Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous kyphoplasty combined with the posterior screw-rod system in treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures

Background The osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) have attracted more and more attention due to increase in life span globally and aging population. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) have been popularized rapidly by virtue of their unique advantage in minimal invasiveness. We analysed our results in osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures using percutaneous kyphoplasty and posterior screw rod system. To investigate the possibility of treatment of rupture of the posterior vertebral osteoporotic fractures by means of kyphoplasty combined with the posterior screw-rod system. Materials and Methods Twenty six patients (65 years of age or older) with the single spine fractures included in study. The preoperative bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray. The PKP was done in all the cases. Decompression was done if neurological symptoms were present. Results The results demonstrated osteoporosis with BMD T value ≦-2.5; injured posterior vertebral body (3 cases) had shown the whole damage accompanied by neurological symptoms through X-ray or CT After 2 days, the remaining patients of back pain symptoms were relieved or disappeared except for three cases of patients with decompression incision. VAS score and Cobb angle changed from preoperative 8.23 ± 0.17 and 28.7 ± 0.33° respectively to postoperative 3.77 ± 0.44 and 3.8 ± 0.2° respectively. Conclusion Treatment of rupture of the posterior vertebral osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures by means of kyphoplasty combined with posterior screw-rod system is a safe, effective procedure.
Complications in lumbar spine surgery: A retrospective analysis

Background: Surgical treatment of adult lumbar spinal disorders is associated with a substantial risk of intraoperative and perioperative complications. There is no clearly defined medical literature on complication in lumbar spine surgery. Purpose of the study is to retrospectively evaluate intraoperative and perioperative complications who underwent various lumbar surgical procedures and to study the possible predisposing role of advanced age in increasing this rate. Materials and Methods: From 2007 to 2011 the number and type of complications were recorded and both univariate, (considering the patients’age) and a multivariate statistical analysis was conducted in orderto establish a possible predisposing role. 133 were lumbar disc hernia treated with microdiscetomy, 88 were lumbar stenosis, treated in 36 cases with only decompression, 52 with decompression and instrumentation with a maximum of 2 levels. 26 patients showed a lumbar fracture treated with percutaneous or open screw fixation. 12 showed a scoliotic or kyphotic deformity treated with decompression, fusion and osteotomies with a maximum of 7.3 levels of fusion (range 5–14). 70 were spondylolisthesis treated with 1 or more level of fusion. In 34 cases a fusion till S1 was performed. Results: Of the 338 patients who underwent surgery, 55 showed one or more complications. Type of surgical treatment ( P = 0.004), open surgical approach (open P = 0.001) and operative time ( P = 0.001) increased the relative risk (RR) of complication occurrence of 2.3, 3.8 and 5.1 respectively. Major complications are more often seen in complex surgical treatment for severe deformities, in revision surgery and in anterior approaches with an occurrence of 58.3%. Age greater than 65 years, despite an increased RR of perioperative complications (1.5), does not represent a predisposing risk factor to complications ( P = 0.006). Conclusion: Surgical decision-making and exclusion of patients is not justified only by due to age. A systematic preoperative evaluation should always be performed in order to stratify risks and to guide decision-making for obtaining the best possible clinical results at lower risk, even for elderly patients.
Assessments Used to Diagnose Developmental Coordination Disorder: Do Their Underlying Constructs Match the Diagnostic Criteria?

