Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artificial Disc Replacement Combined With Fusion Versus Two-Level Fusion in Cervical Two-Level Disc Disease

Study Design. A prospective analysis. Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR) combined with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and 2-level ACDF in patients with 2-level cervical disc disease. Summary of Background Data. Adjacent segment degeneration is a long-term complication of ACDF, and estimated to affect 25% of patients within 10 years of the initial surgery. Two-level fusion leads to a substantially greater increase in intradiscal pressure than one-level fusion. It has been demonstrated that C-ADR maintains motion at the level of the surgical procedure and decreases strain on the adjacent segments for prevention of adjacent segment degeneration. In the case of 2-level cervical disc disease, hybrid surgery (HS), consisting of C-ADR combined with ACDF, may be a reasonable alternative to 2-level ACDF (2-ACDF). Methods. Between 2004 and 2006, 40 patients undergoing 2-level cervical disc surgery at our hospital were identified who met the following surgical indications: 2 consecutive level degenerative disc disease between C3/4 and C6/7; either a radiculopathy or myelopathy; and no response to conservative treatment for >6 weeks. Twenty patients of the HS group were matched to 20 patients of the 2-ACDF group based on age and gender. Patients were asked to check the neck disability index (NDI) and grade their pain intensity before surgery and at routine postoperative intervals of 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Dynamic flexion and extension lateral cervical radiographs were obtained in the standing position before surgery and at routine postoperative intervals of 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The angular range of motion (ROM) for C2–C7 and adjacent segments were measured using the Cobb method with PACS software. Results. The HS group had better NDI recovery 1 and 2 years after surgery (P < 0.05). Postoperative neck pain was less in the HS group 1 month and 1 year after surgery (P < 0.05). There was no difference in arm pain relief between the groups. The HS group showed faster C2–C7 ROM recovery. The mean C2–C7 ROM of the HS group recovered to that of the preoperative value, but that of the 2-ACDF group did not (P < 0.05). The inferior adjacent segment ROM showed significant differences between the groups 6 and 9 months, and 1 and 2 years after surgery (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion. HS is superior to 2-ACDF in terms of better NDI recovery, less postoperative neck pain, faster C2–C7 ROM recovery, and less adjacent ROM increase.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in cancer patients with pulmonary aspergillosis recovering from neutropenia: Proof of principle, description, and clinical and research implications

Assessing the outcome of patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by using conventional criteria is difficult, particularly when clinical and radiologic worsening coincides with neutrophil recovery. Usually, it is assumed that this deterioration is related to progressive aspergillosis, prompting changes in patient management. However, its temporal relation with neutrophil recovery suggests that it may be caused by an immune reconstitution syndrome (IRIS). Galactomannan is an Aspergillus‐specific polysaccharide that is released during aspergillosis and is detected by the serum galactomannan test, which has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. In this study, the authors used sequential galactomannan testing to distinguish IRIS responses from progressive aspergillosis.
Long-term outcome for patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity treated at the istituto ortopedico rizzoli according to the istituto ortopedico rizzoli/osteosarcoma-2 protocol: an updated report.

PURPOSE To provide an estimate of long-term prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma of the extremity treated in a single institution with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and observed for at least 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity were preoperatively treated with high-dose methotrexate, cisplatin, and doxorubicin (ADM). Postoperatively, good responders (90% or more tumor necrosis) received the same three drugs used before surgery, whereas poor responders (less than 90% tumor necrosis) received ifosfamide and etoposide in addition to those three drugs. RESULTS For the 164 patients who entered the study between September 1986 and December 1989, surgery was a limb salvage in 136 cases (82%) and a good histologic response was observed in 117 patients (71%). At a follow-up ranging from 10 to 13 years (median, 11.5 years), 101 patients (61%) remained continuously free of disease, 61 relapsed, and two died of ADM-induced cardiotoxicity. There were no differences in prognosis between good and poor responding patients. ADM-induced cardiotoxicity (six patients), male infertility (10 of the 12 assessable patients), and second malignancies (seven patients) were the major complications of chemotherapy. Despite the large number of limb salvages performed, only four local recurrences (2.4%) were registered. CONCLUSION With an aggressive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, it is possible to cure more than 60% of patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity and amputation may be avoided in more than 80% of them. Because local or systemic relapses, myocardiopathies, and second malignancies are possible even 5 years or more after the beginning of treatment, a long-term follow-up is recommended for these patients.
Atlanto-axial rotatory fixation.

