Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects Of Myofascial Release Technique Combined With Core Stabilization Exercise In Elderly With Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled, Single-Blind Study

Purpose To evaluate the effects of Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) with a roller massager combined with core stabilization exercises (CSE) in elderly with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Patients and methods A total of forty-five participants were randomly divided into two groups (CSE and CSE+MRT). A core stabilization exercise program was applied for the participants in the CSE group for 3 days per week for a total of 6 weeks. In addition to the core stabilization exercises, myofascial relaxation technique with a roller massager was performed for 3 days per week for 6 weeks for the participants in the CSE+MRT group. Participants were assessed in terms of pain, low back disability, lower body flexibility, kinesiophobia, core stability endurance, spinal mobility, gait characteristics and quality of life both pre- and post-treatment. Results It was found that the improvement in core stability endurance (p=0.031) and spinal mobility (in the sagittal plane) (p=0.022) was greater in the CSE+MRT group compared to the CSE group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pain, low back disability, lower body flexibility, kinesiophobia, gait characteristics and quality of life (p>0.05). Conclusion The current study suggests that myofascial release technique with a roller massager combined with core stabilization exercises can be a better choice in the treatment of NSLBP in elderly. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03898089.
Use of Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes in Clinical Nephrology Practice: A Qualitative Pilot Study

Background: Use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in clinical practice can offer clinicians important information about the impact of illness on patients and their quality of life. Electronic reporting of patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) provide quick access of this information to the health care team. Although this type of information is acknowledged to be critical to not only improving the quality of care but also involving patients in care planning, little is known about how ePRO reports can be used in nephrology clinics to enhance person-centered care. Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine how ePROs were used in home dialysis clinics. Design: A pilot qualitative research design was employed. Setting: The study was conducted in 2 home dialysis clinics over 6 months. Patients: A total of 99 home dialysis patients and 12 nurses participated in the study. Measurements: Patients completed 2 ePROs (the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System revised for renal patients and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36) prior to their clinic appointment, and results were given to their health care providers. Nurses saw patients first, along with ePRO data. Patients and nurses consented to having their clinic interactions observed and audio recorded (n = 169). Methods: Summative content analysis was used to synthesize the data. Results: The ePRO data were used to discuss 24 specific issues (brought up a total of 456 times over 165 interactions), most frequently: itchiness (n = 55), appetite (n = 51), problems with sleeping (n = 50), tiredness (n = 46), and shortness of breath (n = 45) as well as overall patient health and the general effects of kidney disease on the patient’s daily life. The issues that most often prompted a change in care plan, referral to another health care professional, or further assessment included itching (n = 23), depression (n = 18), tiredness (n = 13), sleeping (n = 12), anxiety (n = 11), and disease interfering with daily life (n = 7). Limitations: Limitations include the duration of follow-up (6 months), the restriction to 2 home dialysis clinics, and the potential for the Hawthorne effect due to observation. Conclusions: Use of these ePROs in the home dialysis clinics provided useful information that guided focused assessments and augmented standard assessments to support person-centered care. Further studies are warranted to identify whether this practice offers benefits over usual care.
Knotted nasogastric tube: a rare, overlooked yet preventable complication

Abstract Nasogastric tubes (NGTs) have long been used for various indications, most commonly to decompress the stomach of its contents in intestinal obstruction or after abdominal surgery, to provide enteral feeding or to allow enteral liquid medication administration. Recently greater importance has been given to the correct placement NGTs to avoid serious complications. We present a case of a spontaneously knotted NGT that was identified and safely removed without complications, but which may have resulted from suboptimal placement. We discuss this case to raise awareness of this complication and how to minimize the likelihood of it happening and improve patient outcome.
Project ECHO Revisited: Propensity Score Analysis And HCV Treatment Outcomes

