Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systemic lupus erythematosus in three ethnic groups: III A comparison of characteristics early in the natural history of the LUMINA cohort

Aim: To determine and contrast the socioeconomic-demographic and clinical features of patients with recent onset (5 y) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from three ethnic groups, Hispanic, African-American and Caucasian (H, AA, C). Subjects and methods: SLE cases (American College of Rheumatology criteria) (incident (n ‘ 56), prevalent (n ‘ 173)), were enrolled in a longitudinal study at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Socioeconomic-demographic, clinical, immunological, behavioral and psychological data were obtained using validated instruments and standard laboratory techniques, and compared. Results: 70 H, 88 AA and 71 C SLE patients constitutethis cohort. H and AA patients were younger and of lower socioeconomic-demographic status. They also had evidence of more frequent organ system involvement (renal, cardiovascular), more auto-antibodies, more active disease (after adjusting for discrepant socioeconomic-demographic features), lower levels of social support and more abnormal illness-related behaviors (more in H than in AA). H also were more likely to have an abrupt disease onset; C were more likely to be on antimalarials but less likely to be on corticosteroids. H, AA, and C used health care resources comparably. They had similar levels of pain and physical and mental functioning after adjusting for age, disease duration, income, education, social support, illness-related behaviors, and Systemic Lupus Activity Measure or SLAM scores. Conclusions: H and AA patients have more active SLE, at an earlier age of onset, and a less favorable socioeconomic-demographic structure (worse among the H than AA) which predispose them to a less favorable natural history.
Venous Complications After Intravenous Injection of Diazepam, Flunitrazepam, Thiopentone and Etomidate

The Occurrence of phlebitis, thrombosis, and thrombophlebitis after intravenous premedication with diazepam (0.15 mg/kg) dissolved in propylene glycol (Valium®) or in polyethylene glycol (Diapam®) or flunitrazepam (0.0125 mg/kg), and after intravenous induction of balanced general anaesthesia with thiopentone (4.0 mg/kg) or etomidate (0.3 mg/kg) was studied on the 7th and 14th postoperative days in 115 patients undergoing short‐stay varicose vein surgery. Venous complications occurred most frequently after etomidate (43% at 14 days), thiopentone (23% at 14 days), and Valium (21 % at 7 days). Diapam caused fewer venous sequelae (9% at 14 days) than Valium (18 % at 14 days), but the smallest number of complications were noticed after flunitrazepam (8% at 7 days and none at 14 days). Venous sequelae were more severe and more extended after thiopentone and after etomidate than those after the diazepam preparations. It is concluded that venous complications after flunitrazepam premedication were mild and infrequent and that the incidence of such complications was unacceptably high after etomidate induction.
Effect of Doxycycline in Gel Form on Bone Regeneration: Histomorphometric and Tomographic Study in Rat Calvaria.

BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate the effects of the local application of doxycycline in the form of natrosol-based gel on bone regeneration by examining critical defects in rat calvaria. METHODS Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups with eight animals each, according to the treatment received: BC (untreated, filled with blood clot), NAT (natrosol gel alone), and DOX (10% doxycycline gel). Four animals from each group were euthanized at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. In tomographic analysis, mean density in the region of the defect was calculated as a percentage relative to the native bone density. In histomorphometric analysis, the newly formed bone area was calculated as a percentage of the total area. The values obtained underwent analysis of variance and Tukey testing (P <0.05). RESULTS The mean percentage of tomographic density in the region of the defect at the end of 8 weeks was higher for DOX (44.37%), and statistical differences in this period were observed between DOX and NAT (33.10%) and DOX and BC (32.43%). Regarding new bone formation, at the end of 8 weeks, DOX (61.11%) also had the highest mean bone formation, and statistical differences were observed between DOX and NAT (34.61%) and DOX and BC (23.11%). CONCLUSION It was observed that 10% doxycycline gel had a good effect on bone regeneration regarding the filling of critical defects in rat calvaria.
Factors Influencing Counseling Students' Enrollment Decisions: A Focus on CACREP

A purposeful sample of 359 graduate counseling students completed a survey assessing factors influencing program enrollment decisions with particular attention to students’ awareness of and importance ascribed to accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) prior to and following enrollment. Results indicated that accreditation was the second most influential factor in one half of the students’ enrollment decisions; nearly half of participants were unaware of CACREP accreditation prior to enrollment. Accreditation was a top factor that students attending non-CACREP-accredited programs wished they had considered more in their enrollment decisions. Findings from the survey indicate that prospective counseling students often lack necessary information regarding accreditation that may influence enrollment decisions. Implications for counseling students and their graduate preparation programs, CACREP and the broader counseling profession are discussed.
Preoperative anemia in elective cardiac surgery: prevalence, risk factors, and influence on postoperative outcome: PREOPERATIVE ANEMIA IN CARDIAC SURGERY

