Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prolactin level in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background: Recent accumulated evidence suggests that prolactin (PRL) is an important immunomodulator and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The current study aimed to compare hyperprolactinemia frequency and evaluate its possible association with lupus activity in SLE patients in zahedan. Methods: In a case-control study we determined serum prolactin (PRL) level in 40 female patients with SLE (active=12 and non active=28) and in 40 normal healthy female subjects (NHS). Clinical and serologic activity of disease was assessed for each patient using the SLEDAI score. Anti ds DNA, C3, C4, CH50 were determined using ELISA method. Results: Elevated serum concentrations of PRL (> 25 μg/l) were found in seven patients and two NHS group, but there was no significant difference between lupus and control groups (p=0.07). Hyperprolactinemia SLE patients in active lupus group (SLEDAI > 10) and inactive group were 6 and 1 respectively and there was significant difference between these two groups (p=0.001). Conclusion: Hyperprolactinemia was frequently detected in patients with active SLE. The findings suggest significant correlation between Hyperprolactinemia and lupus activity, which need further investigation including large sample size SLE subject and control group.
Knee length versus thigh length graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis in postoperative surgical patients.

BACKGROUND Graduated compression stockings (GCS) are a valuable means of thromboprophylaxis in hospitalised postoperative surgical patients. But it is still unclear whether knee length graduated compression stockings (KL) or thigh length (TL) stockings are more effective. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to systematically analyse the randomised, controlled trials that have evaluated the effectiveness of KL versus TL GCS as a thromboprophylaxis tool in hospitalised patients undergoing various types of surgery. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched February 2012) and CENTRAL (2012, Issue 1). The authors searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (until 27 February 2012) and they also searched the reference lists of relevant articles to identify additional trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials published in any language on KL versus TL GCS used as a thromboprophylaxis tool in hospitalised patients of any age and either gender. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data extraction was undertaken independently by two review authors using data extraction sheets and confirmed by the third review author. MAIN RESULTS Three studies, with a combined total of 496 patients, matched the inclusion criteria for this review. All three included studies evaluated the role of KL and TL in thromboprophylaxis among a group of postoperative patients. These studies showed no significant difference in the ability of the two modalities of leg compression to reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in postoperative patients. In both the fixed-effect model (odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 3.07, P = 0.21) and random-effects model (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.43 to 4.06, P = 0.63) KL graduated compression stockings were as effective as TL stockings in thromboprophylaxis. However, there was significant heterogeneity (Tau(2) = 0.50; Chi(2) = 4.12, df = 2 (P = 0.13); I(2) = 51%) among trials. Results of this review may be considered weak because there was significant heterogeneity among included trials resulting from inadequate randomisation techniques, allocation concealment, power calculations and the absence of intention-to-treat analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review found that there is insufficient high quality evidence to determine whether or not KL and TL GCS differ in their effectiveness in terms of reducing the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalised patients. A major multicentre RCT is required to address this issue. In the meantime, the decision on which type of stocking to use in clinical practice is likely to be influenced by factors such as patient compliance, ease of use and cost implications.
Multiple clear cell acanthoma associated with multiple Bowen's disease

References 1 Kim HU, Yun SK. Suction device for epidermal grafting in vitiligo: employing a syringe and a manometer to provide an adequate negative pressure. Dermatol Surg 2000; 26: 702–704. 2 Somesh G, Ajith C, Kanwar AJ, et al. Surgical pearl: standardized suction syringe for epidermal grafting. J Am Acad Dermotol 2005; 52: 348–350. 3 Awad SS. Chinese cupping: a simple method to obtain epithelial grafts for the management of resistant localized vitiligo. Dermatol Surg 2008; 34: 1186–1192. 4 Gupta S, Chandrashenkar BS, Reddy R, et al. Rapid induction of suction blisters by intra-cavity positive pressure enhancement. Dermatol Surg 2011; 37: 843–845. 5 Li J, Fu WW, Zheng ZZ, et al. Suction blister epidermal grafting using a modified suction method in the treatment of stable vitiligo: a retrospective study. Dermatol Surg 2011; 37: 999–1006. 6 Rusfianti M, Wirohadidjodjo YW. Dermatosurgical techniques for repigmentation of vitiligo. Int J Dermatol 2006; 45: 411–417.
Sexual behaviour in the face of risk: preliminary results from first AIDS- related surveys*