OBJECTIVES To analyse the causes of atlanto-axial rotatory fixation (AARF) and discuss the diagnosis and treatment. DESIGN Retrospective case studies. SETTING Medical University of Southern Africa-Ga-Rankuwa referral hospital. PATIENTS A total of 10 patients admitted to and treated in the Department of Orthopaedics, Ga-Rankuwa Hospital, between July 1989 and June 1993. OUTCOME MEASURE Dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan. RESULTS Upper respiratory tract infection and trauma were the commonest causes of AARF. There was a delay in diagnosis ranging between 4 weeks and 2 years 6 months. Clinical and radiological reduction was obtained by gradual skeletal traction in 6 patients. Two patients had improvement of the torticollis but still had subluxation on the CT scan. In 1 patient no reduction was obtained on occipitocervical fusion and transoral decompression was necessary. In 1 case the parents refused any form of treatment. There was no recurrence in the 7 patients followed up (minimum 6 months). CONCLUSION This study shows that AARF is often diagnosed late. The patients diagnosed early responded well to skeletal traction followed by external support. In patients diagnosed late the AARF could not be reduced completely and needed surgical fusion. If untreated, condition can be complicated by tetraparesis.
Study of adverse drug reactions caused by first line anti-tubercular drugs used in directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) therapy in Western Nepal, Pokhara.

OBJECTIVE To study the Adverse Drug Reactions occurring during DOTS therapy and to assess their causality, severity and predisposing factors. METHOD Patients undergoing DOTS treatment during the 5 month study period (20th January to 20th June, 2005) at the Regional Tuberculosis Center (RTC) in Pokhara, Western Nepal were studied. Patients and/or patient party were interviewed to detect occurrence of any ADRs during their visit to the DOTS center. Causality and severity assessment were carried out as per the 'Naranjo scale' and 'modified Hartwig and Siegel scale' respectively. Statistical analysis (Chi square test) was done to determine the predisposing factors. RESULTS Totally 137 patients were studied among whom 54.74% (n=75) reported occurrence of ADRs. Total 29.33% of ADRs were reported by the age group 21- 30 years. Nearly half (49.33%) of the ADRs were reported by men and 33.33% were reported by the ethnic group of 'Gurungs'. Half (49.33%) of the patients were illiterate and 70.67% of the ADRs were classified as ADRs 'possibly' due to the suspected drugs and 93.33% were classified as 'mild (level 1)'. Isoniazid accounted for 49.3% of the ADRs. The most commonly reported ADR was tingling and burning sensation in hands and feet experienced by 32 (11.03%) patients. CONCLUSION Occurrence of ADRs from antitubercular drugs was high in the population of Western Nepal. Further studies encompassing a wider population and covering different regions of Nepal are needed.
Predictors of red cell folate level in women attempting pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of red cell folate level in women attempting to become pregnant. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING A health maintenance organization serving the Minneapolis-St Paul, Minn, area. PARTICIPANTS A total of 189 healthy, primarily white women aged 22 to 35 years enrolled in the Diana Project, a population-based prospective study of preconceptional and prenatal risks to reproductive outcomes. The sample represents 189 of 219 enrolled women who were sequentially selected from the total Diana Project sample to receive additional laboratory analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Red cell folate level. RESULTS Folic acid supplements, folic acid intake from fortified cereals, vitamin C supplements, and serum zinc level (inverse) were found to predict red cell folate levels. Previous research has shown that red cell folate levels higher than 906 nmol/L (400 ng/mL) may be optimal for the prevention of folate-responsive neural tube defects. For folic acid supplement users, folate intakes of 450 microg per day and higher corresponded to these protective levels of red cell folate. In nonusers of supplements, intakes of more than 500 microg of folate per day from foods and folic acid-fortified cereals may be needed to attain red cell folate levels higher than 906 nmol/L (400 ng/mL). Red cell folate levels higher than 906 nmol/L (400 ng/mL) were primarily found in women who took folic acid supplements. Only 1 in 4 women had red cell folate levels higher than 906 nmol/L (400 ng/mL), while 1 in 8 had red cell folate levels indicative of a negative folate balance. Addition of a daily, 400-microg folic acid supplement to the usual diet would result in red cell folate levels over 906 nmol/L (400 ng/mL) in a majority of women in this study. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation of diets of women of childbearing potential with 400 microg of folic acid per day would effectively raise red cell folate to levels associated with a low risk of folate-responsive neural tube defects. Protective levels of red cell folate may also be obtained by ample consumption of vegetables, fruits, and folic acid-fortified breakfast cereals. Efforts to increase folic acid supplement use and folate consumption among women of childbearing potential must go beyond fortification of refined cereal and grain products and reach women within all educational and income groups.
Neighborhoods and genes and everything in between: Understanding adolescent aggression in social and biological contexts

