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that RBO supports the reduction of fat storage from major fat depots, controls lipid profile, and restores healthy liver functions in rats.

Characterization as well as prediction of the secondary and tertiary structure of hypothetical proteins from their amino acid sequences uploaded in databases by in silico approach are the critical issues in computational biology. Severe acute respiratory syndrome–associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which is responsible for pneumonia alike diseases, possesses a wide range of proteins of which many are still uncharacterized. The current study was conducted to reveal the physicochemical characteristics and structures of an uncharacterized protein Q6S8D9_SARS of SARS-CoV. Following the common flowchart of characterizing a hypothetical protein, several sophisticated computerized tools e.g., ExPASy Protparam, CD Search, SOPMA, PSIPRED, HHpred, etc. were employed to discover the functions and structures of Q6S8D9_SARS. After delineating the secondary and tertiary structures of the protein, some quality evaluating tools e.g., PROCHECK, ProSA-web etc. were performed to assess the structures and later the active site was identified also by CASTp v.3.0. The protein contains more negatively charged residues than positively charged residues and a high aliphatic index value which make the protein more stable. The 2D and 3D structures modeled by several bioinformatics tools ensured that the proteins had domain in it which indicated it was functional protein having the ability to trouble host antiviral inflammatory cytokine and interferon production pathways. Moreover, active site was found in the protein where ligand could bind. The study was aimed to unveil the features and structures of an uncharacterized protein of SARS-CoV which can be a therapeutic target for development of vaccines against the virus. Further research are needed to accomplish the task.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prominent form of dementia in the elderly, has no cure. Strategies focused on the reduction of amyloid beta or hyperphosphorylated Tau protein have largely failed in clinical trials. Novel therapeutic targets and strategies are urgently needed. Emerging data suggest that in response to environmental stress, mitochondria initiate an integrated stress response (ISR) shown to be beneficial for healthy aging and neuroprotection. Here, we review data that implicate mitochondrial electron transport complexes involved in oxidative phosphorylation as a hub for small molecule-targeted therapeutics that could induce beneficial mitochondrial ISR. Specifically, partial inhibition of mitochondrial complex I has been exploited as a novel strategy for multiple human conditions, including AD, with several small molecules being tested in clinical trials. We discuss current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this counterintuitive approach. Since this strategy has also been shown to enhance health and life span, the development of safe and efficacious complex I inhibitors could promote healthy aging, delaying the onset of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Introduction: The quality of healthcare services can be determined by patient satisfaction as it affects the performance, sustainability, and durability of health services. This study aims to determine patients’ satisfaction with healthcare service providers and its determinants in the urban family physician program in Fars and Mazandaran provinces, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the populations covered by the urban family physician program in Fars and Mazandaran provinces in 2016. In total, 864 households were selected in each province using random cluster sampling. Socio-demographic variables and underlying factors were gathered. Patient satisfaction levels were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Results: Of the 1,480 participants with a mean age of 46.9 ± 14.2 years, 53.3% lived in Fars province and 74.2% were female. Furthermore, 67.9% of the patients were satisfied with their healthcare service providers. A higher satisfaction level was observed among the patients who resided in Fars province, lived in cities with <100,000 residents, walked <10 minutes to the family physician’s office, had a family physician they previously knew, accepted the family physician, had a positive attitude towards the importance of having a family physician and a referral system, and had adequate knowledge of the family physician program. Conclusion The results indicated that two-thirds of the patients were satisfied with healthcare service providers. Several socio-demographic variables were associated with the patients’ satisfaction levels. Improving the family physician program by providing adequate medical equipment and monitoring physicians’ performance could increase patient satisfaction and improve the sustainability of the program.
Personal Satisfaction ; Health Services ; Physicians, Family ; Iran

Introduction: Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most serious health problems in developing countries. This study aims to explore the comparative figure of vitamin A knowledge, household consumption frequency of vitamin A-rich foods, and association of socio-demographic factors with knowledge and consumption in four residential areas in Tangail district, Bangladesh. Methods: This study used a population-based cross-sectional design with 400 study participants selected using purposive sampling technique. Knowledge and consumption frequency were assessed by a structured questionnaire along with food frequency table. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Only 33.5% participants had primary vitamin A knowledge, where most from urban (48.5%) and semi-urban (30.6%) areas had comparatively higher knowledge than those from rural (11.2%) and slum (9.7%) areas. Specific knowledge level was also poorer in rural and slum areas than urban and semi-urban areas. Most of the participants received knowledge through commercial advertisements (65.7%). Household consumption frequency of vitamin A-rich foods (plant and animal) was comparatively lower in rural and slum areas than in urban and semi-urban areas. Different socio-demographic factors (place of residence, education and household income) significantly influenced participant’s vitamin A knowledge and household consumption of vitamin A-rich foods (p<0.05). Conclusion: In general, the study population lacked knowledge regarding the importance of vitamin A. Consumption frequency of vitamin A-rich foods was still poorer in slum and rural areas than in urban and semi-urban areas.