Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk of malignancy associated with biologic agents in pediatric rheumatic disease

Purpose of reviewThe Food and Drug Administration report of an increased rate of malignancy among children treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors is worrisome. These concerns prompted rigorous studies of the incidence of malignancy associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, both with and without treatment with specific therapeutic agents. This article reviews studies of the risk of malignancy associated with biologic agents for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent findingsSeveral studies demonstrated an increased background rate of malignancy associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, although the impact of medication use on the risk of malignancy was less clear. Similarly, childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus is likely associated with an increased malignancy risk, and the impact of biologic agents is unknown. SummaryThe diagnoses of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus are likely associated with an increased background risk of malignancy, irrespective of medication use. Further studies to estimate the risks of malignancy associated with pediatric rheumatic diseases and their treatments are needed.
Friendly Skulls, Mechanical Bodies: Encounters with Cadavers in a Medical School in Egypt

Anatomy and cadavers trigger fear and produce contradictory responses. In these circumstances, allegedly Western models of learning and the exposure to death have to be appropriated to become viable. Furthermore, references to the religious and cultural backgrounds of students shape their responses. According to students, death is an event when the deceased acquires supernatural powers; thus, they take shield in religion to ward off potential dangers caused by spirits. The exposure to the interior of the body also produces heightened feelings of religiosity and perceiving the body as a miracle. Befriending skulls and body parts and giving them names are strategies to humanize dead bodies and render them familiar. However, in order to legitimize working with cadavers and the dissection of bodies, students tend to dehumanize cadavers and observe them as mechanical objects.
“Bitten By Shyness”: Menstrual Hygiene Management, Sanitation, and the Quest for Privacy in South Africa

ABSTRACT Little is known about how menstruation is managed in low-income settings and whether existing sanitation systems meet women’s needs. Using the ‘Photovoice’ method with 21 women in participatory workshops and in-depth interviews, we collected data on menstrual hygiene management in three sites in Durban, South Africa. All women reported using disposable sanitary pads. Although they were aware that disposable pads were nonbiodegradable, incompatible with waterborne flush systems, and fill up pit latrines, they had little experience with reusable products. Considerable energy was devoted to concealing and containing ‘menstrual waste,’ and women expressed concern about inadequate privacy during menstruation. All sites lacked discreet disposal options and reliable water access, while outdoor sanitation facilities were considered unsafe. Findings highlight the need for advocacy to improve safety and privacy of facilities for women in this setting.
Mobile Learning in a Rural Medical School: Feasibility and Educational Benefits in Campus and Clinical Settings

Students in a new medical school were provided with laptops. This study explored the feasibility and educational benefits of mobile learning for two cohorts of students learning in two settings—university campus (first-year students) and rural clinical placements (second-year students). Evaluation involved questionnaires, focus groups (faculty and students), and document analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Response rates for questionnaires exceeded 84%. Compared with second-year students, significantly more first-year students (60%) took their laptops to campus daily () and used their laptops for more hours each day (). All students used laptops most frequently to access the internet (85% and 97%) and applications (Microsoft Word (80% and 61%) and Microsoft PowerPoint (80% and 63%)). Focus groups with students revealed appreciation for the laptops but frustration with the initial software image. Focus groups with faculty identified enthusiasm for mobile learning but acknowledged its limitations. Physical infrastructure and information technology support influenced mobile learning. Document analysis revealed significant costs and issues with maintenance. If adequately resourced, mobile learning through university-issued laptops would be feasible and have educational benefits, including equitable access to learning resources, when and where they are needed. However, barriers remain for full implementation.
Editorial: Computers and Nurses: Are We There Yet?

Editorial Some of the statistics in this issue of the journal presented by authors Hudson, Campbell-Grossman, Keating-Lefler, and Cline (see “New Mothers Network: The Development of an Internet-based Social Support Intervention for African American Mothers”) gave me pause for thought: our patients and their families may be more “computer savvy” than their healthcare providers. A few additional statistics seem to support this conclusion.
Anger Correlated with Psychosocial Variables in Rural Youth