Abstract Propensity score analysis is a statistical approach to reduce bias often present in non-randomized observational studies. In this paper we use this method to re-analyze data from a study that assessed whether patients receiving HCV treatment from providers in Project ECHO had different clinical outcomes than patients treated by specialists from an academic medical center (UNM HCV clinic) but in which treatment assignment was not randomized. We modeled the best estimated probability of treatment assignment, and then assess differences overall SVR and SVR in patients with genotype 1 infection by treatment arm using Stabilized Inverse Probability of Treatment Weights (SIPTW). Results show that after adjustment for SIPTW, HCV treatment outcomes were significantly better for the ECHO patients compared to the UNM HCV clinic patients. Higher proportions of patients treated by primary care providers achieved SVR and SVR with genotype 1 compared to those treated at UNM HCV clinic with 15.1% and 16.3% absolute differences, respectively. These results indicate that previously published results (showing no differences) were biased, and resulted in an underestimation of the treatment effect of ECHO on HCV treatment.
Hypertriglyceridemia-Related Pancreatitis In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Links And Risks

Abstract Disturbances in glucose and lipid homeostasis are cardinal features of the metabolic syndrome that affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions have multi-organ impact, and while cardiovascular effects are usually the core for studies and preventive measures, other systems may also be affected, including the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis related to severe hypertriglyceridemia is an under-recognized condition that could lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, when suspected, prompt diagnosis and treatment should be initiated to cover the various aspects of this disorder. Though commonly known to be associated with excess of alcohol use, hypertriglyceridemia-related pancreatitis is particularly observed in diabetics, especially when uncontrolled. Here, we portray the possible mechanisms and clinical features that link type 2 diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis, and discuss their health-related outcomes and the current and novel treatment options for this unique disease.
CMAR_A_212899 8885..8892

Yongtian Lin* Shaowei Lin* Jianshun Chen Lici Chen Tao Tao Siying Wu 1Department of Epidemiology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fu Zhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fu Zhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Office, Changle Cancer Research Institute, Fu Zhou, People’s Republic of China
Metadherin Promotes Malignant Phenotypes And Induces Beta-Catenin Nuclear Translocation And Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition In Gastric Cancer

Purpose Metadherin (MTDH), as an oncogene, is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. This study investigated MTDH expressions and development of gastric cancer (GC) cell phenotypes and the contribution of MTDH to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Patients and methods MTDH expression was assayed in human GC cell lines and tumor tissue from 92 GC patients. Functional experiments were performed to characterize MTDH activity. Expressions of EMT-related proteins (vimentin and E-cadherin), phosphorylated β-catenin and β-catenin were assayed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation, respectively. Results MTDH expressions were higher in GC tissue than that in gastric mucosa from the same patient. MTDH overexpression was correlated with metastasis and enhanced malignant GC phenotypes, i.e., proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and chemoresistance. MTDH overexpression was associated with expressions of vimentin, E-cadherin and cancer stem-cell biomarkers including CD44, CD133, and Oct4. MTDH complexed with β-catenin and decreased phosphorylated β-catenin levels to facilitate β-catenin translocation into the nucleus and expressions of downstream genes. Conclusion MTDH overexpression in GC cells is associated with EMT and development of cancer stem cell malignant phenotypes and affects the subcellular translocation of β-catenin. The results warrant investigation of the prognostic value of MTDH in GC and as a therapeutic target.
Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Fluorescent Staining And Chicago Sky Blue Staining As Methods For Diagnosis Of Dermatophytosis In Hair And Nails

