Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ureterocystoplasty: the 'bladder' augmentation of choice.

OBJECTIVE To reduce the complications of enterocystoplasty by augmenting the bladder with a megaureter. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ureterocystoplasty was performed in eight children aged 20 months-15 years. Three had impaired renal function and three were in established chronic polyuric renal failure. RESULTS The seven older children were dry by day with clean intermittent catheterization and the youngest, at the age of 3 1/2 years, had a dry interval of 2 h after catheterization. The three children with polyuric renal failure required nocturnal catheterization or were wet at night. The post-operative urodynamics showed a significant improvement in all cases with abolition of detrusor instability in seven patients and a reduction in end filling pressure. Bladder volume increased from a mean of 100 ml (range 45-215) to 311 ml (range 150-450) (P = 0.01). There was no deterioration in renal function. CONCLUSION The early results of ureterocystoplasty compare favourably with those of enterocystoplasty without the risks of long-term metabolic and neoplastic complications.
Palliative radiotherapy utilization within a regional Australian palliative care unit.

BACKGROUND Palliative radiotherapy has been demonstrated to be efficacious for symptom management in advanced malignancy however there are limited data investigating its use for inpatient palliative care patients. The aim of the current paper was to evaluate the utilization of radiotherapy amongst patients admitted to a regional Australian palliative care unit (PCU). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was undertaken involving all Barwon Health PCU patients who received radiotherapy whilst an inpatient. A range of clinico-demographic, radiotherapy-specific and outcome measures were evaluated. Changes in opioid consumption were used as a surrogate for radiotherapy effectiveness. Demographic variables were analyzed descriptively and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were used to compare opioid consumption before and after radiotherapy at time points one week, two weeks and three weeks. RESULTS Sixty episodes of radiotherapy were provided to 51 PCU patients during the study period with 54 admissions included in the final analysis. Pain management was the commonest reason for radiotherapy treatment and most courses were multi-fractionated. Using the proportion of patients whose opioid dose decreased following radiotherapy as a marker for response, response rates ranged from 32-42%. Fortyeight percent of patients died during their PCU admission and the median survival from radiotherapy commencement was 36 days. CONCLUSIONS A small proportion of all patients admitted to PCU received radiotherapy. Almost half of patients died during their admission and radiotherapy response rates were lower than have been reported for all-comers. More research is needed to optimize the stratification of PCU patients for radiotherapy.
Preparation, Characterization, and Optimization of Folic Acid-Chitosan-Methotrexate Core-Shell Nanoparticles by Box-Behnken Design for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery

The objective of this study was to investigate the combined influence of independent variables in the preparation of folic acid-chitosan-methotrexate nanoparticles (FA-Chi-MTX NPs). These NPs were designed and prepared for targeted drug delivery in tumor. The NPs of each batch were prepared by coaxial electrospray atomization method and evaluated for particle size (PS) and particle size distribution (PSD). The independent variables were selected to be concentration of FA-chitosan, ratio of shell solution flow rate to core solution flow rate, and applied voltage. The process design of experiments (DOE) was obtained with three factors in three levels by Design expert software. Box-Behnken design was used to select 15 batches of experiments randomly. The chemical structure of FA-chitosan was examined by FTIR. The NPs of each batch were collected separately, and morphologies of NPs were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The captured pictures of all batches were analyzed by ImageJ software. Mean PS and PSD were calculated for each batch. Polynomial equation was produced for each response. The FE-SEM results showed the mean diameter of the core-shell NPs was around 304 nm, and nearly 30% of the produced NPs are in the desirable range. Optimum formulations were selected. The validation of DOE optimization results showed errors around 2.5 and 2.3% for PS and PSD, respectively. Moreover, the feasibility of using prepared NPs to target tumor extracellular pH was shown, as drug release was greater in the pH of endosome (acidic medium). Finally, our results proved that FA-Chi-MTX NPs were active against the human epithelial cervical cancer (HeLa) cells.
Design, Development, and Mobility Evaluation of an Omnidirectional Mobile Robot for Rough Terrain

Omnidirectional vehicles have been widely applied in several areas, but most of them are designed for the case of motion on flat, smooth terrain, and are not feasible for outdoor usage. This paper presents the design and development of an omnidirectional mobile robot that possesses high mobility in rough terrain. The omnidirectional robot consists of a main body with four sets of mobility modules, called an active split offset caster (ASOC). The ASOC module has independently driven dual wheels that produce arbitrary planar translational velocity, enabling the robot to achieve its omnidirectional motion. Each module is connected to the main body via a parallel link with shock absorbers, allowing the robot to conform to uneven terrain. In this paper, the design and development of the ASOC‐driven omnidirectional mobile robot for rough terrain are described. A control scheme that considers the kinematics of the omnidirectional mobile robot is presented. The mobility of the robot is also evaluated experimentally based on a metric called the ASOC mobility index. The mobility evaluation test clarifies a design tradeoff between terrain adaptability and omnidirectional mobility due to the shock absorbers. In addition, an odometry improvement technique that can reduce position estimation error due to wheel slippage is proposed. Experimental odometry tests confirmed that the proposed technique is able to improve the odometry accuracy for sharp‐turning maneuvers.
Health attitudes and suicidal ideation among university students

