Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The immediate and long-term impact of physical and/or emotional stress from motor vehicle accidents on circulating stress hormones and adipo-cytokines in children and adolescents

Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) represent a complex physical and emotional stressor. Consequent short- and/or long-term alterations on the circulating concentrations of stress hormones and adipo-cytokines may have potential health implications. Fifty-nine children and adolescents, aged 7–18 years, were evaluated within 24 h after hospitalization for a MVA, and 1 and 6 months later; 40 children served as controls. We examined longitudinally the effects of physical injury-associated (PI) group vs. emotional-only stress (ES) group on circulating cortisol, catecholamine, interleukin (IL)-6, leptin and adiponectin concentrations. Within 24 h after the accident, serum cortisol concentration was greater than the controls in the PI but not the ES group (p = 0.02), while serum IL-6 concentration was greater in both trauma groups than in the controls (p = 0.004 for PI, p = 0.04 for ES). Adiponectin concentration was lower in the PI than the ES (p = 0.031) and the control (p = 0.019) groups and this was mainly attributed to females. The catecholamine and leptin concentrations were similar in the three groups. At the 1 and 6 month evaluations, cortisol and IL-6 concentrations in both trauma groups became normal. Adiponectin concentration in females, however, remained low 1 and 6 months after the accident (p = 0.03 for month six). In conclusion, circulating IL-6 concentration was influenced equally by the physical and emotional stress shortly after the trauma. Physical but not emotional-only stress lowered the circulating adiponectin concentrations in females and this effect persisted for at least 6 months.
Effect of Metformin on Periimplant Wound Healing in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose:To investigate the effects of hyperglycemia and metformin (a popular biguanide antidiabetic) on periimplant healing. Methods:Thirty-six male rats were assigned to 3 groups: (1) nondiabetic Wistar-Kyoto rats (controls), (2) Goto-Kakizaki (GK) spontaneously diabetic rats (GK group), and (3) GK rats were fed metformin (100 mg/kg body weight per day) in their water for 4 weeks (GK + Met group). The right maxillary first molars were extracted and sites were allowed 1 month to heal. Titanium implants (1 × 3 mm) were placed in healed extraction sites. Six rats from each group were analyzed at weeks 1 and 4 by micro computed tomography for bone/implant contact ratio, percent bone volume, trabecular number, and bone mineral density. Blood was also analyzed for glucose, HbA1c, and pyridinoline (PYD). Results:At week 1, glucose levels in the GK-Met rats were high, and all bone parameters were similar to GK rats (lower bone parameters and higher PYD than controls). At week 4, glucose levels in the GK-Met rats and all parameters were similar to controls. Conclusions:Hyperglycemic GK type 2 diabetic rats showed improved blood glucose and wound healing around oral implants after metformin administration.
Neonatal acute stress by novelty in the absence of social isolation decreases fearfulness in young chicks

Two hours after hatching (Day 0), groups of chicks from both sexes were housed either individually (IND) or socially in pairs (SOC) for 24 h. On Day 1, for each of the two conditions, half of the chicks were individually exposed to early novelty for 10 min, which comprised being placed in a novel-cage with small pebbles glued to the floor. The other half (controls) remained in the home-cage (IND-C and SOC-C). Thus, the IND-N group was exposed to early novelty, and the SOC-N+I group was exposed to early novelty and social isolation. Subsequently, all groups were mixed and socially reared until reaching 15 days of age. At this time, chicks were exposed to open field (OF) and tonic immobility (TI) tests. The IND-N group showed a shorter latency to ambulate in the OF test, shorter immobility duration in the TI test, a reduced plasma corticosterone concentration and increased flunitrazepam sensitive-GABAA receptor basal forebrain density compared with other groups, indicating that a neonatal novelty induced lower fearfulness in young chicks. In contrast, the effect of neonatal novelty was abolished by a simultaneous effect of social isolation in the SOC-N+I group. Thus, early post-hatch life events such as early novelty could improve a bird's later ability to cope with new stressful events. In addition, it is possible that both novelty and social isolation act on different neurobiological processes.
Liver function tests in HIV-1 infected asymptomatic patients and HIV-1 AIDS patients without hepatomegaly in Lagos, Nigeria

Hepatic functions were assessed by serum assays of albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), serum activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma – glutamyl transferase (GGT) in 51 HIV-1AIDS patients, 38 HIV-1 infected asymptomatic patients and 56 age and sex matched healthy HIV negative controls. The mean ± SEM serum ALB concentration of 23.5 ± 1.2 g/L in AIDS patients was significantly lower (p Key Words: HIV-1 infected asymptomatic patient, AIDS, Hepatic functions Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. Vol.6(1) 2005: 40-45
Activity of the oral mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor trametinib in RAS‐mutant relapsed or refractory myeloid malignancies

