Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GeoSentinel Surveillance of Illness in Returned Travelers, 2007–2011

BACKGROUND International travel continues to increase, particularly to Asia and Africa. Clinicians are increasingly likely to be consulted for advice before travel or by ill returned travelers. OBJECTIVE To describe typical diseases in returned travelers according to region, travel reason, and patient demographic characteristics; describe the pattern of low-frequency travel-associated diseases; and refine key messages for care before and after travel. DESIGN Descriptive, using GeoSentinel records. SETTING 53 tropical or travel disease units in 24 countries. PATIENTS 42 173 ill returned travelers seen between 2007 and 2011. MEASUREMENTS Frequencies of demographic characteristics, regions visited, and illnesses reported. RESULTS Asia (32.6%) and sub-Saharan Africa (26.7%) were the most common regions where illnesses were acquired. Three quarters of travel-related illness was due to gastrointestinal (34.0%), febrile (23.3%), and dermatologic (19.5%) diseases. Only 40.5% of all ill travelers reported pretravel medical visits. The relative frequency of many diseases varied with both travel destination and reason for travel, with travelers visiting friends and relatives in their country of origin having both a disproportionately high burden of serious febrile illness and very low rates of advice before travel (18.3%). Life-threatening diseases, such as Plasmodium falciparum malaria, melioidosis, and African trypanosomiasis, were reported. LIMITATIONS Sentinel surveillance data collected by specialist clinics do not reflect healthy returning travelers or those with mild or self-limited illness. Data cannot be used to infer quantitative risk for illness. CONCLUSION Many illnesses may have been preventable with appropriate advice, chemoprophylaxis, or vaccination. Clinicians can use these 5-year GeoSentinel data to help tailor more efficient pretravel preparation strategies and evaluate possible differential diagnoses of ill returned travelers according to destination and reason for travel. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Comorbidity-Adjusted Life Expectancy: A New Tool to Inform Recommendations for Optimal Screening Strategies

BACKGROUND Many guidelines recommend considering health status and life expectancy when making cancer screening decisions for elderly persons. OBJECTIVE To estimate life expectancy for elderly persons without a history of cancer, taking into account comorbid conditions. DESIGN Population-based cohort study. SETTING A 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries in selected geographic areas, including their claims and vital status information. PARTICIPANTS Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 years or older between 1992 and 2005 without a history of cancer (n = 407 749). MEASUREMENTS Medicare claims were used to identify comorbid conditions included in the Charlson index. Survival probabilities were estimated by comorbidity group (no, low/medium, and high) and for the 3 most prevalent conditions (diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure) by using the Cox proportional hazards model. Comorbidity-adjusted life expectancy was calculated based on comparisons of survival models with U.S. life tables. Survival probabilities from the U.S. life tables providing the most similar survival experience to the cohort of interest were used. RESULTS Persons with higher levels of comorbidity had shorter life expectancies, whereas those with no comorbid conditions, including very elderly persons, had favorable life expectancies relative to an average person of the same chronological age. The estimated life expectancy at age 75 years was approximately 3 years longer for persons with no comorbid conditions and approximately 3 years shorter for those with high comorbidity relative to the average U.S. population. LIMITATIONS The cohort was limited to Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 66 years or older living in selected geographic areas. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry and Medicare claims lack information on functional status and severity of comorbidity, which might influence life expectancy in elderly persons. CONCLUSION Life expectancy varies considerably by comorbidity status in elderly persons. Comorbidity-adjusted life expectancy may help physicians tailor recommendations for stopping or continuing cancer screening for individual patients.
Statins and Cognitive Function

BACKGROUND Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning regarding cognitive impairment, the relationship between statins and cognition remains unknown. PURPOSE To examine the effect of statins on cognition. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception through October 2012; FDA databases from January 1986 through March 2012. STUDY SELECTION Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies evaluating cognition in patients receiving statins. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers extracted data, 1 reviewer assessed study risk of bias, and 1 reviewer checked all assessments. DATA SYNTHESIS Among statin users, low-quality evidence suggested no increased incidence of Alzheimer disease and no difference in cognitive performance related to procedural memory, attention, or motor speed. Moderate-quality evidence suggested no increased incidence of dementia or mild cognitive impairment or any change in cognitive performance related to global cognitive performance scores, executive function, declarative memory, processing speed, or visuoperception. Examination of the FDA postmarketing surveillance databases revealed a low reporting rate for cognitive-related adverse events with statins that was similar to the rates seen with other commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications. LIMITATIONS The absence of many well-powered RCTs for most outcomes resulted in final strengths of evidence that were low or moderate. Imprecision, inconsistency, and risk of bias also limited the strength of findings. CONCLUSION Larger and better-designed studies are needed to draw unequivocal conclusions about the effect of statins on cognition. Published data do not suggest an adverse effect of statins on cognition; however, the strength of available evidence is limited, particularly with regard to high-dose statins.
Addressing tuberculosis management in context of default and side effects associated with anti tuberculosis drugs: A case report from Malaysia

