Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Translation and validation of restless leg syndrome quality of life questionnaire in Hindi language.

BACKGROUND Restless legs syndrome (RLS) itself as well as the problems that are secondary to RLS may worsen the quality of life. AIM The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLS-QOL) questionnaire in Hindi language. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS Patients attending psychiatry OPD and sleep clinic in a tertiary care teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty four consecutive patients of RLS and twenty nine control subjects were included in the study. Permission for translation and validation of RLS-QOL questionnaire scale was obtained. Translation was done according to the guidelines provided by the publisher. After translation, the final version of the scale was applied in both the groups to find the reliability and validity. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS SPSS, version 17.0 was used for the analysis. Independent sample t test was used to compare age. Chi-square test was applied to compare non-parametric variables. Pearson's and Spearman's correlations were used to find out the correlation between parametric and non-parametric items, respectively. Reliability analysis was done by using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS Among the RLS subjects, mean Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score, International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Rating Scale (IRLS) score and Computed Score of RLS-QOL questionnaire were 25.43 (7.39), 12.7 (8.34) and 29.8 (8.39), respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between both the groups on all these scores (ISI: t= -11.2, P<0.001, 95% CI= -22.62 to -15.76; IRLS: t = -8.1, P< 0.001, 95% CI =-15.81 to -9.58; RLS-QOL: t =-19.07, P<0.001 with 95% CI = -32.69,- 28.83). A significant correlation between ISI and RLS-QOL (r² = 0.59; P< 0.001) was seen. Most of the items also showed good correlation with each other. Internal consistency done by Cronbach's alpha showed good correlation (0.85). CONCLUSION Hindi version of the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLS-QOL) questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of the quality of life in patients with RLS.
Cellular and molecular chaperone fusion vaccines: Targeting resistant cancer cell populations

Abstract Molecular chaperone-based vaccines offer a number of advantages for cancer treatment. We have discussed the deployment of a vaccine prepared by gentle isolation of Hsp70 from tumour dendritic cell fusions (Hsp70 fusion vaccine). The vaccine was highly effective in triggering specific T cell immunity and in the treatment of tumour-bearing mice and the preparation was shown to retain an increased amount of tumour antigens compared to other chaperone-based isolates. This approach has the further advantage that tumour sub-populations could be used to prepare the Hsp70 fusion vaccine. Cellular fusion vaccines were made to specifically target drug-resistant cancer cells and tumour cell populations enriched in ovarian cancer stem cells (CSC). Such vaccines showed enhanced capacity to trigger T cell immunity to these resistant ovarian carcinoma populations. We have discussed the potential of using the cellular and Hsp70 fusion vaccine approaches in therapy of treatment-resistant cancer cells and its deployment in combination with ionising radiation or hyperthermia to enhance the effectiveness of both forms of therapy.
Biomechanical Properties of Fascial Tissues and Their Role as Pain Generators

ABSTRACT Objectives: To highlight the load bearing functions of fascial tissues and their proneness to micro tearing during physiological or excessive loading, to review histological evidence for a proprioceptive as well as nociceptive innervation of fascia, and to emphasize the potential role of injury, inflammation, and/or neural sensitization of the posterior layer of the human lumbar fascia in non-specific low back pain. Findings: In addition to a tensional load bearing function of tendons and ligaments, muscles transmit a significant portion of their force via their epimysia to laterally positioned tissues, such as to synergistic or antagonistic muscles. Fascial tissues are commonly used as elastic springs [catapult action] during oscillatory movements, such as walking, hopping, or running, in which the supporting skeletal muscles contract rather isometrically. They are prone to viscoelastic deformations such as creep, hysteresis, and relaxation. Such temporary deformations alter fascial stiffness and may take several hours for recovery. There is a gradual transition zone between reversible viscoelastic deformation and complete tissue tearing. Micro tearing of collagenous fibers and their interconnections have been documented in this zone. Fascia is densely innervated by myelinated nerve endings which are assumed to serve a proprioceptive function. These are Pacini [and paciniform] corpuscles, Golgi tendon organs, and Ruffini endings. In addition they are innervated by free endings, containing substance P, suggestive of a nociceptive function. New findings suggest that noicipetive activity of epimysial fasciae play a major role in delayed onset muscle soreness subsequent to repetitive concentric exercise. Conclusions: Fascial tissues serve important load bearing functions. The innervation of fascia indicates a sensory role as an organ for propriocepton, and also a potential nociceptive function. Micro tearing and/or inflammation of fascia can be a direct source of musculoskeletal pain. Fascia may be an indirect source of back pain.
Aspects of microbial contamination of tablets dispensed in hospitals and community pharmacies in Benin City, Nigeria

