Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Peyronie's disease on sexual and psychosocial functioning: qualitative findings in patients and controls.

INTRODUCTION There are no validated scales for assessing the psychosocial impact of Peyronie's disease (PD), which affects approximately 5-10% of men over age 50. AIM To develop a psychometrically valid outcome measure for assessing psychosocial and sexual consequences of PD. To conduct a qualitative study of men with PD and age-matched controls, and design a new patient-reported outcome measure of PD. METHODS An expert advisory panel identified relevant topics and conceptual areas to be addressed based on clinical experience and literature reviews. A conceptual model was developed to serve as a discussion guide for qualitative interviews with geographically and ethnically diverse PD subjects and controls. Interviews were conducted in a focus-group format by a trained interviewer and were recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis according to grounded theory concepts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Focus-group interviews. RESULTS Focus-group interviews were conducted with 64 men (28 PD patients, 36 controls) in 13 separate focus groups over a 3-month period. Blinded analysis of the interview transcripts identified four core domains: (i) physical appearance and self-image; (ii) sexual function and performance; (iii) PD-related pain and discomfort; and (iv) social stigmatization and isolation. Based on feedback from participants and experts, a new outcome questionnaire was developed to assess core domain responses in a structured, self-report format. CONCLUSIONS This qualitative study helped to refine and broaden the focus of the conceptual model for further assessment. It also confirmed that PD has a major impact on sexual and psychological function in these patients.
The simultaneous mass and energy evaporation (SM2E) model

ABSTRACT In this article, the Simultaneous Mass and Energy Evaporation (SM2E) model is presented. The SM2E model is based on theoretical models for mass and energy transfer. The theoretical models systematically under or over predicted at various flow conditions: laminar, transition, and turbulent. These models were harmonized with experimental measurements to eliminate systematic under or over predictions; a total of 113 measured evaporation rates were used. The SM2E model can be used to estimate evaporation rates for pure liquids as well as liquid mixtures at laminar, transition, and turbulent flow conditions. However, due to limited availability of evaporation data, the model has so far only been tested against data for pure liquids and binary mixtures. The model can take evaporative cooling into account and when the temperature of the evaporating liquid or liquid mixture is known (e.g., isothermal evaporation), the SM2E model reduces to a mass transfer-only model.
Efficacy and safety of mirodenafil, a new oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, for treatment of erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION Mirodenafil is a newly developed oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, currently under investigation as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM We investigated the efficacy and safety of on demand mirodenafil therapy at fixed doses (50 and 100 mg) in Korean men with a broad range of ED. METHODS A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, fixed-dose study was conducted with 223 subjects who were randomized to placebo or mirodenafil at fixed doses of 50 or 100 mg for 12 weeks on an "as needed" basis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary efficacy measures were scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Question 3 (Q3) and Question 4 (Q4). Secondary efficacy measures included all domain scores of the IIEF, Sexual Encounter Profile Question 2 (SEP2), Sexual Encounter Profile Question 3 (SEP3), the Global Assessment Question (GAQ), and the Life Satisfaction Checklist (LSC). Safety assessments included laboratory tests, vital signs, physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiogram recordings, and patients' reporting of adverse events. RESULTS Mirodenafil 50 and 100 mg groups showed a significantly greater increase in IIEF Q3 (P = 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively) and Q4 scores (both P < 0.0001) at the end point compared with the placebo group. And mirodenafil in both doses significantly improved the scores of all five domains of the IIEF, SEP2, and SEP3 as well as the percentages of patients responding positively to the GAQ compared with the placebo group. As for LSC scores, the two mirodenafil groups showed significantly greater improvements in items regarding life as a whole, sexual life, and partner relationship than the placebo group. Most treatment-associated adverse events were of mild intensity, resolving spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS Mirodenafil, in doses of 50 or 100 mg, significantly improved erectile function and were well tolerated in a representative population of Korean men with broad-spectrum ED of various etiologies and severities.
Association of seropositivity to Helicobacter species and biliary tract cancer in the ATBC study

