Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Distal Adding-on and Related Factors in Lenke Type 1A Curve

Study Design. A retrospective, multicenter study. Objective. To investigate the occurrence of and factors related to postoperative adding-on in Lenke type 1A curve. Summary of Background Data. Although several studies have investigated factors associated with adding-on in Lenke type 1A curve, these factors have not been elucidated in a large study population. Methods. This study included 112 patients who were followed more than 2 years after undergoing selective posterior thoracic fusion surgery for Lenke Type 1A curve (8 males, 104 females; mean age at surgery, 16.1 yr; mean follow-up, 3.6 yr). The lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) was T12 in 22 patients, L1 in 55, L2 in 32, and L3 in 3. Distal to the main thoracic curve, the end vertebra, neutral vertebra, stable vertebra (SV), and the last vertebra touching the central sacral vertical line (last touching vertebra, LTV) were determined. The occurrence and factors associated with distal adding-on were investigated. Results. The mean Cobb angle and apical translation of the main thoracic curve were 54.6° ± 9.6° and 53.1 ± 20.4 mm before surgery, and 14.2 ± 7.4 and 16.2 ± 12.7 at follow-up, respectively. Distal adding-on was observed in 21 patients (18.8%) at follow-up. Univariate analyses identified several factors significantly associated with adding-on, including the preoperative proximal thoracic curve, the apical translation of the main thoracic curve, Miyanji's subclassification, the postsurgical proximal and main thoracic curves, the postsurgical apical translation of the main thoracic curve, the correction rate of the main thoracic curve and the clavicle angle immediately after surgery and at follow-up, and the difference in levels between the LIV and the end vertebra, neutral vertebra, LTV, and stable vertebra. Logistic regression analysis showed that the apical translation of the main thoracic curve immediately after surgery (apical translation >25 mm, odds ratio: 10.7, 95% confidence interval: 3.1–37.0, P = 0.001) and the difference in levels between LIV and LTV (LIV-LTV) (LIV-LTV <0, odds ratio: 6.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–23.9, P = 0.003) were significantly associated with adding-on. Conclusion. Since the residual apical translation of the main thoracic curve and the lowest instrumented vertebra more cranial to the last touching vertebra were significantly associated with adding-on, surgeons may need to obtain the maximum reduction of the apical translation of the main thoracic curve and to extend the LIV at least to the LTV to avoid postoperative adding-on. Level of Evidence: N/A
Effect of Motor Versus Cognitive Secondary Tasks on Performance of Stair Descent in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Falls on stairs are one of the leading causes of accidental death among the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dual tasking on stair descent in older adults and also to investigate whether a secondary motor task or secondary cognitive task caused more difficulty in performance. Eighty older adults (mean age = 68 years) were randomly selected from various residential colonies across Gurgaon, India. The performance of stair descent with a secondary task became more difficult than descent without the secondary task. Furthermore, participants demonstrated great difficulty in the performance of stair descent with the cognitive task.
Combating the HIV reservoirs

Abstract Impressive advances have been made in the treatment and management of HIV-1 infected individuals. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has turned HIV-1 infection from an almost invariable deadly infectious disease, to a lifelong manageable infectious disease. However, a cure or vaccine has not been forthcoming. A major problem in HIV-1 infection is the persistent and latently infected cellular and tissue reservoirs. One of these reservoirs is the Gut Associated Lymphoid tissue (GALT), which has been the research focus of our group. Our group and others have shown that HIV-1 evolves differently in different parts of the gastro intestinal tract, which also appears to affect the development of antiretroviral drug resistance. The GALT is not the only reservoir. HIV-1 continues to persist and evolve in various other cell and tissue reservoirs despite intense and apparent successful antiretroviral therapy. Moreover, drug resistance mutations remain prevalent under therapy and successful viral suppression. In addition to finding a vaccine, the research on combating and eradicating the HIV-1 viral reservoirs has also been an important focus of HIV-1 cure strategies. We will discuss some of the research findings on reservoirs in the context of some of the HIV-1 cure approaches.
Determining the accuracy of caudal needle placement in children: a comparison of the swoosh test and ultrasonography