Purpose: A research was carried out to investigate the incidence of microflora in tablets dispensed from large container packages used in hospitals and community pharmacies. It was designed to provide baseline data on the common biodegrading microorganisms associated with tablets in retail containers and to highlight t he he alth implications of such ob servations and roles for pharmacists in self medication phenomenon in Nigeria. Methods: The protocol for the study involved structured selection of representative named tablets from some pub lic hospitals and community pharmacies within Benin metropolis. Constitutive microorganisms were elaborated and enumerated using standard microbiological protocols. Results: Our results showed that all the tablets sampled had some form of microbial growth. However, aerobic mesophilic bacteria and fungi observed were within standard numerical limits. It was additionally observed that ascorbic acid and folic acid tablets, particularly from the community pharmacies failed the exclusive criteria for Enterobactereacea and Staphylococci. Tablets from public hospitals in general have lower incidence of exclusive microbial contamination, compared with community pharmacies. Conclusion: Tablets packed in large containers in retail pharmacies in Benin City are often contaminated with microbial growth. This has possible adverse consequences for those who obtain drugs stored in large containers.
Radiographic and Computed Tomographic Anatomy of the Fetlock, Pastern and Coffin joints of the Manus of the Donkey (Equus asinus)

The digit of the donkey as a draught animal is commonly susceptible to much affection. The purpose of the present study was to provide a detailed anatomic reference of radiographic and computed tomographic images in conjunction with cross and sagittal sections of the normal fetlock, pastern and coffin joints of the donkey for anatomists, surgeons and veterinary students. Eight adult donkeys of both sexes free from any joints affection were used in our study. The digit of two donkeys had undergone radiographic and computed tomographic scanning; the other donkey’s specimens were used to anatomical dissection and sectional anatomy. In the computed tomography (CT) of the fetlock joint all bone structures of the joint appeared also the soft tissue structures that could be identified and evaluated on the different soft tissue window planes included the common digital extensor tendon, lateral digital extensor tendon, superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), straight, oblique, and cruciate distal sesamoidean and intersesamoidean ligaments. For the pastern joint the structures that can be identified including the proximal phalanx, DDFT and digital cushion. In the coffin joint the collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL) is difficult to identify on CT images.
Differential response of MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF 10A cells to hyperthermia, silver nanoparticles and silver nanoparticle-induced photothermal therapy

Abstract Purpose: Silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) can generate heat upon exposure to infrared light. The in vitro response of breast cell lines to Ag NP, both with and without nanoparticle-induced heating was evaluated. Materials and methods: Ag NP heat generation, intracellular silver concentration, and cell viability of MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and MCF 10A breast cells with Ag NP alone, or after exposure to 0.79 or 2.94 W/cm2 of 800 nm light were evaluated. Results: The concentration of Ag NP to induce sufficient heat for cell death, upon exposure to 800 nm light, was 5–250 μg/mL. Clonogenics assay indicates a cytotoxic response of MCF7 (45% decrease) and MDA-MB-231 (80% decrease) cells to 10 µg/mL, whereas MCF 10A had a 25% increase. Without Ag NP, MDA-MB-231 cells were more susceptible to hyperthermia, compared to MCF7 and MCF 10A cells. Clonogenics assay of Ag NP-induced photothermal ablation demonstrated that MCF 10A cells have the highest survival fraction. MCF7 cells had more silver in the cytoplasm, MDA-MB-231 cells had more in the nuclei, and MCF 10A cells had equivalent concentrations in the cytoplasm and nuclei. Conclusions: Ag NP are effective photothermal agents. A secondary benefit is the differential response of breast cancer cells to Ag NP-induced hyperthermia, due to increased intracellular silver content, compared to non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cells.
Anti-plasmodial and toxicological effects of methanolic bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidum in albino mice

