Annals of medicine
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Taking into account the possibility of myelin-associated proteins having a role in brain tumour development, the study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of myelin-associated proteins (Nogo-A, MAG, OMgp) released into extracellular space in patients with brain tumours. ⋯ Our results indicated the potential usefulness of CSF Nogo-A and serum MAG evaluation as circulating biomarkers of primary brain tumours. Because blood is relatively easy to obtain, future research should be conducted to explicitly indicate the value of serum MAG concentration evaluation as a brain tumour biomarker.Key messagesMyelin-associated proteins may be circulating brain tumour biomarkers.Nogo-A and MAG proteins seem to be the most useful in brain tumour diagnosis.Decreased CSF Nogo-A concentration is an adverse prognostic factor for patients' survival.
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To use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to compare retinal biomarkers of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to multifocal choroiditis (MFC), myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), and idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV) and to provide a basis for its clinical diagnosis and treatment. ⋯ OCT biomarkers, such as the diameter of the CNV, SRF, the "pitchfork sign," and CT under CNV are useful in distinguishing CNV secondary to MFC from mCNV, which can allow the timely selection of treatment in some difficult cases. There were no differences between the MFC group and ICNV group except in refractive error, which indicates that some ICNV cases may be an early stage of a type of occult chorioretinitis. Long-term follow-up is needed for ICNV patients to confirm whether there is any potential inflammation.Key messagesSometimes, it is difficult to separate MFC with CNV from myopic CNV and ICNV in clinical.OCT biomarkers, such as the diameter of the CNV, SRF, the "pitchfork sign," and CT under CNV are useful in distinguishing CNV secondary to MFC from mCNV.There were no differences between the MFC group and ICNV group except in refractive error.
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Observational Study
Reference values for the Modified Timed Up and Go Test in Saudi children aged 4-12 years old in Riyadh city: cross-sectional study.
The study aimed to report within-session reliability, estimate the reference values for the Modified Timed Up and Go (mTUG) test in typically developing (TD) Saudi children aged 4-12 years old, develop a reference equation for the estimated mTUG, and compare the measured mTUG in the present study with the predicted mTUG obtained from the previous regression equation. ⋯ This study provided the mTUG reference values that can be used clinically to evaluate functional mobility and dynamic balance in TD Saudi children aged 4-12 years. The mTUG scores can be predicted as a function of age and weight.KEY MESSAGESModified Timed Up and Go test used to assess the functional mobility and dynamic balance for children with or without developmental abnormalities.Availability of reference values according to age is helpful to compare the performance of children at same ages.
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To evaluate the actual perceptions of hormonal contraceptives (HC) in women of reproductive age in comparison with similar concerns of postmenopausal women in relation to hormone therapy (HT). ⋯ Our data suggest that our patients are primarily concerned about the effects of hormonal treatments on venous thrombosis, mood, breast cancer and cervical cancer risk, and, later in life, about their impact on weight gain, breast and ovarian cancer risk.KEY MESSAGESYoung patients are primarily concerned about the effects of hormonal treatments on venous thrombosis, mood, breast cancer and cervical cancer risk.Older patients are primarily concerned about the effects of hormonal treatments on weight gain, breast and ovarian cancer risk.The greatest oncological concern throughout life was about breast cancer.
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Online video learning has been gaining substantial attention in medical education. The purpose of the study was to evaluate medical students' online video-viewing patterns as well as to identify features associated with their class style preferences in precision medicine courses. ⋯ Association between medical students' preferred class styles and online video-viewing patterns was not necessarily linked. However, medical teachers are recommended to modify class styles based on medical students' expectations after pre-class learning, thereby providing precision medical education.KEY MESSAGEImplementing precision medical education in the blended class is feasible.Online video learning is an ideal platform for balancing the dilemma between increasing the cognitive load of class content and the practice of precision medical education.The association between medical students' preferred class styles and online video-viewing patterns was not clearly seen.