Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PAROXYSMAL TACHYCARDIA: WITH REFERENCE TO NOMOTOPIC TACHYCARDIA AND THE RôLE OF THE EXTRINSIC CARDIAC NERVES

Of the recognized disorders of the cardiac mechanism, none possess greater interest than the paroxysmal tachycardias. This affection has been recognized as a clinical entity for more than thirty years, and the condition has been produced experimentally by various means. Two questions have recently been revived; one, concerning sites of origin, especially the possibility of a paroxysm arising at the sinoatrial node (nomotopic tachycardia) and the other, concerning the role of the extrinsic nerves of the heart. Herewith I wish to report six cases 1 of paroxysmal tachycardia which illustrate the moot points and the variety of clinical conditions in which the disorder occurs. REPORT OF CASES Case 1. —J. W. , aged 19 years, student. This patient was first seen Dec. 30, 1919, when he came for examination because of unduly rapid and forceful heart action which frequently occurred following exercise. He says they have been present as long as he
The experience of service users with regard to satisfaction with clinical services

Satisfaction questionnaires for service users remain in development. Whilst different from patient reported outcome measures, assessing and monitoring service user satisfaction is a recognised quality indicator of use for commissioning clinical services. Adaptation of a US measure into a UK clinical service was successful in identifying service user satisfaction with two specialist clinical services for sexual-, relationship- and gender-related problem areas. Seventy-eight percent of gender clinic service users and 84% of relationship and sexual clinic service users expressed being satisfied or very satisfied with the service. The potential value for clinical teams in reviewing returns of satisfaction questionnaires from service users is discussed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Frequently Encountered in Turkey and Iran but Less in North and West Europe

We read with great interest the article by Taghavi et al. (1) presenting data on epidemiological factors of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the southern region of Iran. The study included a great number of patients and the data was analyzed retrospectively. First of all, the article demonstrated an overall increase in the incidence rates of both Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). The study raises several important issues about the presentation of IBD epidemiology and provided some interesting data. First, Taghavi et al. mentioned the female predominance in both UC and CD. In our study, we found male predominance in UC (2) with a rate of 1.4:1 and this finding was compatible with the results of a multicenter IBD epidemiologic survey from Turkey (3). In the mentioned study, male to female ratio was 1.3:1 in both UC and CD groups (3). Secondly, in Taghavi et al. study the mean age was 34.68 ± 1.44 years (range: 8 79 years) in UC patients and 32.97 ± 1.34 years (range: 9 – 80 years) in CD patients. The peak age range was 20 to 29 years for IBD and no second peak was detected (1). In our multicenter study, the mean age was 42.6 ± 14.6 years in UC patients and 37.4 ± 12.8 years in CD patients (3) and two peaks were detected for IBD between 20 to 30 and 50 to 70 years (3). Third, in Iranian population, the frequency of smoking was 5.2% in UC patients and 7.4% in CD patients and no significant correlation was detected between smoking and the type of the disease (1). In Turkish population, the frequency of smoking was 15.5% in UC patients and 49.3% in CD patients, and smoking was obviously more frequent in CD than UC (P < 0.001) (3). In conclusion, IBD is frequently encountered in Turkey and Iran but less seen in North and West Europe. In our region, IBD incidence is gradually increasing by two decades because of the community and physicians’ increased knowledge about IBD, using new diagnostic techniques and also a real increase in the IBD incidence rate. So, health authorities and the researches should properly and professionally focus IBD.
Proactive peer support by telephone to help women quit smoking