SUMMARY Preoperative anemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with a higher transfusion risk and poorer outcomes. This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of preoperative anemia and its associated risk factors, as well as its influence on postoperative outcomes, in 576 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery (52.3% with cardiopulmonary bypass) for myocardial revascularization, valve replacement, coronary + valve, or miscellaneous pathology at a single institution. Perioperative data were reviewed according to the presence or absence of preoperative anemia (hemoglobin < 13 g/dL for men, hemoglobin < 12 g/dL for women). Overall, 210 patients (36.5%) presented with anemia. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, chronic kidney disease, and consumption of proton pump inhibitors histamine H2 receptor antagonists and diuretics were independent risk factors for the presence of preoperative anemia. Postoperatively, anemic patients received transfusions and inotropic support and stayed longer than 4 days in the recovery unit more frequently than non-anemic patients, but there were no differences in the composite outcome variable (stroke, myocardial infarction, renal failure or death). In conclusion, our data seem to indicate that preoperative anemia has a high prevalence among elective cardiac surgical patients and increases postoperative morbidity. Therefore, we need to address two specific areas about preoperative anemia in these patients: early recognition and evaluation, and appropriate and timely treatment.
Adherence to Treatment in Patients with Psychosis

textabstractHalfway during the 20th century, the development of antipsychotic medications revolutionised the care for patients with psychosis. Yet today, efficacy of antipsychotic medications is still far from perfect. Positive symptoms may persist despite antipsychotic treatment, the effects on cognitive and negative symptoms are small, and side-effects are often burdensome (Leucht et al., 2009a). Therefore, putting means and efforts into developing more efficacious medication, if possible with fewer side-effects, is to be applauded. However, effect-sizes of the second-generation antipsychotic medications on primary symptoms, in comparison to placebo, currently lie around. (Leucht et al., 2009b). Note that this effect-size is the result of a meta-analysis of controlled trials where medication intake was strictly monitored and adherence was probably high. However, in the average patient population, non-adherence is common in more than half of the patients (Perkins, 2002), and it is associated with poor outcome and high costs. In the UK for example, non-adherence to antipsychotic medication predicted an excess annual cost of more than 5.000 pound of service use per patient (Knapp et al., 2004), due to factors such as crisis interventions and readmissions. It is therefore plausible, considering that no recent development has improved the effects of antipsychotic medications substantially, that current intervention and research efforts are most likely to successfully improve outcome if they target the non-adherence problem. Medications, no matter how effective, are not helpful when patients do not use them. Given the fact that a mere 58% of the prescribed antipsychotic medications is actually taken by patients (Cramer & Rosenheck, 1998), solving the problem of non-adherence could theoretically almost double the efficacy of antipsychotic treatment in everyday practice.
Effects of a local commercial herbal cleanser on hair growth in Wistar rats

In this present study, we evaluated the hair growth promoting effect of a local commercial herbal cleanser which contains three Chinese herbs namely, Camellia oleifera Abel. , Radix Angelica sinensis and Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. In vitro toxicology testing on the human fibroblast cell line, CCD-118Sk using the tetrazolium dye (MTT) assay showed that the herbal cleanser exhibited mild cytotoxic activity. An in vivo study was conducted whereby the shaved dorsal skin of male and female Wistar rats were treated daily with topical application of 10 and 20% solutions of the herbal cleanser for 30 days. Histological examination of skin biopsies taken from the treated areas at the end of the study period showed that the topical application of the herbal cleanser did not cause any apparent toxicity on the rats’ skin. In fact, a significant increase in hair follicles count was observed and more anagen phase hair follicles induced as compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the herbal cleanser has hair growth promoting potential. Key words: Herbal cleanser, hair follicles, hair growth.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer: The Situation in Korea.

The balance between the risks versus benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is controversial. Although there is a debate on the potential harm associated with breast cancer, it is commonly known that the relative benefits and safety of HRT changes as the duration of use increases. In other words, breast cancer is a primary concern among women on long-term or current HRT. (1-3) Many risks of developing breast cancer have hormonal components and a relationship to estrogen in particular. In fact, epidemiological data suggest a dose-response relationship between the serum levels of endogenous sex hormones and the risk of breast cancer. (4-6) Some types of breast cancer therapies, such as oophorectomy, natural menopause, and the use of estrogen, strengthen the causal links between estrogen and breast cancer. (7-10) In addition, it is well known that an increase in caloric uptake and energy expenditure leads to a stimulation of adrenal androgen secretion, a decrease in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and an elevated aromatization of androgens in the excessive fat tissue. A significant correlation between the serum levels of total and free estradiol and the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women has been reported. (11-13)
The effect of transport on live weight loss, meat quality and blood haematology in slaughter ostriches

