Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Skin Autofluorescence to Severity of Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between skin autofluorescence (SAF), which reflects the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Sixty-seven eyes of 67 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Sixty-seven age-matched non-diabetic subjects served as controls. Diabetic patients were classified by the severity of their DR: no DR (NDR), non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR). SAF was measured with an autofluorescence reader. Results: SAF in the diabetes patients was significantly higher than in the controls (median 2.5 (interquartile range 2.3–2.7) and 1.8 (1.6–2.3) arbitrary unit (AU), respectively, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in SAF along with the increasing severity of DR (from NDR to NPDR: p = 0.034; NPDR to PDR: p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that SAF (OR, 17.2; p < 0.05) was an independent factor indicating the presence of PDR. Conclusions: SAF has an independent relationship with PDR in patients with type 2 diabetes. SAF measurement with an autofluorescence reader is a non-invasive way to assess the risk of DR. SAF may, therefore, be a surrogate marker candidate for the non-invasive evaluation of DR.
Human leucocyte antigens and cytokine gene polymorphisms and tuberculosis.

PURPOSE Several genes encoding different cytokines and human leucocyte antigens (HLA) may play crucial roles in host susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). Our objective was to investigate whether these genes might be associated with protection from or susceptibility to TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS Genomic DNA from patients with TB (n = 30) and ethnically matched controls (n = 30) was genotyped by using sequence-specific primers-polymerase chain reaction and sequence-specific oligonucletid methods. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that HLA-CwFNx0101 [P = 0.05, odds ration (OR) (95% confidence interval) = 2.269 (1.702-3.027)] allele frequency was significantly more common in TB patients than in healthy controls, and HLA-CwFNx0101 may be associated with susceptibility to TB. Analysis of cytokine allele frequencies showed that interleukin (IL)-10, -819 C and -592 C alleles was significantly more common in TB patients than in controls (pc: 0.038 and 0.017, respectively). From the IL-10 cluster, a positive significant difference was found at positions -1082 and -592 C/C (pc: 0.027 and 0.054, respectively) genotypes. Although these differences could be explained by the highest frequency of C/C and G/G homozygous patients with TB, in contrast to the control group, statistically significant differences for the C/C genotype however were lost after Bonferroni correction of the P-values. CONCLUSION Altogether, our results suggest that the polymorphisms in HLA (class I) and cytokine (IL-10) genes may affect the susceptibility to TB and increase the risk of developing the disease.
Clinical Science A Longitudinal Study of Root Caries: Baseline and Incidence Data

A 34-month clinical investigation of root caries was conducted using a hospitalized, chronically-ill population. Forty-five subjects with 150 caries-free surfaces were observed for at least 12 consecutive months. Clinical measurements included diagnosis of new root and coronal caries, gingival inflammation, pocket depth, recession, and distance of new lesions from the gingival margin. The overall root caries attack rate was 1.90 lesions per 100 person-months at risk, with the greatest rate occurring during the first year of study. Mesial and facial surfaces accounted for 84% of all new lesions. Sixteen subjects accounted for 26 new lesions; nine subjects had two or more new lesions. Subjects with new root lesions were found to have lower enamel caries experience but higher root caries experience at baseline and higher scores for gingival inflammation, pocket depth, and recession compared with those who did not develop root caries.
Norovirus based viral gastroenteritis in Chennai city of southern India - An epidemiological study

The study evaluated the incidence of norovirus associated gastroenteritis in India. During the year 2005 to 2006, stool samples from communicable disease hospital were collected from subjects suspected for non – bacterial gastroenteritis and were examined for norovirus. Samples were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and further confirmed by hybridisation and sequencing. In addition the epidemiology of norovirus was studied by statistical analysis. 44.4% of the samples were positive for norovirus, the isolated strain represented the Genogroup I of norovirus. The study observed that norovirus infection is not only a winter vomiting disease it can also occur in the summer. Key words: Gastroenteritis, norovirus, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, stool
Evaluation of the microscopic observational drug susceptibility assay for rapid and efficient diagnosis of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.

