Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agomelatine for Depression in Parkinson Disease: Additional Effect on Sleep and Motor Dysfunction

AbstractDepression and sleep disorders are among the most prevalent nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). Because agomelatine acts as a MT1 and MT2 agonist and as a 5HT2c antagonist, this study was designed to assess the efficacy of agomelatine in treating depressive symptoms in PD patients, and the potential changes both in sleep quality and motor symptoms. Depressed patients with PD were treated with agomelatine for 6 months, and they were evaluated with an array of scales. Completed nocturnal video-polysomnography was performed at baseline and week 12. The efficacy analysis population included 24 patients (12 men). The mean (SD) age was 75.2 (8.3) years. The mean (SD) daily dose of agomelatine was 25.00 (10.43) mg at 24 weeks. No changes in dopamine replacement therapy were made. There was a significant decrease in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale score over the course of the study (P < 0.0005). The Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson disease Sleep Questionnaire showed a statistically significant improvement over time in each of its subscales: nighttime sleep (P < 0.005), last month nighttime sleep (P < 0.0005), and daytime sleepiness (P < 0.0005). Surprisingly, changes over time in the motor subscale of Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale were statistically significant (P < 0.0005). Periodic limb movements and awakenings measured by polysomnography improved significantly (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively). We concluded that the use of agomelatine in PD depressed patients may have a considerable therapeutic potential because of its dual action for treating both symptoms of depression and disturbed sleep given its secondary beneficial effects regarding the reduction of extrapyramidal symptoms.
Clinical Staging: A Heuristic and Practical Strategy for New Research and Better Health and Social Outcomes for Psychotic and Related Mood Disorders

Most mental illnesses emerge during adolescence and early adulthood, with considerable associated distress and functional decline appearing during this critical developmental phase. Our current diagnostic system lacks therapeutic validity, particularly for the early stages of mental disorders when symptoms are still emerging and intensifying and have not yet stabilized sufficiently to fit the existing syndromal criteria. While this is, in part, due to the difficulty of distinguishing transient developmental or normative changes from the early symptoms of persistent and disabling mental illness, these factors have contributed to a growing movement for the reform of our current diagnostic system to more adequately inform the choice of therapeutic strategy, particularly in the early stages of a mental illness. The clinical staging model, which defines not only the extent of progression of a disorder at a particular point in time but also where a person lies currently along the continuum of the course of an illness, is particularly useful as it differentiates early, milder clinical phenomena from those that accompany illness progression and chronicity. This will not only enable clinicians to select treatments relevant to earlier stages of an illness, where such interventions are likely to be more effective and less harmful than treatments delivered later in the course of illness, but also allow a more efficient integration of our rapidly expanding knowledge of the biological, social, and psychological vulnerability factors involved in the development of mental illness into a useful diagnostic framework.
Influence of body mass index on movement efficiency among firefighter recruits.

BACKGROUND Previous research has demonstrated links between musculoskeletal injury risk and measures of obesity and movement efficiency among the firefighter population. However, the influence of obesity on movement efficiency among firefighter recruits remains uninvestigated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of obesity on movement efficiency measures among firefighter recruits. METHODS Measures of obesity were collected among 73 male firefighter recruits. Participants were grouped into standard body mass index (BMI) categories (normal, overweight, obese). Differences in Total Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores and Y-Balance Test (YBT) composite scores were examined between BMI categories. In addition, the relationships between measures of obesity and movement efficiency were also examined. RESULTS No significant differences in movement efficiency measures were identified between BMI categories (p > 0.05). However, significant bivariate correlations were identified between BMI (kg/m2) and Total FMS score (r = -0.235, p = 0.045), as well as between fat-free mass (FFM) and Total FMS score (r = -0.231, p = 0.049), when examined among all participants. CONCLUSIONS BMI may influence measures of movement efficiency among firefighter recruits to a lesser extent than among other previously examined populations. Future research should examine the influence of other unexamined physiological variables on movement efficiency.
Treatment of refractory melasma with the MedLite C6 Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and alpha arbutin: A prospective study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (MedLite C6; HOYA ConBio, Fremont, CA, USA) and 7% alpha arbutin solution (Skin Advance Laboratory, Japan) in the treatment of melasma. Methods: This was a prospective study of 35 refractory melasma cases treated with 10 weekly laser sessions, two monthly follow-up treatments and topical 7% alpha arbutin solution. Clinical photographs and severity grading on a 5-point scale were carried out by an independent observer at each visit. Results: At 6 months, 30% of study subjects received results in the excellent clearance category (> 81% reduction of melasma) and 36.7% received good (51–80% reduction) clearance. Mild and transient side effects included discomfort during treatment, erythema, whitening of fine hair and urticaria. Three cases of mottling hypo-pigmentation (8.57%) and two cases of recurrence of melasma (5.71%) were recorded. Conclusion: Combination therapy with the MedLite C6 and 7% alpha arbutin solution is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for refractory melasma.
Screening of Predicted Secreted Antigens from Mycobacterium bovis Identifies Potential Novel Differential Diagnostic Reagents

