Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LES TUMEURS OSSEUSES PRIMITIVES DES MEMBRES AU CHU TOKOIN DE LOME PRIMARY BONE TUMORS OF MEMBERS IN TOKOIN TEACHING HOSPITAL OF LOME

Introduction. The purpose of this work was to analyze the epidemiological, diagnosis and therapy aspects of member’s primary bone tumors of our center to improve the management. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 32 patients treated for member’s primary bone tumors in orthopedic and trauma surgery department of Lome Tokoin teaching hospital from January 1997 to December 2006. We collected and analyzed data on age, sex, clinical features, X-ray results, the results of the biopsy and therapeutic methods. Results. There were 13 men and 19 women. Pain was the most occasional discovery found in 84.38%. Swelling isolated or associated with pain was the second discovery circumstance in 75%. Pathological fracture showed the tumor in 12.5%. The tumor interested knee in 7 patients and leg in eight (8). Of the 21 patients (65,63%) diagnosed with benign tumors, there were 38.10% of osteogenic exostoses, 23.82% of osteoid osteoma and chondroma, the chondroblastoma, giant cell tumors then the aneurysmal cyst shared for each type 09, 52%. Osteosarcoma (5 patients; 45.46%), chondrosarcoma (3 patients; 27.27%) and Ewing's sarcoma, fibrosarcoma then angiosarcoma (1 patient; 09.90% for each histological type) were the malignant bone tumors found. Benign tumors underwent conservative surgery. All 11 patients with malignant tumors were treated by amputation. Conclusion. The primary bone tumors are relatively rare member of the Tokoin teaching hospital of Lome. Benign tumors are more frequent. The consultation delay does not facilitate the planning of their care. The malignant tumors are treated by member amputation. It is necessary to increase public awareness about the benefit of early consultation at the slightest symptoms suggestive and advocacy with governments to equip our center which is the national reference in adequate infrastructures and resources for tumors care especially primary bone malignancies.
“They didn't tell us, they made us work it out ourselves”: Patient perspectives of a cognitive–behavioral program for rheumatoid arthritis fatigue

Fatigue is an overwhelming rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptom caused by interacting clinical and psychosocial factors. Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses cognitive restructuring to facilitate behavior changes. In a randomized controlled trial, a group CBT program for RA fatigue improved fatigue impact, severity, and perceived coping, as well as mood and quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the patient perspective of the program and the impact of behavior changes.
Development and psychometric validation of PUKAT 2·0, a knowledge assessment tool for pressure ulcer prevention

The aim of this study was to develop a tool to measure the knowledge of nurses on pressure ulcer prevention. PUKAT 2·0 is a revised and updated version of the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT) developed in 2010 at Ghent University, Belgium. The updated version was developed using state‐of‐the‐art techniques to establish evidence concerning validity and reliability. Face and content validity were determined through a Delphi procedure including both experts from the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) (n = 15). A subsequent psychometric evaluation of 342 nurses and nursing students evaluated the item difficulty, discriminating power and quality of the response alternatives. Furthermore, construct validity was established through a test–retest procedure and the known‐groups technique. The content validity was good and the difficulty level moderate. The discernment was found to be excellent: all groups with a (theoretically expected) higher level of expertise had a significantly higher score than the groups with a (theoretically expected) lower level of expertise. The stability of the tool is sufficient (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = 0·69). The PUKAT 2·0 demonstrated good psychometric properties and can be used and disseminated internationally to assess knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention.
Long‐term outcome of early neuropsychiatric events due to active disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

Neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations attributable to active disease affect up to 30% of individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The short‐term impact of NP events includes increased organ damage, fatigue, and mortality, and lower health‐related quality of life. We investigated the impact of NP events attributable to active SLE at presentation on long‐term disease activity, organ damage, and health‐related quality of life.
Study on gross pulmonary lesions in lungs of slaughtered animals and their economic importance in Tigray, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional epidemiological study on slaughtered cattle at Mekelle abattoir, Northern Ethiopia, was conducted from November 19, 2008 to February 21, 2009 to investigate the distribution and risk factors of pulmonary lesions. The pulmonary lesions and diseases were diagnosed on the basis of pathological findings. Out of the 1,148 slaughtered cattle examined, 990 (86.2%) had one or more lesions. The prevalence of pulmonary lesions in the slaughtered cattle varied among categories of the study variables. The most common lesions were congestion (38.5%), emphysema (36.3%), hydatidosis (18.3%), abscesses (7.1%) and verminous pneumonia (3.2%). The risk factors identified on statistical basis (p 7 years) and very lean cattle in pulmonary emphysema and pulmonary abscesses and young age (<7 years) in verminous pneumonia. A total of 990 lungs (86.2%) were condemned or partially trimmed due to pulmonary lesions with an economic loss of 7,920 Ethiopian Birrs (ET Birr). This loss was calculated from the mean retail local market price of cattle lung and the total number of lungs condemned during the study period. Annual economic lose due to lung condemnation, determined by considering annual slaughter rate of cattle and prevalence of lung lesions in the abattoir, was estimated to be 65,000 ET Birr (US$). Keywords : Pulmonary lesions, Cattle, Abattoir, Economic loss, Ethiopia.
Pain Survey: Perspectives and Practices of Doctors and Nurses. How Much Have We Progressed?

Objective: To assess knowledge, current practice, and attitude of doctors and nurses toward pain management in Siriraj Hospital. Methods: After IRB approval, a questionnaire was distributed to 300 doctors and 382 nurses working in the Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Otolaryngology, Radiology and Surgery. Results: The response rate was 93.3% and 89.8% from doctors and nurses, respectively. Doctors (77.9%) and nurses (68.2%) replied that their aim of pain treatment was to eliminate pain without complications. The most common order for analgesics was “as needed (p.r.n.)” (61.6%). They reasoned that they thought it was appropriate (75.4%), for patient safety (60.7%), and they were trained in that way (43.9%). When the patients who had no prescription for pain asked for analgesics, 87.2% of the nurses would call the doctor to ask for medicine, and 2.9% of them would wait for the presence of doctors on the wards. There were 37.9 % of the doctors and 28.0% of the nurses who were reported to have seen patients with serious side effects (drowsiness, hypoventilation) which were usually from opioids. The common analgesics given by both doctors and nurses were paracetamol, NSAIDs, tramadol, COX-2 inhibitors, morphine and meperidine. A few doctors (5.7%) and nurses (2.9%) still believed that the pain treatment in Siriraj Hospital was inadequate. They suggested that the care could be improved by giving more education on pain medications and the methods to use them safely. This, together with changing their attitude toward the aim of pain treatment would improve patients’ need on the basis of safety. Conclusion: Though our personnel had good attitude towards pain management, their practice seemed inadequate. Consequently, the education of both doctors and nurses should be continued. Keywords: Attitude, pain management
d(TG)n.d(CA)n sequences upstream of the rat prolactin gene form Z-DNA and inhibit gene transcription.

Two alternating purine-pyrimidine sequences of the d(TG)n.d(CA)n-type (170bp and 60 bp in length) lie upstream of the rat prolactin (rPRL) gene. Conformational studies of plasmids containing these sequences indicate that both form left-handed (Z) DNA, with transitions initiating at superhelical densities of -0.041 and -0.044 respectively. These alternating purine-pyrimidine (APP) sequences are hypersensitive to cleavage with S1 nuclease both at the boundaries and within these APP repeats, where there is a loss in APP alternation. We have investigated the function of one of these Z-DNA sequences in the regulation of rPRL transcription, by linking regions of the 5' flanking sequence of the rPRL gene to a reporter gene encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), and transferring these plasmids into GH3 pituitary tumour cell lines. The major conclusion from these studies is that the 170bp repeat exerts a negative effect on the transcription of the rPRL gene, and also down-regulates the expression of the fusion gene pRSVcat when cloned 50bp upstream of the Rous sarcoma virus promoter. However, despite its proximity to an estrogen response element in prolactin, this sequence does not affect the responsiveness of the rPRL gene to estrogen.
Role of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in rheumatoid arthritis: a review