This report describes a proactive, peer support intervention delivered by telephone for women interested in quitting smoking. Trained female volunteers were matched with women interested in receiving support while they attempted to quit smoking. Telephone contacts were initiated by the peer support counselor just before a designated quit day (if one were specified), on the quit day and weekly thereafter for 2-3 months. Of the 72 women who participated in the intervention, 49 (68%) were reached 1-2 years after enrollment to evaluate their smoking status. Results revealed that 25% of the women were ex-smokers when those not reached were classified conservatively as smokers. Furthermore, 14% were considered to be continuous ex-smokers, based on self-report data. The results of this pilot program suggest that a telephone support system for women staffed by trained ex-smoking peers can achieve long-term smoking cessation outcomes comparable to most behavioral interventions for smoking.
Upregulated p27kip1 can Downregulate Survivin Expression and Inhibit Telomerase Activity in Gastric Carcinoma Cells

ABSTRACT Previous study indicated that p27kip1 gene transfer can obviously inhibit the growth of some carcinoma cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate anticarcinoma mechanism of p27kip1. Gastric carcinoma cell strain SGC-7901 was transfected with recombinant adenovirus vector carrying human p27kip1 gene (Ad-p27kip1). Expression of survivin was detected using the western blot method and activity of telomerase was examined by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) PCR-ELISA in gastric carcinoma cells. Our results suggest that upregulated p27kip1 can downregulate survivin expression and inhibit telomerase activity in gastric carcinoma cells.
Prevalence and association of lifestyle factors with extracranial carotid atherosclerosis in non-cardioembolic anterior circulation strokes in adult males less than 50 years: One year cross-sectional study

Background: Data is scarce on prevalence of extracranial carotid atherosclerosis (ECA) in strokes <50 years and its association with lifestyle factors. Objective: Study role of (a) ECA in non-cardio-embolic anterior circulation young strokes, and (b) smoking and alcohol in ECA. Materials and Methods: Cardiovascular risk factors and evidence of ECA on carotid doppler ultrasound (CDUS) was evaluated in an one-year preliminary cross-sectional study of consecutive strokes between 20 years and 49 years. Females were excluded. Results: There were 46 male strokes (mean age 38.26 yrs), 17.39% had hypertension, 2.23% had coronary artery disease; none was diabetic. Tobacco users and alcohol consumers were 24/46 (52.17%) cases each. ECA was found in 14/46 (30.44%) cases. Seven of these 14 (50%) i.e., 7/46 cases (15.21%) had carotid occlusion, four had <50%, three had >70% stenosis. ‘Smoking and smokeless tobacco use’ was found in 71.42% (10/14) symptomatic carotid lesions compared to 43.75% (14/32) strokes without carotid lesions. Prevalence odds ratio for tobacco use and ECA was 3.21 (95% CI: 0.83-12.44) while that of alcohol and ECA was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.38-4.72). Conclusion: Prevalence of ECA in strokes <50 years was high due to lifestyle factors which predispose to atherosclerosis at younger age.
T-Cadherin Modulates Tumor-Associated Molecules in Gallbladder Cancer Cells

ABSTRACT T-cadherin is believed to act against carcinogenesis in various tissues; however, its tumor-suppressor mechanism remains largely unclear. Using subtractive mRNA hybridization and immunoblotting, the present study identified several cancer-associated molecules whose expression was modified by T-cadherin in gallbladder cancer cells. Restoration of T-cadherin decreased the expression of Akt3 and phosphorylated Akt molecules. SET7/9, which stabilizes chromatin-bound p53, was downregulated by silencing of T-cadherin but was not regulated by the expression of T-cadherin. These finding suggest that T-cadherin might inhibit tumor progression through multiple pathways, including the Akt and SET7/9-p53 pathways.
CRH and SRIF Have Opposite Effects on the Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling Pathway Through PKA/GSK-3β in Corticotroph Pituitary Cells

ABSTRACT The Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway is involved in tumorigenesis including endocrine tumors. We investigated the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway's modulation by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and somatostatin or somatotropin release-inhibiting factor (SRIF) in mouse pituitary AtT-20 corticotroph cells. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway was activated by CRH and inhibited by SRIF. We provide evidence that cAMP/PKA signalling is involved affecting the GSK-3β phosphorylation status at phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9), thereby altering β-catenin degradation downstream. Furthermore, CRH and SRIF showed concordant effects on cell proliferation. Our data demonstrate an important role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the proliferative control of pituitary corticotroph cells and describe a mechanism for its regulation by CRH and SRIF.
Effects of a Three-Year Intervention on Children's Physical Activity From Age 4 to 7