PURPOSE Tuberculosis (TB) is endemic in India and the burden of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is high. Early detection of MDR-TB is of primary importance in controlling the spread of TB. The microscopic observational drug susceptibility (MODS) assay has been described as a cost-effective and rapid method by which mycobacterial culture and the drug susceptibility test (DST) can be done at the same time. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 302 consecutive sputum samples that were received in an accredited mycobacteriology laboratory for conventional culture and DST were evaluated by the MODS assay. RESULTS In comparison with conventional culture on Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) media, the MODS assay showed a sensitivity of 94.12% and a specificity of 89.39% and its concordance with the DST by the proportion method on LJ media to isoniazid and rifampicin was 90.8% and 91.5%, respectively. The turnaround time for results by MODS was 9 days compared to 21 days by culture on LJ media and an additional 42 days for DST by the 1% proportion method. The cost of performing a single MODS assay was Rs. 250/-, compared to Rs. 950/- for culture and 1st line DST on LJ. CONCLUSION MODS was found to be a sensitive and rapid alternative method for performing culture and DST to identify MDR-TB in resource poor settings.
Palmaris Longus Muscle Variations: Clinical Significance and Proposal of New Classifications

Abstract Background: The palmaris longus muscle is one of the most variable muscles in the human body and there have been numerous variations reported. The different palmaris longus variations are interesting not only from an anatomical point of view, but they could also have definite clinical significance. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the different types of variations of palmaris longus muscle in the Bulgarian population. Materials and methods: Over a period of 15 years, 56 formol–carbol fixed human cadavers were studied to investigate the different variations of palmaris longus muscle (PLM). Results: Various anatomical variations of PLM have been reported: absence (2.68%); reversed palmaris longus coexisting with an additional abductor digiti minimi muscle (0.89%); digastric (0.89%); palmaris longus with intermediate muscle belly (1.79%) and duplication (1.79%). Conclusions: To reveal the wide variety of the types of palmaris longus muscle and their importance for clinical practice, we make a brief literature review concerning the different types of variations, their role in the median and ulnar neuropathy in the wrist or as structures simulating a soft tissue tumour and the application of palmaris longus tendon in plastic and reconstructive surgery as grafting material. We also present new systematic anatomical and clinical classifications of palmaris longus variations by dividing them into two simple groups.
Intervention Strategies to Reduce Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry During Grow-out and Processing

Several foodborne pathogens like Salmonella spp. , Campylobacter jejuni and Clostridium perfringens can occasionally be traced to poultry sources. The development of intervention strategies that are applicable to different stages of poultry production can help lessen the level of these pathogens in poultry by-products and hence, reduce the incidence of poultry-borne food poisoning. In the present study, the efficacy of Poultry Litter Treatment ® in reducing Clostridium perfringens counts in poultry litter was investigated. The effect of windrow-composting in reducing microbial load in poultry litter was also studied. In addition, a study of bacterial profiles in a poultry processing line was conducted. Finally, the efficacies of two online reprocessing antimicrobials in reducing bacterial pathogen load were compared.
The Pathogenesis of Raised Intraocular Pressure in Uveitis

Abstract Aim: To analyze current understanding of the factors that contribute to raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with uveitis. Methods: A pubmed literature review was carried out using words including “uveitic glaucoma”, “IOP AND uveitis”, “ocular hypertension AND uveitis”, “inflammation AND glaucoma”, “aqueous dynamics” AND “glaucoma/uveitis”. Results: Of the two studies looking at the aqueous dynamics in experimentally induced uveitis, both found aqueous flow decreased acutely, and one found that uveoscleral outflow increased. This is likely to reflect the types of uveitis that present acutely with hypotony. A study examining patients with Fuch’s heterochromic cyclitis found no difference in aqueous flow or uveoscleral outflow. No studies have examined aqueous dynamics in types of uveitis that present with acutely raised IOP. Levels of prostaglandins rise in acute uveitis, which has been shown to increase uveoscleral and trabecular outflow, without affecting aqueous flow. Studies have demonstrated that raised levels of trabecular protein reduce trabecular outflow. Steroid treatment, inflammatory cells, free radicals and enzymes are also likely to contribute to the development of raised pressure. When considering the impact of the pathogenesis of raised pressure in uveitis on its treatment, prostaglandins may provide good intraocular pressure control, but there are concerns regarding their theoretical ability to worsen the inflammatory response in uveitis. Studies have not conclusively proven this to be the case. Surgical success rates vary, but trabeculectomy plus an antimetabolite, deep sclerectomy plus an antimetabolite, and Ahmed valve surgery have been used. Conclusions: Uveitic glaucoma is caused by a number of different diseases, some of which present with acute hypotony, others with acutely raised IOP, and others which demonstrate an increase in IOP over time. Further studies should be carried out to examine the differing pathogenesis in these types of diseases, and to establish the best treatment options.
Postoperative airway management after nasal endoscopic sinus surgery: A comparison of traditional nasal packing with nasal airway

