Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of two methods of reflexology and stretching exercises on the severity of restless leg syndrome among hemodialysis patients

Background: Restless leg syndrome prevalence is high among the patients undergoing hemodialysis. Due to several side effects of medicational treatments, the patients prefer non-medicational methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of two methods of reflexology and stretching exercises on the severity of restless leg syndrome among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial that was done on 90 qualified patients undergoing hemodialysis in selected hospitals of Isfahan, who were diagnosed with restless leg syndrome through standard restless leg syndrome questionnaire. They were randomly assigned by random number table to three groups: Reflexology, stretching exercises, and control groups through random allocation. Foot reflexology and stretching exercises were conducted three times a week for 30–40 min within straight 4 weeks. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses [one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t-test, and least significant difference (LSD) post hoc test]. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean scores of restless leg syndrome severity between reflexology and stretching exercises groups, compared to control (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two study groups (P < 0.001). Changes in the mean score of restless leg syndrome severity were significantly higher in reflexology and stretching exercises groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001), but it showed no significant difference between reflexology massage and stretching exercises groups. Conclusions: Our obtained results showed that reflexology and stretching exercises can reduce the severity of restless leg syndrome. These two methods of treatment are recommended to the patients.
[Cyclosporine induced gingival hyperplasia in kidney transplants].

OBJECTIVE Assess the influence of cyclosporine on the gingival growth of 60 patients with kidney transplant through a research carried out at the Hospital Cajuru in Curitiba, (April to October of 2002). METHODS Regardless of age, gender, ethnic or social condition, all patients received cyclosporine daily and had, at least, one dental segment. They monthly returned to the Hospital for medical control and for several laboratory exams, among them the cyclosporine serum level. This permitted observation of these cases, especially with respect to the reaction of gingival growth. Clinical dental exams of the patients comprised filling out a form on their personal data, height and weight and number of dental segments. Also an observation of the degree of the gingival and bacterial plaque index was recorded. These data were treated statistically. RESULTS Of the patients treated only with cyclosporine, 47.2% showed no alterations of the gingival structure while 52.8% presented gingival growth, of them 33.3% with a > 2 degree. Of the patients treated with both cyclosporine and nifedipine, 33.3% had a normal gingiva and 66.7% presented gingival growth. In 45.8% of them, the alteration was of > 2 degree, with no significant difference between results of the male and female patients. A positive correlation between excess fat and the corrected cyclosporine dose and serum concentration per unit of Body Mass Index was found, also between excess fat and the bacterial plaque index. A significant association between the extent of increased gingival growth and the bacterial plaque index was also observed. CONCLUSION Use of cyclosporine when associated with nifedipine brings about an increase of gingival growth.
Tumor necrosis factor in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases

Objectives: To review the immunologic role of the cytokines and the specific role that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays in response to infection. The influence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide on TNF, the cytokine cascade, and resultant pathologies are also reviewed. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search of the international English language literature from 1960 to the present was reviewed, but data from the past 5 yrs primarily formed the basis for this review. Study Selection: Those studies detailing the interaction of lipopolysaccharide, TNF, and other cytokines, and their roles in combating infection were emphasized. Investigations that described animal and human results served as the primary database. Data Extraction: Animal studies were selected based on the relevance of the model to the pathogenesis of the human clinical syndrome. Where they provided supportive evidence, patient studies were selected on the basis of study design. Data Synthesis: TNF plays a key role in the normal immune response to infection, limiting the spread of pathogens. Exaggerated physiologic responses occur under the influence of high concentrations of TNF that are released in response to overwhelming infection, resulting in aberrations in coagulation, cell adhesion, chemotaxis/transmigration, and vascular integrity. These pathologic effects may be inhibited by anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies and recombinant soluble receptor inhibitory proteins. Conclusions: TNF exerts both physiologic and pathologic effects in response to infection; these events may lead to organ dysfunction and death. Anti-TNF therapies appear to attenuate the injurious effects of TNF. (Crit Care Med 1993;21:S423-S435)
Comparison of the in vitro and in vivo degradations of silk fibroin scaffolds from mulberry and nonmulberry silkworms