Preliminary results are presented from nationally representative surveys of the adult populations of five African countries, conducted in 1989 and 1990. General awareness of AIDS was high, as was knowledge of sexual transmission. In four of the five surveys, large proportions, from 25 to 64 per cent, of both men and women perceived themselves to have a high or moderate risk of HIV infection. High proportions also reported that they had modified their behaviour typically by more care in selecting partners or greater faithfulness. Greater use of condoms was mentioned rarely. The results, particularly on behavioural change, should not be interpreted literally. But the fact that so many report modification of behaviour at least suggests a willingness to contemplate the need for change. The prognosis would have been much worse, had these surveys indicated widespread denial of risk and unwillingness to consider changes in behaviour.
Vaginal dilator therapy for women receiving pelvic radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND Vaginal dilation therapy is advocated after pelvic radiotherapy to prevent stenosis (abnormal narrowing of the vagina), but can be uncomfortable and psychologically distressing. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of different types of vaginal dilation methods offered to women treated by pelvic radiotherapy for cancer. SEARCH METHODS Searches included the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2013, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1950 to June week 2, 2013), EMBASE (1980 to 2013 week 24) and CINAHL (1982 to 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA Comparative data of any type, which evaluated dilation or penetration of the vagina after pelvic radiotherapy treatment for cancer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed whether potentially relevant studies met the inclusion criteria. We found no trials and therefore analysed no data. MAIN RESULTS We identified no studies for inclusion in the original review or for this update. However, we felt that some studies that were excluded warranted discussion. These included one randomised trial (RCT), which showed no improvement in sexual scores associated with encouraging women to practise dilation therapy; a recent small RCT that did not show any advantage to dilation over vibration therapy during radiotherapy; two non-randomised comparative studies; and five correlation studies. One of these showed that objective measurements of vaginal elasticity and length were not linked to dilation during radiotherapy, but the study lacked power. One study showed that women who dilated tolerated a larger dilator, but the risk of objectivity and bias with historical controls was high. Another study showed that the vaginal measurements increased in length by a mean of 3 cm after dilation was introduced 6 to 10 weeks after radiotherapy, but there was no control group; another case series showed the opposite. Three recent studies showed less stenosis associated with prophylactic dilation after radiotherapy. One small case series suggested that dilation years after radiotherapy might restore the vagina to a functional length. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no reliable evidence to show that routine, regular vaginal dilation during radiotherapy treatment prevents stenosis or improves quality of life. Several observational studies have examined the effect of dilation therapy after radiotherapy. They suggest that frequent dilation practice is associated with lower rates of self reported stenosis. This could be because dilation is effective or because women with a healthy vagina are more likely to comply with dilation therapy instructions compared to women with strictures. We would normally suggest that a RCT is needed to distinguish between a casual and causative link, but pilot studies highlight many reasons why RCT methodology is challenging in this area.
Attitude of medical practitioners to herbal remedy for HIV infection in Nigeria

It was estimated by World Health Organisation that about 80% of Africans used herbal remedies for illness and HIV infection has no cure led many HIV patients to source for alternative or complementary therapy. A structured questionnaire was administered to 528 medical practitioners in Nigeria health institutions that attended national conferences on HIV/AIDS 2008 to 2009 to assess their attitudes to the use of herbal remedy by HIV patients. 108 medical doctors, 304 nurses, 92 medical laboratory staff and 24 other hospital staff were the respondents. 276 of the respondents were aware that their HIV patients were taking herbal remedies while 65% wanted government to modify the role of herbs in treatment of HIV infection and public awareness could play a major role (67%) in improving their attitude. This study concluded that many HIV patients take herbal remedy although denied when asked by medical practitioners and their role in HIV infection treatment has to be defined. Keywords:
Nutrient Fortification of Human Donor Milk Affects Intestinal Function and Protein Metabolism in Preterm Pigs.

Background Nutrient fortification of human milk is often required to secure adequate growth and organ development for very preterm infants. There is concern that formula-based fortifiers (FFs) induce intestinal dysfunction, feeding intolerance, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Bovine colostrum (BC) may be an alternative nutrient fortifier, considering its high content of protein and milk bioactive factors. Objective We investigated whether BC was superior to an FF product based on processed bovine milk and vegetable oil to fortify donor human milk (DHM) for preterm pigs, used as a model for infants. Methods Sixty preterm pigs from 4 sows (Danish Landrace × Large White × Duroc, birth weight 944 ± 29 g) received decreasing volumes of parenteral nutrition (96-72 mL ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ d-1) and increasing volumes of enteral nutrition (24-132 mL ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ d-1) for 8 d. Pigs were fed donor porcine milk (DPM) and DHM with or without FF or BC fortification (+4.6 g protein ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ d-1). Results DPM-fed pigs showed higher growth (10-fold), protein synthesis (+15-30%), villus heights, lactase and peptidase activities (+30%), and reduced intestinal cytokines (-50%) relative to DHM pigs (all P < 0.05). Fortification increased protein synthesis (+20-30%), but with higher weight gain and lower urea and cortisol concentrations for DHM+BC compared with DHM+FF pigs (2- to 3-fold differences, all P ≤ 0.06). DHM+FF pigs showed more diarrhea and reduced lactase and peptidase activities, hexose uptake, and villus heights relative to DHM+BC or DHM pigs (30-90% differences, P < 0.05). Fortification did not affect NEC incidence but DHM+BC pigs had lower colonic interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 concentrations relative to the remaining pigs (-30%, P = 0.06). DHM+FF pigs had higher stomach bacterial load than did DHM, and higher bacterial density along intestinal villi than did DHM and DHM+BC pigs (2- to 3-fold, P < 0.05). Conclusions The FF product investigated in this study reduced growth, intestinal function, and protein utilization in DHM-fed preterm pigs, relative to BC as fortifier. The relevance of BC as an alternative nutrient fortifier for preterm infants should be tested.
Like: The Discourse Particle and Semantics