Uncontrolled anger is a contributing force in the three leading causes of adolescent death: homicide, suicide, and injuries. Anger may be one of the early warning signs which could lead to violent behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between anger experience and expression with the potential correlates of life events, perceived social support, self-esteem, optimism, drug use, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in rural adolescents. The participants (n = 193) were aged 14 to 17 years old in ninth through eleventh grades enrolled at three rural Western Pennsylvania public high schools. Participants completed nine questionnaires. Negative life events, anxiety, drug use, and depressive symptoms had significant positive correlations with anger. In addition, anger was found to have significant negative correlations with the adolescents' perceived family support, self-esteem, and optimism. With this knowledge, health promotion programs conducted by pediatric nurses can target anxiety, drug use, and depressive symptoms while bolstering family support, self-esteem, and optimism to promote anger management in adolescent health care.
Maternal Infection and Cerebral Palsy in Infants of Normal Birth Weight

early diagnosis indicated that the cost of detecting a patient was less with early detection than the cost of standardized tests, with few adverse effects. Early screening appeared, therefore, to convey significant nutritional and growth benefits to the child with CF, while being highly cost effective. Studies such as this one are essential in evaluating the benefits and costs of any type of universal screening. The authors are to be commended for a fine piece ofwork that required a significant effort. -A, ARS
Neuroendocrinology‐based therapy for Alzheimer's disease

The nervous system interacts directly with the endocrine system to control a plethora of central nervous system (CNS) functions. Metabolic and reproductive hormones are known to be important in the maintenance of neuronal health and their fluctuations are important for CNS aspects ranging from sleep and appetite regulation to cognitive function. This review will summarize and critically evaluate how age‐related changes in sex and metabolic hormones modulate affect cognitive function and the implications of targeting the neuroendocrinological system as a therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer's disease.
Sirtuin activators and inhibitors

Sirtuins 1‐7 (SIRT1‐7) belong to the third class of deacetylase enzymes, which are dependent on NAD+ for activity. Sirtuins activity is linked to gene repression, metabolic control, apoptosis and cell survival, DNA repair, development, inflammation, neuroprotection, and healthy aging. Because sirtuins modulation could have beneficial effects on human diseases there is a growing interest in the discovery of small molecules modifying their activities. We review here those compounds known to activate or inhibit sirtuins, discussing the data that support the use of sirtuin‐based therapies. Almost all sirtuin activators have been described only for SIRT1. Resveratrol is a natural compound which activates SIRT1, and may help in the treatment or prevention of obesity, and in preventing tumorigenesis and the aging‐related decline in heart function and neuronal loss. Due to its poor bioavailability, reformulated versions of resveratrol with improved bioavailability have been developed (resVida, Longevinex®, SRT501). Molecules that are structurally unrelated to resveratrol (SRT1720, SRT2104, SRT2379, among others) have been also developed to stimulate sirtuin activities more potently than resveratrol. Sirtuin inhibitors with a wide range of core structures have been identified for SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT3 and SIRT5 (splitomicin, sirtinol, AGK2, cambinol, suramin, tenovin, salermide, among others). SIRT1 inhibition has been proposed in the treatment of cancer, immunodeficiency virus infections, Fragile X mental retardation syndrome and for preventing or treating parasitic diseases, whereas SIRT2 inhibitors might be useful for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Synthesis, characterization, and determination of genotoxic effect of a novel dimeric 8-hydroxyquinoline Cd(II) SCN complex

Abstract In this study, a Cd(II) complex was synthesized using 8-hydroxyquinoline and thiocyanate as the ligands and structurally characterized with the combination of FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, UV–vis, and MS spectral data. Then, genotoxic effects of the prepared complex were investigated. Genotoxic properties of the dimeric 8-hydroxyquinolinthiocyanatoCd(II) [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] complex synthesized as drug raw material were analyzed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 μg/mL [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] were used for 24 and 48 h durations. [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] significantly increased chromosomal aberrations (CAs) at 4, 6, and 8 μg/mL concentrations after a 24- h period and 2 and 4 μg/mL after a 48-h period. [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI) at all concentrations, both at 24 and 48 h. Micronuclei frequency (MN) was not affected by [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] treatment compared with the control. After application for a 48 h period, 6 and 8 μg/mL concentrations showed toxic effects both in chromosomal abnormality and in micronucleus tests. It also decreased the cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI), but this result was statistically significant only at 6 and 8 μg/mL concentrations. In the comet assay (single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)), significant increases in comet tail length, tail moment, and tail intensity were observed at all concentrations. [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] displays clastogenic effect in the concentrations used in human peripheral lymphocytes at chromosomal abnormality, micronucleus tests, and cytokinesis-block proliferation index parameters. Further studies should be conducted in other test systems to evaluate the complete genotoxic potential of [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2].
Morphometric Study of Pterion in Dry Human Skull Bones of Nigerians

