Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential of Molecular Imaging of Cartilage

MRI has the potential to provide information regarding the molecular state of cartilage in both bench and clinical studies. MRI indices of cartilage collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) are both potentially available, and a combination of techniques will most likely provide a fuller assessment of cartilage state than either alone. As a paradigm of the type of information available from MRI, the dGEMRIC technique, which provides a measure of GAG distribution, is reviewed in this article. dGEMRIC demonstrates good correlations with known biochemical and biomechanical properties of the tissue. Furthermore, the dGEMRIC index demonstrates measurable and reproducible changes with physiologic and pathologic processes in vitro and in vivo, opening the possibility for studies of molecular effects of disease progression and therapeutic interventions longitudinally in living cartilage. With continued development and with added insight from pilot clinical studies, these or related methods are on the horizon for customary use.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 Deficiency Results in Expedited Cellular Proliferation through E2F1-Mediated Increase of Cyclins

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of cancer with prevalence worldwide. There are many factors that lead to the development and progression of HCC. This study aimed to identify potential new tumor suppressors, examine their function as cell cycle modulators, and investigate their impact on the cyclin family of proteins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). In this study, the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK)4 gene was shown to have potential tumor suppressor characteristics. PDK4 expression was significantly downregulated in human HCC. Pdk4−/− mouse liver exhibited a consistent increase in cell cycle regulator proteins, including cyclin D1, cyclin E1, cyclin A2, some associated CDKs, and transcription factor E2F1. PDK4-knockdown HCC cells also progressed faster through the cell cycle, which concurrently expressed high levels of cyclins and E2F1 as seen in the Pdk4−/− mice. Interestingly, the induced cyclin E1 and cyclin A2 caused by Pdk4 deficiency was repressed by arsenic treatment in mouse liver and in HCC cells. E2f1 deficiency in E2f1−/− mouse liver or knockdown E2F1 using small hairpin RNAs in HCC cells significantly decreased cyclin E1, cyclin A2, and E2F1 proteins. In contrast, inhibition of PDK4 activity in HCC cells increased cyclin E1, cyclin A2, and E2F1 proteins. These findings demonstrate that PDK4 is a critical regulator of hepatocyte proliferation via E2F1-mediated regulation of cyclins.
OMS302 (phenylephrine and ketorolac injection) 1%/0.3% to maintain intraoperative pupil size and to prevent postoperative ocular pain in cataract surgery with intraocular lens replacement

Cataract surgery with intraocular lens replacement is among the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Various pharmacologic agents are administered topically before and/or after, and a few are delivered intracamerally during, surgery to achieve mydriasis and to treat postoperative pain and inflammation. OMS302 (Omidria™ [phenylephrine and ketorolac injection] 1%/0.3%), a proprietary drug containing phenylephrine and ketorolac, was developed for use during cataract surgery to maintain intraoperative pupil size by preventing miosis and reduce early postoperative ocular pain. Containing no preservatives or bisulfites, OMS302 is formulated in a single-dose, single-patient use vial. Added to a standard 500 ml container of irrigation solution used during the procedure, OMS302 is infused into the anterior chamber with direct action on the iris and other ocular tissues. As the only US FDA-approved drug that is indicated both to prevent miosis and reduce postoperative pain associated with cataract surgery, OMS302 provides a new treatment option for ophthalmic surgeons.
Non-Union of Radial Neck Fracture: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Radial neck fractures usually have high union rates. We describe the case of a young fit male who suffered a minimally displaced traumatic radial neck fracture which resulted in non-union. In spite of this, 16 months following injury the patient had no elbow pain or functional disability. Investigative procedures revealed no structural collapse of the radial head. A review of literature complements the case report.
High Prevalence of Factor V Leiden Mutation is Detected in a North to South Axis through Germany. Eine hohe Prävalenz der Faktor V Leiden Mutation verläuft in einer Nord-Südachse durch Deutschland

The most common inherited thrombophilic diathesis is activated protein C (APC) resistance, caused by the factor V (FV)-Leiden mutation. The aim of die present study was to obtain reliable data onthe prevalence of this disorder in Germany. Therefore, ä large number of DNA specimens from different areas was investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. In total, 3130 erythrocyte concentrate specimens from blood donors and 835 blood samples from non-selected subjects were evaluated. A mean prevalence of 5.9% of the FV Leiden mutation was found in German blood donors, which is between the values reported for the general population in Sweden and The Netherlands. The highest prevalence was detected in Würzburg and Göttingen (7.3% each), the lowest in Dresden (3.0%). Freiburg, Homburg/Saar, Hamburg, and Bonn. revealed intermediate values (6.4%, 5.9%, 5.8%, and 5.2%, respectively). Comparing blood donors to the general population, approximately 1 % higher prevalence in the latter could be observed. The present data demonstrate a high prevalence of the FV Leiden mutation in Germany. They indicate a regionally unequal distribution of this predisposition for venous thromboembolism. Combination of the present data with prevalence data already reported for Germany and European neighbour states, drawn into a map. demonstrated high prevalence in an axis from the north to the south, decreasing to the east as well as to the west.
Infected Ventriculo‐atrial Shunts: Some Principles of Treatment

