Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of antimicrobial peptides in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis as a novel contributory mechanism for skin and joint disease heterogeneity

Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that a differential innate immune antimicrobial peptide (AMP) profile was evident between the skin and joints in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and that PsA synovitis may have a distinct AMP pattern compared to other arthropathies. Method: Twenty-two cases had knee biopsies [10 PsA, eight rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and four osteoarthritis (OA)]. Lesional and non-lesional skin biopsies in psoriasis and control tissue were also obtained (n = 4 each). Immunohistochemistry with semi-quantitative scoring of both synovium and skin was performed using the following panel of AMPs: S100 A8, S100 A9, human neutrophil peptides 1–3 (HNP1–3), human β-defensins 2 and 3 (hBD-2 and hBD-3), cathelicidin LL-37, psoriasin (S100 A7), and ribonuclease 7 (RNase 7). Results: Similar expression of S100 A8, S100 A9, and HNP1–3 was detectable in PsA and RA synovium but only in the synovium sublining layer (SSL). No expression of psoriasin, RNase 7, hBD-2, and hBD-3 could be detected in the synovial tissue of PsA, RA, or OA. All psoriasis skin samples exhibited broad expression of all investigated AMPs, with strong keratinocyte expression. Conclusions: Given that some AMPs, especially hBD-2, are genetically linked to psoriasis and are only expressed in the skin, these findings show how differential AMP expression in innate immune responses may contribute to disease heterogeneity between PsA and psoriasis and provides a genetic basis for the non-progression of psoriasis subgroups to PsA.
ACCIDENTAL INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF HALOTHANE

A case is described of the accidental administration of halothane intravenously. Severe pulmonary oedema and right heart failure occurred. Hypoxaemia was marked and transient mild changes occurred in hepatic, renal and haemopoietic functions. Treatment was based on the administration of oxygen by positive pressure ventilation via an endotracheal tube, together with considerable additional medical therapy.
Apoio matricial e equipe de referência: uma metodologia para gestão do trabalho interdisciplinar em saúde

The authors discuss a theoretical and conceptual management methodology based on reference teams and matrix support. Reference team is a structural organization intended to combine managerial power and interdisciplinary work. Matrix support changes the way traditional health systems work, with specialists organically linked to other teams who periodically require specialized consultation. Besides care support, there is another goal: to build new knowledge for each health professional through a continuing education process. The article analyzes the structural, political, cultural, theoretical, and subjective obstacles to this new model.
Disclosure and Prevention of Medical Errors

Medical errors occur and are sometimes unavoidable. Physicians generally, but not always, have ethical and moral obligations to disclose their errors to the patient. Because common medical errors can be expected, physicians are obligated to work within health systems toward reducing systems flaws that promote errors. However, the obligations of physicians to disclose errors made by others are less clear. This article discusses the professional ethics involved in disclosing and preventing medical errors.
Flotrac/Vigileo TM validation trials: Are there reliable conclusions?

We reviewed the comparative trials of the Flotrac/VigileoTM versus the thermodilution method, published in the last decade. The results about the agreement between the two methods measuring cardiac output are contrasting. We also noticed that almost the whole pertinent literature include studies conducted without a correct statistical design, particularly about the sample size. For this reason, we consider that results of the published studies do not permit any conclusion about the agreement between pulse contour analysis for cardiac output measurement and thermodilution method. Key words: Pulse contour wave, cardiac output, haemodynamics.
The effect of hydrocortisone on the mastocytosis produced in mice by short-wavelength ultra-violet radiation.

SummaryThe effect of hydrocortisone on the mastocytosis produced in the skin of mice by short-wavelength ultra-violet radiation was investigated. Two groups of mice were irradiated. The mice in one of the two groups also received hydrocortisone. It was observed that hydrocortisone distinctly reduced the tissue swelling produced by UV-radiation. In the group receiving radiation + hydrocortisone the mast cell counts distinctly decreased to below the control level. On the other hand in the group having mere radiation the mast cell counts clearly increased.
An evaluation of the incidence of haemodynamic depression during carotid angioplasty and stenting and its relationship with specific risk factors

Introduction: Haemodynamic depression is a drop in systolic pressure below 90 mmHg and/or heart rate to less than 60 beats per minute. Its incidence during the carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) perioperative period is as high as 68%. It is suggested that haemodynamic depression may result in serious perioperative incidents (major adverse cardiac events – MACE) and strokes. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of haemodynamic depression and to attempt to find a relationship with specific risk factors in patients undergoing carotid angioplasty and stenting. Material and methods: The study involved a group of 23 patients aged 40 to 79 (13 men and 10 women) who underwent CAS between August 2009 and July 2010. Initial values of arterial pressure and heart rate, values at moments critical for successful CAS and values at the end of the procedure were recorded. Haemodynamic depression was defined as hypotension below 90 mmHg and/or bradycardia below 60 beats per minute. Results: The incidence of haemodynamic depression was 30.4%. There is a positive and statistically significant correlation between initial systolic pressure and systolic and diastolic pressure and heart rate measured during stent implantation. Gender, artery operated on, previous stroke/TIA or carotid endarterectomy, type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and smoking did not significantly affect the incidence of haemodynamic depression. A statistically significant correlation with the length of the implanted stent was observed. Conclusions: The probability of haemodynamic depression is markedly higher in patients with low initial systolic pressure and longer stenosis of the carotid artery.
Frequency of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its biochemical derangements in Type-2 diabetic patients.