A 22 year hotel waitress with history of productive cough was registered as sputum smear confirmed case of pulmonary tuberculosis. Time delay between onset of symptoms and start of treatment was two months. During the first month of treatment, patient suffered from itchiness and skin rashes associated with anti tuberculosis drugs, which were treated with chlorpheniramine (oral; 4 mg), citrizine (oral; 5 mg) and betamethasone (local application; 0.122% w/w). Patient missed 16 (out of 32) doses of anti TB drugs in continuation phase claiming that she was very busy at work place and forgot to take medication. Although, at the end of treatment, patient’s perception of mental and physical health was improved but ‘social functioning’ and ‘role emotion’ scores were still below Malaysian norms suggesting perceived stigma and lack of tuberculosis knowledge. Patient was classified as cured, though, she did not complete full course of chemotherapy, which is the preliminary requirement for a case to be classified as “cured” or “treatment completed”. Patients working in crowded areas like restaurants, bus stations or market should be isolated from community until they are non-infectious. Use of non sedative anti histamines like fexofenadine, or loratidine should be preferred over first generation anti histamines (chlorpheniramine) in patients with such a lifestyle. Anti tuberculosis treatment should be stopped until rashes are completely resolved. World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended applying “Patient Centered Approach” to cope with the defaulters. There is need for more inclusive efforts of National Tuberculosis Control Programs to improve health related quality of the life of tuberculosis patients.
Overcoming resistance to networked learning and teaching modalities - a longitudinal comparison of changing teaching staff attitudes towards learning technologies

This article considers a comparison of questionnaire survey results from teaching staff in the 1998 Department of Pharmacy teaching staff cohort with the same School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences cohort four years later (2002) at the University of Brighton. The effective- ness of solutions—proposed in previous work—seeking to overcome staff resistance to using computer-based learning and teaching methods is evaluated. It is reported that all staff now use e-mail, with half regularly doing so to communicate with or in response to communication from students. There is a shift to staff using more Computer Aided Learning (CAL) packages in their teaching, with a much wider range of teaching media in use. Conclusions are drawn that identified an increased awareness among staff as to what computer-based learning and teaching methods can do and how they can be integrated into existing teaching. A move away from technical and hardware barriers towards more pedagogical issues of learning technology use is identified. Suggestions, such as increased one-to-one support and training and good-practice dissemination, are proposed to enable the school to achieve its aim of allowing all staff to make appropriate choices regarding the use of learning technologies within their teaching.
Chemical Abundances for a Sample of Southern OB Stars. II. The Outer Disk

Non-LTE abundances of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, aluminum, magnesium, silicon, and sulfur are derived for a sample of nine OB stars that are members of seven clusters or H II regions located outside the solar circle, with Galactocentric distances between 9 and 13 kpc. The abundance distribution for these stars is found to have a peak roughly 0.3 dex lower than the average of the abundance distribution for OB stars from the inner disk. This result is in general agreement with the disk metallicity discontinuity claimed from observations of open clusters and Cepheids. The abundances obtained for this outer disk sample are all subsolar, with an average for C, N, O, Mg, and S of -0.39 ± 0.05. For Si and Al, we find even lower average abundances of -0.56 and -0.58, respectively.
Giant cell arteritis in Iceland.

Objective. To investigate the incidence and clinical and histopathologic features of giant cell (temporal) arteritis (GCA) in the Caucasian population of Iceland. Methods. AH patients diagnosed between 1984 and 1990 were included. Case ascertainment for the study was done in 2 ways: 1) a computerized search from all hospitals and primary care clinics for the diagnosis of GCA, and 2) a review of all temporal artery biopsies performed during the 7-year period. Results. One hundred thirty-three patients with GCA were identified. All fulfilled the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification of GCA. The incidence rate for the population 50 years and older was 27/100,000 (36/100,000 and 18/100,000 for women and men, respectively). Clinical findings included the following: mean age at diagnosis 72.5 years for women and 70.3 years for men, new headache 63.2%, abnormal temporal artery on palpation 43.6%, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate 88 mm/hour, symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica 48.1%, and visual disturbances 14.3%. A total of 744 patients underwent temporal artery biopsy during the 7-year period; 16.8% had a positive biopsy result. All 133 patients with the diagnosis of GCA underwent a temporal artery biopsy; 94% had a positive result. Histopathologic findings from the positive biopsies included a fragmented internal elastic lamina in 99.2%, giant cells in 65.6%, and fibrinoid necrosis in 12%. Conclusion. Compared with previous epidemiologic surveys, this study shows a high incidence of biopsy-proven GCA in Iceland.
The new ASAS classification criteria for axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis: promises and pitfalls