This study focused on the physical activities of 228 children over 3 years. Children were divided into control (n = 112) and intervention (n = 116) groups. Parents of intervention-group children received information and concrete suggestions on how, when, and where to encourage their child’s physical activity. Children in the intervention group spent more time playing outdoors (p = .041) than did children in the control group, and play in the high-activity category increased with age (p < .001), whereas no change occurred in the control group. Our study showed that children’s physical activity could be increased via family-based intervention.
The effect of Kristeller maneuver on maternal and neonatal outcome

Objective: The use of fundal pressure in management of the second stage of labor is controversial. The aim of this study was both to evaluate the effectiveness of fundal pressure in shortening the second stage of labor and to examine the re- lated neonatal and maternal outcomes. Materials and Methods: Patients were randomly allocated to Kristeller maneuver (KM) intervention group (n = 145) and control group (n = 140). Umbilical artery blood gas analysis, creatinine kinase (CK), CK with myocardial specific isoform, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and lactic acid were assessed. Vaginal laceration, cervical laceration, length of episiotomy and vagina before and after delivery and duration of the second stage of labor in minutes were recorded. Neonatal information included: Infant birth weight, Apgar scores, babies requiring pediatric help, and admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) were examined. Results: KM leads to elongation of episiotomy incision. Vaginal lacerations were similar between control and intervention groups; however the cervical laceration rate was higher in intervention group. Gestational week, Apgar scores, birth weight, NICU admission, babies requiring pediatrician help or healthy babies were not different between the two groups. Conclusions: The possibility of lacerations to the perineum and cervix is increased by using KM. On the other hand, fundal pressure seems safe for the fetus.
Differential diagnosis of low-back pain patients: A simple quantification of the pain drawing

This study presents and evaluates a simple quantification method for the Patient Pain Drawing (PPD). It is hypothesized that the resulting score can serve as an estimation of psychologic vulnerability and somatization proneness among patients with back pain. The subject sample consisted of 146 consecutive back-pain patients who had been referred to an outpatient physiotherapeutic rehabilitation clinic by general practitioners. They were tested once on three variables from the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory): hypochondriasis (Hs), depression (D), and hysteria (Hy), and four times by means of a test battery including a pain questionnaire, the PPD, and a visual analog scale (VAS). Between the first and second test occasions the patients participated in a physiotherapeutic treatment program. Two follow-up testing sessions were conducted 6 and 18 months after the treatment. Positive relationships were found between Hs, D, Hy and four PPD scores, with the highest correlation coefficients (rho.
Clinical characteristics of acute lower respiratory tract infections due to 13 respiratory viruses detected by multiplex PCR in children

%). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most common virus detected (33.2%), followed by human rhinovirus (hRV) (19.1%), influenza virus (Flu A) (16.9%), human metapneumovirus (hMPV) (15.4%), parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) (8.3%), human bocavirus (hBoV) (8.0%), adenovirus (ADV) (5.8%), and human coronavirus (hCoV) (2.2%). Clinical diagnoses of viral ALRIs were bronchiolitis (37.5%), pneumonia (34.5%), asthma exacerbation (20.9%), and croup (7.1%). Clinical diagnoses of viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia were frequently demonstrated in patients who tested positive for RSV, hRV, hMPV, or Flu A. Flu A and hRV were most commonly identified in children older than 3 years and were the 2 leading causes of asthma exacerbation. hRV C was detected in 14 (4.3%) children, who were significantly older than those infected with hRV A (mean±SD, 4.1±3.5 years vs. 1.7±2.3 years; P=0.009). hBoV was usually detected in young children (2.3±3.4 years) with bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Conclusion :This study described the features of ALRI associated with 13 respiratory viruses in Korean children. Additional investigations are required to define the roles of newly identified viruses in children with ALRIs. (Korean J Pediatr 2010;53:373-379)
Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence in Patients Using ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, and/or Statins