The anti-plasmodial, hematological, serum biochemical and pathological effects ofChrysophyllum albidum methanolic bark extract were evaluated using Swiss albino male mice as models. The plant is used in Southern Nigeria as a remedy for malaria and yellow fever. The LD50 of the methanolic extract was 1850 mg/kg body weight. C. albidum methanolic bark extract (750 - 1500 mg/kg/day) exhibited significant (P 7 days) infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of chloroquine. The plant extract treated mice did not develop appreciable anemia. This observation shows that the methanolic extract of C. albidum contains anti-plasmodial substance(s) which help to reduce parasitaemia and hence the rate of erythrocyte destruction during infection. Organ and tissue pathology during infection was milder at low doses, compared to the untreated mice and insignificant at higher doses of the extract, showing that the extract is non-toxic. It also validates the local consumption of the extracts of C. albidum as an anti-malarial agent. Further studies need to be done to identify and characterize the active principles/substances in the extract. This study has implications in future development of antimalarial drugs with little or no cytotoxic effect. Key words: Chrysophyllum albidum, anti-plasmodial, haematology, serum biochemistry, organ pathology, albino mice.
Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia enhances radiation therapy: A study in mouse models of human prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose: We aimed to characterise magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (mNPH) with radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer. Methods: Human prostate cancer subcutaneous tumours, PC3 and LAPC-4, were grown in nude male mice. When tumours measured 150 mm3 magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) were injected into tumours to a target dose of 5.5 mg Fe/cm3 tumour, and treated 24 h later by exposure to alternating magnetic field (AMF). Mice were randomly assigned to one of four cohorts to characterise (1) intratumour MIONP distribution, (2) effects of variable thermal dose mNPH (fixed AMF peak amplitude 24 kA/m at 160 ± 5 kHz) with/without RT (5 Gy), (3) effects of RT (RT5: 5 Gy; RT8: 8 Gy), and (4) fixed thermal dose mNPH (43 °C for 20 min) with/without RT (5 Gy). MIONP concentration and distribution were assessed following sacrifice and tissue harvest using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Prussian blue staining, respectively. Tumour growth was monitored and compared among treated groups. Results: LAPC-4 tumours retained higher MIONP concentration and more uniform distribution than did PC3 tumours. AMF power modulation provided similar thermal dose for mNPH and combination therapy groups (CEM43: LAPC-4: 33.6 ± 3.4 versus 25.9 ± 0.8, and PC3: 27.19 ± 0.7 versus 27.50 ± 0.6), thereby overcoming limitations of MIONP distribution and yielding statistically significant tumour growth delay. Conclusion: PC3 and LAPC-4 tumours represent two biological models that demonstrate different patterns of nanoparticle retention and distribution, offering a model to make comparisons of these effects for mNPH. Modulating power for mNPH offers potential to overcome limitations of MIONP distribution to enhance mNPH.
Spinal metastasis subjected to photodynamic therapy: an update

Introduction This is a review of the evidence on the use of photodynamic therapy in the management of bone lesions in spinal metastasis. Materials and methods The literature was searched for relevant articles and the results were examined. The search included on-going trials that aim to tackle this disease. Results Eight studies were identified in the literature; none were applied on humans. Conclusion Photodynamic therapy is an effective modality in managing osteoblastic and/or osteolytic spinal bone metastasis. Evidence regarding the efficacy of this therapy suggests that it will have a leading role in interventional hard tissue oncology and thus we propose a technique for managing such pathology.
Long-term local control and survival after preoperative radiochemotherapy in combination with deep regional hyperthermia in locally advanced rectal cancer

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of deep regional hyperthermia on long-term local control and survival in locally advanced non-metastatic rectal cancer. Methods: In total 103 patients with locally advanced non-metastatic rectal cancer were treated preoperatively with either neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy alone (n = 43) or the same treatment with additional deep regional hyperthermia (n = 60). The two groups were compared with respect to local control, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and distant metastases-free survival (DMFS). Results: Patients receiving additional hyperthermia had excellent long-term local control with a 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of 98% compared with 87% in the radiochemotherapy only group (p = 0.09). Five-year rates for OS (88% versus 76%, p = 0.08), DFS (77% versus 73%, p = n.s.) and DMFS (75% versus 77%, p = n.s.) were not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion: Radiochemotherapy combined with hyperthermia results in excellent long-term local control.
Protecting the Next Generation

This study guides social marketing campaigns to increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young women by elaborating the health belief model (HBM). A self-administered, anonymous, web-based questionnaire was e-mailed to all entering female college students at a large, public university in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Findings elaborate the HBM constructs of perceived threat, benefits, barriers, and cues to action. Almost all participants had heard about the HPV vaccine and the majority of first-year students had received at least one shot in the vaccination series. Results expand understandings of perceived threat in relation to the HPV vaccine by explicating misinformation and knowledge gaps. Participants indicated that parents and physicians were their most trusted sources of vaccine information. Television and Internet cues to action were negatively associated with HPV vaccination among these women. Structural equation modeling results affirmed the HBM’s fit (comparative fit index = 0.935, normative fit index = 0.921, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.077). This finding suggests the importance of multimodal sources of information, expanding the dichotomous internal and external cues to action. Perceptions of vaccine safety remained a significant barrier to the uptake of HPV vaccination among participants. Racial disparities between White and non-White students could have a considerable impact on the established inequality in HPV vaccination rates in the United States. Results inform future social marketing campaign messages and strategies based on the HBM.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization for 1p, 19q status in a cohort of glial neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the following study is to determine 1p, 19q status in a cohort of glial neoplasms. materials and methods: Fluorescence in situ hybridization for determination of 1p, 19q deletions in 100 glial neoplasms diagnosed between January 2007 and March 2011, was performed using Vysis dual color probes localizing to 1p36/1q25; 19q13/19p13. RESULTS Out of the 100 tumors, 78 tumors were either pure oligodendroglial (OD) neoplasms or had an OD component. 1p and 19q codeletions were seen in 72.7% of oligodendrogliomas (World Health Organization [WHO] Grade II), 90.9% of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (WHO Grade III), 22.2% of mixed oligoastrocytomas (WHO Grade II) and 42.9% of the anaplastic oligoastrocytomas (WHO Grade III). Of the 29 tumors that were diagnosed as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), 11 had an OD component of which four showed codeletions of 1p and 19q (36.4%) and two tumors showed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification (20%) without 1p19q codeletions. Amongst the remaining 18 GBMs without an OD component, three cases showed EGFR amplification (16.7%), one case showed isolated deletion of 1p and none showed 1p19q codeletions. Polysomies involving 1p and/or 19q with or without deletions were seen in 76.9% of mixed oligoastrocytic tumors, 7.7% of pure OD tumors and one glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS 1p19q codeletion is an early molecular change in the genesis of OD tumors, which is retained at the time of progression. Mixed tumors more frequently show polysomies of 1p and 19q. The presence of codeletion in a third of the GBMs with an OD component with its absence in GBMs without an OD component, justifies categorization of these tumors as a separate entity.
The expression of disabled-2 is common reduced in meningiomas.