RAS/RAF/mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation is common in myeloid malignancies. Trametinib, a mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1)/MEK2 inhibitor with activity against multiple myeloid cell lines at low nanomolar concentrations, was evaluated for safety and clinical activity in patients with relapsed/refractory leukemias.
Design considerations for ceramic resurfaced femoral head: effect of interface characteristics on failure mechanisms

Ceramic hip resurfacing may offer improved wear resistance compared to metallic components. The study is aimed at investigating the effects of stiffer ceramic components on the stress/strain-related failure mechanisms in the resurfaced femur, using three-dimensional finite element models of intact and resurfaced femurs with varying stem–bone interface conditions. Tensile stresses in the cement varied between 1 and 5 MPa. Postoperatively, 20–85% strain shielding was observed inside the resurfaced head. The variability in stem–bone interface condition strongly influenced the stresses and strains generated within the resurfaced femoral head. For full stem–bone contact, high tensile (151–158 MPa) stresses were generated at the cup–stem junction, indicating risk of fracture. Moreover, there was risk of femoral neck fracture due to elevated bone strains (0.60–0.80% strain) in the proximal femoral neck region. Stresses in the ceramic component are reduced if a frictionless gap condition exists at the stem–bone interface. High stresses, coupled with increased strain shielding in the ceramic resurfaced femur, appear to be major concerns regarding its use as an alternative material.
Phase 2 study of stereotactic body radiotherapy and optional transarterial chemoembolization for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma not amenable to resection and radiofrequency ablation

Curative treatment options for patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include resection, liver transplantation, and percutaneous ablation therapy. However, even patients with solitary HCC are not always amenable to these treatments. The authors prospectively investigated the clinical outcomes of patients who received stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for solitary HCC.
Refinement and revalidation of the demoralization scale: The DS‐II—external validity

The recently refined Demoralization Scale‐II (DS‐II) is a 16‐item, self‐report measure of demoralization. Its 2 factors—Meaning and Purpose and Distress and Coping Ability—demonstrate sound internal validity, including item fit, unidimensionality, internal consistency, and test‐retest reliability. The convergent and discriminant validity of the DS‐II with various measures is reported here.
Observational Study of Need for Thrombolytic Therapy and Incidence of Bacteremia using Taurolidine‐Citrate‐Heparin, Taurolidine‐Citrate and Heparin Catheter Locks in Patients Treated with Hemodialysis

Catheter‐related blood stream infections may be reduced by interdialytic locking with Taurolidine, a nontoxic antimicrobial agent. A formulation of 1.35% Taurolidine in 4% citrate (TC) is associated with a greater need for thrombolysis to maintain catheter patency than 5000 U/ml heparin. Our aim was to determine whether addition of 500 Units/ml of heparin to TC reduces the need for thrombolysis. TCH (1.35% taurolidine, 4% citrate and 500 U/ml heparin) was compared to TC and Heparin 5000 U/ml using retrospective data. Hundred and six adult hemodialysis patients with internal jugular tunnelled intravascular catheters using TCH were compared with 34 patients using TC and 34 patients using heparin 5000 U/ml respectively. Outcomes were time to first use of thrombolysis and bacteremia rates.TCH reduced the need for thrombolysis compared to TC (hazard ratio, 0.2; 95%CI: 0.06, 0.5; p < 0.001) and was not significantly different from heparin 5000 U/ml (hazard ratio, 1.4; 95%CI: 0.5, 3.9; p = 0.5). The bacteremia rates from all causes were 1.33, 1.22 and 3.25 per 1000 catheter‐ days (p < 0.001) in the TCH, TC and heparin groups respectively. Addition of 500 U/ml heparin to TC reduces the need for thrombolysis without increasing bacteremia and may achieve patency comparable to heparin 5000 U/ml.
Two Composite Bone Graft Substitutes for Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation: Histological, Histomorphometric, and Radiographic Analyses

Objective:To histologically, histomorphometrically, and radiographically compare clinical performance of 2 composite bone graft substitutes for maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). Materials and Methods:Partially or totally edentulous patients requiring MSFA underwent grafting procedures using a 2:1 mixture of biphasic calcium sulfate (CS) and deproteinized bovine bone (group CB) or biphasic CS and alloplast (group CA). Grafts were allowed to heal for 5 months before placing the implants. During implant surgery, bone samples were collected from grafted areas for histology and histomorphometry. Graft height was analyzed using cone beam computed tomography. Results:Sixteen patients completed the study. Mean percentages of new bone were 34.40% ± 18.91% and 36.71% ± 15.32% for the CA and CB groups, respectively; percentages of residual graft particles were 6.98% ± 5.09% and 5.52% ± 4.12%, respectively. The only significant finding was a greater graft height loss in the CA group (24.44% ± 6.52% vs 14.60% ± 4.58%). Conclusion:Both graft substitutes were integrated in bone, confirming their biocompatibility and effectiveness for MSFA. The CB group showed less bone height loss than the CA group.
Biomechanical differences of Coflex-F and pedicle screw fixation combined with TLIF or ALIF – a finite element study