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether positive health attitudes are associated with suicidal ideation among university students after accounting for other health risk factors linked to suicidal ideation. Participants: Participants were 690 undergraduates from a large midwestern university during fall semester 2011. Methods: Participants reported demographics and health characteristics. Regression models compared individuals who reported suicidal ideation and those who did not. Results: In unadjusted models, suicidal ideation was significantly negatively associated with positive health attitudes, and positively associated with depression, drug use problems, sleep problems, and being overweight. In adjusted models, more positive health attitudes continued to be significantly negatively associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusions: This study suggests a link between positive health attitudes and lower probability of suicidal ideation. Additional research is needed to assess enhancing general health attitudes as a suicide prevention effort.
A model system for the evaluation of the role of cholesterol -oxide in ultraviolet carcinogenesis.

Summary Cholesterol α-oxide (cholestan-5α,6α-epoxy-3β-ol), known to be carcinogenic, was formed in the skin of hairless mice in response to UV radiation. The levels of compound formed were dose dependent. Three criteria, namely, comparable effects by both the primary incitant (ultraviolet light) and cholesterol α-oxide, the same predisposing specificity, and a direct relationship between the ability of the primary incitant to form tumors and produce cholesterol α-oxide, are suggested as the minimum required to establish a causal involvement of this compound in the etiology of UV carcinogenesis.
Self-Defined Short Channel Formation With Micromolded Separator and Inkjet-Printed Source/Drain Electrodes in OTFTs

We demonstrated fabrication of self-defined short channel using inkjet printing and micromolding in capillary (MIMIC) methods. Self-defined source/drain electrodes were successfully formed when silver ink drops were printed on a silicon dioxide/p+ heavily doped silicon substrate having a prepatterned narrow high-aspect-ratio hydrophobic teflon separator made by MIMIC. We fabricated well-defined channel region of pentacene organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) with 5 and 10 μm channel lengths, which showed good mobilities of 0.1 ~ 0.2 cm2/V · s. Characteristics of the fabricated OTFTs were also analyzed in accordance with channel length and surface wetting properties.
The physics of endoluminal stenting in the treatment of cerebrovascular aneurysms

Abstract Endovascular stenting of aneurysms offers potential advantages over surgical clipping. Stenting is minimally invasive, and with the implementation of rapidly developing micro and nano technologies, it will in the future be possible to deploy stents in more remote locations of the cerebrovasculature. The key advantage of stenting is that in addition to impeding flow into the aneurysm, it provides the parent artery with a scaffold over which the artery can remodel. However, for a stent to be effective in this goal, it must be tailored to the local hemodynamics at the aneurysm site. This paper is a review of the qualitative and quantitative in vitro and in vivo experimentation as well as computer simulations that have been performed to elucidate the effects of various stent design parameters and the prevailing parent vessel hemodynamics on intra-aneurysmal flow patterns. Our results in numerous studies have shown that stenting substantially alters intra-aneurysmal flow. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that techniques have been developed in order to assess the efficacy of the stent in promoting intra-aneurysmal flow stagnation, thus creating the potential to optimize the device design for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. [Neurol Res 2002; 24: S33-S42]
ULTRAFILTRATION OF RECENTLY ISOLATED NEUROTROPIC VIRUSES

Among the several filtrable agents encountered in Africa and South America by Rockefeller Foundation staff members and their co-workers, 11 have proved to be separate and distinct viral entities (Smithburn, 1952; Kerr, 1952). Since early in 1949 a number of workers have been engaged in systematic investigation of these agents. The present paper reports the studies of their size by means of ultrafiltration. The origins of all the agents included in the study have been listed in previous reports (Smithburn, 1952; Dick and Haddow, 1952; Dick et al., 1952). The viruses are the following: Semliki forest and Kumba (East and West African strains which appear to be identical), Bwamba fever, West Nile, Bunyamwera, Ntaya, Zika, Uganda S, Anopheles A, Anopheles B, Wyeomyia, Ilehus, and Mengo. The last is identical with encephalomyocarditis virus, the size of which had been investigated previously by ultrafiltration (Warren, 1952). Inclusion of the Mengo strain in the present study afforded a comparison of our results with those of others obtained with collodion membranes prepared and calibrated in a different manner. The collodion membranes used in the present experiments were prepared and calibrated by the methods described by Bugher (1953).
Self Esteem, Locus of Control and Multidimensional Perfectionism as the Predictors of Subjective Well Being.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between self-esteem, locus of control and multidimensional perfectionism, and the extent to which the variables of self-esteem, locus of control and multidimensional perfectionism contribute to the prediction of subjective well-being. The study was carried out with 318 final year (fourth grade) university students. Subjective Well-Being Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Rotter Internal External Locus of Control Scale and Multi-Dimensional Perfectionism Scale were used in the study. Correlation Coefficient of Pearson Moments and Gradual Regression Analysis were used in the analysis of the data. As a consequence, it was determined that there is a positive relationship between subjective well-being and self-esteem, and a negative relationship between subjective well-being and locus of control and multi-dimensional perfectionism. Also, it was observed that the variables of self-esteem, locus of control and multidimensional perfectionism significatly predict subjective well-being.
Associations of obesity, physical activity and diet with benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms

Purpose of review Epidemiological and clinical data indicate that modifiable lifestyle factors – including obesity, physical activity, and diet – significantly influence the risks of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Recent findings Modifiable factors associated with significantly increased risks of symptomatic BPH and LUTS include obesity and consumption of meat and fat. Factors associated with decreased risks include increased physical activity, vegetable consumption, and moderate alcohol intake. Obesity potentially attenuates the clinical efficacy of 5&agr;-reductase inhibitors (5-ARI). Randomized clinical trials of lifestyle alterations – such as weight loss, exercise, and diet – for the prevention or treatment of BPH and LUTS have yet to be performed. Summary Obesity, physical activity, and diet substantially alter the risks of symptomatic BPH and LUTS. 5-ARIs exhibit diminished efficacy in obese patients. Although clinical trials of lifestyle modifications have yet to be undertaken, it is reasonable to promote weight loss, exercise, and healthy diet within the context of standard treatments for symptomatic BPH and LUTS.
The psychological impact of diagnostic food challenges to confirm the resolution of peanut or tree nut allergy

Twenty percent of children outgrow peanut allergy and 10% outgrow tree nut allergy. Resolution can be confirmed by a food challenge. Little is known about the psychosocial impact of the challenge. We aimed to investigate effects of a food challenge on anxiety, stress and quality of life (QoL) in children and their mothers on the day of a food challenge to peanuts or nuts, and in the months following the challenge.
Platelet Function in ITP, Independent of Platelet Count, Is Consistent Over Time and Is Associated with Both Current and Subsequent Bleeding Severity

Abstract Background Treatment decisions for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are difficult because patients with similarly low platelet counts differ in their bleeding tendency. We recently reported that platelet function tests, independent of platelet count, are associated with concurrent bleeding severity, suggesting that these tests may be useful indicators of future bleeding in ITP. Objectives To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the consistency of these platelet function tests over time and their association with subsequent bleeding severity. Methods Bleeding score and platelet biomarkers were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of children with ITP at two visits separated by a median of 10 months. Results and Conclusions Correlations between Visit 1 and Visit 2 results for immature platelet fraction, circulating and agonist-stimulated platelet surface P-selectin, and activated GPIIb–IIIa and GPIbα indicated consistency of the platelet phenotype over time. Consistent with our previous findings, platelet biomarkers at each visit were significantly associated with the concurrent bleeding score. Furthermore, increased P-selectin on circulating platelets and reduced agonist-stimulated P-selectin and activated GPIIb–IIIa-positive platelets at Visit 1 were significantly associated with bleeding scores at Visit 2 and remained significantly associated with bleeding severity after adjustment for platelet count. These results suggest a mechanistic link between desensitization of agonist receptors and increased bleeding severity. In summary, platelet function in ITP, independent of platelet count, is consistent over time and is associated with both concurrent and subsequent bleeding severity. These findings support further evaluation of platelet function testing to help guide patient management in ITP.
Effects of Three Penetration Enhancers on Transcorneal Permeation of Cyclosporine

Purpose. To investigate the permeation of cyclosporin A (CsA) through fresh and frozen human corneas in the presence and absence of three penetration enhancers: benzalkonium chloride (BZCl), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and Cremophor-EL. Methods. Human corneas, unsuitable for transplantation, were either freshly used for permeability experiments or snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −85°C. CsA permeation through either fresh or thawed frozen corneal tissue was determined using a flow-through diffusion apparatus (20°C for 24 hours). Flux rates for CsA were determined in the presence and absence of the penetration enhancers 0.01% BZCl, 20% DMSO, and Cremophor-EL (10% and 20%). Analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple-range test were used to test for steady state, and an unpaired Student t test with Welch's correction was used to test for differences between the mean flux values at each time point. A significance level of 5% was used for all of the statistical tests. Results. No statistically significant differences in flux values of CsA could be detected between fresh and frozen corneas. In the presence of Cremophor-EL (10% and 20%) and 0.01% BZCl, statistically significant increases in flux values of CsA before 16 hours and after 16 hours, respectively, could be observed. In the presence of 20% DMSO, no statistically significant increases in flux values could be detected. Conclusions. The permeation of CsA through human corneas appeared to be enhanced by the presence of BZCl and Cremophor-EL. Additionally, it was shown that the flux rate of CsA across fresh and frozen corneas was not significantly different.
Intra‐ and inter‐centre standardisation of thromboelastography (TEG®)