Helicobacter have been detected in human bile and hepatobiliary tissue. Despite evidence that Helicobacter species promote gallstone formation and hepatobiliary tumors in laboratory studies, it remains unclear whether Helicobacter species contribute to these cancers in humans. We used a multiplex panel to assess whether seropositivity to 15 Helicobacter pylori proteins was associated with subsequent incidence of hepatobiliary cancers in the Finnish Alpha‐Tocopherol, Beta‐Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study. We included 64 biliary cancers, 122 liver cancers, and 224 age‐matched controls which occurred over the course of 22 years. Helicobacter pylori seropositivity was defined as those positive to ≥4 antigens. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were adjusted for major hepatobiliary cancer risk factors. Among the controls, 88% were seropositive to H. pylori at baseline. Among those who subsequently developed hepatobiliary cancer, the prevalence of seropositivity was higher: 100% for gallbladder cancer, 97% of extrahepatic bile duct cancer, 91% of ampula of Vater cancer, 96% of intrahepatic bile duct cancer, and 94% of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the OR for gallbladder cancer could not be calculated, the OR for the other sites were 7.01 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79‐62.33), 2.21 (0.19‐25.52), 10.67 (0.76‐150.08), and 1.20 (0.42‐3.45), respectively, with an OR of 5.47 (95% CI: 1.17‐25.65) observed for the biliary tract cancers combined. ORs above 1 were observed for many of the investigated antigens, although most of these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Seropositivity to H. pylori proteins was associated with an increased risk of biliary tract cancers in ATBC. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to determine how H. pylori might influence the risk of biliary tract cancer. (Hepatology 2014;60:1962–1970)
Surface wipe sampling for antineoplastic (chemotherapy) and other hazardous drug residue in healthcare settings: Methodology and recommendations

ABSTRACT Surface wipe sampling for various hazardous agents has been employed in many occupational settings over the years for various reasons such as evaluation of potential dermal exposure and health risk, source determination, quality or cleanliness, compliance, and others. Wipe sampling for surface residue of antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs in healthcare settings is currently the method of choice to determine surface contamination of the workplace with these drugs. The purpose of this article is to review published studies of wipe sampling for antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs, to summarize the methods in use by various organizations and researchers, and to provide some basic guidance for conducting surface wipe sampling for these drugs in healthcare settings. Recommendations on wipe sampling methodology from several government agencies and organizations were reviewed. Published reports on wipe sampling for hazardous drugs in numerous studies were also examined. The critical elements of a wipe sampling program and related limitations were reviewed and summarized. Recommendations and guidance are presented concerning the purposes of wipe sampling for antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs in the healthcare setting, technical factors and variables, sampling strategy, materials required, and limitations. The reporting and interpretation of wipe sample results is also discussed. It is recommended that all healthcare settings where antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs are handled consider wipe sampling as part of a comprehensive hazardous drug “safe handling” program. Although no standards exist for acceptable or allowable surface concentrations for these drugs in the healthcare setting, wipe sampling may be used as a method to characterize potential occupational dermal exposure risk and to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented controls and the overall safety program. A comprehensive safe-handling program for antineoplastic drugs may utilize wipe sampling as a screening tool to evaluate environmental contamination and strive to reduce contamination levels as much as possible, using the industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls.
Telaprevir‐based treatment effects on hepatitis C virus in liver and blood

Understanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication has been limited by access to serial samples of liver, the primary site of viral replication. Our understanding of how HCV replicates and develops drug‐resistant variants in the liver is limited. We studied 15 patients chronically infected with genotype 1 HCV treated with telaprevir (TVR)/pegylated‐interferon alpha/ribavirin. Hepatic fine needle aspiration was performed before treatment and at hour 10, days 4 and 15, and week 8 after initiation of antiviral therapy. We measured viral kinetics, resistance patterns, TVR concentrations, and host transcription profiles. All patients completed all protocol‐defined procedures that were generally well tolerated. First‐phase HCV decline (baseline/treatment day 4) was significantly slower in liver than in plasma (slope plasma: −0.29; liver, −0.009; P < 0.001), whereas second‐phase decline (posttreatment days 4‐15) did not differ between the two body compartments (−0.11 and −0.15, respectively; P = 0.1). TVR‐resistant variants were detected in plasma, but not in liver (where only wild‐type virus was detected). Based upon nonstructural protein 3 sequence analysis, no compartmentalization of viral populations was observed between plasma and liver compartments. Gene expression profiling revealed strong tissue‐specific expression signatures. Human intrahepatic TVR concentration, measured for the first time, was lower, compared to plasma, on a gram per milliliter basis. We found moderate heterogeneity between HCV RNA levels from different intrahepatic sites, indicating differences in hepatic microenvironments. Conclusion: These data support an integrated model for HCV replication wherein the host hepatic milieu and innate immunity control the level of viral replication, and the early antiviral response observed in the plasma is predominantly driven by inhibition of hepatic high‐level HCV replication sites. (Hepatology 2014;60:1825–1836)
Dual-task training for balance and mobility in a person with severe traumatic brain injury: a case study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Attentional impairments following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common and can lead to decreased functional mobility and balance, as well as deficits in previously automatic movements such as walking and stair climbing. The purpose of this case study was to determine the feasibility and potential value of incorporating a cognitive-motor dual-task training program into physical therapy for a patient with a severe TBI. CASE DESCRIPTION The patient was a 26-year-old woman who sustained a severe TBI during a motor vehicle accident 46 days prior to physical therapy evaluation. On the 8-level Rancho Los Amigos Cognitive Function Scale, her functioning was classified as level IV. She had impairments in attention, functional mobility, and balance, all of which limited her ability to participate in activities of daily living. INTERVENTION : Physical therapy was provided over 26 days within the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Interventions included mobility tasks such as walking, balancing, and stair climbing. Mobility training was paired with specific secondary cognitive and motor tasks. OUTCOMES Dual-task training may have contributed to improvements on outcome measures designed to test divided attention including the Walking While Talking Test and Trail Making Test and a greater rate of improvement in walking speed and time to descend stairs when compared to the baseline phase. DISCUSSION Addition of cognitive-motor dual-task training to standard physical therapy in the inpatient rehabilitation setting appears to be feasible and may have value for improving function in individuals with severe TBI. VIDEO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A41) for more insights from the authors.
Aspergillus spp. prevalence in different Portuguese occupational environments: What is the real scenario in high load settings?