Objective: To see the frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Type-2 diabetic patients and to see biochemical derangements in NAFLD patients. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study, conducted at Diabetic Research Centre & outpatient department Nishtar Hospital and PMRC Research Centre Nishtar Medical College, Multan. One hundred patients of either sex having type 2 diabetes mellitus attending diabetic out-patient department Nishtar Hospital Multan were included in the study. A pre-designed study pro forma was filled with relevant investigations and clinical assessments were carried out in all cases. All the patients underwent abdominal ultrasonography. Data were entered in SPSS-11 & analyzed. Results: Out of one hundred patients, 51 (51%) were female and 49 (49%) were male. Mean age of the patients was 47.93±8.57 years. Fifty one (51%) of the diabetic patients had fatty liver. Out of these 32 (62.75%) were female and 19 (37.25%) were male. Fatigue was present in 49 (53.26%), generalized weakness in 48 (52.18%), heaviness right upper abdomen in 22 (64.70%) and pain right upper abdomen in 20 (58.82%) of fatty liver patients. Corresponding figure in Non Fatty Liver Patients were 43 (46.74%), 44 (47.82%), 12 (35.30%) & 14(41.18%), respectively. Itching was noted in 19 (44.18%) patients of fatty liver while it was 24(55.82%) in non-fatty liver patients. Serum triglyceride level more than 160 mg/dl in 47 (92.15%) patients of fatty liver while serum cholesterol level more than 200mg/dl was seen in 24(47.05%). Aspartate amino transferase (AST) more than 35 u/l was noted in seven (13.72%), alanine amino-transferase (ALT) more than 40u/l was noted in 6(11.76%) fatty liver patients while serum albumin and serum billirubin were within normal range in all fatty liver and non-fatty liver patients. Conclusion: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more commonly seen in Type-2 diabetic patients. Serum triglyceride and serum cholesterol are significantly raised in NAFLD patients. Raised ALT and AST was not a common finding in our NAFLD study patients. Diabetic patients having heaviness or pain right upper abdomen with raised serum triglycerides and cholesterol should be more closely observed for NAFLD and liver complications.
A comparative study between oral melatonin and oral midazolam on preoperative anxiety, cognitive, and psychomotor functions

Background & Aims: Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body, has been reported to cause preoperative anxiolysis and sedation without impairing orientation. The aim of the following study was to evaluate and to compare the effects of oral melatonin and oral midazolam on preoperative anxiety, sedation, psychomotor, and cognitive function. Materials and Methods: A study conducted on 120 patients aged 16-55 years, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade 1 and 2 posted for elective surgery, with each group of melatonin, midazolam, and placebo comprising 40 patients. Patients were given either 0.4 mg/kg oral melatonin or 0.2 mg/kg oral midazolam or a placebo 60-90 min before induction. Preoperative anxiety was studied before and 60-90 min after giving medications using visual analog scale (VAS) anxiety score, orientation score, and sedation score. Psychomotor and cognitive functions were studied using the digit symbol substitution test (DSST) and trail making test (TMT) tests. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test or Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance and the value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Changes in VAS anxiety scores were significant when melatonin was compared with placebo (P = 0.0124) and when midazolam was compared with placebo (P = 0.0003). When melatonin was compared with midazolam, no significant difference (P = 0.49) in VAS anxiety scores was observed. Intergroup comparison of sedation scores showed melatonin (P = 0.0258) and midazolam (P = 0.0000) to be statistically significant when compared with placebo. No changes in orientation scores occurred in melatonin and placebo group. Change in DSST scores and TMT scores were seen to be significant only in midazolam group. Conclusion: Oral melatonin 0.4 mg/kg provides adequate anxiolysis comparable to that of oral midazolam. Unlike midazolam, oral melatonin 0.4 mg/kg does not impair the general cognitive and psychomotor function especially cognitive aspects such as working memory, memory retrieval, sustained attention, and flexibility of thinking.
Regional anesthesia practice in Greece: A census report