El pterion es un importante marcador del lado del craneo, ya que se superpone a la rama anterior de la arteria meningea media y a la cisura cerebral lateral por via intracraneal. El estudio se realizo para determinar el tipo de pterion y definir las distancias con algunas estructuras cercanas, en craneos humanos secos de nigerianos del Sur. Se utilizaron 50 craneos humanos sin informacion de sexo y edad, obtenidos de Universidades. Fueron observados y registrados los patrones suturales del pterion en ambos lados de cada craneo, basados en la descripcion de Murphy en 1956. Tambien se midieron las distancias del pterion hacia estructuras cercanas utilizando un caliper digital. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a analisis estadistico mediante estadistica descriptiva y prueba de chi cuadrado con el programa estadistico SPSS version 16. Un valor P<0,05 se considero significativo. El tipo mas comun de pterion en craneos de Nigeria fue esfenoparietal. No hubo asociacion significativa entre el lado del craneo y el tipo pterion. La distancia media del pterion a la sutura frontocigomatica fue 31,56±2,47 mm (al lado izquierdo = 31,08±2,24 mm, al derecho = 32,06±2,62 mm). La distancia media del pterion hasta el punto medio del arco cigomatico fue 39,87±3,16 mm (al lado izquierdo = 39,52±3,32 mm; al derecho = 40,22±2,98 mm). La distancia media del pterion a la glabela fue 77,51±4,08 mm (al lado izquierdo = 76,74±4,27 mm, al derecho = 78,27±3,77 mm). Esta informacion es util para la cirugia y antropologia, asi como tambien en la evaluacion de la ubicacion del pterion en restos arqueologicos incompletos o material forense.
Comparative contamination study with cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil and ifosfamide: standard technique versus a proprietary closed-handling system

Introduction. In 2003 more than 55 000 preparations of injectable hazardous drugs were made in the central admixture service of the University Hospital in Leuven, Belgium. According to the literature, surface contamination occurs, despite the use of special equipment and procedures. The objective of this study was to compare the surface and glove contamination with cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and fluorouracil, following preparation using either a standard admixture technique or the fully enclosed PhaSeal® system. Method. During a period of 4 months cyclophosphamide and fluorouracil were prepared with the PhaSeal® system. Following a period of 2 months using the classical technique, cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide were prepared for an 18-month period with the PhaSeal® system. Samples were taken before the start of the 4-month period, in the middle and at the end of the PhaSeal® period, 2 months after stopping PhaSeal® and again after 18 months of working with PhaSeal®. The total number of samples was 104. Results. For fluorouracil only one of the 14 surface samples was detectable, probably because the detection limit is too high. No differences between the results of the surface samples for cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide were detected. However, a rather big spill due to incorrect use of the system could have influenced these results. Differences in contamination on the gloves were more important. Conclusion. Good compliance with standard preparation and cleaning techniques results in equal levels of contamination on surfaces compared with the PhaSeal® system. However, the PhaSeal® system is an important improvement in reducing contamination on gloves.
Association of infections and tuberculosis with antitumor necrosis factor alpha therapy

Purpose of reviewRheumatoid arthritis patients have higher risk for infections due to comorbidities, underlying immunosuppresion and use of glucocorticoids and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. The association between treatment with antitumor necrosis factor alpha agents and serious infections, including opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, in rheumatoid arthritis patients remains controversial. We present recent literature on this topic with a focus on clinical applications of this new data. Recent findingsProspective cohort studies and population-based registries have described the incidence and risk of serious infections in large rheumatoid arthritis patient populations of antitumor necrosis factor alpha users. Although some studies have suggested a one and one-half to two-fold increased risk, especially immediately after initiating the treatment, not all have shown an elevated risk for serious bacterial infections or tuberculosis. SummaryAlthough antitumor necrosis factor alpha agents may be independent risk factors for infections there is an absolute low rate of infection in those treated with these agents (approximately 5 per 100 patient-years). Screening for latent tuberculosis with tuberculin skin testing is effective, and compliance with the recommendations for preventing this disease in recipients of antitumor necrosis factor alpha agents has partially decreased the risk of infections. Clinical suspicion toward developing infection in those being treated with antitumor necrosis factor alpha agents, particularly earlier in the treatment course, is important for effective management of patients.
Curcumin and obesity

Turmeric has been long recognized for its anti‐inflammatory and health‐promoting properties. Curcumin is one of the principal anti‐inflammatory and healthful components of turmeric comprising 2–8% of most turmeric preparations. Experimental evidence supports the activity of curcumin in promoting weight loss and reducing the incidence of obesity‐related diseases. With the discovery that obesity is characterized by chronic low‐grade metabolic inflammation, phytochemicals like curcumin which have anti‐inflammatory activity are being intensely investigated. Recent scientific research reveals that curcumin directly interacts with white adipose tissue to suppress chronic inflammation. In adipose tissue, curcumin inhibits macrophage infiltration and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) activation induced by inflammatory agents. Curcumin reduces the expression of the potent proinflammatory adipokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 (PAI‐1), and it induces the expression of adiponectin, the principal anti‐inflammatory agent secreted by adipocytes. Curcumin also has effects to inhibit adipocyte differentiation and to promote antioxidant activities. Through these diverse mechanisms curcumin reduces obesity and curtails the adverse health effects of obesity. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(1):78–87, 2013
Assessment of work related stress among female public service workers in Kaunas