ABSTRACT This study examined the constructs underlying the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (M-ABC-2), Bruninks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-2 (VABS-2) using the framework of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health—Child Youth version (ICF-CY) and the diagnostic criteria of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Two independent raters coded and matched items to ICF-CY codes as per the eight ICF linking rules developed by Cierza and colleagues. Content density and inter-rater reliability were also calculated. The majority of codes assigned to the M-ABC-2 and BOTMP related to body functions (54% and 64% respectively). For the VABS-2, 91% of codes pertained to activities and participation. The M-ABC-2, BOTMP, and the VABS-2 emphasize the ICF-CY constructs differently. The VABS-2 may be useful in the evaluation of performance of daily life activities and participation in children with DCD.
Protruded and nonprotruded subungual exostosis: Differences in surgical approach

Background In subungual exostosis surgery, repair of the damaged nail bed and surgical excision of the mass without damaging the nail bed is important. The ideal method of surgery is still unclear. This study is done to qualify the effects of different surgical methods on outcome measures in different types of subungual exostosis. Materials and Methods Fifteen patients, operated with a diagnosis of subungual exostosis between January 2008 and June 2012, were evaluated. Protruded masses were excised with a dorsal surgical approach after the removal of the nail bed and nonprotruded masses were excised through a “fish-mouth” type of incision. Results The mean age of the patients in protruded subungual exostosis group was 17.3 years (range 13–22 years) and this group consisting of seven female and two male patients. The patients were followed up for a mean of 14.1 ± 4.8 months. The mean age of the patients in the nonprotruded subungual exostosis group was 14.6 years (range 13–16 years) and consisting of six female patients. The patients were followed up for a mean of 11.6 ± 2.9 months. The results were positively affected by changing the surgical approach depending on whether or not the exostosis is protruded from the nail bed. All patients had healthy toe nails in the postoperative period without any signs of recurrence. Conclusions In patients with a protruded subungual exostosis, the mass should be removed by a dorsal approach with the removal of the nail and injury to the nail bed should be repaired. In patients with a nonprotruded subungual exostosis, the mass should be excised through a “fish-mouth” type incision at the toe tip without an iatrogenic damage.
Effects of garlic on some haematological and biochemical parameters

Influence of garlic on some haematological and plasma biochemical parameters were studied in rats that had different doses and duration of garlic pretreatment. 200mg dose of garlic per day for 30 days did not have any significant change( P>0.05) in the red blood cell count and packed cell volume. However at 100mg per day for the same duration, garlic increased red blood cell count and packed cell volume significantly (P<0.05). The same dose (100mg) of garlic similarly and significantly increased total white blood cell count (TWBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte counts (P<0.05). Garlic thus promote leucopoiesis and increases neutrophil :lymphocyte ratio. Garlic increased sodium and potassium serum levels and may be a good factor in the maintenance of electrolyte balance.
Mothers’ Experiences with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)

ABSTRACT Parents of a child with a disability are often asked about their child's functioning in daily activities. One way to gather this information is through parent-report functional questionnaires such as the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). The purpose of this study was to explore parental experiences associated with completion of the PEDI before and after a functional therapy intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) or developmental delay (DD) who had completed the PEDI within a larger study. A content analysis approach was used to code and organize the data into five themes. PEDI completion was associated with increased parental awareness of developmental patterns, and greater insight into levels of assistance they give to their child. Parents described various challenges and concerns with the PEDI that have implications for test administration processes. The findings have potential to enable more sensitive and focused PEDI use.
Outcome of uncemented trapeziometacarpal prosthesis for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis

Background Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint of thumb occurs frequently and can be very disabling. Numerous surgical techniques including trapeziectomy with or without tendon interposition arthrodesis and partial or total joint arthroplasty with cemented and noncemented prosthesis have been described for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Initial problems of osteolysis and implant loosening have been substantially reduced with improvement in implant design. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb can be effectively treated with uncemented total joint replacement prosthesis. Materials and Methods We retrospectively collected data for 16 trapeziometacarpal joint replacements in 14 patients. One patient was excluded as they required revision with trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction following fracture of Trapezium. The trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis was used in all cases and all operations were carried out by one surgeon. Clinical outcome was determined by a pre and postoperative patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and Michigan Hand Questionnaire Score. Range of motion, grip, tip pinch and key pinch strength were measured and compared with the unoperated hand. Radiological assessment was carried out by plain radiographs for preoperative staging of arthritis and postoperative radiographs at latest followup for evaluation of osteolysis and implant loosening. Average followup period was 26 months. Results There was an improvement in hand function and pain level based on PRWE and Mischigan Hand outcome Questionnaire Score. One patient had intraoperative fracture of Trapezium and subsequent radiographs at 14 months followup showed loosening of the trapezial component due to nonunion of the fracture and complete disintegration of the trapezium. There were no cases of dislocation or implant loosening for the remaining 15 CMC joints at the latest followup. Conclusion The use of uncemented prosthesis in treatment of Questionnaire Score. Range of motion joint osteoarthritis gives excellent short term results in improving hand function in terms of strength and stability and achieving pain relief.
Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in patellar instability