Acute stress is known to affect blood haematological and blood chemistry values of animals. Few studies have comprehensively investigated this issue with specific regards to ostriches. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of transport over varying distances on specific blood metabolites associated with stress in other animals, using an approach which would allow for quantification of the relative contributions of both psychological and metabolic stress. Sixteen ostriches were divided into two groups of eight each and transported for 60 and 600 km respectively, with blood samples obtained at various time points before and after transport. Both 60 and 600km distance transportation resulted in a significant increase in white blood cell (WBC) count, but increased heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratio was only evident in the birds that travelled 600 km. Transport had no significant effect on corticosterone levels. Both transport distance and time significantly increased concentrations of indicators of physical stress, such as s-AST and s-CK, although appearance in circulation occurred at different points in time after transport. These increases most likely indicate severe physical stress, ascribed to the effort required for maintenance of posture and balance on a moving vehicle. In conclusion, this study indicates that physical stress associated with transport during the ante-mortem period leads to muscle damage, which adversely affects meat quality, and that psychological stress is not induced by transport itself, but rather by acute incidents before and after transport, during the ante-mortem period.
Collaborative Cross Mouse Population for Studying Alveolar Bone Changes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance Comorbidity After High‐Fat Diet Consumption

BACKGROUND High-fat diet (HFD), body weight (BW) gain, and impaired glucose tolerance development are associated with alveolar bone loss (ABL) in susceptible individuals. This report explores the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse population for studying the impact of genetic background on comorbidity of alveolar bone change and glucose tolerance after HFD consumption. METHODS Seventy-eight mice from 19 different CC lines were maintained on rodent chow diet for 8 weeks and were subsequently transferred to an HFD (42% fat) for an additional 12 weeks. BW changes were assessed, and glucose tolerance was measured using an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). Six cytokines/chemokines were quantified by multiplex immunoassay, alveolar bone volume was quantified by microcomputed tomography, and the ABL phenotype was calculated relative to a control group (143 mice maintained on standard chow diet for 20 weeks). RESULTS The glucose tolerance response after HFD significantly varied among CC lines (P <0.01), with a significant effect of sex (P <0.01). Alveolar bone changes significantly varied among CC lines (P <0.01). Overall, there was no significant correlation between alveolar bone volume changes and increased BW or glucose tolerance response. However, individual CC lines were identified that showed type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2DM) development and significant alveolar bone volume change (P <0.05), whereas others showed t2DM development, regardless of periodontitis. Interleukin-6 significantly correlated with alveolar bone changes (P <0.05), whereas adipsin showed a negative correlation with IPGTT area under the curve values (P <0.05). CONCLUSION The present results demonstrate the power of CC mice for studying the genetic background impact between comorbidity of t2DM and bone loss.
Clarithromycin as an Adjunct to One‐Stage Full‐Mouth Ultrasonic Periodontal Debridement in Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study is to evaluate the periodontal clinical and microbiologic responses and possible adverse effects of clarithromycin (CLM) combined with periodontal mechanical therapy in the treatment of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis. METHODS Forty patients were selected and randomly assigned into one of two groups: 1) CLM (n = 20): one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD) associated with CLM (500 mg, every 12 hours for 3 days); and 2) placebo (n = 20): FMUD associated with placebo pills. Clinical and microbiologic parameters were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS Both treatments presented statistically significant clinical and microbiologic improvements. However, the CLM group presented lower means of probing depth for pockets ≥7 mm at 6 months (4.0 ± 1.7 mm) compared with the placebo group (4.7 ± 1.3 mm) (P = 0.04). In addition, the CLM group also presented greater reduction of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) DNA counts at 6 months (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION Results from this study suggest both treatments are effective; however, adjunct use of CLM to FMUD leads to better reduction of deep pockets and Pg at 6 months compared with FMUD alone.
Epidemiologic evidence of spinal cord injury in Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Spinal cord injury is a fearsome disability leading to increased rate of morbidity and mortality. Information about the incidence of spinal cord injury may provide support for the healthcare advancements. The aim of the present study is to investigate the epidemiology of spinal cord injury. Methods: The present study was carried out in Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital, Chennai, India. The study design was approved by the institutional human ethical committee. Questionnaire was used to collect the information from the patients in a prospective manner. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scoring systems was used to evaluate the severity of spinal cord injury. Results: A total of 245 cases of spinal injury were studied. Among them, 88 % (n=216) were male and 12% (n=29) were female. Spinal cord injuries of falls from height were prominent over the road traffic accident. Cervical level injuries are widespread in males and dorsal level Injuries are common in females. Conclusion: Hence awareness of the spinal cord injury and availability of healthcare facilities may minimise the consequences of spinal cord injury.
Commonest Organisms and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Peritonitis Due To Duodenal Ulcer Perforation in Krishna Hospital, Karad. -

Aims and Objectives :1.To detect commonest organisms in peritonitis due to duodenal ulcer perforation and to find out antibiotic sensitivity pattern to form antibiotic policy for peritonitis due to duodenal ulcer perforation. 2.To see response of patients after starting antibiotics according to the culture and sensitivity report. Materials and Methods:
[Congenital Heart Disease in Children with Down Syndrome: What Has Changed in the Last Three Decades?]

