Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symmetry of the Femoral Notch Width Index

A small femoral notch width index has been reported as a predictive factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury and implicated in the higher incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes. Notch plasty has been recommended for the unaffected knees of patients who have torn one anterior cruciate ligament and whose notch width index falls one stan dard deviation below "normal. " However, the symmetry of the notch width index has not been specifically stud ied. We compared the notch width index in both knees of 40 male and 40 female patients. Half of the patients in each group had anterior cruciate ligament injuries, all from a noncontact mechanism. We found that the notch width indexes of the right and left knees of the same patient are essentially symmetrical, regardless of sex or anterior cruciate ligament status. Although the female patients tended to have smaller notch width indexes than the male patients, the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, the ranges of notch width indexes in male and female patients overlapped considerably. Finally, there was no difference in notch width index between patients with and without anterior cruciate ligament tears. These findings suggest that the notch width index alone is not the critical etiologic factor in the patient with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament tear. Furthermore, the increased incidence of anterior cruciate ligament tears in female patients com pared with male patients in the same sports cannot be attributed to notch width index alone.
Histologic findings in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma receiving perilymphatic natural cytokine mixture (IRX-2) prior to surgery.

OBJECTIVE To induce tumor regression with immunotherapy and to characterize the histology. SETTING National Institute of Cancerology, Mexico City, Mexico. PATIENTS Thirteen patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. INTERVENTION A 21-day cycle of preoperative immunotherapy, including a single intravenous infusion of low-dose cyclophosphamide (300 mg/M2), 10 daily perilymphatic injections of a natural cytokine mixture (approximately 150 units interleukin-2 equivalence by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), daily oral indomethacin, and daily oral zinc with multivitamins. OUTCOME MEASURES Pretreatment biopsies were performed to confirm the diagnosis and to characterize the lesion by standard pathologic criteria, including the degree of tumor-associated lymphocytes. Clinical responses were assessed at surgery, and the specimen was analyzed with respect to changes in tumor morphology and lymphoid and inflammatory infiltration (T and B lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, granulocytes, and giant cells). The presurgical and postsurgical characteristics were ascribed percentages based on a representative section. RESULTS Prior to treatment, on average the biopsies demonstrated 77% solid tumor with 14% stroma and 9% sparse infiltration of lymphocytes. After treatment, one patient had a complete clinical response and showed only residual inflammatory cells and fibrosis. One patient had no clinical or histologic response. Of the remaining 11 patients, 4 had partial, 6 had minor, and 1 had no response. Tumors were reduced an average of 41% (16% solid and 25% fragmented) and lymphoid infiltration increased to 45% without change in residual stroma. CONCLUSIONS The pathologic changes viewed in the context of the clinical findings indicate that this immunotherapy protocol induces immune regression of the tumor, mediated predominantly by T and B lymphocytes, and thus elicits a tumor-specific immune reaction.
Use of repeated intravenous ketamine therapy in treatment-resistant bipolar depression with suicidal behaviour: a case report from Spain

The rapidly-acting antidepressant properties of ketamine are a trend topic in psychiatry. Despite its robust effects, these are ephemeral and can lead to certain adverse events. For this reason, there is still a general concern around the off-label use of ketamine in clinical practice settings. Nonetheless, for refractory depression, it should be an indication to consider. We report the case of a female patient admitted for several months due to a treatment-resistant depressive bipolar episode with chronic suicidal behaviour. After repeated intravenous ketamine infusions without remarkable side effects, the patient experienced a complete clinical recovery during the 4 weeks following hospital discharge. Unfortunately, depressive symptoms reappeared in the 5th week, and the patient was finally readmitted to hospital as a result of a suicide attempt.
Human transformed trophoblast-derived cells lacking CD4 receptor exhibit restricted permissiveness for human immunodeficiency virus type 1

We investigated the nature of interaction of the malignantly transformed cell lines of trophoblast origin BeWo, JAR, and JEG-3 with three different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates (RF, 3B, and NDK). After inoculation with cell-free virus, the persistence of infection was determined for 1 month by monitoring the presence of viral DNA in the cells by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, the infectious virus in the culture supernatant was assayed with CEM-SS cells, and attempts to rescue the virus by cocultivation with CEM-SS cells were made. Appraised on the basis of the relative amount of viral DNA and the frequency of positive cocultivation. JEG-3 was the most permissive and BeWo was the least permissive cell line. However, when the cells were transfected with two biologically active molecular clones of HIV-1, the BRU and NDK isolates, all three cell lines turned out to support the production of mature virus progeny to the same extent. The abundance of viral DNA sequences in the infected cells varied with the isolate, showing an overall decline from RF to NDK. The amount of viral DNA in the cells and its expression decreased during the period of observation; this decrease was mirrored in an erosion of the virus recovery rate at cocultivation from 71% recovery on day 8 to failure of isolation on day 32. None of the cell lines expressed detectable amounts of cell surface CD4 molecules when assayed by flow microfluorometry and direct radioimmunoassay. Northern (RNA) blot hybridization analysis of both the total RNA and the mRNA did not reveal any CD4-specific message: nonetheless, by using the PCR, sequences specifically related to the CD4 gene were uncovered. The data demonstrate that the trophoblast-derived cell lines are susceptible to infection with HIV and that they support transient viral replication in the initial phases of infection. However, the latent form of infection may persist over a period of several weeks.
THE EFFECTS OF INHALATION OF DIESEL EXHAUST ON MURINE MYCOBACTERIAL INFECTION