Purpose Dermatophytes are fungi that cause infections affecting hair, nail, and skin; in nails they cause onychomycosis, while in hair they lead to tinea capitis. Detection of dermatophytes using traditional methods, including potassium hydroxide (KOH) and culture on agar-based media leads to high rates of false-negative results. Here, we investigated more accurate diagnostic techniques, including Chicago sky blue staining and Calcofluor white fluorescent staining and compared them with traditional KOH and culture methods for the diagnosis of fungi causing onychomycosis and tinea capitis. Patients and methods This study was conducted using samples from 50 patients with dermatophytosis of the hair or nail. Samples were subjected to all the following laboratory investigations: KOH wet mount, culture on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar, Chicago sky blue staining, and Calcofluor white staining. The results of the new diagnostic techniques were compared with those of the traditional methods. Results Calcofluor white stain and Chicago sky blue stain for dermatophytosis of hair and nail are more specific and sensitive as compared to traditional diagnostic methods. KOH wet mount is simple, rapid, and inexpensive test but lacks color contrast and gave more false positive (artifacts) and false-negative results as compared to these new stain methods. Conclusion Chicago sky blue and Calcofluor white staining are excellent methods for diagnosis of fungal infections, including those that cannot be confirmed using conventional methods.
Pautas de profilaxis antibiótica de Endocarditis Bacteriana, recomendadas por los odontólogos en España

The aim of this study was to assess the current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis of Bacterial Endocarditis (BE) among General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) in Spain. GDPs were asked over the telephone by a fictitious patient what antibiotic prophylaxis they would administer to an �at risk� patient for BE before a tooth extraction. Four hundred randomly selected Spanish GDPs were surveyed, 200 of them were asked about BE prophylaxis in penicillin non-allergic patients and the remaining 200 in penicillin allergic patients. Of the GDPs surveyed, 182 (45.5%) did not recommend any prophylactic treatment; 74.7% of those stated that an oral examination before treatment was needed and 25.3% referred the patient to his/her physician or cardiologist for further advice. Of the 97 GDPs who recommended antibiotics to penicillin nonallergic patients, only 30 (30.9%) suggested the prophylactic guidelines proposed by the American Heart Association or the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. For penicillin allergic patients, 68.2% of the GDPs prescribed erythromycin as the antibiotic of first choice, while 17.6% of the GDPs prescribed clindamycin. Nonetheless, fewer than 30% administered both antibiotics with the adequate dosages. These results show important gaps in the knowledge of antibiotic prophylaxis for �at risk� patients before dental procedures among Spanish GDPs.
Molecular characterization of Escherichia coli isolated from cheese and biocontrol of Shiga toxigenic E. coli with essential oils

The current research was carried out to study the incidence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Egyptian cheese (Kariesh and Ras) and molecular characterization of certain E. coli virulence genes (stx1, stx2, eaeA, hlyA and fimH) using multiplex PCR technique. Biocontrol of E. coli with essential oils (clove and thyme oil) was also studied. A total of 150 random samples of Kariesh and Ras cheese (75 each) were collected from various areas in Governorate of Menoufia. According to our results, the frequency of E. coli isolated from Kariesh and Ras cheese was 16% and 5.3%, respectively. Serological identification classified the E. coli strains into two groups, enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) serogroup (O26: H11, O91: H21, O111: H2 and O103: H2). While the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) serogroup were detected as O125: H21 which is the most prevalent strain. O171: H2, O86 and O119: H6 belonging to enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). The most prevalent gene detected in E. coli strains was stx1 (87.5%) followed by stx2 (86%), fimH (75%), hlyA (50%) and eaeA (25%) genes. Concerning the antimicrobial activity with essential oils, thyme oil (1%) is considered as the bactericidal effect against E. coli (ATCC35150) with improved the sensory evaluation than clove oil (1%). In conclusion, Kariesh and Ras cheese are extremely tainted with pathogenic E. coli strains, which represent a strong hazard on the human health.
Supporting young carers: a qualitative review of young carer services in Canada