Lumbar interbody fusion is a common procedure for treating lower back pain related to degenerative disc diseases. The Coflex-F is a recently developed interspinous spacer, the makers of which claim that it can provide stabilisation similar to pedicle screw fixation. Therefore, this study compares the biomechanical behaviour of the Coflex-F device and pedicle screw fixation with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgeries by using finite element analysis. The results show that the Coflex-F device combined with ALIF surgery can provide stability similar to the pedicle screw fixation combined with TLIF or ALIF surgery. Also, the posterior instrumentations (Coflex-F and pedicle screw fixation) combined with TLIF surgery had lower stability than when combined with ALIF surgery.
Judicialização da saúde, acesso à justiça e a efetividade do direito à saúde

Este artigo busca analisar os vinculos entre acesso a justica e a efetividade de um dos aspectos do direito a saude: o acesso aos medicamentos. Inicialmente, apresenta os desafios e as dificuldades na conceituacao de saude e do direito a saude. Em seguida, analisa processos judiciais individuais que reivindicam dos entes publicos o fornecimento de medicamentos, no periodo de junho de 2007 a julho de 2008, no Tribunal de Justica do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Constata-se que a prescricao medica individual, a hipossuficiencia economica e a urgencia dos demandantes ao acesso aos medicamentos sao os principais respaldos das decisoes judiciais analisadas, que determinam o fornecimento de medicamento conforme requerido pelos autores. Conclui-se que a efetividade do direito a saude requer um conjunto de respostas politicas e acoes governamentais mais amplas, e nao meramente formais e restritas as ordens judiciais. As demandas judiciais nao podem ser consideradas como principal instrumento deliberativo na gestao da assistencia farmaceutica no SUS, mas admitidas como um elemento importante na tomada de decisao dos gestores e, muitas vezes, na melhoria do acesso aos medicamentos no âmbito do SUS. No contexto democratico brasileiro, a judicializacao pode expressar reivindicacoes e modos de atuacao legitimos de cidadaos e de instituicoes. O principal desafio e formular estrategias politicas e sociais orquestradas com outros mecanismos e instrumentos de garantia democratica, que aperfeicoem os sistemas de saude e de justica com vistas a efetividade do direito a saude.
Acknowledging educational perspectives on health promoting schools

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore educational perspectives towards the concept of health promoting schools and its potential benefits for schools in more depth.Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents the results of a qualitative study based on interviews with school staff including principals, and teachers with responsibility for health promotion from 18 primary schools in Sydney, Australia, examining their understanding of the health promoting schools concept, and their perceptions of its advantages for schools.Findings – The study documents the variety of school staff perceptions. Further examination of the data led to the emergence of four broad categories to accommodate diverse perceptions on health promoting schools. The findings point to several challenges that need to be addressed by advocates of the health promoting schools concept, most notably developing a shared understanding between health and education sectors of the practical elements and potential benefits.Practica.
Sensitivity analysis of an energetic muscle model applied at whole body level in recumbent pedalling

Musculoskeletal models are used in order to describe and analyse the mechanics of human movement. In order to get a complete evaluation of the human movement, energetic muscle models were developed and were shown to be promising. The aim of this work is to determine the sensitivity of muscle mechanical and energetic model estimates to changes in parameters during recumbent pedalling. Inputs of the model were electromyography and joint angles, collected experimentally on one participant. The sensitivity analysis was performed on muscle-specific tension, physiological cross-sectional area, muscle maximal force, tendon rest length and percentage of fast-twitch fibres using an integrated sensitivity ratio. Soleus, gastrocnemius, vasti, gluteus and medial hamstrings were selected for the analyses. The energetic model was found to be always less sensitive to parameter changes than the mechanical model. Tendon slack length was found to be the most critical parameter for both energetic and mechanical models even if the effect on the energetic output was smaller than on muscle force and joint moments.
Investigating the Relationship of Nutrition- and Exercise-Compromising Health Impairments With Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Children With Special Health Care Needs