Spondyloarthritis (SpA), if not diagnosed and treated early, often leads to significant morbidity. Unfortunately, diagnosis and implementation of therapy are frequently delayed, in many cases by years. The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society has recently developed new criteria for classification of both axial and peripheral SpA. The new criteria were formulated with the aim of enhancing design of clinical trials, and ultimately leading to earlier and more effective diagnosis and treatment in the clinical setting. This paper reviews the process of the development of both sets of criteria, and discusses their potential advantages and disadvantages.
An International Registry for Biologics Used in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Challenging Collaboration Between Paediatric Rheumatologists and Pharmaceutical Industry. -

The recent EU funded initiative called Pharmachild will enable large scale pharmacovigilance for biologicals used for JIA. In addition given the large amounts of included patients, detailed outcome and adverse events analysis will be possible. It offers a great opportunity for collaboration between partners in the pediatric rheumatology networks and will hopefully induce a variety of add-on studies that will use the Pharmachild framework. Its outcome will be of value for national health authorities and pharmaceutical companies producing those biologicals, and of course will contribute to better care for our patients.
Assessment of Microhardness Profile in Grinding Using Barkhausen Noise Technique at Various Analysis Parameters

An experimental investigation was carried out to study the effect of variation in Barkhausen noise (BN) analysis parameters (magnetizing voltage and excitation frequency) for assessment of microhardness profile upon surface grinding. A varying amount of surface damage was induced in the ground samples by changing the downfeed during grinding. It was observed that variation in microhardness inversely affects root mean square (rms) value of BN signal. The observed BN profile indicated no phase transformation or microstructural changes upon grinding. Metallographic study of ground samples has been undertaken to confirm the results obtained by BN analysis. Barkhausen noise parameter (rms value of BN signal), at elevated magnetizing voltage and excitation frequency, increased with reduction in microhardness along the depth indicating the applicability of BN analysis technique in assessing the microhardness profile of ground steel.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF FATAL BURN CASES IN G.K. GENERAL HOSPITAL, BHUJ

Background: Burn injury cases are one of the common emergencies admitted to any hospital in India. There are several factors, which play a great role in the treatment, management, autopsy and investigations of burns death cases. Objective: The study was aimed to find the epidemiology, pattern of burns deaths and various reasons or factors associated with it. Methodology: The present cross-sectional study of 1504 cases was carried out in Forensic Medicine Department at Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhuj from January 2008 to December 2011. Results: The most common cause of death in the majority of the deaths was burns (31.12%) followed by head injury (21.61%), poisoning (11.44%), regional injury (9.37%), drowning (5.12%) and hanging (5.05%). Maximum incidence (82.26%) seen in females. Most of the victims (42.09%) were in the age group of 21-30 years. Most burns were domestic, in low socio-economic class and in house-wives. 74.57% of cases were accidental in nature as per reports. Conclusion: Most of the causes are preventable. The result of this study indicates that, by not only a strong legal support network but also safety precautions, opportunities for essential education and awareness, alternative accommodation and a change in attitude and mind set of society, judiciary, legislature, executive, men and the most importantly women herself can lower or prevent such deaths.
Assistência farmacêutica na atenção básica de saúde: a experiência de três estados brasileiros

No contexto das mudancas ocorridas no sistema de fornecimento de medicamentos em nivel nacional no Brasil, com destaque para a desativacao da Central de Medicamentos (CEME), e da crescente descentralizacao das acoes de saude no âmbito do Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS), tres estados brasileiros - Parana, Sao Paulo e Minas Gerais - elaboraram, dentro da politica de assistencia farmaceutica, programas envolvendo a distribuicao de medicamentos essenciais para a atencao primaria de saude. O Ministerio da Saude esta atualmente implementando um programa nacional de aquisicao e distribuicao de um elenco de 32 medicamentos para a atencao primaria ("Programa Farmacia Basica") que devera ter suas atividades posteriormente descentralizadas. A discussao aqui proposta tem por objetivo fornecer subsidios para a organizacao e/ou estruturacao da assistencia farmaceutica estadual no que concerne a atencao primaria de saude, por meio da analise destes tres programas pioneiros, envolvendo as atividades de selecao, aquisicao, estocagem, distribuicao e uso de medicamentos.
Comminuted, Articular Fractures of the Olecranon Process in Horses: 17 Cases (1980 to 1990)