Abstract Adolescent aggression was explored in relation to neighborhood and genetic characteristics. Child saturation (the proportion of the population consisting of children under the age of 15), ethnic heterogeneity, poverty, and urbanicity of neighborhoods were examined in relation to adolescent aggression in 12,098 adolescents followed longitudinally for 1 year. Longitudinal analyses indicated that child saturation was positively associated with increases in aggression, with this finding emerging among those living in the same neighborhood at both testing times and those who moved between testing times. In a subsample of males for whom genetic data were available, the relation of child saturation to adolescent aggression was moderated by the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene. The regression of aggression on child saturation was steeper for those with the low activity version of the MAOA allele than among those with the high activity version of the allele. The implications of the results for an understanding of the origins and ontogeny of aggression and personality disorders are discussed.
Predicting response of colorectal hepatic metastasis: value of pretreatment apparent diffusion coefficients.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to determine whether the pretreatment apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of hepatic metastatic lesions from colorectal cancer are predictive of response to chemotherapy and to compare the ADCs of metastatic lesions before and after chemotherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twenty patients with potentially operable hepatic lesions larger than 1 cm in diameter metastatic from colorectal carcinoma were prospectively evaluated with diffusion-weighted imaging at three b values before and after chemotherapy. Quantitative ADC maps were calculated with images with b values of 0, 150, and 500 s/mm2 (ADC0-500) and with images with b values of 150 and 500 s/mm2 (ADC150-500). Regions of interest were drawn around metastatic lesions and randomly over liver. The mean ADC0-500 and mean ADC150-500 of metastatic lesions before and after chemotherapy were compared according to response defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. RESULTS Twenty-five responding and 15 nonresponding metastatic lesions were evaluated. Nonresponding lesions had a significantly higher pretreatment mean ADC0-500 and mean ADC150-500 than did responding lesions (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.002). There was a linear regression relation (r2 = 0.34, p = 0.02) between percentage size reduction of metastatic lesions and pretreatment mean ADC150-500. After chemotherapy, responding lesions had a significant increase in mean ADC0-500 and ADC150-500 (Wilcoxon's signed rank, p = 0.025). No significant change was observed in nonresponding metastatic lesions (Wilcoxon's signed rank, p > 0.5) or in normal liver parenchyma (Wilcoxon's signed rank, p > 0.4). CONCLUSION High pretreatment mean ADC0-500 and mean ADC150-500 of colorectal hepatic metastatic lesions were predictive of poor response to chemotherapy. A significant increase in mean ADC0-500 and ADC150-500 was observed in metastatic lesions that responded to chemotherapy. These findings may have implications for development of individualized therapy.
Increased tissue oxygenation and enhanced radiation sensitivity of solid tumors in rodents following polyethylene glycol conjugated bovine hemoglobin administration.