ABSTRACT The genus Aspergillus is one of the most prevalent regarding fungi in several highly contaminated occupational environments. The goal of the current study was to assess the prevalence of Aspergillus spp. in different settings, focusing on those where a higher load of fungal contamination is expected according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. A specific protocol to ensure a more accurate assessment of the exposure to Aspergillus spp. is proposed aimed at allowing a detailed risk characterization and management. Two wastewater treatment plants, one wastewater elevation plant, four waste treatment plants, three cork industries, five slaughter houses, four feed industries, one poultry pavilion, and two swineries, all located in the outskirts of Lisbon, were assessed. In total, 125 air samples and 125 surface samples were collected and analysed by culture-based methods. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect fungal presence in 100 samples, targeting the Aspergillus sections Circumdati, Flavi, and Fumigati. The highest prevalence of Aspergillus spp. was found in wastewater treatment plants (69.3%; 31.1%), waste treatment plants (34.8%; 73.6%), and poultry feed industry (6.3%; 26.1%), in air and surfaces, respectively. Aspergillus spp. was also prevalent in cork industry (0.9%; 23.4%), slaughter houses (1.6%; 17.7%), and swineries (7.4%; 9.5%), in air and surfaces, respectively. The Aspergillus sections more prevalent in the air and surfaces of all the assessed settings were the Nigri section (47.46%; 44.71%, respectively), followed by Fumigati (22.28%; 27.97%, respectively) and Flavi (10.78%; 11.45%, respectively) sections. Aspergillus section Fumigati was successfully amplified by qPCR in 18 sampling sites where the presence of this fungal species had not been identified by conventional methods. It should be highlighted that the occupational exposure burden is due not only to the Aspergillus load, but also to the toxigenic potential of this genus. Based on our results, a protocol relied in the application of conventional and molecular methods in parallel is herein suggested aimed at allowing a better risk characterization and management.
Evaluating hearing loss risks in the mining industry through MSHA citations

ABSTRACT A new noise regulation for the mining industry became effective in 2000, providing a consistent regulatory requirement for both coal and non-coal mining divisions. The new rule required mines to implement hearing conservation programs, including a system of continuous noise monitoring, provision of hearing protection devices, audiometric testing, hearing loss training, and record keeping. The goal of this study was to assess hearing conservation program compliance, and excessive noise exposure and hearing loss risks for both coal and non-coal mining divisions through evaluating MSHA citations. We analyzed 13,446 MSHA citations from 2000–2014 pertinent to 30 CFR Part 62. Descriptive statistics were generated and comparisons were made among mines of different commodities. In addition, one-way ANOVA on ranks was conducted to estimate the correlation between excess risks and establishment size. Results showed that 25.6% of coal mines and 14.7% of non-coal mines were cited at least once during this period of time. Larger numbers of noncompliance were seen in stone, sand, and gravel mines (SSG). Results also suggested inadequate efforts in both audiometric testing and minimizing risk after excessive noise exposure. Finally, establishment size of mine was correlated with the increasing risk of noncompliance. We anticipate that this study can guide resource allocation for preventing noise-induced hearing loss, and help improve risk management in mining.
Herniation of the Spinal Cord: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Spinal cord herniation, or displacement of the spinal cord outside the dura, is so rare that only 40 cases have been reported in the literature. The authors report a case of spontaneous herniation of the spinal cord in a 32-year-old man who presented with right lower limb paresis and Brown-Sequard syndrome, with a T9 sensory level. Displacement of the spinal cord was noted on myelography and on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The herniated cord was confirmed at operation and reduced intradurally. After surgery, the patient showed complete neurologic recovery. In conclusion, idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a potentially treatable condition that should be more readily diagnosed with increasing awareness and newer imaging techniques such as MRI. This diagnosis should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of myelopathy in the absence of a mass lesion.
Effects of Optimizing Externalities Using Cooperating Dynamic Traffic Management Measures on Network Level