Summary Case records of 17 horses with a radiographic and surgical diagnosis of comminuted, articular fracture of the olecranon process of the ulna were retrieved using a computer-assisted search of hospital records entered between January 1, 1980 and October 31, 1990. The records were reviewed, and case management data summarized. Radiographic images were retrieved, and descriptions of the fractures recorded. Horses were classified as survivors if they were discharged from the hospital. Follow-up information was obtained by examination or phone conversation with the referring veterinarian, owner or trainer. Twelve horses (71%) survived to be discharged from the hospital. Survivors were significantly younger and weighed less (mean age, 3.9 years; mean body weight 290.2 kg) than non-survivors (mean age, 9.1 years; mean body weight, 412.2 kg). Breed, gender, and duration of clinical signs prior to surgery were not significant to the outcome. Seven horses admitted with open wounds, and two horses suffered sepsis of the surgical site after internal fixation. Of these nine horses, four (44%) were discharged from the hospital. Patients with sepsis of the fracture site, because of open wounds or postoperative infection, had a significantly lower survival rate than horses in which asepsis of the fracture site was maintained. Follow-up information was available for eight of 12 survivors (mean followup period, 2.6 years). Five (63%) horses were riding or “training sound” at the time of follow-up. Of five horses less than one year of age at the time of surgery, three (60%) were sound at a mean of 1.2 years after surgery. Of three horses four years or older, two (66%) were sound at follow-up 3.7 years after the operation. Comminuted, articular fractures involving the olecranon process can be managed successfully in horses using a dynamic compression plate applied to the caudal aspect of the ulna. Also, application of a second plate on the lateral aspect of the ulna is possible, when fracture instability has been noted after application of the caudal plate. Age, weight, and sepsis of the fracture site were the most important prognostic indicators in this study. Historical data, physical examination findings, surgical findings, clinical management data, and follow-up information are reported for 17 horses affected with comminuted, articular fracture of the olecranon process. Twelve (71%) horses survived to be discharged from the hospital. Survivors were significantly younger and of lighter body weight than non-survivors. Horses in which sepsis of the fracture site occurred had a significantly lower survival rate than horses in which aseptic fracture environment was maintained. Of eight horses available for follow-up information, five (63%) were riding or training sound at a mean of 2.6 years after surgery.
Erythropoietin receptor is detectable on peripheral blood lymphocytes and its expression increases in activated T lymphocytes (reply)

We have read with interest the letter of Lisowska et al. , submitted to Haematologica in response to our manuscript “Macrophages as novel target cells for erythropoietin” by Lifshitz et al. , published in Haematologica in June 2010. In their commentary, Lisowska et al. claim that: (1) we have
Evaluation of the hepatic function in Dengue patients in Kolkata

Dengue fever is a global health problem. In our study liver functions were assayed in dengue patients admitted in our tertiary care. All the patients were selected randomly irrespective of age and sex. The diagnosis was established by clinical signs and symptoms, serological tests such as NS1 antigen (ELISA), and IgM level (MAC-ELISA). Out of 50 patients, four had dengue haemorrhagic fever. Forty-two patients had enlarged liver of about 0.5-1cm. In all these cases platelet count was low; NS1 and IgM were reactive. Liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were increased. Serum Protein levels (Total Protein), Albumin (A), Globulin (G) were less than normal level and A:G was altered, whereas as there was no significant change in serum bilirubin level. After seven days when there was complete recovery and the patient was fit to be discharged, the parameters were repeated and it was found that the values were 2 to 3 times more than the normal. It was concluded that in Dengue patients’ liver was affected.
Release of Brain Natriuretic Peptide during the Perioperative Period of Cardiac Surgery

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is well known as a cardiac hormone. To examine the release of BNP in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and to investigate the relationships between plasma BNP concentrations and various clinical parameters, we measured the arterial plasma BNP level in 17 consecutive adult patients during the perioperative period, and compared it with the level from another cardiac hormone, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). The mean preoperative plasma BNP level (baseline) was 63.8 ± 34.4 pg/mL (mean ± SD). A slight decrease in the mean plasma BNP level was observed during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. After the cessation of CPB, however, the mean plasma BNP level gradually increased, and a significant increase was observed 12, 24 and 48 h after the cessation of CPB (mean ± SD; 149.5 ± 43.0 pg/mL, 175.2 ± 93.6 pg/mL and 146.2 ± 59.4 pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.01, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). The mean value 3 weeks after the operation was similar to that before the operation. The plasma ANP levels did not significantly change during the same time course. The plasma BNP as opposed to the ANP concentration 12 h after CPB significantly correlated with the cardiac index ( r = ‐ 0.52, P < 0.05), current injection rate of dopamine hydrochloride (r = 0.51, P < 0.05), aortic crossclamp time (r = 0.55, P < 0.05) and peak postoperative serum creatine phosphokinase level ( r = 0.82, P < 0.01). We conclude that plasma levels of BNP are markedly elevated in the acute phase after cardiac surgery requiring bypass and reflect the left ventricular function at the same time. Furthermore, myocardial damage due to ischemia may participate in the mechanism of synthesis and secretion of BNP.