Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Counseling interactions between patients living with persistent pain and pharmacists in Australia: are we on the same page?

Background People living with persistent pain in Australia often cannot access adequate care to manage their pain. Therefore, as the most accessible healthcare professionals, community pharmacists have an important role to play in helping to improve patient outcomes. Hence, it is important to investigate patient needs and expectations in terms of counseling interactions with pharmacists, along with pharmacists’ approach to counseling interactions with these patients. Method The nature of patient–pharmacist counseling interactions was explored with seven patients (one focus group), and 10 practicing pharmacists (two focus groups, three semi-structured interviews). The themes identified informed the development of an online survey that was advertised online to patients and pharmacists across Australia. Results A total of 95 patients and 208 pharmacists completed the survey. Overall, more than half of patients (77/95) were satisfied with the care provided by their pharmacist, but only a third (71/205) of pharmacists were satisfied with the care they provided to patients. The majority of patients (67/94) reported that pharmacists provided good information about medications. This aligned with pharmacists’ responses, as most reported focusing on medication side effects (118/188) and instructions for taking pain medication (93/183) during patient interactions. However, when asked about empathy and rapport from pharmacists, only half to two-thirds (48–61/95) of patients expressed positive views. Overall, half of the patients (39/75) wanted a caring, empathetic, respectful, and private conversation with the pharmacist, and nearly half (40/89) perceived the pharmacist's role as providing (new) information on alternative pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, including general advice on pain management. Conclusion There was a disparity in the nature of the interaction and information that patients wanted from pharmacists, compared to what was provided by pharmacists. Training and education may help pharmacists to better engage in patient-centered care when interacting with people living with persistent pain, thereby improving health outcomes for these patients.
Right Ventricular Apical Pacing ( RVAP ) vs . Right Ventricular Septal Pacing ( RVSP ) : short and intermediate-term effect on echocardiographic indices , left ventricular function and clinical outcome

Introduction. Right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) has more “desynchronizing effect” than pacing from the interventricular septum (RVSP) and may be translated in worse outcomes in long run. The aim of the present study was to examine the short and intermediate-term effects of RVAP versus RVSP on echocardiographic features, left ventricular function and clinical outcome. Material and methods. 467 patients between August 2014 to March 2018 without structural heart disease were prospectively randomized to RVAP (n = 226) or RVSP (n = 241) and were studied at baseline, 6 months and 12 month by echocardiography, biochemically (NT-proBNP) and clinically (6-minute walk test). LV 2D strain and tissue velocity images were analyzed to measure 18-segment time-to-peak longitudinal systolic strain and 12-segment time-to-peak systolic tissue velocity. Intraventricular dyssynchrony was calculated using Tissue Doppler velocity data by comparing the time to systolic peak velocity between segments in multiple apical views by their respective standard deviations. Interventricular dyssynchrony was measured as the temporal difference of LV pre-ejection period and RV pre-ejection period by pulse-wave Doppler (PWD) images. All the analysis was carried out by using statistical package for social service version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). The p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The commonest indication for pacemaker implantation was atrioventricular block (n = 311; 66.6%), followed by sinus node dysfunction (n = 138; 29.5%) and chronic bifascicular and trifascicular block (n = 18; 3.9%), all patients receiving single chamber pacemaker (VVI: n = 107; 22.9% and VVIR: n = 360; 77.1%). There were significant difference in NT-proBNP level (410 ± 254 pg/mL vs. 370 ± 168 pg/mL; p = 0.02), 6-MWT (442 ± 19 m vs. 482 ± 21 m; p = 0.01), mean QRS duration (164 ± 8.3 ms vs. 148 ± 10.6 ms; p = 0.02), intraventricular dyssynchrony (septal to lateral wall delay: 88.6 ± 24.2 ms vs. 43.7 ± 11.2 ms; p = 0.04), interventricular dyssynchrony (31.2 ± 22.8 vs. 19.4 ± 11.2; 0 = 0.03), end diastolic volume (78.4 ± 15.6 mL vs. 72.8 ± 14.2 mL; p = 0.04), end systolic volume (30.2 ± 13.1 mL vs. 25.6 ± 11.7 mL; p = 0.05) at the end of 12 months between RVAP and RVSP respectively, though not significantly different at 6 months favouring RVS-paced group. However, no significant difference in ejection fraction (59 ± 5% vs. 61.5 ± 3.2%; p = 0.39) and NYHA class (1.29 ± 0.3 vs. 1.28 ± 0.4; 0.3) at 6 and 12 months follow up were noted. Conclusions. Right ventricular septal pacing was associated with better outcome in terms of echocardiographic indices, left ventricular function and clinical outcome compared to patients with apical pacing over intermediate-term follow up.
Targeting Leukemia Stem Cell-Niche Dynamics: A New Challenge in AML Treatment