BACKGROUND Hypoxic tumors are frequently resistant to radiation therapy. Polyethylene glycol conjugated bovine hemoglobin (PEG-Hb) was tested for its ability to increase oxygen tension in the hypoxic rat osteogenic sarcoma UMR-106, murine Lewis lung carcinoma LL2 and rat gliosarcoma 9L. In addition, PEG-Hb was tested as an adjunct for radiotherapy in UMR-106 and human prostate carcinoma PC-3 solid tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rodents bearing established subcutaneous tumors were intravenously administered PEG-Hb. Tumor surface tissue oxygen tension was measured by both OxySpot and OxyMap systems, which utilize the same phosphorescence quenching method. RESULTS A time-dependent rise in oxygen tension was noted, and the maximum tissue oxygen tensions were observed two hours post PEG-Hb administration, and sustained for at least 2 hours. Following a single dose radiation of 4 Gray, osteogenic sarcoma tumors in the PEG-Hb treated group showed dramatic regression (complete remission occurred in 100% of the high dose PEG-Hb treated rats), as compared to control (Ringer's lactate) group tumors that showed continued aggressive growth. All PEG-Hb plus radiation treated animals bearing human prostate carcinoma (PC-3) showed significant tumor growth delay compared to both control (Ringer's lactate) and irradiation only treated animals. CONCLUSION PEG-Hb increased tumor oxygen content and improved the effectiveness of radiotherapy in these rodent models.
The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on apoptosis and proliferation in severe acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES This paper investigates the significance of apoptosis in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and the possible modulating effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). METHODS Wistar rats (250-350 g) were induced with SAP by biliopancreatic infusion of 4% sodium taurocholate. Rats were randomized for HBO treatment. Pancreatic tissue was stained for apoptosis with immunohistochemistry (anti-CASPASE-3 antibody and TUNEL), and histopathology haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Acini were stained for proliferation with an anti-KI67 antibody. ImageProPlus was used to quantify apoptosis and proliferation in acinar cells. Statistical analysis was performed with two-independent-sample t-test or non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS In normal acini there is a low rate of apoptosis (0.165 +/- 0.157%, 0.181 +/- 0.168%, 0.130 +/- 0.298% in CASPASE-3, H&E and TUNEL, respectively) and proliferation (0.951 +/- 0.926%) (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]). When compared with normal, apoptosis (CASPASE-3: 1.28 +/- 1.12%, P= 0.008; 2.40 +/- 3.04%, P= 0.101; 1.23 +/- 0.87%, P= 0.091; H&E: 0.47 +/- 0.36%, P= 0.051; 0.69 +/- 0.63%, P= 0.001; 0.68 +/- 0.28%, P= 0; TUNEL: 1.08 +/- 1.42%, P= 0; 1.96 +/- 1.87%, P= 0; 2.36 +/- 2.26%, P= 0) and proliferation (1.96 +/- 1.89%, P= 0.187; 1.73 +/- 1.76%, P= 0.165; 1.36 +/- 1.40%, P= 0.571) were increased on days 1, 2 and 3 post-induction, respectively. In comparison with the untreated controls, HBO increased apoptosis on day 1 (CASPASE-3: 3.11 +/- 1.97%, P= 0.04; H&E: 0.97 +/- 0.76%, P= 0.005) and day 2 (TUNEL: 3.61 +/- 3.05%, P= 0.034). Treatment with HBO increased proliferation (3.04 +/- 3.14%, P= 0.519; 7.33 +/- 7.55%, P= 0.153) on days 2 and 3, respectively, compared with the untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS During SAP, acini apoptosis and proliferation were increased. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve the condition of SAP by promoting apoptosis and proliferation.
Gate-Length and Drain-Bias Dependence of Band-to-Band Tunneling-Induced Drain Leakage in Irradiated Fully Depleted SOI Devices