INTRODUCTION The prevalence of Down syndrome has increased in the last 30 years; 55% of these children have congenital heart disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective longitudinal cohort study; clinical data from 1982 to 2013 databases with the diagnosis of Down syndrome or trisomy 21 in a reference hospital in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE to assess the progress in the last three decades of cardiological care given to children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. RESULTS We studied 102 patients with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease subjected to invasive therapy: corrective or palliative cardiac surgery and therapeutic catheterization. The referral age was progressively earlier in patients referred in the first year of life. The most frequent diagnosis was complete atrioventricular sptal defect (41%). There was a trend towards increasingly early corrective surgery in patients under 12 months (p < 0.001). Since 2000, the large majority of patients were operated before reaching six months of age. The main cardiac complications were rhythm dysfunction and low output. More frequent noncardiac complications were pulmonary and infectious. The 30-day mortality rate was 3/102 cases (2.9%). Of patients in follow-up, 89% are in NYHA class I. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The early surgical correction seen over the past 15 years follows the approach suggested in the literature. The observed 30-day mortality rate is overlapping international results. Patients with Down syndrome subjected to corrective surgery of congenital heart disease have an excellent long-term functional capacity.
O-0021PERTUZUMAB PHARMACOKINETICS AND SAFETY IN COMBINATION WITH TRASTUZUMAB AND CHEMOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH HER2-POSITIVE ADVANCED GASTRIC CANCER (AGC)

Results: Of 15 patients randomised to each arm, 15 and 13 were evaluable for pertuzumab Cmin at Day 43 in Arms A and B respectively. The mean Cmin was higher in patients in Arm B than Arm A at Day 43 (57.9 µg/mL [CV 56.5%] versus 40.0 µg/ mL [CV 43.2%]). The estimated proportion of patients with Cmin ≥20 µg/mL was 91.6% (95% CI 78.3–99.2) in Arm A and 98.3% (95% CI 91.4–99.97) in Arm B. The mean pertuzumab trough concentration in Arm Awas ∼37% lower than that observed in a previous mBC trial using the 840/420 mg dose; the mean pertuzumab trough concentration in Arm B was similar to that observed in the previous mBC trial. At this interim safety assessment, the most common (≥13%) grade ≥3 adverse events were diarrhoea, neutropenia, anaemia, decreased appetite, fatigue, decreased neutrophil count, febrile neutropenia, hyponatremia and stomatitis. Overall, there was no difference in the adverse event profile between arms. Conclusion: Based on the pharmacokinetic and safety data from JOSHUA, a pertuzumab dose of 840 mg q3w was selected for the Phase III trial of pertuzumab in HER2-positive metastatic GEJ and GC. This dose is more likely to achieve the pharmacokinetic target of ≥20 µg/mL in >90% of aGC patients and provide trough concentrations similar to those observed in mBC clinical studies.
Thyroid stimulating hormone and free triiodothyronine are valuable predictors for diabetic nephropathy in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background Diabetes seriously threatens human health, and diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the serious diabetic complications. Therefore, it is valuable to predict the occurrence of DN early. This study aims to evaluate the predicting significance of thyroid hormones for DN. Methods A total of 301 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients were enrolled. Thyroid hormones before treatment were measured, and the risk factors and their predicting significance for T2DM and DN were assessed. Results The results indicated that there was no statistical difference in any investigated variable between controls and patients without complications (P>0.05). However, patients with DN exhibited lower levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and free triiodothyronine (FT3), but higher levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) than T2DM patients without complications (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis did not demonstrate any thyroid hormone as the independent risk factor for T2DM without complications, but revealed increased TSH and decreased T3 and FT3 as the independent risk factors for patients with DN [odds ratio (OR): 2.087, 95% CI: 1.525-3.303; 1.335, 95% CI: 1.101-1.621; 7.414, 95% CI: 4.319-13.986; P<0.001, respectively]. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of TSH, FT3 and T3 was 0.850 (95% CI: 0.776-0.923), 0.824 (95% CI: 0.751-0.897), and 0.620 (95% CI: 0.515-0.725) for DN prediction. Based on their cutoff values of 1.85 mIU/L, 2.31 ng/L, and 0.61 µg/L, the sensitivity was 82%, 78%, and 64%, and the specificity was 77%, 79%, and 85%, respectively. Conclusions Our findings suggest that TSH and FT3 are useful predictors for DN in patients with T2DM.