Background Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is one of the major static medial stabilising structures of the patella. MPFL is most often damaged in patients with patellar instability. Reconstruction of MPFL is becoming a common surgical procedure in treating patellar instability. We hypothesised that MPFL reconstruction was adequate to treat patients with patellar instability if the tibial tubercle and the centre of the trochlear groove (TT-TG) value was less than 20 mm and without a dysplastic trochlea. Materials and Methods 30 patients matching our inclusion criteria and operated between April 2009 and May 2011 were included in the study. MPFL reconstruction was performed using gracilis tendon fxed with endobutton on the patellar side and bio absorbable interference screw or staple on the femoral side. Patients were followed up with subjective criteria, Kujala score and Lysholm score. Results The mean duration of followup was 25 months (range 14-38 months). The mean preoperative Kujala score was 47.5 and Lysholm score was 44.7. The mean postoperative Kujala score was 87 and Lysholm score was 88.06. None of the patients had redislocation. Conclusion MPFL reconstruction using gracilis tendon gives excellent results in patients with patellar instability with no redislocations. Some patients may have persistence of apprehension.
TNF‐α, TNF‐β and IL‐4 gene polymorphisms in Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis

Objective – To investigate the association between tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) G‐308A, tumor necrosis factor‐β (TNF‐β) G+252A and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) C‐590T polymorphisms and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) development and clinical course of the disease.
Outcome of free digital artery perforator flap transfer for reconstruction of fingertip defects

Background Fingertip defect can be treated with many flaps such as random pattern abdominal flap, retrograde digital artery island flap, V-Y advancement flap, etc. However, swelling in the fingertip, dysfunction of sensation, flexion and extension contracture or injury in the hemi-artery of the finger usually occurs during the recovery phase. Recently, digital artery perforator flaps have been used for fingertip reconstructions. With the development of super microsurgery techniques, free flaps can be more effective for sensory recovery and durability of the fingertip. Materials and Methods Six cases (six fingers) of fingertip defects were treated with free digital artery perforator flaps of appropriate size and shape from the proximal phalanx. During surgery, the superficial veins at the edge of flap were used as reflux vessels and the branches of the intrinsic nerve and dorsal digital nerve toward the flap were used as sensory nerves. The proximal segment of the digital artery (cutaneous branches) towards the flap was cut off to form the pedicled free flap. The fingertips were reconstructed with the free flap by anastomosing the cutaneous branches of digital artery in the flap with the distal branch or trunk of the digital artery, the flap nerve with the nerve stump and the veins of the flap with the digital artery accompanying veins or the superficial veins in the recipient site. Results Six flaps survived with successful skin grafting. Patients were followed up for 6-9 months. The appearance and texture of the flaps was satisfactory. The feeling within the six fingers recovered to S4 level (BMRC scale) and the two point discrimination was 3-8 mm. Conclusion Free digital artery perforator flap is suitable for repairing fingertip defect, with good texture, fine fingertip sensation and without sacrificing the branch of the digital artery or nerve.
Validation of the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE)