AIMS Disabled-2 (Dab2) is frequently down-regulated in several types of cancers. We examined the expression level of Dab2 in human meningiomas and meningioma cells, aimed to investigate its role in the oncogenesis and development of meningiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS Western blot analysis was employed to detect Dab2 expression in 90 fresh tissues of meningiomas, 10 leptomeninges and two kinds of human malignant meningioma cell lines. Independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson Chi-square test and likelihood ratio test were used to analyze the expression level of Dab2 and its relations to clinic-pathological characteristics of meningiomas. RESULTS Dab2 was significantly down-regulated in classic meningiomas than the atypical or anaplastic meningiomas. The reduced or loss of expression of Dab2 were significantly correlated with the lower classification of meningiomas and negatively correlated with the invasive ability of adjacent tissues. Furthermore, it was reduced or lost in malignant meningioma cell lines (IOMM-Lee and KT21-MG1). The lower classification of meningiomas correlated with previous comorbidities; not with the gender, age of patients and smoking. CONCLUSIONS Dab2 is expressed at variable level in meningiomas with different grade of malignancy and probably plays a pivotal role in the early stage of oncogenesis of malignant meningiomas.
Comparison of glycated albumin levels before and after periodontal treatment in type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis

Background: Periodontal disease is closely related to type 2 diabetes and is an important complication of diabetes. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of periodontal treatment on levels of blood glucose (Glu) and glycated albumin (GA) among patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease. Methods: A total of 150 patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease were selected and divided into two groups according to their GA levels. Group A was a well-controlled diabetic group and group B was uncontrolled. Their probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), the value of glucose and GA were analyzed before periodontal treatment and every two weeks in two months interval after. Results: There was a significant difference in periodontal condition between groups A and B (P <0.01). The periodontal condition for both groups was significantly (P <0.01) improved after periodontal therapy. The effect of treatment in group A was more pronounced than group B, and the difference was significant (P <0.01). After the periodontal treatment, Glu and GA were reduced significantly in both groups (P <0.05). Conclusion: Periodontal condition is related to the control of glucose level among patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease. Periodontal treatment can effectively reduce the level of glucose and GA as well as it improves the periodontal condition in type-2 diabetes patients with periodontal disease. Keywords: periodontal disease, type 2 diabetes, glycated albumin
Recurrence in medulloblastoma – Influence of clinical, histological and immunohistochemical factors

Introduction. The therapy for medulloblastomas has gone through several changes over the years. Research has shown that patients with medulloblastoma cannot be satisfactorily stratified into risk groups based on clinical and therapeutic factors alone. Aim. To study the clinical, histological features and expression of immunohistochemical markers in medulloblastoma, and to correlate these features with recurrence rates. Materials and methods. Sixty-three cases of medulloblastomas operated at our institute from 1996–2003 were selected and retrospectively analyzed for therapy received, histological features and immunohistochemical expression of GFAP, synaptophysin, erb B2, p53, Bcl-2 and Trk-C along with assessment of MIB-1 labeling index(LI). Results. The mean age of the 63 cases at presentation was 11.6 yrs. Near/Gross- total resection was achieved in 74.6% (47/63) of the cases. Conclusion. We propose a clinical-histological-immunohistochemical’ model for medulloblastoma where extent of resection, administration of chemotherapy, presence of gross anaplasia and c-erb B2 overexpression status are the most important predictors of recurrence rates.