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a pivotal role in regulating the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although it is controversial whether TNF-α genes are associated with RA susceptibility, they are well known to mediate RA pathogenesis. We review in depth the history, formation and biological action, TNF receptor, role in mediating pathogenesis in RA and mode of action, of anti-TNF-α drugs.
Suppressive functions of activated B cells in autoimmune diseases reveal the dual roles of Toll‐like receptors in immunity

Summary: B lymphocytes contribute to immunity through production of antibodies, antigen presentation to T cells, and secretion of cytokines. B cells are generally considered in autoimmune diseases as drivers of pathogenesis. This view is certainly justified, given the successful utilization of the B cell‐depleting reagent rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune pathologies. In a number of cases, however, the depletion of B cells led to an exacerbation of symptoms in patients with autoimmune disorders. In a similar manner, mice lacking B cells can develop an aggravated course of disease in several autoimmune models. These paradoxical observations are now explained by the concept that activated B cells can suppress immune responses through the production of cytokines, especially interleukin‐10. Here, we review the stimulatory signals that induce interleukin‐10 secretion and suppressive functions in B cells and the phenotype of the B cells with such characteristics. Finally, we formulate a model explaining how this process of immune regulation by activated B cells can confer advantageous properties to the immune system in its combat with pathogens. Altogether, this review proposes that B‐cell‐mediated regulation is a fundamental property of the immune system, with features of great interest for the development of new cell‐based therapies for autoimmune diseases.
Role of HLA class II genes in susceptibility/resistance to inflammatory arthritis: studies with humanized mice

Summary: Predisposition to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules, although the mechanism is still unknown. Various experimental animal models of inflammatory arthritis have been studied to address the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes in pathogenesis. We have generated transgenic mice expressing HLA class II molecules (DR and DQ) lacking complete endogenous class II molecules to study the interactions involved between class II molecules (DQ and DR) and to define the immunologic mechanisms in inflammatory arthritis. The HLA transgene can positively select CD4+ T cells expressing various Vβ T‐cell receptors, and a peripheral tolerance is maintained to transgenic HLA molecules. The expression of HLA molecules on various cells in these mice is similar to that known in humans. In this review, we describe collagen‐induced arthritis as a model for human inflammatory arthritis using these transgenic mice. The transgenic mice carrying RA‐susceptible haplotype develop gender‐biased inflammatory arthritis with clinical and histopathological similarities to RA. Our studies show that polymorphism of HLA class II genes determine the predisposition to rheumatoid/inflammatory arthritis and the epistatic interactions between HLA‐DQ and HLA‐DR molecules dictate the severity, progression, and modulation of the disease.
The immunosuppressives FK 506 and cyclosporin A inhibit the generation of protein factors binding to the two purine boxes of the interleukin 2 enhancer

Like Cyclosporin A (CsA), the macrolide FK 506 is a potent immunosuppressive that inhibits early steps of T cell activation, including the synthesis of Interleukin 2 (II-2) and numerous other lymphokines. The block of II-2 synthesis occurs at the transcriptional level. At concentrations that block T cell activation, FK 506 and CsA inhibit the proto-enhancer activity of Purine boxes of the II-2 promoter and the generation of lymphocyte-specific factors binding to the Purine boxes. Under the same conditions, the DNA binding of other II-2 enhancer factors remains unaffected by both compounds. These results support the view that FK 506 and CsA, which both inhibit the activity of peptidylprolyl cis/trans isomerases, suppress T cell activation by a similar, if not identical mechanism.
Non‐cytotoxic antiviral activities of granzymes in the context of the immune antiviral state