The authors investigated the effects of inhalation of diesel exhaust (DE) on murine mycobacterial infection in vivo. Eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were exposed to DE (3 mg/m3 of diesel exhaust particles [DEPs]) for 1 month, 2 months, or 6 months (for 7 hours a day, 5 days a week). Control mice were housed in a clean room for the same periods. On the day following the last DE exposure, control mice and DE-exposed mice were aerially infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (1 × 106 colony-forming units (CFU), Kurono strain). At 7 weeks after mycobacterial infection, the authors examined the lung tissues for histopathological changes and performed reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of several proinflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Then, the homogenates of lungs and spleens were cultured on 1% (v/v) Ogawa's egg slant medium, and after a 4-week incubation period at 37°C, colonies on the medium were counted. After 1 month of DE exposure, the mycobacterial infection had slightly ameliorated. After 2 months of DE exposure, the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12p40, interferon (IFN)-γ, and iNOS mRNAs were slightly increased. However, after 6 months of DE exposure, the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, and iNOS mRNAs were decreased, and the infection as measured by increased lung burden (CFU) actually increased. These results indicate that long-term DE exposure may increase pulmonary mycobacterial burden.
Detection of Recurrence in Glioma: A Comparative Prospective Study Between Tc-99m GHA SPECT and F-18 FDG PET/CT

Background: Early and correct diagnosis of tumor recurrence and its differentiation from therapy-related changes is crucial for prompt and adequate management of glioma patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacies of Tc-99m glucoheptonate (GHA) single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in detection of recurrence in patients with glioma. Methods: A total of 90 patients with histopathologically proven glioma who had suspicion of recurrence clinically or on magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated using Tc-99m GHA SPECT and FDG PET/CT. Combination of clinical follow-up, repeat imaging, and biopsy (when available) was taken as gold standard. Results: On the basis of gold standard, 59 patients were positive and 31 were negative for tumor recurrence. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of GHA SPECT were 85%, 97%, and 89%, respectively, whereas those of FDG PET/CT were 70%, 97%, and 80%, respectively. On subgroup analysis, GHA SPECT performed better than FDG PET/CT in all grades except for grade II gliomas, where both were equally effective. In all, 15 patients had intermodality discordance, with GHA SPECT being correct in 13 of them. Conclusions: GHA SPECT appears to be a better imaging modality than FDG PET/CT for detection of recurrent gliomas.
Multisomatoform disorder. An alternative to undifferentiated somatoform disorder for the somatizing patient in primary care.

BACKGROUND For clinical or research use in primary care, the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for somatization disorder are too restrictive, while the criteria for undifferentiated somatoform disorder are overly inclusive. In this article, we examine the validity of multisomatoform disorder, defined as 3 or more medically unexplained, currently bothersome physical symptoms plus a long (> or = 2 years) history of somatization. METHODS Data from the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Study of 1000 patients from 4 primary care sites were analyzed. The outcomes assessed were 6 domains of health-related quality of life, using the 20-item Short-Form General Health Survey; self-reported disability days and health care use; satisfaction with care; and physician-rated difficulty of the encounter. RESULTS Multisomatoform disorder was diagnosed in 82 (8.2%) of the 1000 patients who were enrolled in the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Study. Compared with mood and anxiety disorders, multisomatoform disorder was associated with comparable impairment in health-related quality of life, more self-reported disability days and clinic visits, and greater clinician-perceived patient difficulty. CONCLUSIONS Multisomatoform disorder may be a valid diagnosis and potentially more useful than the DSM-IV diagnosis of undifferentiated somatoform disorder. Also, because multisomatoform disorder has a large and independent effect on impairment, its diagnosis should not be precluded simply because of a coexisting mood or anxiety disorder.
On the relative safety of parenteral iron formulations.