Degradation behavior is very important in the field of silk-based biomaterials. Mulberry and nonmulberry silk fibroins are structurally and functionally distinguishable; however, no studies have examined the differences in the degradation behaviors of silk materials from various silkworm species. In this study, Ca(NO3)2 was used as a uniform solvent to obtain regenerated mulberry and nonmulberry (Antheraea pernyi and Antheraea yamamai) silk fibroin (SF) solutions, and the degradation behaviors of various SF scaffolds were examined. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that regenerated mulberry SF scaffolds exhibited significantly higher mass loss and free amino acid content release than did nonmulberry SF scaffolds. The differences in the primary structures and condensed structures between mulberry and nonmulberry SF contributed to the significant difference in degradation rates, in which the characteristic (–Ala–)n repeats, compact crystal structure and high α-helix and β-sheet contents make nonmulberry SF more resistant than mulberry SF to enzymatic degradation. Moreover, the Antheraea pernyi and Antheraea yamamai SFs possess similar primary structures and condensed structures, although a slight difference in degradation was observed; this difference might depend on the differences in molecular weight following the regeneration process. The results indicate that the original sources of SF significantly influence the degradation rates of SF-based materials; therefore, the original sources of SF should be fully considered for preparing tissue engineering scaffolds with matched degradation rates.
Twelve‐Month Follow‐Up of a Randomized Trial Assessing Cooled Radiofrequency Denervation as a Treatment for Sacroiliac Region Pain

The objective of this study was to report the long‐term outcomes of cooled radiofrequency (CRF) lateral branch neurotomy (LBN) as a treatment for sacroiliac (SI) region pain. Whereas the 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, and 9‐month outcomes of this procedure compared to sham treatment were previously reported, this current report shows the 12‐month outcomes of CRF/LBN treatment for SI region pain.
Rapid, stimulation‐induced reduction of C12‐resorufin in motor nerve terminals: linkage to mitochondrial metabolism

The Alamar blue (resazurin) assay of cell viability monitors the irreversible reduction of non‐fluorescent resazurin to fluorescent resorufin. This study focused on the reversible reduction of C12‐resorufin to non‐fluorescent C12‐dihydroresorufin in motor nerve terminals innervating lizard intercostal muscles. Resting C12‐resorufin fluorescence decreased when the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) was accelerated with carbonyl cyanide m‐chloro phenyl hydrazone, and increased when ETC activity was inhibited with cyanide. Trains of action potentials (50 Hz for 20–50 s), which reversibly decreased NADH fluorescence and partially depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, produced a reversible decrease in C12‐resorufin fluorescence which had a similar time course. The stimulation‐induced decrease in C12‐resorufin fluorescence was blocked by inhibitors of ETC complexes I, III, and IV and by carbonyl cyanide m‐chloro phenyl hydrazone, but not by inhibiting mitochondrial ATP synthesis with oligomycin. Mitochondrial depolarization and the decreases in C12‐resorufin and NADH fluorescence depended on Ca2+ influx into the terminal, but not on vesicular transmitter release. These results suggest that the reversible reduction of C12‐resorufin in stimulated motor nerve terminals is linked, directly or indirectly, to the reversible oxidation of NADH and to Ca2+ influx into mitochondria, and provides an assay for rapid changes in motor terminal metabolism.
Umbilical artery catheter blood sampling decreases cerebral blood volume and oxygenation in very low birthweight infants

The aim of this study was to assess whether blood sampling from umbilical artery catheters reduces cerebral blood volume and cerebral oxygenation in very low birthweight infants. A total of 20 infants, median birthweight 890 g (530‐1500 g), median gestation age 26 +4 wk (range: 22 +5 to 30 +6 wk) were studied from 10min before until 10min after routine blood sampling from umbilical artery catheters placed in the high position. Using near infrared spectroscopy, changes in concentrations of cerebral oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin were measured, and changes in cerebral blood volume and cerebral oxygenation index were calculated. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 were registered continuously. Mean arterial blood pressure was measured before and after sampling. Oxygenated haemoglobin decreased significantly from baseline during blood sampling, whereas deoxygenated haemoglobin did not change significantly. This resulted in a decrease in cerebral blood volume and cerebral oxygenation index. Heart rate increased slightly, but significantly, from baseline. Oxygen saturation, blood pressure, transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 did not change significantly.
Impulse magnetic stimulation facilitates synaptic regeneration in rats following sciatic nerve injury☆

The current studies describing magnetic stimulation for treatment of nervous system diseases mainly focus on transcranial magnetic stimulation and rarely focus on spinal cord magnetic stimulation. Spinal cord magnetic stimulation has been confirmed to promote neural plasticity after injuries of spinal cord, brain and peripheral nerve. To evaluate the effects of impulse magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord on peripheral nerve regneration, we compressed a 3 mm segment located in the middle third of the hip using a sterilized artery forceps to induce ischemia. Then, all animals underwent impulse magnetic stimulation of the lumbar portion of spinal crod and spinal nerve roots daily for 1 month. Electron microscopy results showed that in and below the injuryed segment, the inflammation and demyelination of neural tissue were alleviated, apoptotic cells were reduced, and injured Schwann cells and myelin fibers were repaired. These findings suggest that high-frequency impulse magnetic stimulation of spinal cord and corresponding spinal nerve roots promotes synaptic regeneration following sciatic nerve injury.
Isoniazid vs. Rifampin for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Jail Inmates