In Canada, a growing number of young people (i.e., young carers) provide an increasing level of unpaid care to family member(s) with a chronic illness, disability, mental health or substance use issue and/or problems related to old age. Despite young carers occupying a central role in public policy and social service programming in other countries, very little attention has been paid to these youth in Canada, with no dedicated policies acknowledging their care-work and only a handful of non-profit organisations struggling to support their needs. This article provides the first known qualitative review of existing young carer programmes in Canada, using interview data with staff at each operational site to: (1) review the range of services offered to young carers and, (2) document barriers to improving their scope and reach. Findings show that available support services are in a preliminary assistance–mitigation phase, with various constraints related to funding and reach that impede their movement to a model of prevention.
The Relationship Between The Electromyographic Activity Of Rectus And Oblique Abdominal Muscles And Bioimpedance Body Composition Analysis - A Pilot Observational Study

Purpose Measurements using surface electromyography (sEMG) may be more complicated when the different thickness of the subcutaneous tissue layer is observed, therefore it is important to show the influence of fat tissue on the results of sEMG measurements. The main aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the sEMG RMS value of rectus and external oblique muscles of the abdomen and the composition of the body, which was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Patients and methods The target group was made up of healthy people aged 20-30-year-old. The study visit protocol of the participants was as follows: a medical history, instructions on the purpose of measurements and examination procedures, obtaining consent for participation in the research, an analysis of the body weight composition by the electrical bioimpedance method, a fat tissue thickness measurement using body fat calipers, preparation of the subject for sEMG measurements (sEMG RMS value of rectus and external oblique abdominal muscles). Results Twenty-nine people were qualified for the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. sEMG amplitudes decreased when the person had a higher fat content and had less water in the body. These results were related to the rectus abdominal muscle (mainly its upper part) during the active contraction of this muscle. In addition, it was observed that when actively bent their torsos forward people with a higher BMI and with a greater thickness of fat tissue had a lower sEMG RMS value of the rectus abdominal muscle. Conclusion In order to conduct reliable examinations using sEMG, parameters concerning the amount of fat tissue, the thickness of fat tissue, BMI and amount of water in the body should be taken into account.
Integrated Bioinformatics Data Analysis Reveals Prognostic Significance Of SIDT1 In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease with a worse prognosis. However, current therapies have rarely improved the outcome of patients with TNBC. Here we sought to identify novel biomarkers or targets for TNBC. Materials and methods Patients GSE76275 clinic traits and their corresponding mRNA profiles for 198 TNBC and 67 non-TNBC were obtained from the GEO database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of the GSE76275 keyed out hub genes, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with the cut-off of adjusted P (adj. P) <0.01 and |log2 fold-change (FC)| > 1.5. The hub - DEGs overlapping genes, as key genes, were considered for further study using Kaplan-Meier plotter online analysis. Subsequently, Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner v4.0 and tissue microarray analysis were applied to determine the transcriptional and translational levels of every key gene. Following plasmid transfection for overexpression, the proliferation of TNBC cells was determined by CCK8 and colony formation assay. Moreover, xenograft tumor models were canvassed to investigate their effect upon in vivo tumor growth. Results Four genes (SIDT1, ANKRD30A, GPR160, and CA12) were found to be associated with relapse-free survival (RFS) in TNBC through WGCNA and DEGs integrated analysis. Patients with a higher level of SIDT1 had significantly better RFS compared to those with lower levels. The transcriptional and translational levels of SIDT1 were validated as downregulated in patients with triple-negative status, negative estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Furthermore, SIDT1 inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) and xenograft studies demonstrated that SIDT1 can suppress tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion This study suggests that SIDT1 may play a crucial role in TNBC progression and has the potential as a prognostic biomarker of TNBC.
Adherence To Respiratory And Nonrespiratory Medication In Patients With COPD: Results Of The German COSYCONET Cohort