Background: Nasal packing after the nasal surgery can be extremely hazardous and can lead to airway complications such as dyspnea and respiratory obstruction. Objective: The present study aimed at comparing the traditional nasal packing with nasal airway during the immediate postoperative period in patients undergoing fibreoptic endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) under general anaesthesia (GA) with regards to airway management. Materials and Methods: The study groups consisted of 90 ASA grade I and II patients aged 16 to 58 years who underwent FESS under GA. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups: Group NP, UA and Group BA of 30 patients each. At the end of surgery, Group NP patients were managed with traditional bilateral nasal packing while a presterilized 5 mm ID uncuffed ETT was cut to an appropriate size and inserted into one of the nostrils in UA and bilaterally in BA group patients. During postoperative period following parameters and variables were observed over the next 24 hours: Any respiratory distress or obstruction, pain and discomfort, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, bleeding episode, ease of suctioning through nasal airway, anaesthesiologists and surgeons satisfaction during postoperative period, discomfort during removal of nasal airway and any fresh bleeding episode during removal of nasal airway. The data was compiled and analyzed using Chi-square test and ANOVA with post-hoc significance. Value of P < 0.05 was considered significant and P < 0.0001 as highly significant. Results: The post-op mean cardio-respiratory parameters showed significant variations among NP group (P < 0.05) and the patient of UA and BA groups while intergroup comparison between UA and BA was non-significant (P > 0.05). Pain and discomfort, bleeding episode, ease of suctioning through nasal airway, pain and bleeding during removal of nasal airway (P < 0.0001) as well as surgeons and anaesthesiologists satisfaction criteria showed significant results among the NP group as compared to UA and BA groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present intervention to maintain airway patency can be termed as excellent with additional benefits like ease of suctioning; oxygen supplementation and a possible haemostatic effect due to pressure on the operated site. The low cost of the modified nasal airway and easily replicable design were the standout observations of the present study.
A comparison of predictive irritation tests with surfactants on human and animal skin

Nine DETERGENT base materials have been examined in a series of in vivo and in vitro TESTS involving the use of HUMAn SKIN and various ANIMAL SKINS. Lack of agreement between the results from different tests was apparent and cautious approach to predictive SKIN-IRRITANCY testing with detergents is advocated.
Amyloid β Peptides and Cognitive Functions in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate if there is any relation between the Alzheimer’s peptides (amyloid β-40 and β-42) concentration in plasma and aqueous humor as well as cognitive functions with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). Methods: One-hundred forty-two patients with PEX have been included for this study; median age: 75 years (Q1 = 71,5; Q3 = 80,0). Control group comprised 93 subjects aged 74 years (Q1 = 68,0; Q3 = 80,0). Amyloid β-40 and β-42 (Aβ-40, Aβ-42) concentrations were assessed in plasma in 73 PEX patients and 49 controls. Aβ-40 concentration in aqueous humor was measured in 31 patients from each group. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clock Drawing Tests were performed in 83 PEX patients and 36 controls. Results: The differences between amyloid concentrations both in plasma and in aqueous humor in PEX and control groups were not statistically significant. There were no differences in MMSE and Clock Drawing Tests between groups. Conclusion: Our results do not indicate any relation between PEX and Alzheimer’s amyloids or cognitive functions in cataract patients.
Efficacy, Safety and Acceptability of Orthokeratology on Slowing Axial Elongation in Myopic Children by Meta-Analysis

Abstract Purpose: To compare the efficacy, safety and acceptability of a treatment group (Orthokeratology) to a control group (single vision Spectacles) on slowing axial elongation in children. Methods: We searched studies in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library up to January 2015 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. We pooled the mean differences between the Orthokeratology and Control groups for axial elongation and the OR for rates of adverse events and dropout. Results: Three RCTs and six cohort studies with 667 children aged 6–16 years old were included. Two years’ mean differences in axial elongation were −0.27 mm (95% confidence intervals [CI], −0.32 to −0.23) in all studies, −0.28 mm (95% CI, −0.35 to −0.20) in RCTs and −0.27 mm (95% CI, −0.32 to −0.22) in cohort studies (p < 0.01). At 6 months, 1 year, 1.5 years and 2 years, mean differences in axial elongation were −0.13 mm, −0.19 mm, −0.23 mm, and −0.27 mm (p < 0.01), respectively. The effect was greater in Asian children than Caucasian (−0.28 mm versus −0.22 mm) and in children with moderate to high myopia when compared to children with low myopia (−0.35 mm versus −0.25 mm). Orthokeratology had more non-significant adverse events (odd ratio [OR], 8.87; 95% CI, 3.79–20.74; p < 0.01) but comparable dropout rates (OR = 0.84, 95% CI, 0.40–1.74, p = 0.64) than control. Conclusion: Orthokeratology has significantly greater efficacy in controlling axial elongation in children compared to Spectacle correction. The safety and acceptability results are good, and there appears to be a greater myopia control effect in Chinese children compared to Caucasians, and in those with higher initial myopia.
Circulating steroid hormones in prostate carcinogenesis. Part 1 – Androgens