Background and Aims: Regional anesthesia (RA) techniques (central neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks [CNBs and PNBs]) are well-established anesthesia/analgesia modalities. However, information on their nationwide use is sparse. The aim of the survey was to assess the utility of RA techniques in Greece, during 2011. Materials and Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted (March to June, 2012), using a structured questionnaire that was sent to 128 Greek Anesthesia Departments. Results: Sixty-six completed questionnaires (response rate 51.56%) were analyzed. The data corresponded to 187,703 operations and represented all hospital categories and geographical regions of Greece. On the whole, RA was used in 45.5% of performed surgical procedures (85,386/187,703). Spinal anesthesia was the technique of choice (51.9% of all RA techniques), mostly preferred in orthopedics (44.8%). Epidural anesthesia/analgesia (application rate of 23.2%), was mostly used in obstetrics and gynecology (50.4%). Combined spinal-epidural and PNBs were less commonly instituted (11.24% and 13.64% of all RA techniques, respectively). Most PNBs (78.5%) were performed with a neurostimulator, while elicitation of paresthesia was used in 16% of the cases. Conversely, ultrasound guidance was quite limited (5%). The vast majority of consultant anesthesologists (94.49%) were familiar with CNBs, whereas only 46.4% were familiar with PNBs. The main reported limitations to RA application were lack of equipment (58.23%) and inadequate education/training (49.29%). Conclusion: Regional modalities were routinely used by Greek anesthesiologists during 2011. Neuraxial blocks, especially spinal anesthesia, were preferred over PNBs. The underutilization of certain RA techniques was attributed to lack of equipment and inadequate training.
Allele distribution of six STR/miniSTR loci (CD4, FABP2, D12S391, D14S1434, D22S1045 and D10S1248) for forensic purposes in Southeastern Brazil

Background: Allele frequencies for six STR/miniSTR loci were determined in a sample of unrelated individuals from Southeastern Brazil. Methods and results: No significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium proportions were observed for the loci investigated (p-values ≥ 0.2320). Statistical parameters of forensic interest such as heterozygosity (H), power of discrimination (PD) and power of exclusion (PE) were estimated. Except for marker FABP2, all STR/miniSTRs tested showed observed heterozygosities over 0.66. Combined power of discrimination and power of exclusion were 0.9999993 and 0.9925, respectively. Conclusions: Due to their ease of analysis and high informativity, these new STR multiplexes will be useful for extending current marker sets for forensic and paternity purposes.
Truview PCD-video laryngoscope aided nasotracheal intubation in case series of orofacial malignancy with limited mouth opening

To the Editor, Unfortunately, very few equipments can be used in patients with reduced interincisor distance (IID) for definitive airway by nasal route. Truview a video laryngoscope (VL) having an optical lens system, produces better glottic view than Macintosh laryngoscope during oral endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion especially when LMA insertion is impossible if IID <20 mm. [1-3] However, the role of Truview in nasotracheal intubation (NTI) is less reported, and awake flexible bronchoscopy is the gold standard method. [4,5] Noncooperation of patient, inability to use smaller size tube, precludes the use of bronchoscopy for NTI. Hence, we hypothesized improved Cormack Lehane (CL) grade of glottic view with Truview PCD (Truphatek International Ltd., Netanya, Israel) facilitates NTI and aimed to evaluate its feasibility as an alternative to awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy for elective oncosurgery.
Article title: Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial determinants of hair cortisol in a South London community sample

Citing this paper Please note that where the full-text provided on King's Research Portal is the Author Accepted Manuscript or Post-Print version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version for pagination, volume/issue, and date of publication details. And where the final published version is provided on the Research Portal, if citing you are again advised to check the publisher's website for any subsequent corrections.
Thyroid dysfunctions of prematurity and their impacts on neurodevelopmental outcome1)

Abstract Background: Thyroid dysfunction is very common and is associated with neurodevelopmental impairments in preterm infants. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the incidence and natural course of various thyroid dysfunctions and their impacts on neurodevelopmental outcomes among premature infants. Methods: A total of 177 infants were enrolled who were born at <34 weeks or whose birth weight was <1500 g and who underwent repeat thyroid function tests. We analyzed how various thyroid dysfunctions affected neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months of corrected age. Results: Thyroid dysfunction was noted in 88 infants. Hypothyroxinemia was observed in 23 infants, and their thyroid function was influenced by variable clinical factors. Free T4 levels were all normalized without thyroxine medication, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were not affected. In contrast, hyperthyrotropinemia was not associated with other clinical factors. Among 58 subjects who had hyperthyrotropinemia, only 31 infants showed normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels at follow-up tests. The remaining 27 infants had persistently high TSH levels, which significantly and poorly influenced the neurodevelopmental outcomes. Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is common among preterm infants. With the exception of persistent hyperthyrotropinemia, it generally does not affect neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, the beneficial effects of thyroid hormone therapy in patients with persistent hyperthyrotropinemia merits further study.
Telescoping the origins of obesity to women's bodies: How gender inequalities are being squeezed out of Barker's hypothesis