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare two confirmatory tests ‐ the ‘swoosh’ test (auscultation during caudal injection) and real time ultrasound imaging (both transverse 2D imaging and color flow Doppler imaging) in pediatric patients receiving a caudal epidural block.
Risk assessment of alcohol and obesity on liver enzymes (transaminases, cholestatic)

Background: This study was designed to investigate the BMI and alcohol consumption effects on hepatic enzymes. The degree of alteration among moderate drinkers is still unclear. Objective: To determine causes of liver failure due to alcohol and obesity. We observed the association between moderate alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) and transaminase, cholestatic enzymes. Design: Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) were examined in 995 healthy persons. In this study 400 persons were reported as abstainers and 595 participants involved as a moderate drinkers. The study population was further split into according to BMI as follows: <19 (underweight), ≥19 and <25 (normal weight), ≥25 and <30 (over- weight), and ≥30 (obese). Results: Serum ALT (P < 0.002), GGT (P < 0.001) and ALP (P < 0.001) but not AST (P < 0.883) activities in moderate drinkers were higher than those in abstainers. Mean ALT activity is higher in obese and over weight in alcohol consumers and abstainers as compared to mean AST activity in the same groups. ALP activity was increased with BMI in moderate drinkers. In abstainers activity of ALP shows weak relation in order to BMI. Conclusion: The result of moderate alcohol use raises activity of hepatic enzymes with increasing BMI. Most participants with alcohol consumption have an AST/ALT ratio above 1.
Part 2-Prebiotics: New Medicines for the Colon, Health Benefits

Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon and thus improve host health. Various beneficial effects on the gut composition were indeed observed after prebiotic supplementation and also on the prevention of the development of diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms were alleviated when the patient was supplemented with prebiotics. Prebiotics were also used in gastroenteritis diseases; they had the potential to inhibit pathogen colonization. Patients with colorectal cancer can be supplemented with prebiotics that influence positively the development, progression, and treatment of the cancer. Allergy symptoms have also been shown to be reduced when the patients are fed prebiotics. However, more human studies are required to understand better the mechanisms underlying the protection of prebiotics in disease development, prevention, and symptom alleviation
Comparison of Teriparatide and Bisphosphonate Treatment to Reduce Pedicle Screw Loosening After Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis From a Bone Quality Perspective

Study Design. Prospective study. Objective. To examine the efficacy of teriparatide or bisphosphonate treatment to reduce pedicle screw (PS) loosening after instrumented lumbar posterolateral fusion in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Summary of Background Data. Failure of fixation caused by loosening of PSs in osteoporosis is a problem in spinal surgery. Oral administration of bisphosphonate or intermittent injection of parathyroid hormone treatment increases bone mass and reduces the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Although these treatments may be factor in improving bone quality, a clinical study of the efficacy of bisphosphonate or parathyroid hormone for reducing PS loosening that addresses the quality of the bone marrow and pedicle cortex has not yet been reported. Methods. Sixty-two women with osteoporosis diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis were divided into 3 groups: a teriparatide group (daily subcutaneous injection of 20 &mgr;g of teriparatide, n = 20), a bisphosphonate group (daily oral administration 2.5 mg of risedronate, n = 20), and a control group (without medication for osteoporosis, n = 22). All patients underwent decompression and 1- or 2-level instrumented posterolateral fusion with a local bone graft. Loosening of PSs and surgical outcome were evaluated radiographically, clinically, and by computed tomography 12 months after surgery. Results. At 12-month follow-up, the incidence of PS loosening was 7% to 13% in the teriparatide group, 13% to 26% in the risedronate group, and 15% to 25% in the control group. The incidence of PS loosening in the teriparatide group was significantly lower than that in the risedronate or the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the extent of PS loosening in the risedronate group was not significantly different from that in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that administration of teriparatide increased the quality of the lumbar spine bone marrow and pedicle cortex. Level of Evidence: 3
A discussion on the origin and treatment of noise in industrial environments - Noise and engineering design