RÉSUMÉ Cette étude visait à déterminer la validité du dépistage de comportements abusifs chez les prestateurs de soins (Caregiver Abuse Screen – CASE) comme un moyen de mesurer le degré d'abus ou de mauvais traitements faits aux personnes âgées. Un groupe de prestateurs de soins abusifs de la communauté a été comparé à deux groupes différents composés de prestateurs de soins non abusifs. Le dépistage a établi une distinction entre le groupe abusif et le groupe non abusif, et aucune distinction n'a été faite entre les deux groupes non abusifs. Les points plus élevés du dépistage coïncidaient avec les points élevés des mesures du degré d'abus et d'agression de sources indépendantes; avec les caractéristiques de personnalité des prestateurs de soins; avec les évaluations des prestateurs de soins démunis; avec les relations entre les prestateurs et les personnes recevant les soins; avec d'autres problèmes de comportement entre les prestateurs et les personnes recevant les soins; avec une santé plus faible chez les prestateurs de soins; avec un plus grand nombre de cas de dépressions; et avec moins de soutien social. Les résultats démontrent que le dépistage est un moyen initial valide pour dépister les comportements abusifs chez les prestateurs de soins. ABSTRACT This study explored the validity of the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE) as a brief measure of abuse/neglect of seniors. A group of abusive caregivers from the community was compared with two contrasting groups of non-abusive caregivers. The CASE distinguished between the abusive and each non-abusive group, while the non-abusive groups did not differ from each other. Higher CASE scores coincided with higher scores on abuse/aggression measures from independent sources; with caregiver personality traits; with appraisals of poorer caregiver/care-receiver relationships and more care-receiver problem behaviours, poorer caregiver health, more caregiver depression and less social support. Findings were interpreted as supporting the CASE's validity as an initial abuse screen for use with caregivers.
Skin permeation of buprenorphine and its ester prodrugs from lipid nanoparticles: lipid emulsion, nanostructured lipid carriers and solid lipid nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize lipid nanoparticle systems for the transdermal delivery of buprenorphine and its prodrugs. A panel of three buprenorphine prodrugs with ester chains of various lengths was synthesized and characterized by solubility, capacity factor (log K′), partitioning between lipids and water and the ability to penetrate nude mouse skin. Colloidal systems made of squalene (lipid emulsion, LE), squalene + Precirol (nanostructured lipid carriers, NLC) and Precirol (solid lipid nanoparticles, SLN) as the lipid core material were prepared. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the SLN had a more-ordered crystalline lattice in the inner matrix compared to the NLC. The particle size ranged from 220–300 nm, with NLC showing the smallest size. All prodrugs were highly lipophilic and chemically stable, but enzymatically unstable in skin homogenate and plasma. The in vitro permeation results exhibited a lower skin delivery of drug/prodrug with an increase in the alkyl chain length. SLN produced the highest drug/prodrug permeation, followed by the NLC and LE. A small inter-subject variation was also observed with SLN carriers. SLN with soybean phosphatidylcholine (SLN-PC) as the lipophilic emulsifier showed a higher drug/prodrug delivery across the skin compared to SLN with Myverol, a palmitinic acid monoglyceride. The in vitro permeation of the prodrugs occurred in a sustained manner for SLN-PC. The skin permeation of buprenorphine could be adjusted within a wide range by combining a prodrug strategy and lipid nanoparticles.
In vitro and in vivo evaluations of PLGA microsphere vaccine formulations containing pDNA coexpressing Hepatitis B surface antigen and Interleukin-2