ABSTRACT To date, the most promising vaccination strategies for the control of bovine tuberculosis (TB) focus on improving the efficacy of Mycobacteriumbovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). However, vaccination with BCG results in sensitization of animals to bovine tuberculin and compromises tests currently used for diagnosis of bovine TB infection. Thus, the development of specific diagnostic reagents capable of discriminating between infected and uninfected vaccinated animals (DIVA) is of high priority. To test the hypothesis that M. bovis-secreted proteins are likely to contain immunogenic antigens that can be used to increase the specificity of diagnostic tests, we screened 379 pools of overlapping peptides representing 119 antigens for their ability to stimulate a gamma inferferon (IFN-γ) response in vitro using whole blood from both TB reactor and BCG-vaccinated animals. Peptide pools representing antigens Rv3020c and Rv2346c induced responses in 61% and 57% of the TB reactor animals, respectively, without inducing responses in any BCG-vaccinated animal studied. Furthermore, individual peptides contained within pools recognized by BCG vaccinates were identified that were specific and induced IFN-γ responses in TB reactor animals. From these results, we constructed a cocktail of nine peptides representing multiple antigen targets that was recognized by 54% of TB reactor animals but also failed to induce responses in any BCG-vaccinated animal studied. In summary, we have identified three peptide cocktails for prioritization in larger trials to discriminate between M. bovis infection and BCG vaccination.
Relationship Between Total Tear IgE and Specific Serum IgE in Autumnal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Purpose: A new commercial immunochromatographic test (Allerwatch) has recently been developed for determining total immunoglobulin E (IgE). We previously reported on the use of this kit for analyzing tear fluid samples collected during the spring. In this study, we examined the relationship between the total IgE level in tears and the specific serum IgE levels in patients with autumnal allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized cross-sectional study was conducted in 36 patients with autumnal allergic conjunctivitis (autumnal allergic group), in 32 age-matched and sex-matched healthy control subjects (control group), and in 10 patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Total tear IgE score was determined in all subjects using the Allerwatch test (0, 1, and 2), whereas the serum levels of total IgE and specific IgE for 12 inhaled allergens were measured using the Phadezym PRIST and CAP-RAST systems, respectively. Results: Positivity rates for total tear IgE were significantly higher in the autumnal allergic group as compared with the control and epidemic keratoconjunctivitis groups (88.9% vs. 0.0% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.00001). In the autumnal allergic group, there was a significant correlation between the total tear IgE score and the log-transformed total serum IgE level (r = 0.84). Significant correlations were also seen with the IgE serum levels for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (r = 0.53), house dust (r = 0.51), acarus (r = 0.49), cedar pollen (r = 0.33), and mugwort (r = 0.33). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the only significant predictor of the total tear IgE score was the log-transformed total serum IgE level (odds ratio = 2.76, P < 0.00001). Conclusions: The correlation between the Allerwatch total tear IgE score and the specific IgE serum levels against house dust mites suggests that house dust mite allergens might be the primary cause of allergic conjunctivitis during autumn in Japan. The Allerwatch methodology can provide rapid measurements of total IgE in the tear fluid, which makes it possible to easily diagnose allergic conjunctivitis in an outpatient setting.
Preferences for potential innovations in non-invasive colorectal cancer screening: A labeled discrete choice experiment for a Dutch screening campaign

Abstract Background. The introduction of innovative non-invasive screening tests (e.g. tests based on stool and blood samples or both) may be a solution to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake. However, preferences for these non-invasive screening tests have not been investigated in great detail yet. The purpose of this article therefore is to elicit individuals’ preferences for different non-invasive screening tests in a Dutch screening campaign context. Material and methods. We investigate preferences by means of a labeled discrete choice experiment. Data of 815 individuals, aged 55–75 years, are used in the analysis. Results. Multinomial logit model analysis showed that the combi-test is generally preferred over the blood-test and the (currently available) stool-test. Furthermore, besides the large effect of screening test type, there are significant differences in preference depending on participants’ socio-demographic background. Finally, the analysis showed a significant positive effect on screening test choice for the attributes sensitivity, risk reduction, and level of evidence and a non-significant effect for the attribute unnecessary follow-up test. Conclusion. Introducing new non-invasive screening tests that are based on a combination of stool and blood samples (or blood sample only) has the potential to increase CRC screening participation compared to the current standard stool-based test.
Surgical Resection and Permanent Brachytherapy for Recurrent Atypical and Malignant Meningioma