Using data from interviews with high school students, I first adduce evidence that lends support to Schourup's (1985) claim that the United States English adolescent hedge like is a discourse particle signalling a possible slight mismatch between words and meaning. Such a particle would generally be included in a grammar in a post-compositional pragmatic component, but, surprisingly, like also affects basic semantic attributes. These include both truth-conditions and the weak/strong distinction-though only in existential there and sluicing sentences. I argue that the differential behaviour of like in various constructions selecting weak NP's stems from the restricted free variable it introduces, a variable which only there and sluicing require. This variable is available for binding, quantifier interpretation and other syntactic-semantic processes, yet is pragmatically conditioned. Indeed, I show that, due to its formal properties, like can be interpreted only during the assignment of model-theoretic denotations to expressions, along the lines of Lasersohn's (1999) pragmatic haloes. These results support the idea that weak/strong is not a unitary distinction and suggest that the various components of grammars must be organized to allow information from pragmatic/discourse elements to affect basic compositional semantics.
A cumulative risk model predicting caregiver quality of life in pediatric asthma.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between a cumulative risk model and caregiver quality of life (QOL) in pediatric asthma and determine whether caregiver QOL is predicted by a linear or quadratic model of cumulative risk. METHODS One hundred and ninety-three families of children between the ages of 5 and 12 years with mild to severe asthma completed a background questionnaire and measures of QOL, asthma severity, family burden, and family stress. A cumulative risk model based on risk factors from these measures was calculated for each caregiver. RESULTS The cumulative risk model significantly predicted caregiver QOL as a quadratic function. Caregivers with numerous risk factors experienced a dramatic worsening of QOL. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that caregiver QOL is best predicted by the interaction and not the summation of these factors. Interventions focused on one area of family risk may be effective in reducing poor QOL in caregivers of children with asthma.
Longitudinal Changes in Microbiology and Clinical Periodontal Variables After Placement of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

Background: In the past few decades, more patients have been treated orthodontically, but no longitudinal study has compared orthodontic bands and brackets microbiologically and clinically.Methods: This longitudinal trial (split-mouth design) included 24 patients. Microbiology (sub- and supragingival), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and gingival crevicular fluid flow (GCF) were assessed at baseline (band placement) and at weeks 18 (bracket bonding) 20, 24, and 36. A statistical comparison was made over time and among the banded, bonded, and control sites.Results: The aerobe/anaerobe ratio of sub- and supragingival colony forming units decreased significantly (relatively more anaerobes) over the study period for the banded and bonded sites (P <0.001). This decrease was accompanied by significant elevations in PD, BOP, and GCF. These changes occurred faster after bonding compared to banding. No significant changes were observed 18 weeks after banding with the exception of increased PD (P <0.
Transition to adult services among behaviorally infected adolescents with HIV--a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to describe the experiences of youth with behaviorally acquired HIV who transitioned to adult care, to identify difficulties encountered, and to explore areas for improvement. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young adults ranging from 24 to 29 years old. Themes were derived from coding participant interviews. RESULTS Participants experienced adolescent care providers as an important source of support, felt anxiety about transition, provided recommendations for improving the process, and described significant changes associated with adult HIV care. CONCLUSIONS Findings support the development of a clear and structured transition process to address patients' fears and worries through early communication, planning, and coordination for adult healthcare, highlighting the need for future research in this area.
Pattern of Complicated Unsafe Abortions In Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri, Nigeria: A 4 Year Review.