BACKGROUND Intravenous iron is usually required to optimize the correction of anaemia in persons with advanced chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Randomized clinical trials may have insufficient power to detect differences in the safety profiles of specific formulations. METHODS We obtained data from the US Food and Drug Administration on reported adverse drug events (ADEs) related to the provision of three formulations of intravenous iron during 1998-2000. We estimated the relative risks [odds ratios (OR)] of ADEs associated with the use of higher molecular weight iron dextran and sodium ferric gluconate complex compared with lower molecular weight iron dextran using 2 x 2 tables. RESULTS The total number of reported parenteral iron-related ADEs was 1981 among approximately 21,060,000 doses administered, yielding a rate of 9.4 x 10(-5), or approximately 94 per million. Total major ADEs were significantly increased among recipients of higher molecular weight iron dextran (OR 5.5, 95% CI 4.9-6.0) and sodium ferric gluconate complex (OR 6.2, 95% CI 5.4-7.2) compared with recipients of lower molecular weight iron dextran. We observed significantly higher rates of life-threatening ADEs, including death, anaphylactoid reaction, cardiac arrest and respiratory depression among users of higher molecular weight compared with lower molecular weight iron dextran. There was insufficient power to detect differences in life-threatening ADEs when comparing lower molecular weight iron dextran with sodium ferric gluconate complex. CONCLUSIONS Parenteral iron-related ADEs are rare. Using observational data, overall and most specific ADE rates were significantly higher among recipients of higher molecular weight iron dextran and sodium ferric gluconate complex than among recipients of lower molecular weight iron dextran. These data may help to guide clinical practice, as head-to-head clinical trials comparing different formulations of intravenous iron have not been conducted.
The use of salivary cytokines as a screening tool for oral squamous cell carcinoma : A review of the literature

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer. The 5-year survival rate has remained below 50% over the last two decades, and new tools for early diagnosis are needed. Saliva has been used for diagnosis of several systemic diseases, and its use for diagnosis of OSCC has been sought extensively. Among the many salivary analytes for diagnosis of OSCC, accumulating evidences indicate the possibility of using salivary cytokines. Overproduction of proinflammatory, proangiogenic cytokines by OSCC cells has been reported, and their role in tumor progression and angiogenesis is well established. However, many inflammatory conditions and immunological diseases could affect the levels of cytokines in serum and saliva. This article has reviewed publications in this matter, and some strengths and weaknesses have been pointed out. Conclusively, large-scale investigations are required for validation of the use of salivary cytokines for diagnosis of OSCC, with consideration to the influential role of periodontal inflammation in their levels.
Efficacy of Drug Interventions for Chemotherapy-Induced Chronic Peripheral Neurotoxicity: A Network Meta-analysis

Peripheral neurotoxicity is a disturbing issue for cancer patients who are treated with chemotherapy. Several medications have been developed for preventing chemotherapy-induced chronic neurotoxicity (CICNT) however; their relative efficacies have not yet been studied. In this study, we conducted a network meta-analysis to give intervention recommendations. The literature was searched in a variety of databases and eligible studies were chosen based on predefined criteria. Data extraction and statistical analysis was performed, and the results are displayed using the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% credible intervals (CrI) with respect to overall and severe neurotoxicity. The medications were ranked according to their surface under cumulative ranking curve values. The consistency of direct and indirect evidence was also evaluated. We found that patients with amifostine or vitamin E (VE) treatment exhibited a lower risk of overall neurotoxicity compared to those using the placebo (amifostine: OR = 0.10, 95% CrI: 0.02–0.46; VE: OR = 0.08, 95% CrI: 0.01–0.99). In regard to preventing severe neurotoxicity, glutathione and amifostine treatment appeared to be significantly more effective than the placebo (glutathione: OR = 0.19, 95% CrI: 0.04–0.64; amifostine: OR = 0.12, 95% CrI: 0.02–0.48). In summary, amifostine, VE, and glutathione treatment is considered to be effective in lowering the risk of CICNT. However, further studies which consider safety are required.
A four-legged snake from the Early Cretaceous of Gondwana