The authors review 20 cases of shunt infection. Using intraventricular and systemic antibiotics, 12 cases have remained asymptomatic for over one year, and are thought to be cured of infection. Another 5 patients have remained asymptomatic for between 5 and 12 months. Ten patients have had shunt replacement in addition to antibiotic therapy, while the other 10 have been treated without surgical shunt replacement. The authors conclude, therefore, that vigorous, intensive antibiotic therapy is successful in a significant number of patients and that sacrifice or replacement of the shunt is not invariably necessary.
Utility of DWI with quantitative ADC values in ovarian tumors: a meta-analysis of diagnostic test performance

Background Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values are widely used in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Purpose To assess the diagnostic performance of quantitative ADC values in ovarian tumors. Material and Methods PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and local databases were searched for studies assessing ovarian tumors using quantitative ADC values. We quantitatively analyzed the diagnostic performances for two clinical problems: benign vs. malignant tumors and borderline vs. malignant tumors. We evaluated diagnostic performances by the pooled sensitivity and specificity values and by summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves. Subgroup analyses were used to analyze study heterogeneity. Results From the 742 studies identified in the search results, 16 studies met our inclusion criteria. A total of ten studies evaluated malignant vs. benign ovarian tumors and six studies assessed malignant vs. borderline ovarian tumors. Regarding the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative ADC values for distinguishing between malignant and benign ovarian tumors, the pooled sensitivity and specificity values were 0.91 and 0.91, respectively. The area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.96. For differentiating borderline from malignant tumors, the pooled sensitivity and specificity values were 0.89 and 0.79, and the AUC was 0.91. The methodological quality of the included studies was moderate. Conclusion Quantitative ADC values could serve as useful preoperative markers for predicting the nature of ovarian tumors. Nevertheless, prospective trials focused on standardized imaging parameters are needed to evaluate the clinical value of quantitative ADC values in ovarian tumors.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Brain: Physiological Mechanisms and Relevance to Pharmacology

Classically, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were largely thought to be relatively inert structural components of brain, largely important for the formation of cellular membranes. Over the past 10 years, a host of bioactive lipid mediators that are enzymatically derived from arachidonic acid, the main n-6 PUFA, and docosahexaenoic acid, the main n-3 PUFA in the brain, known to regulate peripheral immune function, have been detected in the brain and shown to regulate microglia activation. Recent advances have focused on how PUFA regulate the molecular signaling of microglia, especially in the context of neuroinflammation and behavior. Several active drugs regulate brain lipid signaling and provide proof of concept for targeting the brain. Because brain lipid metabolism relies on a complex integration of diet, peripheral metabolism, including the liver and blood, which supply the brain with PUFAs that can be altered by genetics, sex, and aging, there are many pathways that can be disrupted, leading to altered brain lipid homeostasis. Brain lipid signaling pathways are altered in neurologic disorders and may be viable targets for the development of novel therapeutics. In this study, we discuss in particular how n-3 PUFAs and their metabolites regulate microglia phenotype and function to exert their anti-inflammatory and proresolving activities in the brain.
Comparative analysis of a complement fixation assay and enzyme immunoassay to determine the seroprevalence of measles and varicella in a survey of healthcare workers

Objective Seroprevalence surveys of healthcare workers for vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and varicella, are essential for disease prevention and infection control programmes. The purpose of this study was to compare the complement fixation (CF) assay and an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G antibodies directed against measles and varicella viruses in healthcare workers. Methods Antimeasles and antivaricella antibody titres were measured simultaneously in serum samples from healthcare workers employed at a Japanese university hospital, using the CF assay and an EIA. Results Serum samples were obtained from 898 healthcare workers. Seropositivity rates determined using the CF assay and EIA were 67.8% versus 94.0%, respectively, for measles, and 83.2% versus 97.6% for varicella. Compared with EIA, a nine- and 22-fold higher number of seronegative subjects was identified by the CF assay for measles and varicella, respectively. Conclusion Differences between the CF assay and EIA in detecting seronegative or seropositive healthcare workers for measles and varicella suggest that undertaking a seroprevalence survey using an EIA, rather than a CF assay, would more accurately determine susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases, in healthcare settings.
Bioavailability profile of Uceris MMX extended-release tablets compared with Entocort EC capsules in healthy volunteers