Background: Epidemiologic and biochemical evidence suggest a role of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) as anti-neoplastic agents. This study was designed to evaluate the association between the use of these agents and the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients treated for stage II/III breast cancer between 1999 and 2005. Statin and ACE-inhibitors/ARB users were defined as patients who took these medications for at least 6 months in no evidence of disease (NED) stage after the initial diagnosis. The primary outcome was disease-free survival and the secondary was overall survival. The Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard models were used. Results: A total of 703 patients were included. The median and maximal of follow up was 55 and 118 months, respectively. A total of 168 patients used ACE-inhibitors/ARBs, 156 patients used statins, and 81 used both. Univariate analysis showed significant reduction in breast cancer recurrence among patients who used ACE-inhibitors/ARBs (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37–0.89; p = . 013) or statins (HR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26–0.70; p < .001). After adjusting for multiple variables, the use of ACE-inhibitors/ARBs (HR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31–0.76; p = .002) and statins (HR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.24–0.67; p < .001) remained significant and an additive effect was found on those who used both drugs (HR = 0.30 95% CI: 0.15–0.61; p = .001). No association was found regarding overall survival. Conclusions: The use of ACE-inhibitors/ARBs, statins, and the combination of both were all associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence. This observation should prompt further exploration.
Plasmapheresis in neurological disorders: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: Therapeutic plasma exchange (PE) or plasmapheresis is the treatment of choice in many neurological disorders. Even though it is safe in experienced hands, there is a major concern about its safety among physicians. Objectives: To analyze our experience with 230 patients who underwent PE for various neurological disorders. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of PE procedures done during a period of 48 months, from July 2007 to June 2011 in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. Indications, clinical results and technical factors are discussed. Results: The main indication for PE was GBS (203 patients; 88.3%). Age of patients ranged from 14-65 (mean = 42.3 years). The most common complications were paraesthesias and/or cramps (36.1%) and hypotension (32.2%). Four pregnant patients who underwent PE had good recovery with one intrauterine death. There was no mortality. Conclusion: The analysis of 240 cases of PE done in our department shows that the procedure is safe, with only minimal procedure related complications and no mortality.
A Prospective Study of Acute Otitis Media in Children: 1. Design, Method and Material

Since 1977 diagnosed attacks of acute otitis media (AOM) in children living in Malmo, Sweden, have been registered in a prospective longitudinal epidemiologic study. The study is planned to continue for about 10 years. The registration includes date of birth and date and place of diagnosis in 6 932 children with AOM as well as official data on the patient's dwelling and type of day-care within the city. In 1977 all children up to 3 years of age were registered. In each of the following 2 years a new age class was included. Since 1980 children up to 15 years have been registered. The disease was most common among one-year-olds, 29% had at least one episode during 1980. The occurrence did not vary with sex. AOM was most common during the winter season. Children living in a modern villa suburb had AOM more often than those living in the centre of the city. The occurrence of AOM was highest among children in day-care centers.
Prognostic Significance of SOX2 Expression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The significance of SOX2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a tumor associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), remains unclear. Here, we reported that, in the univariate analysis, SOX2 expression was correlated with a poorer distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). The EBV-VCA/IgA titers in patients with NPC were also associated with a poorer overall survival (OS). Patients with NPC, who had both strong staining of SOX2 and high titers of EBV-VCA/IgA, had the poorest prognoses. Therefore, SOX2 or the combination of the SOX2 expression level and EBV-VCA/IgA titers could be valuable to predict distant metastasis or the prognosis of NPC.
Association between myasthenia gravis and cognitive function: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The course of myasthenia gravis (MG) is complicated by increased reports of cognitive defects in both human and animal models, which suggests potential central nervous system (CNS) damage. We conducted a systematic review of the relationships between MG and cognitive function. This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Major databases were searched to examine the neuropsychological studies of adults with MG. Weighted effect sizes were pooled by cognitive domain. Eight studies representing 300 subjects were included. Eight cognitive domain categories were identified: (i) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), (ii) language, (iii) processing speed, (iv) verbal learning and memory, (v) visual learning and memory, (vi) attention span, (vii) response fluency, and (viii) motor performance. Nine (cognitive domain categories, MMSE, language, processing speed, verbal learning and memory (except for delayed recall memory), and motor performance) of 16 cognitive tasks revealed significant moderate effect sizes. Verbal logical-delayed memory, finger tapping with the preferred hand, and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test showed a greater magnitude relationship to cognitive function than did other specific cognitive domains. Verbal learning and memory seems to be the most significant affected according to cognitive domain categories. For MG, the ability of attention, response fluency, visual learning, and memory seems to be reserved. The MG patients seem to perform significantly worse than the non-MG controls in a range of cognitive domains. Our findings should be interpreted with caution because of the clinical and methodological heterogeneity of included studies.
A Preliminary Report on the Feasibility of Outpatient Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Iran