Summary: Viruses are obligatory intracellular parasites, whose replication depends on components encoded by the virus and pathways and functions of the host cell. In addition to the pathways required for viral synthesis, viruses activate multiple mechanisms to evade immune attack, promoting viral propagation while avoiding or slowing the host immune response. To achieve efficient control of viral infections, the immune system in vertebrates relies on diverse and synergistic antiviral pathways (both at the innate and adaptive immune response), which target and inactivate viral and host components involved both in viral replication and in viral defenses that block host antiviral activities. During this process, the immune system uses mechanisms to slow down viral propagation, while apoptotic pathways are triggered to kill (when possible) the infected cell. Granzymes (granule enzymes) are key components of the immune response that play important roles in eliminating host cells infected by intracellular pathogens. Although the induction of target cell death has been considered the central function for these proteases, recent evidence supports that granzymes can achieve direct antiviral activities through the cleavage of viral and host factors required for viral replication and viral defense. In addition, granzyme A can stimulate the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The focus of this review is to discuss recent views on antiviral mechanisms involved in controlling viral infections, with special interest in novel and potential non‐death‐related antiviral functions of the granzymes, and how these unique functions complement and synergize with the ‘antiviral state’ created by interferons and cytotoxic lymphocytes in response to virus.
Structural features in TAR RNA of human and simian immunodeficiency viruses: a phylogenetic analysis

A comparative analysis of TAR RNA structures in human and simian immunodeficiency viruses reveals the conservation of certain structural features despite the divergence in sequence. Both the TAR elements of HIV-1 and SIV-chimpanzee can be folded into relatively simple one-stem hairpin structures. Chemical and RNAase probes were used to analyze the more complex structure of HIV-2 TAR RNA, which folds into a branched hairpin structure. A surprisingly similar RNA conformation can be proposed for SIV-mandrill, despite considerable divergence in nucleotide sequence. A third structural presentation of TAR sequences is seen for SIV-african green monkey. These results are generally consistent with the classification of HIV-SIV viruses in four subgroups based on sequence analyses (both nucleotide- and amino acid-sequences). However, some conserved TAR structures were detected for members of different virus subgroups. It is therefore proposed that RNA structure analysis might provide an additional tool for determining phylogenetic relationships among the HIV-SIV viruses.
Postpartum anal incontinence in a resource-constrained setting: Prevalence and obstetric risk factors

Background . Postpartum anal incontinence (AI) is a common and debilitating condition, but data from resource-constrained settings are scarce. Objective . To show that AI is common in a resource-constrained setting and that obstetric factors contribute to its development. Methods . This prospective questionnaire-based study performed in the Durban metropolitan area of South Africa involved black Africans and Indians. Patients were recruited antenatally and followed up for 6 months after delivery. Data collected antenatally and 6 weeks and 6 months after delivery included demographics, obstetric factors and symptoms of AI. The association between these variables and AI were explored using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results. The median age of the 1 248 participants was 24 years (range 13 - 45 years). The majority were black Africans (n=1 004, 80.4%), 86 (6.7%) underwent induction of labour, 95 (7.6%) required augmentation, 186 (14.9%) had epidural analgesia, 418 had mediolateral episiotomies (33.5%), and 51 (4.1%) had third- or fourth-degree tears. The antenatal prevalence of AI was 57.9% (n=722). Six weeks after delivery, 23.1% more women had symptoms of AI compared with the antenatal prevalence. At 6 months, only 0.7% of women reported symptoms. Being black African was significantly associated with AI (odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2 - 2.7) and having had epidural analgesia was significantly associated with faecal incontinence (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 - 2.9) at 6 weeks after delivery. At 6 months most women reported no symptoms of AI. Conclusion . Postpartum AI is common in our resource-constrained setting and appears to be transient, with most cases resolving by 6 months.
The Faces of Facebookers: Investigating Social Enhancement and Social Compensation Hypotheses; Predicting FacebookTM and Offline Popularity from Sociability and Self-Esteem, and Mapping the Meanings of Popularity with Semantic Networks