This open-label randomized trial compared isoniazid (9 months) to rifampin (4 months) on toxicity and completion in a jailed population with latent tuberculosis infection. Rifampin resulted in fewer elevated liver function tests (risk ratio [RR] 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.18, 0.86]) and less toxicity requiring medication withdrawal (RR 0.51, 95% CI [0.13, 2.01]), although one participant receiving rifampin experienced an allergic reaction. Completion was achieved for 33% receiving rifampin compared to 26% receiving isoniazid (p = .10). With careful monitoring rifampin is a safe and less toxic regimen and appears to be a reasonable alternative because of its shorter duration, allowing more people to complete treatment behind bars. Therapy completion in released inmates is unacceptably low and ensuring follow-up after discharge must be part of a decision to treat.
Influence of indomethacin on the haemodynamic effects of lipopolysaccharide in rats

Summary— This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin on the time course of the haemodynamic effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intravenous infusion (10 mg·kg−1·h−1) in anaesthetized rats. LPS infusion produced a rapid (within 10 min) and prolonged (over the 90 min observation period) fall in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and a decrease in the pressor responses to noradrenaline (NA, 0.1, 0.3 and 1 μg·kg−1, intravenously [iv]) elicited 60 and 90 min after the onset of LPS infusion. Indomethacin (7 mg·kg−1 iv 30 min prior to the onset of saline or LPS infusion), which by itself did not affect basal MABP nor reactivity to NA in control rats, significantly attenuated the fall in MABP observed within 20 min after the onset of LPS infusion (but did not significantly modify the hypotension observed between 30 and 90 min). Indomethacin also completely prevented the hyporeactivity to NA observed 60 min after the onset of LPS infusion, but it did so only partially at 90 min. Aortic rings removed from LPS or LPS + indomethacin‐treated rats showed an identical profile of contractile reactivity (hyporesponsiveness to NA, relaxation to L‐arginine, and restoration of the contractile response by methylene blue). These results suggest that in this model, cyclooxygenase products are involved in the early haemodynamic effects of LPS. However, they do not seem to play an obligatory role in the onset of longer term haemodynamic changes.
Performance and durability of leading flexible ureteroscopes.

PURPOSE The role of ureteronephroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of upper-tract disease has expanded dramatically in recent years with technological advances. In a study involving 14 urologists, we measured the practical performance and durability of the most common commercially available flexible ureteroscopes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six commercially available flexible ureteroscopes (Circon-ACMI DUR 8, ACMI DUR 8-Elite, Storz 11274AA, Wolf 7325.172-7.5Fr, Wolf 7330.072-9.0 Fr, Olympus URF-P3) were used consecutively 102 times over a 7-month period. Comparative data, including preoperative and postoperative maximal deflection angles and luminosity, were accumulated, as well as a survey of insertion methods, irrigation methods, instruments used in the working channel, visibility, maneuverability, and overall satisfaction. Maintenance records were analyzed to evaluate the need or reason for repair. RESULTS Overall satisfaction, visibility, luminosity, and maneuverability were similar for all instruments. The ACMI DUR-8 Elite scored slightly higher than the others, but the difference was not statistically significant. Ureteroscopes were used an average of 10 to 34 times between breakages. The ACMI DUR-8 and DUR-8 Elite instruments had a higher durability score than the others, but with significantly more uses. Channel perforation by a laser fiber was the predominant cause of ureteroscope breakage. CONCLUSIONS All ureteroscopes performed similarly by objective and subjective criteria. The largest and newest instruments were significantly more durable than the smaller ones, even in the hands of numerous endoscopists. This finding has significant implications for the cost-effectiveness of the various ureteroscopes.
Ultrasound Measurement of the Gallbladder Wall Thickness in the Assessment of the Risk of Conversion from Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy to Open Surgery - Olkusz County Experience.

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of intraoperative difficulties, conversion and biliary-intestinal fistula during laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the basis of an ultrasound-measured gall-bladder wall thickness. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective study was conducted in 50 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic gallstone-induced cholecystitis. To calculate the relationships between categorical variables, a chi-square (χ2) independence test was used, and the results were interpreted for the significance threshold of α = 0.05. RESULTS The relationship between the gall-bladder wall thickness and the occurrence of intraoperative difficulties in the analysed set is deterministic (AUC = 1), and the wall thickness of ≥ 5 mm allows to predict their occurrence as soon as at the stage of diagnostic evaluation (p < 0.001). In addition, the ultrasound-measured GB wall thickness is a good predictor of conversion (AUC = 0.976; 95% CI 0.444-0.975; p < 0.001) and biliary-intestinal fistula (AUC = 0.935; 95% CI 0.121-0.738; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results allow prediction of technically difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies in patients with CCh, and selection of the right surgical team helps to reduce the number of conversions and possible complications. In addition, bearing in mind the above results in everyday practice should facilitate planning and increase effectiveness in the operating room.
PBX/extradenticle is required to re-establish axial structures and polarity during planarian regeneration