Optimization of traffic network performance using dynamic traffic management (DTM) measures can be viewed as a specific example of solving a network design problem (NDP). Decision variables are the specific settings of DTM measures. DTM measures have been identified as powerful instruments not only to increase network efficiency, but also to improve externalities. As a result, in the optimization the focus is not only on efficiency, but also on climate, air quality, traffic safety, and noise. These assessment criteria are determined using the output of a dynamic traffic assignment model. This results in a dynamic multi-objective NDP, which is solved as a bilevel optimization problem; it results in a Pareto optimal set. This set provides valuable information for the decision-making process, which would not have been available if the compensation principle would have been chosen in advance. Knowledge obtained by optimization of realistic cases can be used to attain knowledge about incorporation of externalities as an objective when optimizing traffic systems using DTM measures. A case study for a realistic network of the city of Almelo shows that the objectives efficiency, climate, and air quality are mainly aligned and mainly opposed to traffic safety and noise. However, there is not a single solution that optimizes all three aligned objectives. Based on the Pareto optimal set, the trade-offs are determined and using cluster analysis the solutions and results are further analyzed for network segments.
Frontal-Subcortical Dementias

Frontal-subcortical dementias are a heterogeneous group of disorders that share primary pathology in subcortical structure and a characteristic pattern of neuropsychologic impairment. Their clinical presentation is characterized by memory disorders, an impaired ability to manipulate acquired knowledge, important changes of personality (apathy, inertia, or depression), and slowed thought processes (or bradyphrenia). It also has marked frontal dysfunction. Classic frontal-subcortical dementias include Huntington chorea, Parkinson disease dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, thalamic degeneration, subcortical vascular dementia, multiple sclerosis, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome dementia complex, depressive pseudodementia, and some other rare dementias like spinocerebellar degenerative syndromes, Hallervorden-Spatz disease, choreoacanthocytosis, idiopathic basal ganglia calcification, Guamanian parkinsonism-dementia complex, corticobasal degeneration multiple system atrophy, Wilson disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, hypoparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, and other CNS inflammatory disorders. Anatomic data suggest that the frontal signs result from a disconnection of the frontal cortex from the basal ganglia. However, most frontal-subcortical dementias show cortical atrophy in later stages, and cortical dementias have subcortical pathology at some point. In fact, the concept might be seen as a continuum, and only the 2 extremes would be represented by pure cortical or subcortical pathology. Anyway, subcortical disorders may still be more similar to one another than they are to AD. Possibly, frontal-subcortical and cortical dementias are the description of the prior main target of the disease process, ending up in both cases in a global dementia. Although the dichotomy cortical versus frontal-subcortical dementia is not strict, the 2 concepts still seem to have advantages.
Sexual function is related to body image perception in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION A previous study demonstrated that women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapsed (POP) reported decreased self-perceived body image and decreased quality of life. AIMS To determine the relationship between: (i) sexual function and POP, (ii) self-perceived body image and POP; and (iii) sexual function and self-perceived body image in women with prolapse. METHODS After IRB approval, consecutive women with POP stage II or greater presenting for urogynecologic care at one of eight academic medical centers in the United States were invited to participate. In addition to routine urogynecologic history and physical examination, including pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ), consenting participants completed three validated questionnaires: Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) to assess sexual function; Modified Body Image Perception Scale (MBIS) to assess self-perceived body image; Prolapse subscale of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (POPDI-6) to assess condition specific bother from POP. Pearson's correlations were used to investigate the relationship between independent variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sexual function and modified body image score and its correlation with symptoms of POP. RESULTS Three hundred eighty-four participants with a mean age of 62 +/- 12 years were enrolled. Median POPQ stage was 3 (range 2-4). 62% (N = 241) were sexually active and 77% (N = 304) were post-menopausal. Mean PISQ-12, MBIS, and POPDI scores were (33 +/- 7, 6 +/- 5, 39 +/- 23, respectively). PISQ-12 scores were not related to stage or compartment (anterior, apical, or posterior) of POP (P > 0.5). Worse sexual function (lower PSIQ-12 scores) correlated with lower body image perception (higher MBIS scores) (rho = -0.39, P < 0001) and more bothersome POP (higher POPDI scores) (rho = -0.34, P < 0001). CONCLUSIONS Sexual function is related to a woman's self-perceived body image and degree of bother from POP regardless of vaginal topography. Sexual function may be more related to a woman's perception of her body image than to actual topographical changes from POP.