Objective To compare the pharmacokinetics of the extended-release MMX® formulation of budesonide (Uceris®) with that of Entocort® EC, an extended (controlled ileal) release formulation of budesonide. Methods Using an open-label, randomized, three-period crossover, Latin square design, healthy male or female volunteers received single doses of 6 mg Uceris®, 9 mg Uceris® or 9 mg Entocort® EC. Standard pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed. Results The study included 12 subjects. The 9 mg Uceris® and 9 mg Entocort® EC formulations had comparable area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) data, but 9 mg Uceris® had a notably longer time to first appearance in plasma (median Tlag, 6 h versus 1 h, respectively), and a delayed time to maximum concentration (median Tmax, 15 h versus 5 h, respectively) compared with 9 mg Entocort® EC. The ratio of log-transformed AUC0–last (Uceris®/Entocort® EC) was 91% (90% confidence interval [CI] 77%, 108%) and the corresponding maximum concentration ratio was 79% (90% CI 63%, 100%). Conclusion Uceris was associated with a similar extent (AUC) of systemic exposure to budesonide compared with that following Entocort. However, for Uceris, the pharmacokinetic profile was delayed, a pattern consistent with greater colonic delivery of the active substance.
Strategic targeted exercise for preventing falls in elderly people

Objective Randomized, controlled, blinded trial to evaluate the effectiveness of strategic targeted exercise for preventing falls in elderly people. Methods Elderly people were randomly allocated to either a control group that received conventional exercise, or a training group that received conventional exercise plus proprioception and cognitive exercises. Subjects were asked to exercise three times a week (40 min per session) for 8 weeks. In the pre- and post-training sessions, all participants were assessed using a static postural control test with eyes open and closed, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the joint position sense test of the lower limbs. Results After 8 weeks, there were statistically significant improvements in the training group (n = 50) compared with the control group (n = 50) for mediolateral sway distance with eyes open and eyes closed, anteroposterior sway distance with eyes open but not with eyes closed, BBS scores and joint position sense test for the left but not the right knee. Conclusion This study demonstrated that strategic targeted exercise could produce more beneficial effects on balance and proprioception function than conventional exercise alone, in elderly people.
A survey of occupational hand eczema in Denmark

Occupational hand eczema (OHE) is the most frequently recognized work‐related disease in Denmark and the annual cost to society is high. Understanding of the epidemiology of OHE is essential to be able to give appropriate recommendations for its prevention. The study comprised 758 persons, 490 females and 268 males with recognized OHE in the period October 2001 to November 2002. Data were obtained prospectively from the National Board of Industrial Industry Registry and from a self‐administered questionnaire (response rate, 82%). The most frequently recognized diagnosis was irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), mainly caused by wet occupations. The proportion of occupational ICD was equal for males and females, 59.7% and 63.1%, respectively. The estimated rates of OHE were high for bakers, hairdressers and dental surgery assistants, and a high proportion of apprentices were found among hairdressers. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis was low (16.4%) compared to previous studies among hand eczema patients. The prevalence of occupational allergic contact dermatitis in the study population was substantially higher among males than females, and the most frequent causes among males were allergy to chromium (leather exposure), rubber additives (gloves) and nickel due to exposure from work tools and metalworking industry.
Ultraflexible organic photonic skin

Optoelectronic electronic skins, or e-skins, introduce electronic sensing and displays on the surface of human skin. Thin-film electronics intimately laminated onto the skin imperceptibly equip the human body with electronic components for health-monitoring and information technologies. When electronic devices are worn, the mechanical flexibility and/or stretchability of thin-film devices helps to minimize the stress and discomfort associated with wear because of their conformability and softness. For industrial applications, it is important to fabricate wearable devices using processing methods that maximize throughput and minimize cost. We demonstrate ultraflexible and conformable three-color, highly efficient polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and organic photodetectors (OPDs) to realize optoelectronic skins (oe-skins) that introduce multiple electronic functionalities such as sensing and displays on the surface of human skin. The total thickness of the devices, including the substrate and encapsulation layer, is only 3 μm, which is one order of magnitude thinner than the epidermal layer of human skin. By integrating green and red PLEDs with OPDs, we fabricate an ultraflexible reflective pulse oximeter. The device unobtrusively measures the oxygen concentration of blood when laminated on a finger. On-skin seven-segment digital displays and color indicators can visualize data directly on the body.
Radiation dose and image quality with abdominal computed tomography with automated dose-optimized tube voltage selection