OBJECTIVERecurrent atypical and malignant meningiomas are difficult to treat successfully. Chemotherapy to date has been unsuccessful, and radiosurgery is limited to smaller tumors. Reoperation alone provides limited tumor control and limited prolonged survival. The addition of brachytherapy at the time of operation is an option. Here, we report the results of our series of patients with recurrent malignant meningioma treated with resection and brachytherapy with permanent low-dose 125I. METHODSThe charts of patients in our database with recurrent atypical and malignant meningiomas treated by surgical resection and permanent 125I brachytherapy at the University of California, San Francisco, between 1988 and 2002 were selected for this study. Calculations of disease-free survival and overall survival curves were made by the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method. Univariate analysis between Kaplan-Meier curves was based on the log-rank statistic, with a significance level set at a value of P ≤ 0.05. RESULTSSeventeen patients had recurrent malignant meningioma, and four had recurrent atypical meningioma. The median number of sources implanted after surgical resection was 30 (range, 4–112 sources), with a median total activity of 20 mCi (range, 3.3–85.9 mCi). The median time to progression after brachytherapy was 11.6 months for patients with malignant meningioma and 10.4 months for the combined group. There was a trend toward longer disease-free survival time in patients after gross total resection versus subtotal resection and in patients with tumors located at the convexity and parasagittally versus at the cranial base. These differences did not reach statistical significance. The median overall survival after diagnosis was 9.4 years for patients with atypical meningioma, 6.6 years for those with malignant meningioma, and 8.0 years for all patients combined. Survival from the time of resection and implantation of 125I was 1.6 years for patients with atypical meningioma, 2.4 years for patients with malignant meningioma, and 2.4 years for the combined group. Thirty-three percent of patients had complications requiring surgical intervention. Radiation necrosis occurred in 27% of patients; 13% underwent surgery for radiation necrosis. In addition, 27% had a wound breakdown and required surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONThe options for patients with recurrent atypical or malignant meningiomas are limited. Our results suggest that for tumors not suitable for radiosurgery, resection followed by permanent brachytherapy should be considered as a potential salvage treatment. However, this approach results in a relatively high complication rate in these heavily treated patients and requires meticulous surgical technique and medical therapies to assist with wound healing after surgery.
Developmental mechanisms and experimental models to understand forebrain malformative diseases

The development of the central nervous system can be divided into a number of phases, each of which can be subject of genetic or epigenetic alterations that may originate particular developmental disorders. In recent years, much progress has been made in elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the vertebrate forebrain develops. Therefore, our understanding of major developmental brain disorders such as cortical malformations and neuronal migration disorders has significantly increased. In this review, we will describe the major stages in forebrain morphogenesis and regionalization, with special emphasis on developmental molecular mechanisms derailing telencephalic development with subsequent damage to cortical function. Because animal models, mainly mouse, have been fundamental for this progress, we will also describe some characteristic mouse models that have been capital to explore these molecular mechanisms of malformative diseases of the human brain. Although most of the genes involved in the regulation of basic developmental processes are conserved among vertebrates, the extrapolation of mouse data to corresponding gene expression and function in humans needs careful individual analysis in each functional system.
Single centre review of radiologically-guided percutaneous nephrostomies: a report of 273 procedures.

INTRODUCTION To evaluate the technical success and complications associated with radiologically-guided percutaneous nephrostomies (PCNs) in a single centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 273 PCNs performed in 190 patients in our hospital over a 3-year period from January 1997 to December 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. The study population consisted of 97 males and 93 females, ranging in age from 13 to 91 years. The main indications were urinary obstruction (77.7%), pyonephrosis (18.3%) and urinary diversion (4%). Demographic variables, technical and risk factors related to the procedure, complications, effect on urine cultures and body temperature; and subsequent patient management were examined. RESULTS The technical success rate was 99%. The 30-day mortality was 7.2%, none of which were procedure related. Haemorrhage requiring transfusion occurred in 4.3% while septicaemia affected 3.2% of patients. Drainage catheter complications included catheter dislodgement and blockage which were 11.9% and 4.1%, respectively. Thirty-one per cent of PCNs subsequently underwent ureteric stenting as the definitive treatment modality. CONCLUSION Radiologically-guided PCN is a safe procedure with a high technical success rate.
Modelling soil carbon and nitrogen cycles during land use change. A review