The paper presents a short account of various investigations carried out on the basic mechanism of noise produced by machines involving solid structures. The emitted noise of the machine is generally due to bending vibration of either the outer or inner surfaces or both. In vehicles, for example, consideration of both the internal and external surfaces is of importance: vibrations of the internal surfaces produce noise inside the cab or car saloon and this affects the driver and passengers, while the external surfaces produce the noise which affects the community
Ah receptor agonist activity in frequently consumed food items

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) receives much attention for its role in the toxicity of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls. However, many other compounds have also been reported to bind and activate AhR, of which natural food components are of special interest from a human health perspective. Using the dioxin receptor–chemical-activated luciferase gene expression (DR CALUX®) bioassay, extracts from many food items frequently consumed in the Netherlands were screened to estimate the intake of natural AhR agonists (NAhRAs). Using the prototypical AhR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as standard, it was estimated that the daily intake of NAhRAs might be considerably higher than the reported intake of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls. Potatoes, cruciferous vegetables, bread, hamburgers, and grapefruit juice contained most NAhRAs. Food preparation and acid treatment can show a significant effect on AhR activation. The interaction of natural and xenobiotic AhR agonists should be taken into account when performing risk–benefit analysis of both types of compounds.
Kinetics of semicarbazide and nitrofurazone in chicken eggs and egg powders

The accumulation, depletion and partitioning of semicarbazide (SEM) and its parent compound nitrofurazone (NFZ) in eggs were studied using hens fed NFZ at therapeutic and sub-therapeutic levels. Dietary NFZ correlated strongly with NFZ and total SEM in eggs, while 28% of observed SEM was present in the form of parent NFZ. Depletion half-life in eggs was 2.4 days for SEM and 1.1 days for NFZ. NFZ accumulated preferentially in yolk (57–63%) as opposed to albumen, while 71–80% of SEM was found in yolk. In whole egg, 29% of SEM was present as tissue-bound residues compared with 80% in breast muscle. Whilst NFZ and SEM were partly degraded by pasteurization and spray drying, sufficient NFZ remained to suggest it might be detectable in egg powders when SEM is observed at low µg kg−1 concentrations. NFZ was detectable in whole eggs during ingestion of only 0.1% of the therapeutic NFZ dose, making detection of intact NFZ in eggs a feasible means to prove conclusively the administration of this banned compound.
A national comparison of biochemistry and molecular biology capstone experiences

Recognizing the increasingly integrative nature of the molecular life sciences, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) recommends that Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) programs develop curricula based on concepts, content, topics, and expected student outcomes, rather than courses. To that end, ASBMB conducted a series of regional workshops to build a BMB Concept Inventory containing validated assessment tools, based on foundational and discipline‐specific knowledge and essential skills, for the community to use. A culminating activity, which integrates the educational experience, is often part of undergraduate molecular life science programs. These “capstone” experiences are commonly defined as an attempt to measure student ability to synthesize and integrate acquired knowledge. However, the format, implementation, and approach to outcome assessment of these experiences are quite varied across the nation. Here we report the results of a nation‐wide survey on BMB capstone experiences and discuss this in the context of published reports about capstones and the findings of the workshops driving the development of the BMB Concept Inventory. Both the survey results and the published reports reveal that, although capstone practices do vary, certain formats for the experience are used more frequently and similarities in learning objectives were identified. The use of rubrics to measure student learning is also regularly reported, but details about these assessment instruments are sparse in the literature and were not a focus of our survey. Finally, we outline commonalities in the current practice of capstones and suggest the next steps needed to elucidate best practices. © 2015 by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(4):223–232, 2015.
Co-occurrence of fumonisins with aflatoxins in home-stored maize for human consumption in rural villages of Tanzania