The effects of gate length and drain bias on the off-state drain leakage current of irradiated fully-depleted SOI n-channel MOSFETs are reported. The experimental results are interpreted using a model based on the combined effects of band-to-band tunneling (BBT) and the trapped charge in the buried oxide. For negative gate-source voltages, the drain leakage current increases with the drain voltage because the electric field in the gate-to-drain overlap region is increasing. The off-state current in these devices increases with total ionizing dose due to oxide trapped charge build up in the buried oxide, enhanced by the BBT mechanism. The experimental data show that these effects are more significant for devices with shorter gate-lengths. Simulation results suggest that the BBT-generated holes are more likely to drift all the way from the drain to the source in shorter devices, enhancing the drain leakage current, while they tend to tunnel across the gate oxide in longer devices.
Properties of Flours and Starches as Affected by Rough Rice Drying Regime

ABSTRACT Flours and starches from rough rice dried using different treatment combinations of air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) were studied to better understand the effect of drying regime on rice functionality. Rough rice from cultivars Bengal and Cypress were dried to a moisture content of ≈12% by three drying regimes: low temperature (T 20°C, RH 50%), medium temperature (T 40°C, RH 12%), and high temperature (T 60, RH 17%). Head rice grains were processed into flour and starch and evaluated for pasting characteristics with a Brabender Viscoamylograph, thermal properties with differential scanning calorimetry, starch molecular-size distribution with high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), and amylopectin chain-length distribution with high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). Lower head rice and starch yields were obtained from the batch dried at 60°C which were accompanied by an increase in total soluble solids and total .
Effect on pulmonary gas exchange of variations in inspiratory flow rate during intermittent positive pressure ventilation.

SUMMARY Eleven patients anaesthetized with sodium thiopentone, tubocurarine and halothane and ventilated with constant volume intermittent positive pressure were the subjects of a study of the effects of changes in inspiratory flow rate on alveolar-arterial oxygen difference, physiological shunt and physiological deadspace. The physiological deadspace increased significantly when inspiratory flow rate was raised above 25 l. /min, but no change was demonstrable in venous admixture effect. The magnitude of the values derived and the possible mechanisms involved are discussed. The existence of a series of negative feed-back loops, with respect to the reduction of alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, by intermittent positive pressure, is suggested.
Training induced adaptation of skeletal muscle and metabolism during submaximal exercise

1. Six subjects were trained using a one‐leg bicycle exercise for 2 months. The untrained leg served as control. After the training period, muscle oxidative capacity, determined as succinate dehydrogenase activity, was 27% higher in the trained (as opposed to the control) leg (P < 0·05).
Detection of rotavirus with a new polyclonal antibody enzyme immunoassay (Rotazyme II) and a commercial latex agglutination test (Rotalex): comparison with a monoclonal antibody enzyme immunoassay

A total of 176 human fecal specimens were examined for the presence of rotavirus by four different assays: a monoclonal antibody enzyme immunoassay; the original polyclonal antibody enzyme immunoassay marketed by Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Ill. (Rotazyme I); a modification of this assay which is now commercially available (Rotazyme II); and a latex agglutination test (Rotalex) recently introduced by Medical Technology Corp., Somerset, N.J. In addition, selected specimens were examined for the presence of rotavirus by electron microscopy, immune electron microscopy, and RNA gel electrophoresis. A total of 40 specimens were positive in the monoclonal antibody enzyme immunoassay, and 136 were negative. Using the results obtained with this procedure as the reference standard, we found the sensitivities of the Rotazyme I, Rotazyme II, and Rotalex tests to be 97.4, 100, and 81.6%, respectively. The specificities of these three procedures were 88.8, 83.9, and 100%, respectively.