Forested soils are being increasingly transformed to agricultural fields in response to growing demands for food crop. This modification of the land use is known to result in deterioration of soil properties, in particular its fertility. To reduce the impact of the human activities and mitigate their effects on the soil, it is important to understand the factors responsible for the modification of soil properties. In this paper we reviewed the principal processes affecting soil quality during land use changes, focusing in particular on the effect of soil moisture dynamics on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles. Both physical and biological processes, including degradation of litter and humus, and soil moisture evolution at the diurnal and seasonal time scales were considered, highlighting the impact of hydroclimatic variability on nutrient turnover along with the consequences of land use changes from forest to agricultural soil and vice-versa. In order to identify to what extent different models are suitable for long-term predictions of soil turnover, and to understand whether some simulators are more suited to specific environmental conditions or ecosystems, we enumerated the principal features of the most popular existing models dealing with C and N turnover. Among these models, we considered in detail a mechanistic compartment-based model. To show the capabilities of the model and to demonstrate how it can be used as a predictive tool to forecast the effects of land use changes on C and N dynamics, four different scenarios were studied, intertwining two different climate conditions (with and without seasonality) with two contrasting soils having physical properties that are representative of forest and agricultural soils. The model incorporates synthetic time series of stochastic precipitation, and therefore soil moisture evolution through time. Our main findings in simulating these scenarios are that (1) forest soils have higher concentrations of C and N than agricultural soils as a result of higher litter decomposition; (2) high frequency changes in water saturations under seasonal climate scenarios are commensurate with C and N concentrations in agricultural soils; and (3) due to their different physical properties, forest soils attenuate the seasonal climate-induced frequency changes in water saturation, with accompanying changes in C and N concentrations. The model was shown to be capable of simulating the long term effects of modified physical properties of agricultural soils, being thus a promising tool to predict future consequences of practices affecting sustainable agriculture, such as tillage (leading to erosion), ploughing, harvesting, irrigation and fertilization, leading to C and N turnover changes and in consequence, in terms of agriculture production.
Monoclonal Antibodies in the Diagnosis of Hodgkin's Disease: The Search for a Rational Panel

A novel, comprehensive panel of monoclonal antibodies was tested in a large series of routinely processed lymph node biopsy specimens from patients with Hodgkin's disease (69 cases), with the object of developing either definitive or adjunctive diagnostic criteria. B- and T-cell lymphomas and reactive states that could mimic Hodgkin's disease were also assessed with the same monoclonal antibody panel. In addition to the popularly used anti-Leu-M1 (CD15), the panel included the recently produced Ber-H2 (CD30) antibody, which detects a formalin-resistant epitope of the Ki-1 antigen. The other monoclonal antibodies were directed against epithelial membrane antigen (Dako-EMA) and leukocyte common antigen (Dako-LC) (CD45), as well as B-cell (LN-1 and LN-2) and T-cell (MT1) associated antigens. The results showed clear phenotypic separation of nodular lymphocyte predominant subtype of Hodgkin's disease from other subtypes. The lymphocytic and histocytic cells of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's disease were reactive for LN-1 (all cases) and anti-EMA (most cases) but negative for anti-Leu-M1 and Ber-H2. Within the other subtypes—i.e. nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity—nearly all Reed-Steinberg cells and Hodgkin's cells were positive for both anti-Leu-M1 and Ber-H2. Ber-H2 monoclonal antibody was observed to react more frequently with Reed-Sternberg cells and Hodgkin's cells in Bouin's- or formalin-fixed tissues. Pleomorphic T-cell lymphomas, which could mimic Hodgkin's disease on morphology, created the same problem on phenotypic analysis. However, MT1 identified a significant proportion of T-cell lymphomas with Reed-Sternberg-like cells, having proven negative for Reed-Sternberg cells and Hodgkin's cells in Hodgkin's disease. Thus, a combination of anti-Leu-M1, Ber-H2, anti-EMA, LN-1, and MT1 monoclonal antibodies appears at present to be the most useful panel for the diagnosis and the differential diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease.
Grover's disease (transient acantholytic dermatosis): relationship of acanthoiysis to acrosyringia

Transient acantholytic dermatosis is often associated with excessive sweating, fever, and bed confinement. The patho‐genesis of this disease has been postnlated to be poral occlusion of damaged eccrine intraepidermal ducts. Histological and immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies were performed on 10 biopsies from 10 patients with transient acantholytic derinatosis. Immunoreactions for carcinoembryonic antigen and cytokeratin‐7 to identify eccrine duct epithelium were performed on all 11 biopsies. In addition. 5 of the biopsies were immunoreacted for cytokeratin 8. All immunoreactions were reviewed independently by two observers to determine extent of reactivity and whether it correlated with areas of epidermal acanthoiysis. Among the 11 biopsies, 8 showed acanthoiysis not associated with eccrine duct outflow tracts. In 2 biopsies the acanthoiysis was consistently associated with acrosyringea; in one case acanthoiysis was inconsistently associated with eccrine outflow tracts. Epidermal acanthoiysis in patients with Grover's disease is associated with the outflow tracts of eccrine ducts in a subgroup of patients. Although leakage of sweat from occluded sweat ducts in acrosyringia may be the mechanism operating in a subgroup of patients with Grover's disease, this does not appear to be the subgroup of patients in whom Grover's disease develops in the setting of being bedridden and/or sweating.