This study determined maize-user practices that influence the presence of fumonisin and aflatoxin contamination of maize in food consumed in the rural areas of Tanzania. Samples of the 2005 maize harvest in Tanzania were collected from 120 households and examined for fumonisins and aflatoxins. Information on whether the maize was sorted to remove defective (visibly damaged or mouldy) maize before storage and whether the damaged and mouldy maize or the non-dehulled maize was used as food was also collected. In addition, the percentage of defective kernels in the samples was determined. Ninety per cent of the households sorted out defective maize, 45% consumed the defective maize and 30% consumed non-dehulled maize. In 52% of the samples fumonisins were determined at levels up to 11,048 µg kg−1 (median = 363 µg kg−1) and in 15% exceeded 1000 µg kg−1; the maximum tolerable limit (MTL) for fumonisins in maize for human consumption in other countries. Aflatoxins were detected in 18% of the samples at levels up to 158 µg kg−1 (median = 24 µg kg−1). Twelve per cent of the samples exceeded the Tanzanian limit for total aflatoxins (10 µg kg−1). Aflatoxins co-occurred with fumonisins in 10% of the samples. The percentage defective kernels (mean = 22%) correlated positively (r = 0.39) with the fumonisin levels. Tanzanians are at a risk of exposure to fumonisins and aflatoxins in maize. There is a need for further research on fumonisin and aflatoxin exposure in Tanzania to develop appropriate control strategies.
Influence of roasting and different brewing processes on the ochratoxin A content in coffee determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD)

A rapid and reliable procedure has been developed for the determination of ochratoxin A (OTA) in green and roasted coffee. The method consists of extraction of the sample with methanol–5% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate/1% PEG8000 (20:80), followed by immunoaffinity column (IAC) clean-up and, finally, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination with fluorimetric detection. Mean recoveries for green and roasted coffee spiked at different levels ranging from 94 and 105% were obtained. The limit of determination (S/N = 3) was 0.032 ng g−1 and the precision (within-laboratory relative standard deviation) was 6%. The method described has been used to assess the influence of roasting and different brewing processes on OTA content in commercial lots of green and roasted coffee. The results provided evidence that roasting led to a significant drop on OTA levels (65–100%). Also, the way coffee is prepared affects the OTA content: brewing using a Moka Express (Italian coffee) led to a significant reduction of OTA concentration (50–75%) since hot water stays in contact with coffee for a short time. On the contrary, Turkish coffee-making (infusion for about 10 min) cause poor reduction in OTA.
Using optimal combination of teaching–learning methods (open book assignment and group tutorials) as revision exercises to improve learning outcome in low achievers in biochemistry

Graduate medical students of India are taught Biochemistry by didactic lectures and they hardly get any opportunity to clarify their doubts and reinforce the concepts which they learn in these lectures. We used a combination of teaching–learning (T–L) methods (open book assignment followed by group tutorials) to study their efficacy in improving the learning outcome. About 143 graduate medical students were classified into low (<50%: group 1, n = 23), medium (50–75%: group 2, n = 74), and high (>75%: group 3, n = 46) achievers, based on their internal assessment marks. After the regular teaching module on the topics “Vitamins and Enzymology”, all the students attempted an open book assignment without peer consultation. Then all the students participated in group tutorials. The effects on the groups were evaluated by pre and posttests at the end of each phase, with the same set of MCQs. Gain from group tutorials and overall gain was significantly higher in the low achievers, compared to other groups. High and medium achievers obtained more gain from open book assignment, than group tutorials. The overall gain was significantly higher than the gain obtained from open book assignment or group tutorials, in all three groups. All the three groups retained the gain even after 1 week of the exercise. Hence, optimal use of novel T–L methods (open book assignment followed by group tutorials) as revision exercises help in strengthening concepts in Biochemistry in this oft neglected group of low achievers in graduate medical education. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(4):321–325, 2016.
Violência sexual por parceiro íntimo entre homens e mulheres no Brasil urbano, 2005