Introduction: Autologous stem cells have greatly influenced the treatment of a variety of malignancies including Hodgkin/non-Hodgkins lymphoma and acute leukemias. This is a preliminary study comparing the time of engraftment, mortality rate and cost of treatment in outpatient versus inpatient autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) in Iran. Patients and Methods: 11 outpatients (6 Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and 2 Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)) were compared with 32 inpatients (15 HL, 8 NHL and 9 AML) from May, 2008 to December, 2008. All patients were in complete remission and without significant organ failure. They received conditioning regimen (CEAM for NHL and HL, Busulfan and Etoposide for AML) and stem cell infusion in hospital. The day after SCT, the outpatient group was discharged and followed up by an outpatient SCT team to be re-hospitalized, if indicated. Results : For outpatients and inpatients, the median period to WBC engraftment was 11 and 12 days (p-value=0.03), the timeframe to PLT engraftment was 15 and 25 days (p-value=0.20) and the number of transfused single-donor PLT was 3 and 4.5 units (p-value=0.21). The duration of neutropenic fever was 6 and 9 days (p-value=0.001), the duration of hospitalization after SCT was 0 and 16 (p-value<0.001), respectively. All outpatients are alive but three inpatients died between days +35 and +100 following SCT due to transplantation complications. The cost of the drugs used for treatment of neutropenic fever was 6 times higher in the inpatient group. Conclusion: The outpatient autologous SCT in malignant hematological disorders is feasible and comparable to inpatient protocols in Iran.
Accessory Gene Regulator Specificity Groups Among Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Hospitalized Children

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) especially those with methicillin resistance are human pathogens capable of causing a wide variety of diseases, ranging from mild skin lesions to systemic and fatal infections. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the accessory gene regulator (agr) specificity groups among methicillin resistant and susceptible S. aureus isolated from children. Materials and Methods: During July 2012 to January 2013, 22 S. aureusc linical isolates were collected from children aged between 2 to 11, in Loghman Hospital of Tehran. Antibiogram test was performed using disc diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to detect mecA gene and agr specificity groups. Results: Among 22 S. aureus clinical isolates collected from children, five isolates (22.7 %) were resistant to methicillin. fourteen isolates (63.6%) were resistant to amoxicillin and all were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. Agr specificity group I was detected in 12 (54.5%) isolates (in 2 MRSA and 10 MSSA isolates), agr group II in four (18%, in 3 MSSA and 1 MRSA), group III in 3 (9%, 2 in MSSA and one in MRSA), while agr specificity group IV was found in three (13.6%, 2 MSSA and 1 MRSA) isolates. Conclusions: The agr specific group I had the highest rate of detection among pathogens isolated from hospitalized children in Tehran.