Recent advances in a number of systems suggest many genes involved in orchestrating regeneration are redeployed from similar processes in development, with others being novel to the regeneration process in particular lineages. Of particular importance will be understanding the architecture of regenerative genetic regulatory networks and whether they are conserved across broad phylogenetic distances. Here, we describe the role of the conserved TALE class protein PBX/Extradenticle in planarians, a representative member of the Lophotrocozoa. PBX/Extradenticle proteins play central roles in both embryonic and post-embryonic developmental patterning in both vertebrates and insects, and we demonstrate a broad requirement during planarian regeneration. We observe that Smed-pbx has pleiotropic functions during regeneration, with a primary role in patterning the anterior-posterior (AP) axis and AP polarity. Smed-pbx is required for expression of polarity determinants notum and wnt1 and for correct patterning of the structures polarized along the AP axis, such as the brain, pharynx and gut. Overall, our data suggest that Smed-pbx functions as a central integrator of positional information to drive patterning of regeneration along the body axis.
Factors Associated With Nonuse of Condom for Sexually Active Botswana Women

In this research we investigate factors associated with nonuse of condoms for sexually active Botswana women. Nationally represented data, drawn from the 2004 Botswana AIDS Impact Survey, were used. A sample of 5,236 women aged 15–49 who have had sexual intercourse was considered for the analysis. Cross-tabulations were used to gain insights into the phenomena to be reinforced with logistic regression. Through logistic regression analysis, we reveal that the relative odds of having had no HIV/AIDS tests, had an older sexual partner, and had sexual intercourse intoxicated under alcohol were significantly less among teenagers and women aged 20–34. It is shown that women with primary education were less likely to have been tested for HIV/AIDS and have had sexual intercourse while intoxicated. Christians were less likely to have had sexual intercourse while intoxicated. Last, women who did not use condoms at last sexual intercourse were significantly more likely to have had sexual intercourse while under the influence of alcohol, had older sexual partners, and believed that people cannot reduce their chances of getting HIV/AIDS by using a condom.
Speaking Up Is Related to Better Team Performance in Simulated Anesthesia Inductions: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND:Our goal in this study was to test the relationship between speaking up—i.e., questioning, correcting, or clarifying a current procedure—and technical team performance in anesthesia. Hypothesis 1: team members’ higher levels of speaking up are related to higher levels of technical team performance. Hypothesis 2: team members will react to speaking up by either clarifying their procedure or initiating a procedural change. Hypothesis 3: higher levels of speaking up during an earlier phase of teamwork will be related to higher levels of speaking up during a later phase. METHODS:This prospective observational study involved 2-person ad hoc anesthesia teams performing simulated inductions of general anesthesia with minor nonroutine events (e.g., bradycardia) in a large teaching hospital. Subjects were registered anesthesia nurses and residents. Each team consisted of 1 nurse and 1 resident. Synchronized video and vital parameter recordings were obtained. Two trained observers blinded to the hypotheses coded speaking up and further team communication and coordination behavior on the basis of 12 distinct categories. All teamwork measures were quantified as percentage of total time spent on the respective teamwork category. Two experienced staff anesthesiologists blinded to the hypotheses evaluated technical team performance using a Delphi-validated rating checklist. Hypotheses 1 and 3 were tested using linear regression with residents’ and nurses’ levels of speaking up as 2 separate predictor variables. Hypothesis 2 was analyzed using lag sequential analysis, resulting in Z values representing the extent to which the observed value for a conditional transition significantly differs from its unconditional value. RESULTS:Thirty-one nurses and 31 residents participated. Technical team performance could be predicted by the level of speaking up from nurses (R2 = 0.18, P = 0.017) but not from residents (R2 = 0.19, P = 0.053); this result supports Hypothesis 1 for nurses. Supporting Hypothesis 2, residents reacted to speaking up with clarifying the procedure by providing information (Z = 18.08, P < 0.001), initiating procedural change by giving instructions (Z = 4.74, P < 0.001) and team member monitoring (Z = 3, P = 0.0013). Likewise, nurses reacted with clarifying the procedure by providing or evaluating information (Z = 16.09, P < 0.001; Z = 3.72, P < 0.001) and initiating procedural change by providing assistance (Z = 0.57, P < 0.001). Indicating a trend for Hypothesis 3, nurses’ level of speaking up before intubation predicted their level of speaking up during intubation (R2 = 0.15, P = 0.034), although this did not reach the Bonferroni-corrected significance level of P = 0.025. No respective relationship was found for residents (R2 = 0.15, P = 0.096). CONCLUSIONS:This study provides empirical evidence and shows mechanisms for the positive relationship between speaking-up behavior and technical team performance.