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate work-related stress and its associations with the sense of coherence and psychosocial work characteristics.MethodsThe study sample was comprised of 484 employed women. The study evaluated independent variables, such as work-related psychosocial factors and the sense of coherence as well as work-related stress — which was the dependent variable.ResultsThe prevalence rates of behavioral, somatic, and cognitive stress among the respondents were found to be high −75.9%, 60.9%, and 63.4%respectively. The study showed that the prevalence rates of work-related demands were also high, but despite that, influence at work, possibilities for development, and the sense of coherence were found to be extremely weak. A strong association was found between the sense of coherence and all three stress factors — the odds ratio for behavioral stress was 24.69 (95% CI = 9.87−61.85), for somatic — 6 (95% CI = 3.38−10.65), and for cognitive — 16 (95% CI = 8.11−31.5). ConclusionThe study discovered a strong relationship between a weak sense of coherence and work-related stress. The relationship between adverse psychosocial work conditions and work-related stress was not strong — only high work demands and social support were found to be significant.
Effect of resveratrol on endothelial cell function: Molecular mechanisms

The polyphenolic natural product resveratrol (RV), best known for its occurrence in grape skin and red wine, is considered a candidate drug for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to summarize the molecular effects of RV on endothelial cells, which line the inner walls of blood vessels and play a key role in the development of those diseases. We describe how RV enhances endothelial nitric oxide production, improves endothelial redox balance and inhibits endothelial activation in response to pro‐inflammatory and metabolic insults. Furthermore, we summarize effects of RV on endothelial senescence, apoptosis, endothelin‐1 release, and endothelial progenitor cell function. As many of RV's actions seem to be mediated by SIRT1, different mechanistic possibilities how RV may lead to SIRT1 activation are discussed.
Reassessing serum urate targets in the management of refractory gout: can you go too low?

Purpose of reviewGrowing awareness of patients with refractory gout is prompting a reassessment of treatment strategy. This article reviews the current practice of targeting serum urate concentrations (sUA) in the mid-normal range (roughly 4–6 mg/dl) and considers the rationale for more aggressively lowering sUA in patients with poorly controlled chronic gout. Some hypothetical concerns with inducing hypouricemia are considered and relevant clinical evidence is evaluated. Recent findingsRecent studies confirm the benefits of modestly reducing sUA in many gout patients. However, tophi and tissue stores of monosodium urate crystals resolve slowly, particularly in patients with longstanding disease. Consistent with physicochemical principles, the rate of decrease in tophus size increases with a reduction in sUA concentration over a broad range. Reducing sUA to near or below 2 mg/dl can be achieved in some patients with current urate-lowering drugs, but new drugs now under investigation may be more effective. As a free radical scavenger, uric acid has been postulated to protect from oxidative stress. However, inherited disorders associated with profound, lifelong hypouricemia indicate that maintaining sUA near or below 2 mg/dl would probably be safe. SummaryTargeting low sUA could improve the elimination of tissue urate stores and achieve better control of disease in patients with refractory gout.
Clinical breast imaging using sound-speed reconstructions of ultrasound tomography data

To improve clinical breast imaging, a new ultrasound tomography imaging device (CURE) has been built at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. The ring array of the CURE device records ultrasound transmitted and reflected ultrasound signals simultaneously. We develop a bent-ray tomography algorithm for reconstructing the sound-speed distribution of the breast using time-of-flights of transmitted signals. We study the capability of the algorithm using a breast phantom dataset and over 190 patients' data. Examples are presented to demonstrate the sound-speed reconstructions for different breast types from fatty to dense on the BI-RADS categories 1-4. Our reconstructions show that the mean sound-speed value increases from fatty to dense breasts: 1440.8 m/ s (fatty), 1451.9 m/ s (scattered), 1473.2 m/ s(heterogeneous), and 1505.25 m/ s (dense). This is an important clinical implication of our reconstruction. The mean sound speed can be used for breast density analysis. In addition, the sound-speed reconstruction, in combination with attenuation and reflectivity images, has the potential to improve breast-cancer diagnostic imaging. The breast is not compressed and does not move during the ultrasound scan using the CURE device, stacking 2D slices of ultrasound sound-speed tomography images forms a 3D volumetric view of the whole breast. The 3D image can also be projected into a 2-D "ultrasound mammogram" to visually mimic X-ray mammogram without breast compression and ionizing radiation.