Background Adherence to COPD medication is often considered to be lower than in other chronic diseases. In view of the frequent comorbidities of COPD, the economic impact of nonadherence and the potential for adverse effects, a direct comparison between the adherence to respiratory and nonrespiratory medication in the same patients seems of particular interest. Objectives We aimed to investigate the intake of respiratory and nonrespiratory medication in the same patients with COPD and frequent comorbidities. Method Within the COPD cohort COSYCONET, we contacted 1042 patients, mailing them a list with all medication regarding all their diseases, asking for regular, irregular and non-intake. Results Valid responses were obtained in 707 patients covering a wide spectrum of drugs. Intake of LABA, LAMA or ICS was regular in 91.9% of patients, even higher for cardiovascular and antidiabetes medication but lower for hyperlipidemia and depression/anxiety medication. Regular intake of respiratory medication did not depend on GOLD groups A-D or grades 1–4, was highest in patients with concomitant cardiovascular disorders and was lowest for concomitant asthma. It was slightly larger for LAMA and LABA administered via combined compared to single inhalers, and lower when similar compounds were prescribed twice. Most differences did not reach statistical significance owing to the overall high adherence. Conclusion Our results indicate a high adherence to respiratory medication in participants of a COPD cohort, especially in those with cardiovascular comorbidities. Compared to the lower adherence reported in the literature for COPD patients, our observations still suggest some room for improvement, possibly through disease management programs.
Contamination level and exposure assessment to Aflatoxin M1 in Jordanian infant milk formulas

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a principal hydroxylated-aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) metabolite, and has been classified as possible human carcinogen (group 2B). The aim of this study was to survey the contamination level, estimated daily intake (EDI) and tolerable daily intake % (TDI%) of AFM1 in Jordanian infant milk formulas. A total of 120 samples, 48 starter and 72 follow-on formula samples were collected and analyzed using ELISA technique. Of the 120 surveyed samples, 58 (48.33%) were AFM1-positive and exceeded the EU maximum limit for AFM1 in IMF (25 ng/kg). The average AFM1 concentration was 69.93 and 84.78 ng AFM1/kg, with range of <5 − 89.25 and <5 – 213.84 ng AFM1/kg in starter and follow-on formula, respectively. It is also noteworthy the high EDI of AFM1 by infants (1.557 and 1.551 ng AFM1/kg b.w./day), and the high TDI% values (786.9 and 775.9%). In addition, current study indicated high-extrapolated AFB1 content in the feed; accordingly, raised the need to implement good agricultural and hygienic practices as preventive and controlling measures to decrease AFM1 in milk and IMF through controlling AFB1 in feed at the farm level. Finally, it is obvious that the contamination of IMF by AFM1 is an international problem, and the protection of infants and young children against AFM1 in Jordan requires a fundamental setup of clear legal limits of AFM1 in Jordanian standards and strict monitoring and continual analysis of IMF traded and consumed in Jordan.
Knowledge And Attitudes Of Pharmacy Students Towards Pharmacogenomics Among Universities In Jordan And West Bank Of Palestine

Background: Testing by pharmacogenomics (PGx) aims to reduce the side-effects of medicines and to optimize therapy. Aim: To ascertain the knowledge and attitudes towards PGx among pharmacy students in Jordan and West Bank of Palestine (WBP). Methods: This cross-sectional study focused on pharmacy students from ﬁ ve universities in Jordan and WBP. Students were asked to answer an online survey comprising 30-closed ended questions measuring the knowledge and attitudes towards PGx. Results: The total number of respondents to the questionnaire was 466. Most (96.1%) respondents knew that genetic variations can affect the drug response. Most students stated that the total number of lectures mentioning PGx was fewer than three. Most (>80%) respondents answered that they knew that human genetics can affect the response, inter-individual variation, and ethnic variations in the drug response. However, their knowledge about US Food and Drug Administration recommendations regarding PGx testing of commonly used drugs was weak. Also, 60.3% of respondents stated that the information they received about PGx was insuf ﬁ cient. Most (>92.7%) students wished to know more about PGx and believed that PGx is helpful in choosing the appropriate drug. Conclusion: Pharmacy students had fair knowledge and good attitudes towards PGx. These factors could aid application of PGx in clinical practice in Jordan and WBP.