Thromboelastography is used for assessment of coagulation and to guide administration of blood products peri‐operatively. There is currently no method of standardisation in the UK, nor an approved method of proving quality. We investigated the reproducibility of thromboelastography by testing whole blood with no coagulation abnormality in three phases. Where a single operator performed multiple assays on the same blood sample at a single location, we found considerable variation, with 21% of R‐ and 25% of K‐time measurements lying outside a set tolerance range (median ± 20%). Where samples were analysed by different operators in a single location, this finding was repeated. Where blood was transported in a citrated form for simultaneous analysis in multiple locations, results were more consistent, suggesting improved stability. Across all phases of testing there was good reproducibility of the maximum amplitude. Further examination of the results indicated less variation where analysis was performed on blood taken from the same kaolin vial compared with results from different vials. Our preliminary study indicates that R‐ and K‐times may be highly variable, which we hypothesise may be due to variable mixing of blood and kaolin. We intend to repeat this study in the context of coagulopathy, where variability in results could potentially impact upon transfusion practice.
Retinoblastoma and long arm deletion of chromosome 13. Attempts to define the deleted segment

A girl with retinoblastoma, mild psychomotor retardation, bifid uvula and clinodactyly of the fifth fingers is described. A chromosome analysis revealed a long arm deletion of a D chromosome. An autoradiographic analysis, as well as G‐ and Q‐banding analyses indicated a 13q‐ chromosome. Measurements of length, surface and relative reflection of the different light and dark bands in the normal and abnormal chromosome 13 pointed to an interstitial deIetion, mainly of band q21 (46, XX, de1(13) (pter→q14:: q22→qter) The chromosome findings and the clinical features of the patient are discussed and compared with other reported cases.
Spectrum of epilepsy in neurocysticercosis: a long‐term follow‐up of 143 patients

To characterize the clinical profile and the prognostic factors of the epilepsy due to parenchymal neurocysticercosis (NCC) 143 patients were analysed. Patients (62 men, 81 women) had a mean age at epilepsy onset of 29 years (range 2‐71), mean epilepsy duration of 16 years (range 1‐58) and mean follow‐up of 5.2 years. Seizures were generalised tonic‐clonic (GTC) in 50 patients (35%), simple partial (SP) in 66 (46%) and complex partial (CP) in 27 (19%). Epilepsy began as a single seizure in 73% and as a cluster of seizures or status epilepticus in 27%. Seizures were controlled in 64% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that significant prognostic factors associated with seizure control were type of seizures and age at epilepsy onset. Control is more likely in GTC and SP seizures and in patients with a higher age at seizures onset. Our analysis establishes that epilepsy due to NCC is a heterogeneous syndrome concerning age and mode of onset, seizure type, duration of epilepsy and pattern of evolution probably related with different pathogenic mechanisms.
A Cautionary Note on Data Sources for Evidence-Based Clinical Decisions: Warfarin and Stroke Prevention

Background. Stroke risk in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation can be reduced by warfarin or aspirin; the choice of therapy requires the assessment of risks and benefits. The authors compared methods of risk assessment and their implications for risk communication and treatment. Methods. Stroke risk was compared in 193 patients with atrial fibrillation using the Framingham equation; an atrial fibrillation—specific Framingham equation; the Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes and Stroke (CHADS2) score; the Stroke Prevention and Atrial Fibrillation (SPAF) scheme; and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines. Treatment guidance from SIGN, a simple prediction rule, and a decision analytical approach was compared. In the latter, patients were classified as risk too low to benefit from warfarin if the risk of cerebral bleeding on warfarin approximated to, or exceeded, thromboembolic stroke risk reduction. Results. Framingham equations gave lower stroke risks overall than SIGN or SPAF. CHADS2 was intermediate. Using SIGN, warfarin would be given to all 103 patients without a history of stroke/transient ischemic attack and for whom warfarin was not contraindicated but only to 73 patients using the simple prediction rule and 48 patients using the decision analysis. Conclusion. Community-based cohorts give lower stroke risk estimates than CHADS2; both give lower estimates than schemes from control groups from randomized controlled trials. Using community-derived risks would lead to fewer patients being treated with warfarin than guidance derived from randomized controlled trial controls, which may lead to many low-risk patients being treated with high-risk therapy. This raises the debate about appropriate sources of data for risk assessment to support risk communication and effective clinical decisions.