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalencia de violencia sexual por parceiro intimo entre homens e mulheres da populacao urbana brasileira e fatores a ela associados. METODOS: Os dados analisados fazem parte de pesquisa realizada em 1998 e 2005 no Brasil, em populacao urbana. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de questionarios aplicados a amostra representativa de 5.040 individuos, homens e mulheres de 16 a 65 anos. Analise descritiva foi realizada com dados ponderados, usando-se os testes F design-based, com significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A prevalencia global de violencia sexual por parceiro intimo foi de 8,6%, com predominância entre as mulheres (11,8% versus 5,1%). As mulheres apresentaram taxas sempre maiores de violencia do que os homens, exceto no caso de parcerias homo/ bissexuais. Foi significativa a diferenca da maior taxa verificada para homens homo/bissexuais em relacao aos heterossexuais, mas nao para mulheres. A populacao negra, independente do sexo, referiu mais violencia que a branca. Quanto menor a renda e a escolaridade, maior a violencia, mas homens de regioes mais pobres referiram mais violencia, o que nao ocorreu com mulheres. Situacoes diversas do trabalho, uso de condom, menor idade na primeira relacao sexual e numero de parceiros nos ultimos cinco anos diferiram significativamente para mulheres, mas nao para homens. Para homens e mulheres a violencia sexual associou-se a ser separado(a) ou divorciado(a), ter tido doenca sexualmente transmissivel, auto-avaliar-se com risco para HIV, mas nao a sua testagem. CONCLUSOES: Confirma-se a alta magnitude da violencia sexual e a sobretaxa feminina. Reitera-se a violencia como resultado de conflitos de genero, os quais perpassam a estratificacao social e a etnia. Quanto a epidemia de Aids, a violencia sexual e um fator importante a ser considerado na feminilizacao da populacao atingida.
Short-Segment Fixation Without Fusion for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures With Neurological Deficit Can Preserve Thoracolumbar Motion Without Resulting in Post-traumatic Disc Degeneration: A 10-Year Follow-up Study

Study Design. Prospective consecutive series. Objective. To evaluate the post-traumatic disc degeneration and range of motion 10 years after short-segment ﬁxation without fusion for thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurological deficit. Summary of Background Data. Early clinical results of short-segment ﬁxation without fusion for thoracolumbar burst fractures were satisfactory. However, the long-term results have not been reported, and post-traumatic disc degeneration and preservation of thoracolumbar motion have not been elucidated. Methods. Twelve patients who had thoracolumbar burst fractures and associated incomplete neurological deficit, operatively treated within 4 days of admission and had their implants removed within 1 year, were prospectively followed for at least 10 years. Following indirect reduction and pedicle screw fixation, transpedicular intracorporeal hydroxyapatite grafting to the fractured vertebrae was performed. Results. Sagittal alignment was improved from a mean preoperative kyphosis of 17° to −2° (lordosis) by operation, but was found to have slightly deteriorated to 2° at the final follow-up observation. With respect to back pain, 8 patients did not report back pain. Three reported occasional minimal pain, and 1 reported moderate pain. None reported severe pain or needed daily dosages of analgesics. Regarding disc degeneration, the shape of the disc adjacent to the fractured vertebra had not changed from the preoperative to the 10-year postoperative magnetic resonance image (MRI). Although signal intensity of the disc had decreased by 1 grade from the preoperative to the 2-year postoperative MRI, the intensity had not changed from the 2-year postoperative MRI to the 10-year postoperative MRI. At the 10-year follow-up, flexion-extension radiographs revealed that a mean range of motion at the disc adjacent to the fractured vertebra was 12º (range; 5–19). Conclusion. This unprecedented 10-year follow-up study demonstrated that posterior indirect reduction, transpedicular hydroxyapatite grafting, and pedicle screw fixation does not require fusion to a segment, thereby preserves thoracolumbar motion without resulting in post-traumatic disc degeneration. Level of Evidence: 4