One of the most urgent needs in AML is to improve the disease cure rate as relapse still occurs in 60–80% of patients. Recent evidence suggests that dismal clinical outcomes may be improved by a better definition of the tight interaction between the AML cell population and the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment (“the niche”); the latter has been progressively highlighted to have an active role in the disease process. It has now been well established that the leukemic population may misinterpret niche-derived signals and remodel the niche, providing a shelter to AML cells and protecting them from the cytotoxic effects of chemoradiotherapy. Novel imaging technological advances and preclinical disease models have revealed that, due to the finite number of BM niches, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) compete for the same functional areas. Thus, the removal of LSCs from the BM niche and the promotion of normal HSC engraftment should be the primary goals in antileukemic research. In addition, it is now becoming increasingly clear that AML-niche dynamics are disease stage specific. In AML, the niche has been linked to disease pathogenesis in the preleukemic stage, the niche becomes permissive once leukemic cells are established, and the niche is transformed into a self-reinforcing structure at a later disease stage. These concepts have been fostered by the demonstration that, in unrelated AML types, endosteal vessel loss occurs as a primary AML-induced niche alteration, and additional AML-induced alterations of the niche and normal hematopoiesis evolve focally and in parallel. Obviously, this endosteal vessel loss plays a fundamental role in AML pathogenesis by causing excessive vascular permeability, hypoxia, altered perfusion, and reduced drug delivery. Each of these alterations may be effectively targeted by various therapeutic procedures, but preservation of endosteal vessel integrity might be the best option for any future antileukemic treatment.
Genotype comparison of Candida albicans isolates from different clinical samples

Background: Fungal infections are a health issue paradoxically fuelled by the developments in medical care. Objectives: Our study is an investigation on the correlation between the infection site and the genotypes of Candida albicans strains isolated from Romanian patients. Methods: A total number of 301 isolates from different clinical sites were investigated in terms of genotype determination. Results: The isolates were clustered in three groups according to their genotype: 55.81% showed genotype A, 14.62% genotype B, and 29.57% genotype C. Conclusions: No significant correlation was found between the genotype and the infection site, but a significant correlation was found between genotype C and isolates from HIV patients proving that C. albicans pathogenicity probably relies on factors related to the host.
Aging Influences Hepatic Microvascular Biology and Liver Fibrosis in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease

Advanced chronic liver disease (aCLD) represents a major public health concern. aCLD is more prevalent and severe in the elderly, carrying a higher risk of decompensation. We aimed at understanding how aging may impact on the pathophysiology of aCLD in aged rats and humans and secondly, at evaluating simvastatin as a therapeutic option in aged animals. aCLD was induced in young (1 month) and old (16 months) rats. A subgroup of aCLD-old animals received simvastatin (5 mg/kg) or vehicle (PBS) for 15 days. Hepatic and systemic hemodynamic, liver cells phenotype and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated. Additionally, the gene expression signature of cirrhosis was evaluated in a cohort of young and aged cirrhotic patients. Aged animals developed a more severe form of aCLD. Portal hypertension and liver fibrosis were exacerbated as a consequence of profound deregulations in the phenotype of the main hepatic cells: hepatocytes presented more extensive cell-death and poorer function, LSEC were further capillarized, HSC over-activated and macrophage infiltration was significantly increased. The gene expression signature of cirrhosis significantly differed comparing young and aged patients, indicating alterations in sinusoidal-protective pathways and confirming the pre-clinical observations. Simvastatin administration for 15-day to aged cirrhotic rats improved the hepatic sinusoidal milieu, leading to significant amelioration in portal hypertension. This study provides evidence that aCLD pathobiology is different in aged individuals. As the median age of patients with aCLD is increasing, we propose a real-life pre-clinical model to develop more reliable therapeutic strategies. Simvastatin effects in this model further demonstrate its translational potential.
The Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Treatment Before Testicular Sperm Extraction in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