Purpose. DNA-based vaccines encoding viral antigens have been shown to elicit immune responses in animal models. In this study, a plasmid DNA (pDNA) coexpressing the middle envelope protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was incorporated into Poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and three different formulations were investigated for their potential as a vaccine delivery system. Methods. Emulsion solvent evaporation methods of water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) and oil-in-water (o/w) were used to generate three different formulations in which PLGA microspheres contained pDNA either encapsulated within or adsorbed onto the microspheres. Results. In vaccine formulation A2, prepared using the (w/o/w) method, pDNA was encapsulated within the microspheres. The other two formulations (B2 and B2a) were prepared using the (o/w) method and B2 contained pDNAs encapsulated within the microspheres while B2a contained pDNAs adsorbed onto the microspheres. pDNA loading efficiencies of A2, B2 and B2a were determined to be 15%, 25% and 45%, respectively. In vitro release of pDNAs from microspheres was evaluated for a 45-day period with no conformational changes and A2 displayed slower release than that of the B2 and B2a. When mice were immunized from anterior tibialis muscle using A2, B2 and B2a formulations containing 100 µg pDNA, antibody responses were detected for 6 months in mice sera. Conclusions. Although all PLGA microsphere formulations containing pDNA elicited antibody responses by the end of the 6th month, the antibody titers were found to be higher with B2 and B2a formulations in comparison to A2 formulation and the naked pDNA in saline.
Synchronization analysis between heart rate variability and EEG activity before, during, and after epileptic seizure

Abstract An innovative concept for synchronization analysis between heart rate (HR) components and rhythms in EEG envelopes is represented; it applies time-variant analyses to heart rate variability (HRV) and EEG, and it was tested in children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). After a removal of ocular and movement-related artifacts, EEG band activity was computed by means of the frequency-selective Hilbert transform providing envelopes of frequency bands. Synchronization between HRV and EEG envelopes was quantified by Morlet wavelet coherence. A surrogate data approach was adapted to test for statistical significance of time-variant coherences. Using this processing scheme, significant coherence values between a HRV low-frequency sub-band (0.08–0.12 Hz) and the EEG δ envelope (1.5–4 Hz) occurring both in the preictal and early postictal periods of a seizure can be shown. Investigations were performed for all electrodes at 20-s intervals and for selected electrode pairs (T3÷C3, T4÷C4) in a time-variant mode. Synchronization was more pronounced in the group of right hemispheric TLE patients than in the left hemispheric group. Such a group-specific augmentation of synchronization confirms the hypothesis of a right hemispheric lateralization of sympathetic cardiac control of the low-frequency HRV components.
Magnetic resonance imaging of regional myocardial perfusion in patients with single‐vessel coronary artery disease: Quantitative comparison with 201Thallium‐SPECT and coronary angiography

The clinical value of magnetic resonance perfusion imaging ( MRI ) was investigated by quantitative comparison with 201thallium‐single‐photon emission computed tomography (201TI‐SPECT) and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). Short‐axis imaging was performed during dipyridamole administration in 13 patients with single‐vessel coronary artery disease. Using inner and outer contours, the myocardium was divided into 30 contiguous, radial regions. Defining a perfusion defect as a region with less than 90% of maximum 201TI intensity, nine patients had a matching perfusion defect, two had no defect on both 201TI‐SPECT or MRI, and one had a defect on 201TI‐SPECT but not on MRI. One patient had a defect on both modalities but with inaccurate localization. Three perfusion parameters were investigated: a) maximum contrast enhancement (MCE); b) slope of the signal intensity versus time curve; and c) inverse mean transit time (1/MTT). The sensitivity and specificity of MCE in the detection of perfusion abnormalities with TI‐SPECT as the reference method were 71% and 71%, respectively (slope 77% and 61%, 1/MTT 44% and 70%). Furthermore, correlations were calculated per patient for the entire circumference of the short‐axis myocardium. Median correlations were as follows: MCE 0.92, slope 0.91, and 1/MTT 0.40. Mismatches between 201TI defects and defects on MRI resulted in low mean correlations (MCE 0.45, slope 0.46, and 1/MTT 0.26). There was a trend between severity of perfusion defects on MRI (using MCE) and QCA stenosis area (r = −0.56, P = 0.06). Thus, MRI and 201TI‐SPECT demonstrate fair agreement in the assessment of perfusion defects but show moderate correlation when the entire short‐axis myocardium is correlated. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000;11:607–615. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.