Abstract The aim of this review is to identify circulating steroids associated with prostate cancer (PCa) in bibliographic reports. First, we summarize chronological reports comparing circulating steroid levels in men with a high risk of PCa, such as African-Americans (AAs), with men having a lower risk. Higher testosterone plasma levels in young AA men have been reported. However, the difference between AAs and Caucasians decreases with age. When measured, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was found to be higher in AAs; however, these results must be taken with caution, as immunological assay of this steroid is difficult. Second, we summarize chronological reports concerning circulating steroids assayed in blood samples drawn several years before a diagnosis of PCa was made, compared to controls. These nested case-control studies did not lead to straightforward conclusions regarding an increase in circulating testosterone. However, large collaborative studies showed a trend of a decrease in plasma sex hormone binding globulin, consequently an increase in bioavailable plasma testosterone in PCa. These nested case-control studies failed to associate plasma DHT levels with PCa risk. Third, we summarize numerous chronological publications relating plasma concentrations, measured at the time of PCa diagnosis. Numerous results showed a decrease in plasma testosterone levels in aggressive PCa (high Gleason score, advanced stage with positive surgical margins). Testosterone levels returned to normal several months after prostatectomy. All plasma hormone assay levels were always carried out using immunological methods. We recommend replacing this methodology by mass spectrometry coupled with gas chromatography or liquid chromatography in these epidemiologic studies.
Incidence and Consequences of Pregnancy in Women With Known Duration of HIV Infection

Background: The increasing incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in women of childbearing age led us to evaluate whether pregnancy affects the natural history of this disease. Objectives: To conduct a prospective study of women with known dates of HIV seroconversion to describe the incidence and outcome of pregnancy and to assess differences according to age and exposure group. To compare the rate of disease progression between pregnant and nonpregnant women. Patients: All participants, recruited from 14 clinical centers in Italy, had documented HIV-seronegative test results followed by confirmed positive test results within 2 years. Results: A total of 331 women, who had seroconversion between 1981 and 1994, were followed up for a median of 5.5 years from seroconversion; 94 developed HIV-related diseases, 47 developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and 53 had at least 1 CD4 cell count lower than 0.10× 10 9 /L ( 3 ). Thirty-eight women (11.5%) were pregnant at the time of HIV seroconversion and 31 (9.4%) became pregnant after HIV seroconversion (cumulative incidence of pregnancy within 8 years of seroconversion, 28.9%; 95% confidence interval, 21.6%-36.2%). Forty-five (65.2%) of the 69 pregnancies were carried to term. There were no discernible differences in these findings by age or exposure group. Pregnant women did not experience a more rapid rate of progression of disease, even when adjusting for age, exposure group, CD4 cell count, or use of treatment (adjusted relative hazards: HIV-related diseases, 0.72; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, 0.69; CD4 cell count Conclusion: Women infected with HIV continue to become pregnant after seroconversion, yet pregnancy does not appear to influence the rate of progression of HIV disease. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:2585-2590
A comparative study of four combinations of anesthetic drugs for assessing the intraocular pressure changes during gynaecological laparoscopic procedures

Aims and Objectives: Laparoscopic surgery is the choice for gynaecological surgery these days, but pneumoperitoneum (PNO) and trendelenburg position increase the intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to decrease in perfusion of retina and at times the significant risk of ischemic retinopathy. Our present aim is to find out the suitable combination of induction and maintenance agent for combating the increase in IOP by PNO, lithotomy and trendelenburg position, and to study the changes in IOP at different time points and positions in gynaecological laparoscopic procedures. Patients and methods: After taking permission from the Ethical Committee 120 female patients of ASA grade 1 and II were divided arbitrarily in four groups each comprising 30 patients. In group A and B induction was done with propofol 2.5 mg/kg given IV and in group C and D induction was done with thiopentone 5 mg/kg given IV. Atracurium 0.5 mg/kg IV was used as neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA). Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was inserted in all the cases and patients were ventilated with Bain's circuit. Maintenance of anesthesia was done with total intra venous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and100% oxygen in group A and C. In group B and D maintenance was done with 1% isoflurane with oxygen (O2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the ratio of 40:60. Changes in IOP, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) were measured. Baseline readings were taken initially and then 2 min after premedication, 1 min after LMA insertion, 1 min after PNO with lithotomy position, 5 min after 20° head down tilt and PNO in situ and 2 min after exsufflation of PNO with supine horizontal position. Results and Conclusion: To mitigate increase in IOP during gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries, propofol, and propofol TIVA (Group A) proved to be the best option. Propofol and isoflurane (Group B) thiopentone and propofol TIVA (Group C) were not as effective as group A. However, induction with thiopentone and maintenance with isoflurane (Group D) were not effective at all.