DOI: 10.4328/JCAM.3332 Received: 19.02. 2015 Accepted: 24.03. 2015 Printed: 01.01. 2016 J Clin Anal Med 2016;7(1): 55-9 Corresponding Author: Umit Gul, Department of Urology, Baskent University Adana Clinic & Research Center, 01250, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. GSM: +905325531349 F. : +90 3223271274 E-Mail: umitgul@yahoo.com Özet Amaç: İdiyopatik non-obstrüktif azospermili (NOA) hastalarda, ampirik hCG tedavisi ile ilgili sonuçları araştırmak. Gereç ve Yöntem: hCG grubunu normal testis hacimlerine ve normal serum FSH ve LH düzeylerine sahip olan ve ampirik hCG ile tedavi edilen 34 hasta oluşturdu. hCG, testiküler sperm ekstraksiyonundan (TESE) 10-14 hafta önce 2500 IU olarak haftada iki kere deri altına enjeksiyon şeklinde uygulandı. Kontrol grubunu yaş ve eş yaşları hCG grubu ile denk olup aynı dönemde TESE uygulanan 49 hasta oluşturdu. Gruplar arasındaki sperm elde etme oranı (SRR), folikül uyarıcı hormon (FSH), luteinizan hormon (LH), testosteron seviyeleri, testis hacimleri, fertilizasyon oranları (FR), implantasyon oranları (IR), gebelik oranları (PR), canlı doğum oranları (LBR), iptal oranları (CR) ve cerrahi tekniği arasındaki ilişki değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Konvansiyonel teknik ile başarılı sperm elde edilmesi, hCG grubundaki 17 hasta’nın 14’ünde (% 82,3) olurken kontrol grubundaki 28 hasta’nın 18’inde (% 64,3) sağlandı (p = 0,170). SRR açısından gruplar arasında fark yoktu (p = 0,338). Hastaların yaşı, ortalama infertilite süresi, serum FSH, LH, testosteron, östradiol düzeyleri ve testis hacimleri açısından iki grup arasında anlamlı farklılık saptanmadı (p> 0,05). FR, IR, PR, LBR açısından iki grup arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark saptanmadı (p> 0,05). Tartışma: idiyopatik NOA hastalarda ampirik hCG tedavisi ile SRR iyileşme sağlanamamıştır. hCG tedavisinin ICSI başarısı üzerinde herhangi bir etkisi bulunamamıştır.
Renal cell carcinoma haemorrhage following SBRT: A Case Report

Poster: "2017 ASM / R-0053 / Renal cell carcinoma haemorrhage following SBRT: A Case Report" by: "L. Hilleary1, J. Martin1, C. Wratten1, S. Siva2, J. Downie1, N. Schellnegger1, J. Patterson1, F. Jameel1; 1NSW/AU, 2VIC/AU"
Emergence of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among Lebanese Pregnant Women: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Species Distribution

Objective Candida species colonize the vagina in at least 20% of women, with rates rising to 30% during pregnancy. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation. It also aims at finding possible correlations between VVC and vaginal colonization by other agents, such as Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and bacterial vaginosis. Methodology Over a one-year period, high vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women during their regular antenatal checkup in different polyclinics in Beirut and South Lebanon. Swabs were examined microscopically, cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and Candida isolates were identified using Chromatic Candida medium and Germ Tube Test. Results VVC was detected in 44.8% of samples, with C. glabrata (44.4%) and C. albicans (43.4%) being the most isolated species. Approximately, half of pregnant women (57.7%) were coinfected with Candida and bacterial vaginosis, while 26% of them carried simultaneously Candida spp. and GBS. No significant correlation was found between the occurrence of VVC and demographic, clinical, medical, and reproductive health characteristics of pregnant women. In contrast, participants with previous miscarriages and those being hospitalized during the past 12 months were more susceptible to develop vaginal C. krusei infection in comparison to other Candida species (p=0.0316 and p=0.0042, respectively). Conclusion The prevalence of VVC in pregnant women is an increasing trend in our community. Therefore, routine medical examination and regular screening for candidiasis in the antenatal care program is highly recommended to manage the disease and its complications.
Association of Malaria Parasitaemia with ABO/Rhesus Blood Group among Out-patients of Township Clinic Gwagwalada Abuja, Nigeria