This research investigates two competing hypotheses from the literature: 1) the Social Enhancement (“Rich Get Richer”) hypothesis that those more popular offline augment their popularity by increasing it on Facebook™, and 2) the “Social Compensation” (“Poor Get Richer”) hypothesis that users attempt to increase their Facebook™ popularity to compensate for inadequate offline popularity. Participants (n= 614) at a large, urban university in the Midwestern United States completed an online survey. Results are that a subset of users, those more extroverted and with higher self-esteem, support the Social Enhancement hypothesis, being more popular both offline and on Facebook™. Another subset of users, those less popular offline, support the Social Compensation hypotheses because they are more introverted, have lower self-esteem and strive more to look popular on Facebook™. Semantic network analysis of open-ended responses reveals that these two user subsets also have different meanings for offline and online popularity. Furthermore, regression explains nearly twice the variance in offline popularity as in Facebook™ popularity, indicating the latter is not as socially grounded or defined as offline popularity.
Evolution Of Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease In The Elderly

Abstract Recently, there is an increased interest in the detection of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in the general population, especially . A classification of CKD, based on several stages of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), has been established from almost 10 years. In our study we monitored eighthy patients older than 65 years, clinically and biochemically, during one year. A number of 80 clinically stable patients, with a median age of 74 years, recruited between october and december 2010, were followed up during one year. We separated them in two groups: Group 1: 40 patients with serum creatinine < = 1,2 mg/dl (range 0,7- 1,2) and with no proteinuria; and Group 2: 40 patients with serum creatinine > 1.2 mg/dl (range 1,2-3,5) and with proteinuria < 3,5 g/24 hours. We measured serum creatinine and eGFR at the time of recruitment and after one year of follow up using abreviated MDRD equation. Statistical comparisons were made using the general lineal model for repeated measures of the SPSS 11.0 program. The most frequent comorbidities were cardio-vascular(> 75%) and infections (25%). 13.75% of the patients died during the follow up, especially from group 2. Only 25% of group 2 patients needed erithropoietin (EPO) treatment. Estimated GFR and proteinuria remained relatively stable at the end of one year in patients from group 1, but survivors from group 2 registered a median decrease of 9 mL/min.
Understanding the Role of Sense of Presence and Perceived Autonomy in Users' Continued Use of Social Virtual Worlds

Despite an exponentially increasing number of registered users, social virtual worlds have the problem of a high user attrition rate. It is thus meaningful to explore which factors influence users' continued use of social virtual worlds. The current study attempts to find these factors in unique characteristics (e.g., 3-dimentional environment, avatar interaction, and user empowerment) in the world, which can be sources for retaining users. Specifically, the study employs the sense of presence and perceived autonomy. 194 users of Second Life, which is the largest social virtual world, participated in the survey. The findings support the argument that the sense of presence and autonomy are influential in users' continued use of social virtual worlds.
Social Media Use for News and Individuals' Social Capital, Civic Engagement and Political Participation

Recently, scholars tested how digital media use for informational purposes similarly contributes to foster democratic processes and the creation of social capital. Nevertheless, in the context of today's socially-networked-society and the rise of social media applications (i.e., Facebook) new perspectives need to be considered. Based on U.S. national data, results show that after controlling for demographic variables, traditional media use offline and online, political constructs (knowledge and efficacy), and frequency and size of political discussion networks, seeking information via social network sites is a positive and significant predictor of people's social capital and civic and political participatory behaviors, online and offline. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
United States Adults Meeting 2010 American College of Rheumatology Criteria for Treatment and Prevention of Glucocorticoid‐Induced Osteoporosis

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) updated its guidelines on the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIO) in 2010. An unknown proportion of US adults at risk of fracture due to glucocorticoid use would be recommended antiosteoporosis pharmaceutical (AOP) therapies based on the ACR guidelines.