Background Because children with special health care needs (SHCN) or disabilities are more likely to be obese or overweight than children without disabilities, the author of the current study investigated the relationship between nutrition- and exercise-compromising health impairments with currently having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Purpose To determine whether there was a relationship between nutrition- and exercise-compromising impairments and having ASDs among children with special health care needs. Methods Data were collected through telephone interviews of 40,242 parents/guardians with at least one child under 18 years of age with a special health care need. The data collection tool was the 2009/2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between health impairments and currently having an ASD. Odds ratios for ASD were also generated, adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, and age group. Results Results indicated that having difficulties with coordination and movement as well as difficulties using hands or fingers were associated with currently having an ASD among children with SHCN. Translation to Health Education Practice Study findings suggest that health education specialists must incorporate specific health impairments of coordination, movement, use of hands or fingers, and swallowing or digestive difficulties in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition and exercise programs for children with SHCN with ASDs.
ECTRODACTYLY (SPLIT-HAND DEFORMITY) IN THE DOG

Radiographs of 14 dogs with ectrodactyly of the forelimb were evaluated and the defect classified according to the site of division of the longitudinal axis of the paw. The majority of separations occurred between metacarpal bones one and two, although separations were also noted between metacarpal bones two and three, two and four, and three and four. Other lesions noted in affected limbs included digit contracture, digit aplasia, metacarpal hypoplasia and metacarpal fusions. Bilateral involvement was noted in only one of 14 cases. No breed or sex predisposition was found and there was equal involvement of the left and right limbs.
MYD88, CD79B, and CARD11 gene mutations in CD5‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma

CD5‐positive (CD5+) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is characterized by frequent central nervous system recurrence and a predominant activated B‐cell‐like nature. Primary DLBCL in sanctuary sites (DLBCL‐SS) also demonstrates these features, and >70% of patients harbor myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88) (L265P) and CD79B mutations. The objective of the current study was to elucidate a possible relationship between CD5+ DLBCL and DLBCL‐SS.
Bending and pressurisation test of the human aortic arch: experiments, modelling and simulation of a patient-specific case

This work presents experiments, modelling and simulation aimed at describing the mechanical behaviour of the human aortic arch during the bending and pressurisation test. The main motivation is to describe the material response of this artery when it is subjected to large quasi-static deformations in three different stages: bending, axial stretching and internal pressurisation. The sample corresponds to a young artery without cardiovascular pathologies. The pressure levels are within the normal and hypertension physiological ranges. The two principal findings of this work are firstly, the material characterisation performed via tensile test measurements that serve to derive the material parameters of a hyperelastic isotropic constitutive model and, secondly, the assessment of these material parameters in the simulation of the bending and pressurisation test. Overall, the reported material characterisation was found to provide a realistic description of the mechanical behaviour of the aortic arch under severe complex loading conditions considered in the bending and pressurisation test.
Optimal timing of influenza vaccination during 3‐week cytotoxic chemotherapy cycles

Cytopenia occurs frequently during cytotoxic chemotherapy. Little is known about the optimal timing of influenza vaccination for patients receiving chemotherapy. This study compared the immunogenicity of an influenza vaccine administered concurrently with chemotherapy (day 1) and within the cytopenic period (day 11) during 3‐week cytotoxic chemotherapy cycles.
Stress and strain localization in stretched collagenous tissues via a multiscale modelling approach

Mechanobiology of cells in soft collagenous tissues is highly affected by both tissue response at the macroscale and stress/strain localization mechanisms due to features at lower scales. In this paper, the macroscale mechanical behaviour of soft collagenous tissues is modelled by a three-level multiscale approach, based on a multi-step homogenisation technique from nanoscale up to the macroscale. Nanoscale effects, related to both intermolecular cross-links and collagen mechanics, are accounted for, together with geometric nonlinearities at the microscale. Moreover, an effective submodelling procedure is conceived in order to evaluate the local stress and strain fields at the microscale, which is around and within cells. Numerical results, obtained by using an incremental finite element formulation and addressing stretched tendinous tissues, prove consistency and accuracy of the model at both macroscale and microscale, confirming also the effectiveness of the multiscale modelling concept for successfully analysing physiopathological processes in biological tissues.
Image interpolation allows accurate quantitative bone morphometry in registered micro-computed tomography scans

Time-lapsed in vivo micro-computed tomography is a powerful tool to analyse longitudinal changes in the bone micro-architecture. Registration can overcome problems associated with spatial misalignment between scans; however, it requires image interpolation which might affect the outcome of a subsequent bone morphometric analysis. The impact of the interpolation error itself, though, has not been quantified to date. Therefore, the purpose of this ex vivo study was to elaborate the effect of different interpolator schemes [nearest neighbour, tri-linear and B-spline (BSP)] on bone morphometric indices. None of the interpolator schemes led to significant differences between interpolated and non-interpolated images, with the lowest interpolation error found for BSPs (1.4%). Furthermore, depending on the interpolator, the processing order of registration, Gaussian filtration and binarisation played a role. Independent from the interpolator, the present findings suggest that the evaluation of bone morphometry should be done with images registered using greyscale information.