Aim: This study was carried out to determine association of malaria parasitaemia with ABO/Rhesus blood group. Methodology: A total of 150 blood samples were randomly selected and examined for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum using microscopy, blood group was determined using agglutination technique. Results: A total 92 (61.3%) were found to be infected with P. falciparum, the prevalence was highest among under five (0-10) than older groups, and higher among males 55 (63.2%) than female 37 (58.7%). Majority of the patients were rhesus positive 90(64.3%) while 2(20.0%) were rhesus negative. High percentage of blood group O, 70 (46.7%) was observed, followed by A 39(26.0%), B 34 (22.7%) and AB 7 (4.6%). All ABO blood groups showed varied presence of P. falciparum 51(72.8%), 22(56.4%), 17(50.0%) and 2(28.5%) for O, A, B and AB, respectively. Parasite density was also higher in blood group O 70 (41.69%), followed by B 34 (30.67%), and A 39 (28.09%) then AB 7 (16.84%). Conclusion: It can be concluded that malaria parasitaemia is higher in males than female and in the younger ages than the older ones. Also Blood groups O are the most susceptible to malaria infection and AB are the least infected. However further investigation is needed to clearly establish the association ABO/Rhesus blood groups and P. falciparum infection and the need for intensified control methodology of the disease and education of the populace on the effect of rhesus negative cannot be over emphasized.
Assessing Factors Associated With Survival Among Cervical Cancer Patients in Kenya: A Retrospective Follow-up Study

Background: Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. In Kenya, cervical cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer after breast cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women. It is estimated that by the end of 2018, cervical cancer will be responsible for 5,250 (11%) new cases and 3,286 (11.84%) deaths in Kenya. Methods: We conducted a retrospective follow-up study to estimate the overall survival of women treated for cervical cancer in Kenya. Medical records were reviewed to extract information for generating a quantitative data set, and the chi-square test was used to test for associations between patient outcomes and various sociodemographic and clinical factors. To estimate overall survival after treatment, we used Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, the logrank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: A total of 481 patient records were included in this study. From the bivariate analysis, 4 factors demonstrated a statistically significant association with survival: access to care (P=.049), stage of disease at diagnosis (P<.001), type of treatment received (P<.001), and whether or not treatment was initiated and completed (P<.001). The overall 5-year survival estimate for women with cervical cancer was 59%. However, 396 (82.3%) women were lost to follow-up; with no deaths observed after the first year, the overall survival estimate is only accurate for the first year. Conclusion: The high rate of loss to follow-up appears to be characteristic of cancer care in Kenya and highlights the difficulties in conducting survival studies in low-resource settings with low coverage of vital registration and a lack of centralised national administrative systems. Despite the study's limitations, the results support evidence whereby late-stage diagnosis, deficiencies in cancer management, and limited cancer care services, in particular, have been found to contribute to poor patient outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
Interrelationships of the Platyhelminthes