Background: Abortions performed by persons lacking the requisite skills or in environments lacking minimal medical standards or both are considered unsafe. It is estimated that over 20 million unsafe abortions are performed annually and about 70,000 women die globally as a result, with majority occurring in the developing world. This study aims to determine the pattern of complicated unsafe abortions in Niger delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) Okolobiri. Methods: The study is a four-year retrospective analysis of cases of complicated unsafe abortion managed at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri, Bayelsa state. Results: The prevalence of complicated unsafe abortion during the study period was 4.1% of all deliveries and 14.0% of all gynaecological admissions. Majority (55.6%) of the patients had secondary education, while 31.8% were teenagers. Two thirds had a history of previous termination of pregnancy and 87.3% of the patients had never used any form of modern contraceptive. 'Quacks' accounted for 47.6% of the abortions and 53.9% of the abortions were performed late in the first trimester. Genital sepsis, retained products of conception, pelvic abscess and septicaemia were the most frequent complications occurring in 88.9%, 82.5%, 22.2% and 19.1% respectively. Surgical management was employed in 87.3% of the patients. The case fatality ratio was 4.8%, contributing 17.6% of all maternal deaths during the study period. The commonest cause of death was septicaemia (66.7%). Conclusion : There is a high prevalence of unsafe abortions in our environment. It continues to be a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in the Niger Delta. Most of its victims are single adolescent school girls. Efforts directed at reducing unintended pregnancy by comprehensive family planning programs and effective post abortal care services will reduce the problem. Keywords: Unsafe abortion, morbidities, outcome.
Single dose oral diflunisal for acute postoperative pain in adults.

BACKGROUND Diflunisal is a long-acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) most commonly used to treat acute postoperative pain or chronic joint pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This review analyses the effectiveness and harm of different doses of diflunisal in the context of moderate to severe postoperative pain. OBJECTIVES To assess efficacy, duration of action, and associated adverse events of single dose oral diflunisal in acute postoperative pain in adults. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Oxford Pain Relief Database for studies to January 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trials of single dose orally administered diflunisal in adults with moderate to severe acute postoperative pain. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Pain relief or pain intensity data were extracted and converted into the dichotomous outcome of number of participants with at least 50% pain relief over 4 to 6 hours, from which relative risk and number-needed-to-treat-to-benefit (NNT) were calculated. Numbers of participants using rescue medication over specified time periods, and time to use of rescue medication, were sought as additional measures of efficacy. Information on adverse events and withdrawals were collected. MAIN RESULTS Nine studies in dental, orthopedic and gynaecological surgery met the inclusion criteria, testing doses of diflunisal from 125 mg to 1000 mg.For diflunisal 1000 mg, the NNT for at least 50% pain relief over 4 to 6 hours was 2.1 (1.8 to 2.6) (6 studies, 391 participants); the NNT to prevent remedication within 6 hours was 1.9 (1.7 to 2.3), and within 12 hours was 2.2 (1.9 to 2.7) (6 studies, 409 participants). More participants experienced adverse events with diflunisal 100 mg than with placebo, but none were serious or led to withdrawal.For diflunisal 500 mg, the NNT for at least 50% pain relief over 4 to 6 hours was 2.6 (2.1 to 3.3) (6 studies, 357 participants); the NNT to prevent remedication within 6 hours was 2.6 (2.1 to 3.4) (6 studies, 390 participants), and within 12 hours was 2.9 (2.3 to 4.0) (5 studies, 329 participants). Adverse events did not differ significantly from placebo. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Diflunisal has an analgesic effect similar to other NSAIDs in single dose, but benefits from providing significant analgesia for about twelve hours. This property may be useful when regular dosing is needed, or when taking several doses of a shorter acting analgesic is impractical.
Prevalence of viral gastroenteritis in children with acute gastroenteritis in Babol, Iran

Abstract Viral gastroenteritis is considered a significant cause of death and is a common cause of hospitalization worldwide. This study was performed to assess the role of rota, adeno and astrovirus in children with acute diarrhea in one main children's hospital in Amirkola, Babol North of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, stool specimens from 208 children suffering from acute diarrhea referred to Amirkola children's hospital were tested for the presence of rota, adeno and astrovirus by a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay. Demographic data were gathered by a questionnaire. The prevalence of viral causes of acute gastroenteritis was reported by relative frequency. Rota, adeno and astrovirus antigens were detected in 61.1%, 2.9% and 2.4% of patients respectively. Infants between 6 and 12 months of age were most frequently affected by rotavirus (29.8%) (P < 0.03). Rotavirus infection was significantly less frequent in summer and spring than winter and autumn (P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in rotavirus infection between male and female but the prevalence of adenovirus in girls was significantly higher than boys (P < 0.05). Rotavirus can be regarded as a major etiologic agent of acute diarrhea in children less than two years old at Amirkola children's hospital, Babol. Immunization may protect the children before their first symptomatic infection.