Snakes' four-legged missing link It may surprise you to learn that snakes, like us, are tetrapods derived from an ancient four-legged ancestor. Martill et al. describe a fossil from the Brazilian Cretaceous period that contains a snakelike species that is elongate and serpentine, with both hind- and forelimbs (see the Perspective by Evans). This species appears to have been a burrower and shows clearly the early transitional stages from a lizardlike body plan to the smooth legless snakes we know today. Science, this issue p. 416; see also p. 374 A ~100-million-year-old fossil of a snake with four legs sheds light on snake evolution. [Also see Perspective by Evans] Snakes are a remarkably diverse and successful group today, but their evolutionary origins are obscure. The discovery of snakes with two legs has shed light on the transition from lizards to snakes, but no snake has been described with four limbs, and the ecology of early snakes is poorly known. We describe a four-limbed snake from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation of Brazil. The snake has a serpentiform body plan with an elongate trunk, short tail, and large ventral scales suggesting characteristic serpentine locomotion, yet retains small prehensile limbs. Skull and body proportions as well as reduced neural spines indicate fossorial adaptation, suggesting that snakes evolved from burrowing rather than marine ancestors. Hooked teeth, an intramandibular joint, a flexible spine capable of constricting prey, and the presence of vertebrate remains in the guts indicate that this species preyed on vertebrates and that snakes made the transition to carnivory early in their history. The structure of the limbs suggests that they were adapted for grasping, either to seize prey or as claspers during mating. Together with a diverse fauna of basal snakes from the Cretaceous of South America, Africa, and India, this snake suggests that crown Serpentes originated in Gondwana.
Endothelin Inhibits cAMP‐Induced Renin Release from Isolated Renal Juxtaglomerular Cells

Summary: We examined the effects of endothelin (ET)-l, −2, and −3 on renin secretion from cultured mouse renal juxtaglomerular cells. Although different ETs had no consistent effect on basal renin secretion, they equipotently inhibited cAMP-stimulated renin release with an IC50 value of approximately 3 nM. ETs did not significantly affect renin release stimulated by the nitric oxide (NO)-donor nitroprusside (100 μM) or that stimulated by low (2 mM EGTA) or high (3 mM CaCl2) extracellular calcium. The inhibitory effect of ETs on cAMP-dependent renin secretion was abolished by lowering extracellular calcium concentration to the nanomolar range. However, the action of ETs was not changed by the ETA receptor antagonist BQ 123 (100 nM) and was mimicked by the ETB receptor agonists IRL 1620 (1 μM), sarafotoxin S6c (1 μM), and [Ala1,3,11,15]endothelin-l (4 Ala-ET-1, 1 μM). These findings suggest that ETs selectively inhibit the cAMP-activated pathway of renin secretion through a calcium-sensitive process. The action of ETs on renal juxtaglomerular cells appears to be mediated via ETB receptors.
Parenting in the Context of Chronic Pain: A Controlled Study of Parents With Chronic Pain

Objectives:This study aims to describe what adults with chronic pain experience in their role as parents, utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods. The first aim was to compare parents with chronic pain to parents without chronic pain on perceptions of their adolescent’s pain, parental response to pain, and catastrophizing beliefs about pain. The study also examined predictors of parental protective behaviors, and examined whether these associations differed by study group. Materials and Methods:Parents with chronic pain (n=58) and parents without chronic pain (n=72) participated, and completed questionnaire measures of pain characteristics and pain interference, as well as measures of parental catastrophizing and protective pain responses. Parents with chronic pain also completed a structured interview about their experience of being a parent. Interview responses were videotaped and subsequently coded for content. Results:Compared with controls, parents with chronic pain endorsed more pain in their adolescents, and were more likely to catastrophize about their adolescent’s pain and respond with protective behaviors. Parent’s own pain interference and the perception of higher pain in their adolescent was associated with increased protective parenting in the chronic pain group. Qualitative coding revealed a number of areas of common impact of chronic pain on parenting. Discussion:Chronic pain impacts everyday parenting activities and emotions, and impacts pain-specific parent responses that are known to be related to increased pain and pain catastrophizing in children and adolescents. Parents with chronic pain might benefit from interventions that address potential parenting difficulties, and might improve outcomes for their children.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital: a retrospective histopathologic study.

OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was to determine prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital. METHODOLOGY Endoscopic antral biopsies from January 1, 2004 to August 31, 2005 were studied retrospectively. Hematoxylin and eosin and Giemsa stained histological sections were examined. RESULTS Out of 224 patients (Male 125 and female 99) who underwent endoscopic biopsy and included in the study, a total of 76 (33.9%) patients (Male 50 and female 26) were infected by H. pylori. The mean age of the H. pylori infected patients was 40.2 years (SD 16.0). The infection by H. pylori was significantly higher in males than females (p<0.05) with male to female ratio of 1.9:1. The most common (31.3%) histopathologic finding was chronic superficial gastritis followed by normal histology (30.8%). A total of 10 cases (4.5%) of adenocarcinoma and 16 cases (7.1%) of intestinal metaplasia were detected and neither of them showed presence of H. pylori. Two cases (0.9%) were diagnosed as suspected malignancy and both were negative for H. pylori infection. Among gastritis, H. pylori was most frequently observed in chronic active gastritis (86.1%). Two of 69 cases (2.9%) of normal gastric mucosa showed H. pylori.