EARLY ORIGINS OF BASAL TAXA The Early Worm - Origins and Relationships of the Lower Flatworms Seth Tyler Contributions to the Phylogeny and Systematics of the Acoelomorpha Olga I. Raikova, Maria Reuter and Jean-Lou Justine The Nemertodermatida Kennet Lundin and Wolfgang Sterrer Phylogenetic Systematics of the Macrostomorpha Reinhard M. Rieger FREE-LIVING GROUPS The Proseriata Marco Curini-Galletti Molecular Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Tricladida Jaume Baguna, Salvador Carranza, Jordi Paps, Inaki Ruiz-Trillo and Marta Riutort Towards a Phylogenetic Classification and Characterisation of Dugesiid Genera (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) - a morphological perspective Ronald Sluys SYMBIONTS AND PARASITES The Prolecithophora Ulf Jondelius, Michael Noren and Jan Hendleberg The Temnocephalida Lester R.G. Cannon and Boris I. Joffe Phylogenetic Relationships of the Monogenoidea Walter A.Boeger and Delane C. Kritsky The Gyrocotylidea, Amphilinidea and the Early Evolution of Cestoda Willi E.R. Xylander Phylogeny Among the Orders of the Eucestoda (Cercomeromorphae): Integrating Morphology, Molecules and Total Evidence Eric P. Hoberg, Jean Mariaux and Dan R. Brooks Cestode Systematics in the Molecular Era Jean Mariaux and Peter D. Olsen Interrelationships Among Tetraphyllidean and Lecanicephalidean Cestodes Janine N. Caira, Kirsten Jensen and Claire J. Healy The Aspidogastrea, an Archaic Group of Platyhelminthes Klaus Rohde The Digenea Thomas H. Cribb, Rodney A.Bray, D. Timothy J. Littlewood, Sylvie P. Pichelin, Elizabeth A. Herniou Molecular Phylogeny of the Suborder Plagiorchiata and its Position in the System of Digenea Vasyl V. Tkach, Jan Pawlowski, Jean Mariaux and Zdzislaw Swiderski The Schistosomatidae: Advances in Phylogenetics and Genomics Scott D. Snyder, Eric S. Loker, David A. Johnston and David Rollinson CHARACTERS AND TECHNIQUES Protonephridia as Phylogenetic Characters Klaus Rohde 20. Insights from Comparative Spermatology in the "Turbellarian" Rhabdocoela Nikki A. Watson Spermatozoa as Phylogenetic Characters for the Platyhelminthes Jean Lou-Justine Comparative Neurobiology of the Platyhelminthes Maria Reuter and David W. Halton The Use of Life Cycle Characters in Studies of the Evolution of Cestodes Ian Beveridge Embryology and Developmental Genes as Clues to Flatworm Relationships Maximilian J. Telford Small Subunit rDNA and the Platyhelminthes: Signal, Noise, Conflict and Compromise D. Timothy J. Littlewood and Peter D.Olson Flatworm Phylogeneticist: Between Molecular Hammer and Morphological Anvil Boris I. Joffe and Elena E. Kornakova Towards a Phylogenetic Supertree of the Platyhelminthes Mark Wilkinson, Joseph L. Thorley, D. Timothy J. Littlewood and Rodney A. Bray
Atypical, Non-V600 BRAF Mutations as a Potential Mechanism of Resistance to EGFR Inhibition in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

PURPOSE Atypical, non-V600 BRAF (aBRAF) mutations represent a rare molecular subtype of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Preclinical data are used to categorize aBRAF mutations into class II (intermediate to high levels of kinase activity, RAS independent) and III (low kinase activity level, RAS dependent). The clinical impact of these mutations on anti-EGFR treatment efficacy is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from 2,084 patients with mCRC at a single institution and from an external cohort of 5,257 circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) samples were retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS BRAF mutations were harbored by 257 patients, including 36 with aBRAF mutations: 22 class III, 10 class II, four unclassified. For patients with aBRAF mCRC, median OS was 36.1 months, without a difference between classes, and median OS was 21.0 months for patients with BRAFV600E mCRC. In contrast to right-sided predominance of tumors with BRAFV600E mutation, 53% of patients with aBRAF mCRC had left-sided primary tumors. Concurrent RAS mutations were noted in 33% of patients with aBRAF mCRC, and 67% of patients had microsatellite stable disease. Among patients with aBRAF RAS wild-type mCRC who received anti-EGFR antibodies (monotherapy, n = 1; combination therapy, n = 10), no responses to anti-EGFR therapy were reported, and six patients (four with class III aBRAF mutations, one with class II, and one unclassified) achieved stable disease as best response. Median time receiving therapy was 4 months (range, 1 to 16). In the ctDNA cohort, there was an increased prevalence of aBRAF mutations and subclonal aBRAF mutations (P < .001 for both) among predicted anti-EGFR exposed compared with nonexposed patients. CONCLUSION Efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy is limited in class II and III aBRAF mCRC. Detection of aBRAF mutations in ctDNA after EGFR inhibition may represent a novel mechanism of resistance.