Aim: This paper traces the genealogy of the Barker hypothesis and its intersections with popular representations of scientific discourses about pregnancy and maternal obesity. Method: Drawing on Foucault's genealogical method, this study examines the historical ‘descent’ of the developmental origins of adult disease and its initial grounding in structural factors of gender inequality and low socioeconomic status. Results: In the more recent reproductive medicine literature, Barker's hypothesis has been used to understand the causes and consequences of foetal over-nutrition and has shifted its focus from social determinants to individual, gendered bodies. The print media has gainfully employed this conceptualization of obesity and, in doing so, placed women, and mothers in particular, as causal agents in the reproduction of obesity across generations. Such a ‘common sense’ understanding of obesity production and reproduction means that both the scientific literature and the public understanding of science has inadvertently assisted in putting women forward as the transmitters of obesity across generations. Conclusions: This powerful telescoping of the origins of obesity to women's bodies and their appetites is in stark contrast to earlier foci on gender inequalities and changing women's circumstances.
Association of vitamin D concentrations with adiposity indices among preadolescent children in Korea

Abstract Background and Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and anthropometric indicators of adiposity among Korean preadolescent children aged 7–9 years. Subjects and Methods: Children aged 7 to 9 from the Ewha Birth & Growth Cohort were followed up from July to August 2011. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured using radio immunoassay. We assessed the magnitude of cross-sectional association with vitamin D concentrations and indicators of adiposity [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), mid-arm circumference (MAC), body fat mass (BFM), percent body fat (PBF), and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF)] using multiple linear and logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, birth order, maternal education, and fruit/fruit juice intake. Results: Thirty-two (16%) out of a total of 205 children showed an optimal level of serum 25(OH)D, but most children did not reach a sufficient level (<30 ng/mL) even in summer. The level of 25(OH)D was inversely associated with BMI (β=–0.10, p<0.01), WC (β=–0.28, p<0.01), and BFM (β=–0.12, p=0.02) after adjusting for confounding factors and showed marginal boundary with PBF (β=–0.20, p=0.06) and TSF (β=–0.11, p=0.08). Regarding the risk of overweight, a 13% protective effect per 1 ng/mL increase of 25(OH)D was shown even after adjusting for relevant confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio=0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.98). Conclusions: We found that the 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with adiposity indices in preadolescent children. This study suggests that adequate vitamin D intake in growing children is crucial to maintain an optimal vitamin D level to prevent obesity and obesity-related health problems later in life.
Risk-Taking Behavior

This is a thoughtfully selected and well-arranged presentation of interrelated psychosocial research efforts by 16 recognized authorities with broad knowledge and expertise in the study of human risk-taking behaviors. Editor J. Frank Yates has managed to pull this diverse theoretical and methodological information together into a readable and useful whole. However, for the most part, these studies are not medically or psychiatrically focused and probably will prove of limited interest or direct utility to the average practicing physician. From a research-oriented viewpoint, there is significantly more to be gained, of course. Chapter 8, "Risk Taking and Health," by Adler, Kegeles, and Genevro, is notable in this regard, especially the discussion of models for studying health behaviors and two examples of health problems studied. One deals with identifying and changing risky behaviors related to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the other with behaviors connected with unwanted pregnancies. Other obvious aspects of health
Prediction equations for fat and fat-free body mass in adolescents, based on body circumferences

Background: Fat mass (FM) and fat-free body mass (FFB) are important parameters for assessing nutritional status, since they are associated with higher prevalence of excess body fat and malnutrition worldwide. Aim: To develop prediction equations for fat and fat-free body mass in adolescents using body circumferences. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study included 218 adolescents (10–16 years) with normal weight as defined by body mass index. FMPred and FFBPred were estimated using stepwise multiple linear regression, considering age and body circumferences. Response variables, FMBIA and FFBBIA were estimated using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). The accuracy of the prediction equations was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2) and Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). Results: The best prediction equations for males were FMPred = − 7.114 − 0.592(age) − 0.958(wrist)+0.191(hip)+0.295(abdomen); R2 = 0.552; AIC = 416.04 and FFBPred = − 52.180+1.913(age)+1.954(wrist)+1.635(forearm); R2 = 0.869; AIC = 578.24. For females, the best equations were FMPred = − 17.580 − 0.678(wrist)+0.221(abdomen)+0.241(hip)+0.202(proximal thigh) − 0.228(calf); R2 = 0.838; AIC = 415.36 and FFBPred = − 31.066+0.90(age)+1.090(wrist) − 0.139(abdomen)+0.326(hip)+0.632(calf); R2 = 0.878; AIC = 512.48. Conclusion: The equations developed to estimate fat body mass in females and fat-free body mass in both genders had high adjusted coefficients of determination and are therefore preferable to those derived using BIA.