Objectives This study assessed image quality and radiation dose of multidetector computed tomography (CT) examination using a standard protocol and a low-voltage protocol. Methods Patients requiring contrast-enhanced abdominal CT examination were randomly assigned to two groups with different voltage protocols: (i) 120 kV; (ii) an automated attenuation-based tube potential optimization mode (CARE kV). The volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were recorded. Image quality was semiquantitatively assessed by two blinded radiologists using a five-point scale. Results There were 39 patients in the 120 kV group and 50 patients in the CARE kV group. There was no obvious difference in image quality score between the groups. CARE kV resulted in a voltage reduction to 100 kV in 45 patients and to 80 kV in five patients. CTDIvol and DLP were significantly lower with CARE kV than with the 120 kV protocol. Conclusions The use of CARE kV reduces radiation dose with no loss of image quality compared with a standard 120 kV protocol.
Inaccuracy of transthoracic echocardiography for the identification of right‐sided vegetation in patients with no history of intravenous drug abuse or cardiac device insertion

Objective: The use of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to identify right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) vegetation is controversial. Data are scarce for patients with no history of intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) or cardiac device insertion. This study analysed the consistency of presurgical echocardiographic results with surgical findings for vegetation identification, and the factors that influence accuracy of echocardiography. Methods: This retrospective trial divided infective endocarditis (IE) patients into three subgroups according to the results of their presurgical TTE: left-sided native IE (LSNIE), left-sided prosthetic valve IE (LSPIE) and RSIE. The accuracy of TTE was tested by comparing vegetation (number and location), detected presurgery by TTE, with actual findings during surgery. Results: In total, 416 patients were analysed, 322 with LSNIE, 31 with LSPIE and 63 with RSIE. Consistency between TTE findings and surgical results was lower in the RSIE group compared with the LSPIE and LSNIE groups. Consistency was lowered by the presence of vegetation in multiple locations and atypical distribution – both of which were increased in the RSIE group. The chance of vegetation in both sides of the heart rose with increased numbers of vegetation locations in RSIE patients. A high proportion of RSIE patients had congenital heart defects, mostly ventricular septal defects. Conclusions: TTE may be unsuitable for RSIE patients with no history of IVDA or cardiac device insertion, because multifocal and atypically distributed vegetation may influence detection accuracy.
Measuring distress in cancer patients: the Distress Thermometer in an Australian sample

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the use of the Distress Thermometer in an Australian population using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as the criterion measure for case detection. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional survey of 439 cancer patients (61.2% response) under current medical care at a regional tertiary cancer centre was undertaken. Assessments included general distress, anxiety and depression, general health and well-being, cancer-specific distress, social support, and social constraints. The screening properties of the Distress Thermometer were evaluated against cases identified using the full-scale scores of the HADS as has been done previously. In addition, we used the separate scores on the depression and anxiety scales to evaluate the utility of the Distress Thermometer in detecting cases of anxiety only, depression only, and depression and anxiety together. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the Distress Thermometer with the HADS full scale were found to be similar to that of previous research. Use of the sub-scale scores of the HADS to detect cases led to some differences in the Distress Thermometer performance. In particular, detection of cases of depression only was quite poor. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the HADS generally and specifically was noted to be problematic. Conclusions: Although we obtained similar results to previous research, our results suggested that caution may need to be exercised when using the Distress Thermometer as a screening instrument. It may not be as effective a screen for depression symptoms and has a high rate of false positives.
The impact of leucoaraiosis on neurological function recovery in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction: Clinical study involving 279 Chinese patients

Objective To explore the link between leucoaraiosis and recovery of neurological function in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods The study included elderly patients, hospitalized with acute cerebral infarction. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed before or within 5 days after admission; T1-weighted, T2-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging sequence data were collected. Using the Fazekas scale, leucoaraiosis (white matter hyperintensity [WMH]) was graded as 0 (absent), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate) or 3 (severe) for all participants. Results The study included 279 patients. WMH grades of 0, 1, 2 and 3 were seen in 27 (9.67%), 90 (32.26%), 104 (37.28%) and 58 cases (20.79%) respectively. Improvement on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for neurological impairment was negatively associated with WMH grade. Patients with severe leucoaraiosis at hospital admission had worse neurological functional recovery and a higher rate of self-care incapability compared with those with mild or no leucoaraiosis. Conclusions The results suggest that severe leucoaraiosis in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction is associated with poor prognosis and poor recovery of neurological function.